CR Sectional Test – 17

CR PASSAGE

Climate change has been a pressing global issue for decades, with governments, scientists, and activists debating solutions to combat its effects. A significant contributor to climate change is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, largely from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Many argue that transitioning to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power is critical to curbing emissions. However, others caution that the transition may have unintended economic consequences, particularly for developing countries that rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy and revenue.

Despite these concerns, evidence suggests that the cost of renewable energy has decreased significantly over the past decade, making it a viable alternative for many countries. Solar and wind power, in particular, have become competitive with, and in some cases cheaper than, coal and natural gas. Furthermore, adopting cleaner energy sources can create new economic opportunities, such as jobs in the green technology sector, while simultaneously reducing the health costs associated with pollution.

However, critics argue that renewable energy alone cannot sustain global energy needs due to its intermittency—solar power is unavailable at night, and wind power depends on weather conditions. They advocate for a balanced approach that includes nuclear energy, which provides a stable, low-carbon energy source. Yet, nuclear power comes with its challenges, including high costs, safety concerns, and the issue of radioactive waste disposal.

In conclusion, while renewable energy presents a promising path to mitigate climate change, its limitations highlight the need for a diversified energy strategy. Policymakers must balance economic, environmental, and social considerations to create a sustainable future.

1. What is the primary argument in favor of transitioning to renewable energy?
(a) It completely eliminates the need for fossil fuels.
(b) It is economically beneficial and reduces pollution-related health costs.
(c) It guarantees uninterrupted energy supply worldwide.
(d) It solves the issue of nuclear waste disposal.

2. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument for relying solely on renewable energy?
(a) Renewable energy technology has become more affordable than fossil fuels.
(b) Developing countries are increasingly adopting solar and wind power.
(c) Renewable energy cannot meet global energy demands due to its intermittency.
(d) Switching to renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Which assumption underlies the argument against nuclear energy?
(a) Renewable energy is a more cost-effective solution.
(b) The risks associated with nuclear waste disposal outweigh its benefits.
(c) Nuclear energy cannot provide stable energy output.
(d) Fossil fuels are a better alternative to nuclear power.

4. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
(a) Renewable energy is the sole solution to climate change.
(b) A combination of energy sources is necessary for a sustainable future.
(c) Nuclear energy should replace all other forms of energy.
(d) Developing countries should continue using fossil fuels.

5. Which of the following strengthens the argument for renewable energy?
(a) Renewable energy sources are intermittent.
(b) The cost of renewable energy has significantly decreased.
(c) Nuclear energy produces radioactive waste.
(d) Fossil fuels are a reliable source of energy.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked debates across industries. On one hand, AI promises to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, finance, and transportation by automating routine tasks and providing predictive analytics. Proponents argue that AI enhances efficiency and reduces human error. For example, AI-powered systems can detect diseases at earlier stages or prevent financial fraud by analyzing vast datasets more accurately than humans.
On the other hand, critics caution that AI poses significant risks, including job displacement and ethical concerns about data privacy and algorithmic bias. Job displacement, particularly in labor-intensive industries, threatens the livelihoods of millions of workers globally. Additionally, biased AI algorithms can perpetuate discrimination, as they often reflect the biases inherent in the data used to train them.

Governments and organizations are grappling with the challenge of regulating AI while fostering innovation. Some advocate for stricter regulations to ensure AI systems are transparent and accountable, while others warn that overregulation could stifle progress and hinder technological advancement. Striking the right balance is crucial to harnessing AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks.

6. What is a key argument in favor of AI adoption?
(a) It eliminates ethical concerns associated with technology.
(b) It increases efficiency and reduces human error.
(c) It prevents job displacement in labor-intensive industries.
(d) It completely eradicates bias in decision-making.

7. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument for stricter AI regulations?
(a) Overregulation slows the pace of technological innovation.
(b) AI systems often display algorithmic bias.
(c) The adoption of AI reduces global job opportunities.
(d) Ethical concerns about data privacy remain unresolved.

8. What assumption underlies the argument against biased AI systems?
(a) Data used to train AI can be free of human bias.
(b) Algorithmic bias has no significant societal impact.
(c) Job displacement is not a pressing issue.
(d) AI is incapable of improving over time.

9. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
(a) AI will ultimately replace all human jobs.
(b) Striking a balance between innovation and regulation is necessary.
(c) Overregulation is the best solution to address AI’s risks.
(d) AI adoption should be halted to prevent job losses.

10. Which of the following strengthens the case for AI in healthcare?
(a) AI-powered systems can detect diseases earlier than human doctors.
(b) AI algorithms are prone to bias.
(c) Overregulation may hinder innovation in AI development.
(d) AI reduces the need for data analysis in healthcare.

