Question

cumulative exam
cumulative exam complete
14
read the passage from a letter that president jimmy carter wrote to congress in 1977.
this message brings together a great variety of programs. it deals not only with ways to preserve the wilderness, wildlife, and natural and historical resources which are a beautiful and valued part of americas heritage: it deals also with the effects of pollution, toxic chemicals, and the damage caused by the demand for energy. each of these concerns, in its own way, affects the environment; and together they underscore the importance of environmental protection in all our lives.
which statement best describes the overall claim?

• the wilderness and the rest of nature contain beauty and value for all americans.
• pollution and the amount of energy people use have negative effects on the environment.
• americans have many concerns about the environment and how it is being affected.
• protecting the environment is essential for maintaining americans quality of life.

Explanation:

To determine the overall claim, we analyze the passage. It mentions programs for preserving nature (wilderness, wildlife, resources) and addressing issues like pollution, toxic chemicals, and energy - related damage. Each concern affects the environment, and together they highlight environmental protection's importance. Now we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The passage isn't mainly about the beauty/value of wilderness for Americans, but about environmental issues and protection. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The passage isn't just about pollution and energy's negative effects, but also about preservation and the overall importance of environmental protection. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The passage isn't about Americans' concerns, but about the importance of environmental protection. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The passage states that each concern affects the environment and together they show environmental protection is important for our lives (quality of life). This matches.

Answer:

D. Protecting the environment is essential for maintaining Americans' quality of life.