PASSAGE
In recent years, sustainable development has become a critical focus worldwide, with governments and industries facing immense pressure to reduce environmental harm. However, there is a dilemma: while people seek eco-friendly products, consumption rates continue to climb, paradoxically increasing waste and resource use. The concept of “sustainable consumption” suggests that simply making products greener isn’t enough; people must reduce their overall consumption levels to see a meaningful environmental impact.
Some environmentalists argue that responsibility lies primarily with industries. By implementing strict green production standards, they assert, companies can reduce their carbon footprint on a large scale, setting an example for smaller players and consumers. On the other hand, many economists highlight the role of individual behavior. They argue that governments should focus on policies that encourage consumers to make sustainable choices, like consuming less or choosing products with lower environmental costs. These economists believe that the market demand for green products should arise from informed individuals, not just from policy enforcement.
A growing body of research suggests that individual and systemic changes must work in tandem. Policymakers must now decide whether to emphasize industry regulations or promote consumer awareness. Although these are not mutually exclusive, choosing where to place more resources can determine the success of sustainable development initiatives. Should the onus fall on individuals to modify their consumption habits, or is it more effective for governments to enforce greener industrial practices?
1. Which of the following assumptions is implicit in the passage?
(A) Sustainable development requires a balance between production standards and consumer behavior.
(B) Industries are willing to adopt green practices voluntarily.
(C) Governments are solely responsible for environmental sustainability.
(D) Economic growth conflicts directly with sustainability goals.
2. The paradox mentioned in the passage is primarily related to:
(A) consumer demand for eco-friendly goods despite rising consumption.
(B) the conflict between industry growth and environmental laws.
(C) the challenge of enforcing green production standards.
(D) individuals’ lack of awareness about sustainable choices.
3. Which statement, if true, would strengthen the argument that individual behavior is essential for sustainable development?
(A) Industries have already minimized their environmental impact significantly.
(B) Consumers are more likely to reduce waste if educated on its effects.
(C) Government policies have a limited impact on overall consumption patterns.
(D) Consumers are resistant to behavior changes when it comes to sustainability.
4. According to the passage, some economists believe that sustainable development should primarily focus on:
(A) encouraging consumer-driven demand for green products.
(B) enforcing government-led industrial standards.
(C) reducing government intervention in market dynamics.
(D) promoting voluntary industry compliance.
5. What is the author’s primary argument in the passage?
(A) Sustainable development depends on both industry and individual changes.
(B) Governments should solely regulate industries for environmental goals.
(C) Consumers should bear the primary responsibility for reducing waste.
(D) Industrial practices and consumer habits cannot be regulated together.
The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved rapidly, permeating various sectors, from healthcare to finance. While AI has shown potential to revolutionize industries, its rise has also sparked ethical debates. In healthcare, AI tools can predict disease outbreaks and assist in diagnoses, often more accurately than human doctors. However, some argue that these tools might threaten doctor-patient relationships, reducing trust in traditional medical expertise. Moreover, AI algorithms can reinforce biases, especially if trained on flawed data, potentially leading to discriminatory practices in healthcare delivery.
Some advocates believe that strict regulatory frameworks should guide AI development, particularly in sensitive areas like medicine. They argue that clear ethical guidelines and accountability measures are necessary to prevent harm. On the contrary, others argue that overregulation might stifle innovation, limiting AI’s potential benefits. This camp believes that a self-regulatory approach, where companies develop ethical guidelines internally, is more adaptable and fosters creativity.
The debate on AI ethics, especially in healthcare, remains unresolved. Should AI development be heavily regulated to ensure ethical use, or should innovation be prioritized with minimal oversight? Striking a balance between these opposing viewpoints could be the key to harnessing AI’s full potential while safeguarding public interests.
6. What is the primary assumption underlying the view that AI in healthcare needs regulation?
(A) AI can perform medical tasks without human intervention.
(B) AI poses potential ethical risks that require external control.