Urbanization is a defining trend of the 21st century, with more than half of the world’s population now living in cities. This shift has brought economic opportunities, better access to healthcare and education, and cultural exchange. However, it has also created challenges, such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation.

A critical issue tied to urbanization is housing. The demand for affordable housing has outstripped supply in many cities, leading to the proliferation of informal settlements or slums. These areas often lack basic services like clean water, sanitation, and electricity, creating significant public health risks. Policymakers face the dual challenge of improving living conditions in slums while ensuring sustainable urban growth.

Public transport is another pressing concern. Cities worldwide are grappling with traffic congestion and air pollution, both of which stem from reliance on private vehicles. Investment in efficient, affordable public transport systems is often cited as the solution. For example, cities like Tokyo and Singapore have demonstrated how well-planned public transport can reduce congestion and improve quality of life.

In conclusion, while urbanization offers opportunities for economic and social advancement, its challenges necessitate proactive governance. Sustainable urban planning, including affordable housing and reliable public transport, is crucial for ensuring cities remain livable for future generations.

11. What is the primary concern related to urbanization in this passage?
(a) Increased cultural exchange in urban areas.
(b) Environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure.
(c) Lack of access to higher education.
(d) Overreliance on public transport systems.

12. Which of the following, if true, weakens the argument for investing in public transport?
(a) Public transport systems can be less expensive than private vehicles.
(b) Investments in public transport often fail to reduce congestion in developing cities.
(c) Cities with public transport systems experience lower pollution levels.
(d) Public transport encourages economic growth in urban areas.

13. What assumption is made about informal settlements?
(a) Improving living conditions in slums has no effect on public health.
(b) Lack of basic services in slums directly affects public health.
(c) Informal settlements are less environmentally damaging than cities.
(d) Affordable housing can only be achieved through urbanization.

14. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
(a) Urbanization should be halted to prevent further environmental damage.
(b) Sustainable urban planning is essential for future livability.
(c) Informal settlements are a permanent aspect of urbanization.
(d) Public transport cannot alleviate urban challenges.

15. Which of the following strengthens the case for sustainable urban planning?
(a) Increased reliance on private vehicles reduces air pollution.
(b) Affordable housing leads to economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
(c) Urbanization decreases the need for public health measures.
(d) Lack of infrastructure improves quality of life in cities.

The debate around genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture continues to polarize public opinion. Proponents highlight the potential of GMOs to increase crop yields, enhance resistance to pests, and address global food insecurity. For instance, genetically modified rice enriched with Vitamin A, known as Golden Rice, is seen as a solution to malnutrition in developing countries.

Opponents, however, raise concerns about the long-term effects of GMOs on human health and the environment. Critics argue that GMOs could lead to the loss of biodiversity, as genetically uniform crops might replace traditional varieties. Additionally, the overuse of genetically engineered seeds has been linked to increased pesticide resistance among pests, creating a cycle of dependency.

Regulation plays a central role in this debate. While some governments have embraced GMOs, others have imposed strict bans or labeling requirements to protect consumers. This patchwork approach to regulation reflects the complexity of balancing innovation with precaution.

16. What is the primary benefit of GMOs according to the passage?
(a) Eliminating the need for pesticides.
(b) Increasing crop yields and combating malnutrition.
(c) Ensuring uniformity in global agricultural practices.
(d) Protecting biodiversity in traditional farming systems.

17. Which of the following, if true, weakens the argument against GMOs?
(a) Pests are increasingly resistant to genetically engineered seeds.
(b) GMOs have shown no adverse effects on human health in long-term studies.
(c) Biodiversity loss is accelerated by traditional farming practices.
(d) Farmers report increased reliance on pesticides with GMO crops.

18. What assumption underlies the argument for regulating GMOs?
(a) Consumers are fully informed about the risks of GMOs.
(b) GMOs pose a significant threat to human health and the environment.
(c) Golden Rice can eliminate malnutrition without regulation.
(d) Governments should avoid interfering in agricultural practices.

19. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
(a) GMOs are universally accepted as a solution to global food insecurity.
(b) Balancing innovation and caution is key to addressing GMO concerns.
(c) GMOs should be banned to protect traditional farming methods.
(d) Regulation has no impact on consumer perception of GMOs.

20. Which of the following strengthens the case for Golden Rice?
(a) Critics claim GMOs lead to biodiversity loss.
(b) Malnutrition rates decline significantly in areas adopting Golden Rice.
(c) Governments impose bans on GMO labeling.
(d) Farmers are reluctant to use genetically engineered seeds.

