Greentown, a rapidly growing urban area, faced a challenging decision regarding its largest public park. The park, spanning 50 acres, was a haven for city dwellers and wildlife. However, the city council was approached by BuildWell Inc., a major construction company, proposing to buy 20 acres of the park for a lucrative commercial development project. The council was split in their decision. Supporters of the project argued that it would boost the local economy and create jobs. Opponents worried about the environmental impact and the loss of public recreational space. Amidst this, a recent survey showed that 60% of Greentown’s residents opposed the development.
Questions:
- Which of the following best strengthens the argument in favor of the commercial development project? A. Additional revenue from the project could fund other environmental initiatives. B. A neighboring town successfully implemented a similar project. C. 60% of residents oppose the development. D. Many residents use the park for recreational activities.
- What is the main concern of those opposing the commercial development project? A. The potential economic boost for Greentown. B. The creation of job opportunities. C. The environmental impact and loss of public space. D. The reputation of BuildWell Inc.
- If it is found that the commercial development could potentially lead to an increase in air pollution, this finding would most weaken the argument of: A. Supporters of the project. B. Opponents of the project. C. Greentown’s residents who are indifferent to the project. D. BuildWell Inc.’s competitors.
- Suppose a new survey reveals that 80% of Greentown’s business owners support the development. This information would most likely: A. Have no impact on the city council’s decision. B. Strengthen the supporters’ argument. C. Weaken the opponents’ argument. D. Change the residents’ opinions about the development.
- If the city council decides to sell the land to BuildWell Inc., which of the following assumptions is the council most likely making? A. The environmental impact of the development is negligible. B. The majority of residents will eventually support the development. C. Economic benefits outweigh the loss of public space. D. Other parks in Greentown can compensate for the loss.
- Which of the following, if true, would most seriously undermine the arguments of those in favor of the project? A. The construction company has a record of delayed projects. B. There are other available lands in Greentown suitable for development. C. Residents who use the park frequently have higher levels of wellbeing. D. The commercial project will take five years to complete.
Answers and Explanations
- Answer: A. Additional revenue from the project could fund other environmental initiatives.
- Explanation: Option A strengthens the argument in favor of the development by presenting a potential positive outcome that aligns with the interests of both sides – economic development and environmental protection. The other options either relate to the opposition’s concerns or are irrelevant in strengthening the argument for the project.
- Answer: C. The environmental impact and loss of public space.
- Explanation: The passage explicitly mentions that opponents are worried about the environmental impact and the loss of public recreational space. Options A and B are concerns of the project’s supporters, not the opponents, and D is not mentioned in the passage.
- Answer: A. Supporters of the project.
- Explanation: If the development leads to increased air pollution, this would weaken the supporters’ argument by highlighting a significant negative environmental impact, which is contrary to their position. This new finding doesn’t affect the stances of the other groups listed.
- Answer: B. Strengthen the supporters’ argument.
- Explanation: The support from a significant portion of the business community (80% of business owners) would strengthen the argument of those in favor of the development, as it adds weight to the economic benefits of the project. This new information doesn’t directly weaken the opponents’ argument, change residents’ opinions, or have no impact.
- Answer: C. Economic benefits outweigh the loss of public space.
- Explanation: By deciding to sell the land, the city council is likely assuming that the economic benefits (like boosting the local economy and creating jobs, as argued by the supporters) are more significant than the loss of public space. The other options are possible considerations but are not as directly linked to the decision to sell as option C.
- Answer: B. There are other available lands in Greentown suitable for development.
- Explanation: If there are other suitable lands for development, it directly undermines the necessity of using part of the public park for the project, questioning the justification for the loss of public space. The other options may pose concerns but do not directly undermine the fundamental arguments for the development.