(C) Doctors lack the ability to integrate AI into their practice.
(D) Companies will misuse AI if left unregulated.
7. Which of the following would weaken the argument for strict AI regulations in healthcare?
(A) AI can identify medical conditions more accurately than doctors.
(B) AI companies are actively implementing self-imposed ethical standards.
(C) Data used in AI healthcare is often biased and unreliable.
(D) Overregulation can delay the introduction of life-saving AI tools.
8. According to the passage, which argument do some advocates use to support internal company regulation over external oversight?
(A) Internal guidelines are more adaptable to rapid innovation.
(B) External oversight lacks enforceable guidelines.
(C) Innovation should be halted for ethical compliance.
(D) Government regulations are inherently ineffective.
9. Which of the following can be inferred about the role of AI in healthcare according to the passage?
(A) AI has not yet proven its utility in healthcare settings.
(B) AI tools in healthcare can improve diagnostic accuracy.
(C) The risks of AI in healthcare outweigh its benefits.
(D) AI lacks the flexibility needed for healthcare applications.
10. What is the author’s primary argument in the passage?
(A) AI in healthcare must be regulated to protect patients.
(B) Self-regulation by AI companies offers greater benefits than government control.
(C) Balancing regulation and innovation is essential for ethical AI development.
(D) AI development in healthcare is stifled by excessive regulation.
The rise of urbanization has transformed societies globally, affecting both economies and lifestyles. However, urban sprawl poses several challenges, especially concerning public health and environmental sustainability. Large cities are often plagued by pollution, limited green spaces, and a higher incidence of lifestyle diseases. Studies have shown that city residents face a greater risk of respiratory issues due to air pollution, which is compounded by heavy traffic and industrial emissions.
To counteract these issues, urban planners suggest integrating more green spaces, which can reduce pollution and improve public well-being. Parks and trees have been shown to mitigate air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and providing cleaner air. Moreover, city governments are encouraged to promote public transportation systems to reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions. However, funding remains a significant barrier, as maintaining green infrastructure and developing transit systems require substantial financial resources.
Ultimately, as cities expand, there is a need to balance urban growth with sustainable practices. This requires both community involvement and strong government policies aimed at creating healthier, more livable urban environments.
11. What is the main assumption of the author’s argument about urban planning?
(A) Urban expansion cannot occur without harming the environment.
(B) Green spaces are essential for the health of urban populations.
(C) Public transportation systems are rarely effective in cities.
(D) Government policies cannot influence urban planning significantly.
12. The primary concern highlighted in the passage regarding urbanization is:
(A) a lack of funding for urban projects.
(B) the environmental and health challenges associated with city life.
(C) inefficient urban planning practices.
(D) insufficient emphasis on economic growth.
13. Which statement, if true, would weaken the author’s argument for integrating green spaces in cities?
(A) Green spaces have minimal impact on reducing air pollution.
(B) Trees and parks increase urban property values.
(C) People prefer using cars over public transportation.
(D) Green spaces attract more residents to cities, increasing density.
14. According to the passage, a major reason why cities struggle to implement green infrastructure is:
(A) a shortage of community support.
(B) insufficient financial resources.
(C) a lack of effective urban planners.
(D) competition between urban and rural areas.
15. What is the author’s primary conclusion about urban growth?
(A) Cities should restrict expansion to avoid health issues.
(B) Sustainable practices are essential for healthier urban living.
(C) Only government policies can create sustainable cities.
(D) Public transportation systems are more effective than green spaces.
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting ecosystems and human societies alike. Rising global temperatures are causing more frequent extreme weather events, from droughts to hurricanes, which impact agriculture, infrastructure, and public health. For instance, prolonged droughts have led to severe food shortages in many regions, while coastal flooding displaces communities, forcing migrations. Scientists warn that these effects will intensify if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed.
