Question

1. how does the author’s word choice in “the snakes have eliminated 95% of small mammals” affect meaning?

○ it exaggerates the data for shock value.
○ it emphasizes the seriousness of the problem.
○ it downplays the impact on the ecosystem.
○ it suggests scientists are unsure.
question 17
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Explanation:

To solve this question, we analyze the impact of the phrase "the snakes have eliminated 95% of small mammals" on the meaning:

1. Option 1 (It exaggerates the data for shock value): The phrase uses a specific percentage (95%) which could be seen as an exaggerated claim to grab attention. However, we need to check other options too.
2. Option 2 (It emphasizes the seriousness of the problem): Stating that 95% of small mammals are eliminated by snakes highlights a large-scale impact, emphasizing the severity of the issue (e.g., ecological disruption). This aligns with how word choice (specific, impactful numbers) can stress seriousness.
3. Option 3 (It downplays the impact on the ecosystem): A 95% elimination rate is a massive impact, so "downplays" is incorrect.
4. Option 4 (It suggests scientists are unsure): The phrase gives a definitive statistic, not uncertainty.

The most logical choice is the one that reflects the phrase’s role in highlighting the problem’s gravity.

Answer:

B. It emphasizes the seriousness of the problem.