Question

Read the passage and answer the question:
"Agglomeration economies differ between habitations of different sizes. Market towns generate scale economies in marketing and distribution of agricultural inputs and outputs. Medium-sized cities present localisation economies linked to specialisation. Larger cities create urbanisation economies due to diversity, leading to innovation. Metropolitan city regions offer the benefits of localisation, urbanisation and networking. They represent a mass of interconnected economic activities, typically characterised by high productivity due to jointly-generated and mutually-reinforcing agglomeration economies. These regions act as innovators of products, processes and techniques. They drive regional and national economic growth. As gateways to national and international economies, they are exposed to powerful forces of globalization, including transportation, communication and information technologies. Metropolitan city regions around the globe engage in economic activities that are increasingly structured on national and international planes. Population densities in these regions are high.''
This passage is primarily focused on

• A. development of cities
• B. population in metropolitan cities
• C. general activities in urban areas
• D. agglomeration economies

Hint:

To identify the primary focus of a passage, look for the concept that is repeatedly emphasized and connects all other ideas, rather than focusing on secondary details.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Identify the main theme of the passage. The passage begins by discussing "agglomeration economies" and their differences across various habitation sizes (market towns, medium-sized cities, larger cities, and metropolitan city regions).
Step 2: Analyze the focus of the content. It repeatedly emphasizes how agglomeration economies function—through scale economies, localization, urbanisation, and networking—and their role in driving productivity, innovation, and economic growth in metropolitan regions. While other elements like population density and economic activities are mentioned, they are in the context of agglomeration economies.
Step 3: Match with the options. Option A (development of cities) is too broad, option B (population in metropolitan cities) is a minor detail, and option C (general activities in urban areas) is not the primary focus. Option D (agglomeration economies) directly aligns with the passage's core theme, as it explores their types, effects, and significance. Thus, the correct answer is D.