Governments and international bodies have convened multiple times to establish frameworks for reducing emissions, but achieving consensus has proven challenging. Developing countries argue that they should not bear the same responsibilities as developed nations, which historically contributed more to the current levels of greenhouse gases. They contend that economic growth and poverty alleviation are higher priorities. Developed nations, in turn, advocate for shared responsibility, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation.
Ultimately, addressing climate change requires both immediate action and long-term commitments, but achieving a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability remains complex. Without cooperation, however, the costs of inaction could far exceed those of any current policy measures.
16. What assumption underlies the argument of developing countries regarding climate change?
(A) Developed countries should lead climate action due to their historical emissions.
(B) Climate change is not a significant threat to developing countries.
(C) Poverty alleviation is achievable without environmental compromise.
(D) Economic growth will automatically reduce emissions.
17. Which statement, if true, would weaken the argument that developed countries bear greater responsibility?
(A) Developing countries’ emissions are now higher than those of developed countries.
(B) Developed nations have successfully reduced emissions in recent years.
(C) International bodies cannot enforce climate agreements.
(D) Climate change impacts are less severe in developing nations.
18. The passage suggests that a key obstacle in addressing climate change is:
(A) lack of scientific consensus on climate effects.
(B) disagreement over responsibilities between developed and developing countries.
(C) insufficient funding for environmental programs.
(D) ineffective international climate agreements.
19. What can be inferred about the author’s view on climate change action?
(A) Climate change is primarily an issue for developed countries.
(B) International cooperation is essential to address climate change.
(C) Developing countries should focus on economic growth over climate action.
(D) Emission reductions are only achievable with technological advancements.
20. What is the author’s primary conclusion in the passage?
(A) Developing countries should prioritize economic growth over climate action.
(B) Climate change mitigation requires immediate and cooperative efforts.
(C) Developed nations should take sole responsibility for climate change.
(D) Climate change is an inevitable result of industrialization.
Social media has transformed how people interact, share information, and shape public opinion. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have given individuals a voice, allowing them to broadcast their opinions widely and engage with global communities. However, critics argue that social media amplifies misinformation, creates echo chambers, and fosters divisive political environments. Studies have shown that fake news spreads more rapidly on social media than factual information, raising concerns about its impact on democracy and public trust.
Proponents of social media believe it democratizes information, empowering marginalized voices and allowing diverse perspectives to flourish. They argue that users are capable of discerning credible information if provided with the necessary tools and media literacy education. Social media companies have also introduced measures, like fact-checking labels, to combat misinformation.
Despite these efforts, the problem of misinformation persists. Policymakers are now debating whether stricter regulations are necessary to ensure responsible social media usage or whether users themselves should take responsibility for their online behavior. As society grapples with this issue, the future of social media and its role in shaping public opinion remains uncertain.
21. The primary assumption behind the argument for stricter regulation of social media is:
(A) Users are incapable of identifying misinformation on their own.
(B) Social media inherently promotes divisive content.
(C) Regulations will eliminate all misinformation on social media.
(D) Social media companies lack interest in curbing misinformation.
22. Which of the following would strengthen the argument for user responsibility in managing misinformation?
(A) Fact-checking efforts by social media companies are effective in reducing fake news.
(B) Users can identify misinformation when educated about media literacy.
(C) Government regulations on social media are complex to enforce.
(D) Social media companies prioritize profit over truthfulness.
23. The author’s stance on social media misinformation can be best described as:
(A) supportive of strict social media regulations.
(B) critical of users’ inability to identify fake news.
(C) balanced, highlighting both regulation and user responsibility.
(D) favoring the elimination of social media to control misinformation.
24. According to the passage, a major criticism of social media platforms is
(A) their inability to reach a diverse audience.
(B) their role in amplifying misinformation.
(C) their strict content moderation policies
(D) their restriction on public opinion.
25. What can be inferred about the future of social media regulation from the passage?
(A) It is likely to become more user-focused.