Social media platforms have transformed how people communicate, offering unprecedented opportunities for connection and expression. However, they have also been criticized for spreading misinformation, fostering echo chambers, and compromising mental health. Algorithms that prioritize engagement often amplify sensationalist content, making it easier for false or polarizing information to spread.

Despite these challenges, social media has played a positive role in movements for social change. From the Arab Spring to global climate strikes, platforms have provided a space for activists to organize and amplify their messages. Critics argue, however, that such benefits do not outweigh the platforms’ role in deepening societal divisions.

The responsibility of mitigating these issues is often debated. While some advocate for stricter regulation of social media platforms to limit harmful content, others warn that such measures could infringe on free speech. Tech companies have implemented content moderation policies, but their effectiveness remains inconsistent.

21. What is the main criticism of social media platforms in this passage?
(a) They fail to connect people effectively.
(b) They contribute to societal division by amplifying misinformation.
(c) They do not support activism or social change.
(d) They are heavily regulated, limiting free speech.

22. Which of the following, if true, weakens the argument against social media’s role in activism?
(a) Most misinformation originates outside social media platforms.
(b) Activist movements have grown weaker due to social media influence.
(c) Social media provides an effective platform for marginalized voices.
(d) Algorithms amplify false information over accurate content.

23. What assumption underlies the argument for regulating social media?
(a) Free speech is unaffected by platform regulation.
(b) Social media companies cannot self-regulate effectively.
(c) Activism cannot exist without social media.
(d) Algorithms prioritize accurate content.

24. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
(a) Social media is inherently harmful and should be banned.
(b) A balance between regulation and free speech is necessary.
(c) Algorithms are solely responsible for societal divisions.
(d) Activism does not benefit from social media platforms.

25. Which of the following strengthens the argument for stricter content moderation?
(a) Stricter moderation policies have reduced harmful content on platforms.
(b) Social media platforms cannot amplify polarizing content.
(c) Activist groups rely heavily on social media for organizing events.
(d) Free speech thrives without regulation on social platforms.

Answers and Explanations

1. (b) Renewable energy reduces pollution-related health costs and offers economic benefits, such as cheaper energy and job creation in green technology.
2. (c) The argument for relying solely on renewable energy is weakened by the fact that its intermittency cannot meet global energy demands consistently.
3. (b) The argument against nuclear energy assumes that the risks of waste disposal outweigh the benefits of its stable energy supply.
4. (b) The passage concludes that a diversified energy strategy, combining renewables and other sources like nuclear, is necessary for sustainability.
5. (b) A significant reduction in the cost of renewable energy strengthens its viability as a sustainable energy source.
6. (b) AI enhances efficiency and reduces human error, particularly in fields like healthcare and finance, by analyzing data more accurately.
7. (a) Stricter regulations may slow innovation, which could hinder progress in AI development.
8. (a) The assumption is that if data can be free of bias, AI systems would not perpetuate discrimination.
9. (b) The passage emphasizes the need for a balance between innovation and regulation to maximize AI’s benefits while managing its risks.
10. (a) AI’s ability to detect diseases earlier is a strong argument for its use in healthcare, as it can improve outcomes and efficiency.
11. (b) The primary challenges of urbanization include environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure.
12. (b) If public transport investments fail to reduce congestion, the argument for investing in them becomes weaker.
13. (b) The assumption is that a lack of basic services in slums directly impacts public health negatively.
14. (b) The passage argues for sustainable urban planning to address challenges while maintaining the benefits of urbanization.
15. (b) Affordable housing improves the lives of marginalized communities, supporting sustainable urban planning efforts.
16. (b) The primary benefits of GMOs include increasing crop yields and addressing malnutrition, as shown with Golden Rice.
17. (b) Long-term studies showing no adverse effects on human health would weaken concerns about GMOs.
18. (b) The assumption is that GMOs pose risks to human health and the environment, necessitating regulation.
19. (b) The passage concludes that balancing innovation and precaution is essential to address GMO-related concerns.
20. (b) Evidence that Golden Rice significantly reduces malnutrition supports its adoption.
21. (b) The main criticism is that social media spreads misinformation and fosters societal division.
22. (c) If social media effectively amplifies marginalized voices, it strengthens its role in activism.
23. (b) The assumption is that social media companies cannot effectively regulate harmful content on their own.
24. (b) The passage emphasizes balancing regulation and free speech to mitigate social media’s challenges while preserving its benefits.
25. (a) Evidence that stricter moderation policies reduce harmful content supports the argument for tighter regulations.

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