Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 50%

Studies that more than 9 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since 1950, more than four times the volume of Mt. Everest, and about 75% of it remains in Landfills or has entered the environment as pollution. As material, plastic has many advantages. However, it is difficult to recycle because popular single use and convenience items, such as packaging and water bottles are ;low in quality and value when recycled. part of the magic of plastics is that it seemingly lasts forever. but when it cannot be re-used efficiently, it leads to stark realities like an island of plastic, twice the size of Texas, floating in the pacific ocean. plastic is consumed by fish and birds an is seeping into the air, water and our food.

Based on the evidence from the passage, which of the following is the most likely inference?

Rationale

Plastic makes life convenient, but its use has so many drawbacks that its use should be reduced.

The passage outlines both the advantages of plastic and its significant environmental drawbacks, suggesting that while plastic provides convenience, its negative impacts warrant a reduction in its usage.

A (If we increased production of single-use plastic packaging, more plastic would be recycled.) YOUR ANSWER

This inference is incorrect because the passage states that single-use items are low in quality and value when recycled, implying that increasing production would not lead to an increase in recycling rates. Instead, it emphasizes that more plastic ends up in landfills or as pollution.

B (Plastic makes life convenient, but its use has so many drawbacks that its use should be reduced.) CORRECT

This statement accurately captures the essence of the passage, which discusses the convenience of plastic alongside the severe environmental consequences of its production and disposal. The mention of pollution and the overwhelming amount of plastic in landfills supports the idea that its use should be curtailed.

C (The best thing about plastic is that it is recyclable; a renewable resource, most of the plastic that has been produced has been recycled.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is misleading because the passage indicates that a significant portion of plastic has not been recycled and remains in landfills or the environment. It also does not support the idea of plastic being a renewable resource, as the evidence focuses on the issues related to recycling and pollution.

D (A renewable resource, most of the plastic that has been recycled.) YOUR ANSWER

This option is inaccurate as it misrepresents the information in the passage. The passage does not identify plastic as a renewable resource, nor does it suggest that most plastic has been recycled. Instead, it highlights the challenges in recycling and the environmental consequences of plastic waste.

Conclusion

The passage presents a clear contrast between the convenience offered by plastic and its detrimental environmental impact, leading to the inference that reducing its usage is essential. While some options incorrectly emphasize recycling or the benefits of production, the most valid inference reflects the need to address the drawbacks associated with plastic consumption, aligning with the evidence provided.

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