Question

and researchers might have finally found one: a bacteria called ideonella sakaiensis. this mighty bacteria first caught the attention of scientists in 2016, when a group of japanese researchers noticed it consuming plastic at a recycling plant.
the researchers hoped this bacteria might be a potential soldier in the battle against plastic pollution. they discovered that the bacteria produced two enzymes that broke down a chemical called polyethylene terephthalate, or pet, which is used in everything from clothing to water bottles. the scientists isolated the bacteria and ran experiments to see if they could encourage it to work even faster. after four years, they were able to tweak the special enzymes to break down plastic six times faster than they originally observed.
the author advances their primary argument through the use of
choose 1 answer:
a an emotional appeal that highlights the devastating effects of plastic pollution on the environment.
b humor that portrays the bacterias ability to consume plastic in a lighthearted way and downplays the problem of plastic pollution.
c irony that highlights how strange it is that something as small as bacteria can solve such a massive, complex problem.
d a detailed example that outlines how the bacteria might function as a unique solution to plastic pollution.

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage does not use emotional language to highlight plastic pollution's effects. It focuses on the bacteria's discovery and research.
• Option B: There is no humor; the tone is informative, and it does not downplay plastic pollution.
• Option C: No irony is present. The passage explains the bacteria's role straightforwardly.
• Option D: The passage gives a detailed example of the bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis, its discovery, the enzymes it produces, and how scientists tweaked them to break down plastic faster, showing it as a solution to plastic pollution.

Answer:

D. a detailed example that outlines how the bacteria might function as a unique solution to plastic pollution.