This question is straightforward if you grasp its essence. The task is to undermine the author's argument specifically about the 'greenness of cities,' focusing solely on this aspect.
Option 1 discusses 'violent crimes,' which is unrelated to the greenness of cities and can be dismissed.
The correct choice is Option 2. If an increase in population density leads to more CO2 and global warming, then the concept of greenness becomes ineffective, as carbon dioxide would counteract it.
Option 3, similar to Option 1, is irrelevant. The high cost of utilities does not pertain to greenness.
Option 4 is also irrelevant and does not counter the idea of greenness.
It's important to note that despite the content in choices 1, 3, and 4, the author's concept of the greenness of cities can still be a valid point.
This question can be correctly answered by applying common sense and selecting the option with the least impact on the environment. In this case, recycling materials and using energy-efficient transportation are recognized as having a significant positive impact on the environment. Since this is an "except" question, both Option 1 and Option 2, which align with positive environmental impacts, can be eliminated.
Now, we are left with two choices: sorting out garbage and keeping streets clean. Sorting out garbage is acknowledged to have a more substantial impact on the environment, and it has been discussed in the passage. Therefore, Option 3 can be ruled out.
Consequently, Option 4, which involves keeping streets clean, is the best choice as it implies the least impact on the environment.
This is a challenging question, and the options are closely related, making it difficult to confidently choose one. However, the elimination method can help in this case.
The passage states:
"In his 1985 article, Calthorpe made a statement that still jars with most people: 'The city is the most environmentally benign form of human settlement. Each city dweller consumes less land, less energy, less water, and produces less pollution than his counterpart in settlements of lower densities.'"
The correct answer should be the opposite of what Calthorpe asserts since people's beliefs and Calthorpe's statement are contradictory (the verb "jars" implies disturbance). Calthorpe claims that cities are the most environmentally benign form of human settlement, so people's belief would contradict this. Thus, Option 4 is the right choice.
Option 1 is too broad and not specific, lacking the precision of people's belief compared to Option 4. Option 2, while very close, includes the pollution idea mentioned by Calthorpe, but the concept of crowdedness is not present in his statement.
Similarly, Option 3 introduces crimes and diseases, which are not mentioned in Calthorpe's quote.
Both choices 2 and 4 are very close, but Option 2 is ruled out because of the idea of 'crowdedness.'
It's indeed a very close call.
This question is straightforward and can be answered by understanding the context in which the author discusses Manaus, particularly focusing on the first sentence of the last paragraph.
The passage states: "[T]he nationally subsidized city of Manaus in northern Brazil 'answers the question' of how to stop deforestation: give people decent jobs."
Given these lines, we can narrow down the choices to Options 2 and 3. However, since the primary purpose of providing jobs is to address the more significant issue of deforestation, Option 3 is the correct choice.
This may pose a challenge for most students, as it requires selecting the option that cannot be deduced. Put differently, the task is to eliminate choices that can be inferred and identify the correct answer, which must resist inference.
The concluding paragraph aids in dismissing two options. The first one asserts that cities undeniably contribute to job creation, and the second one claims they play a role in averting environmental destruction. Both these options can be inferred when the author cites the example of Manaus. Thus, Options 1 and 3 can be excluded.
This leaves us with two choices, and Option 4 suggests that cities contribute to cultural transformation. This inference aligns with the last sentence of the paragraph, where the term "transformative" is used to describe progress "from hick to metropolitan to cosmopolitan." It can be inferred that this signifies cultural transformation, as one progresses from metropolitan to cosmopolitan.
Some may argue that Option 2 can also be inferred from the final sentence of the passage. However, the author does not believe this is the reason cities are considered good places to live.
The last paragraph provides hints for all choices except Option 2
\(\text{The Politics of Change}\) | \(\text{The Change in Politics}\) | \(\text{Politics and Change:}\) A Global Perspective} |
In "The Politics of Change," political analyst Dr. Emily Harper examines the dynamics of social movements and their impact on policy reform. Through detailed case studies, she explores how grassroots organizations, protests, and advocacy campaigns shape public opinion and influence lawmakers. Dr. Harper provides insights into the strategies that successful movements employ and discusses the challenges they face in a complex political landscape. She discusses key strategies, such as coalition-building, media engagement, and the use of digital platforms to amplify voices. | This book by veteran journalist Mark Stevens investigates the shifting political landscape in the 21st century. Focusing on major elections, emerging political parties, and the role of social media, Stevens analyzes how technology and demographics are transforming political engagement and voter behaviour. Through interviews with political leaders, campaign strategists, and everyday voters, Stevens uncovers how demographic shifts and technological advancements are reshaping political discourse in urban areas. He analyzes the implications of these changes for traditional political institutions and explores how movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have disrupted conventional narratives. | In this insightful work, international relations scholar Dr. Anika Patel presents a global analysis of political change across various regions. She explores the factors that drive political transitions, including economic shifts, cultural movements, and international influences. Dr. Patel emphasizes the interconnectedness of global politics and how local changes can have far-reaching implications. She analyzes various factors driving political transitions, including economic upheaval, cultural shifts, and the impact of globalization. She provides case studies from diverse regions, such as the Arab Spring, democratic movements in Latin America, and shifts in power in Asia. The book serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of political evolution in a rapidly changing world. |