(B) Stricter regulations may be considered to address misinformation.
(C) Social media will phase out as a source of information.
(D) Only government bodies will control social media content.
Answers and Explanations
1. A – (Sustainable development requires a balance between production standards and consumer behavior.) This is assumed because the passage discusses the need for both industry regulation and consumer action to achieve sustainability.
B- Incorrect; there’s no indication industries will adopt green practices voluntarily.
C – Incorrect; the passage doesn’t place sole responsibility on governments.
D – Incorrect; economic growth is not presented as inherently conflicting with sustainability.
2. A- (consumer demand for eco-friendly goods despite rising consumption) The paradox is that although consumers want greener products, overall consumption continues to rise, increasing environmental strain.
B – Incorrect; this choice doesn’t capture the paradox’s focus on eco-conscious consumers.
C- Incorrect; it only mentions industry regulation, not consumer demand.
D – Incorrect; while awareness is a theme, it doesn’t relate directly to the paradox.
3. B- (Consumers are more likely to reduce waste if educated on its effects.) This strengthens the argument for the importance of consumer action in achieving sustainability.
A- Incorrect; this doesn’t suggest consumer behavior is essential.
C- Incorrect; this weakens consumer-driven sustainability.
D- Incorrect; it undermines rather than strengthens consumer involvement.
4. A- (consumer-driven demand for green products) Economists believe consumers should drive demand for green products, not solely government or industry enforcement.
B, C, D – Incorrect; these options don’t align with the economists’ focus on consumer demand.
5. A- (Sustainable development depends on both industry and individual changes.) The passage argues for a balance between production standards and consumer behavior.
B, C, D- Incorrect; these options ignore the emphasis on balancing both areas.
6. B – (AI poses potential ethical risks that require external control.) This assumption is implicit in the argument that AI’s risks justify regulation.
A – Incorrect; the passage doesn’t claim AI works without human oversight.
C- Incorrect; doctors’ adaptability isn’t discussed.
D – Incorrect; there’s no evidence of assumed corporate misuse.
7. D- (Overregulation can delay the introduction of life-saving AI tools.) This weakens the case for strict regulations by highlighting a potential negative impact on healthcare.
A- Incorrect; this supports AI use but doesn’t argue against regulation.
B – Incorrect; self-imposed standards don’t negate the need for external regulation.
C – Incorrect; biased data supports the need for careful AI regulation.
8. A – (Internal guidelines are more adaptable to rapid innovation.) Supporters argue for the flexibility of self-regulation in a fast-changing industry.
B, C, D – Incorrect; these do not represent the supporters’ arguments in the passage.
9. B- (AI tools in healthcare can improve diagnostic accuracy.) This inference aligns with the passage’s point that AI can assist diagnoses.
A- Incorrect; the passage highlights AI’s positive impact in healthcare.
C- Incorrect; the risks are significant but don’t outweigh the benefits.
D- Incorrect; AI’s flexibility isn’t questioned.
10. C – (Balancing regulation and innovation is essential for ethical AI development.) This best captures the need for balance as discussed in the passage.
A, B, D – Incorrect; these choices don’t account for the balance needed.
11. B- (Green spaces are essential for the health of urban populations.) The passage assumes that green spaces directly benefit public health.
A- Incorrect; the passage doesn’t claim urban expansion is necessarily harmful.
C – Incorrect; it doesn’t doubt public transportation’s effectiveness.
D- Incorrect; the government’s role in urban planning is emphasized.
12. B – (the environmental and health challenges associated with city life.) The passage focuses on urban health and environmental issues.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these do not capture the main concern highlighted in the passage.
13. A – (Green spaces have minimal impact on reducing air pollution.) This would undermine the argument for adding green spaces.
B, C, D – Incorrect; none of these weaken the argument for green spaces effectively.
14. B – (insufficient financial resources.) Funding is a major barrier discussed in the passage.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these don’t represent key obstacles mentioned.
15. B – (Sustainable practices are essential for healthier urban living.) This best reflects the conclusion on the need for sustainable urban planning.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these don’t capture the author’s conclusion accurately.
16. A- (Developed countries should lead climate action due to their historical emissions.) Developing countries assume their lower historical emissions reduce their responsibility.
B, C, D- Incorrect; these do not represent the underlying assumption accurately.
17. A- (Developing countries’ emissions are now higher than those of developed countries.) If true, this weakens the argument for developed countries bearing more responsibility.
B, C, D – Incorrect; these don’t counter the responsibility argument effectively.
18. B- (disagreement over responsibilities between developed and developing countries.) This is a primary obstacle mentioned in the passage.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these are not presented as main obstacles.
19. B – (International cooperation is essential to address climate change.) The passage supports the need for cooperative action.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these do not align with the author’s viewpoint.
20. B – (Climate change mitigation requires immediate and cooperative efforts.) This conclusion reflects the passage’s emphasis on timely and united action.
A, C, D- Incorrect; these do not capture the passage’s primary conclusion.
21. A – (Users are incapable of identifying misinformation on their own.) Regulation assumes users cannot manage misinformation independently.
B, C, D – Incorrect; these do not underlie the regulatory argument.
22. B – (Users can identify misinformation when educated about media literacy.) This supports the idea that users can manage misinformation with the right tools.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these don’t strengthen the argument for user responsibility.
23. C – (balanced, highlighting both regulation and user responsibility.) The author discusses both regulation and user responsibility without fully endorsing one.
A, B, D – Incorrect; these do not reflect the author’s balanced perspective.
24. B – (their role in amplifying misinformation.) This criticism is directly addressed in the passage.
A, C, D- Incorrect; these don’t capture the main criticism discussed.
25. B – (Stricter regulations may be considered to address misinformation.) The passage suggests that stricter regulation may be a response to misinformation concerns.
A, C, D- Incorrect; these are not strongly inferred from the passage.
- B – (Sustainable practices are essential for healthier urban living.) This best reflects the conclusion on the need for sustainable urban planning.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these don’t capture the author’s conclusion accurately. - A- (Developed countries should lead climate action due to their historical emissions.) Developing countries assume their lower historical emissions reduce their responsibility.
B, C, D- Incorrect; these do not represent the underlying assumption accurately. - A- (Developing countries’ emissions are now higher than those of developed countries.) If true, this weakens the argument for developed countries bearing more responsibility.
B, C, D – Incorrect; these don’t counter the responsibility argument effectively. - B- (disagreement over responsibilities between developed and developing countries.) This is a primary obstacle mentioned in the passage.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these are not presented as main obstacles. - B – (International cooperation is essential to address climate change.) The passage supports the need for cooperative action.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these do not align with the author’s viewpoint. - B – (Climate change mitigation requires immediate and cooperative efforts.) This conclusion reflects the passage’s emphasis on timely and united action.
A, C, D- Incorrect; these do not capture the passage’s primary conclusion. - A – (Users are incapable of identifying misinformation on their own.) Regulation assumes users cannot manage misinformation independently.
B, C, D – Incorrect; these do not underlie the regulatory argument. - B – (Users can identify misinformation when educated about media literacy.) This supports the idea that users can manage misinformation with the right tools.
A, C, D – Incorrect; these don’t strengthen the argument for user responsibility. - C – (balanced, highlighting both regulation and user responsibility.) The author discusses both regulation and user responsibility without fully endorsing one.
A, B, D – Incorrect; these do not reflect the author’s balanced perspective. - B – (their role in amplifying misinformation.) This criticism is directly addressed in the passage.
A, C, D- Incorrect; these don’t capture the main criticism discussed. - B – (Stricter regulations may be considered to address misinformation.) The passage suggests that stricter regulation may be a response to misinformation concerns.
A, C, D- Incorrect; these are not strongly inferred from the passage.
