Question

1. which generalization about todays society is most clearly supported by the selection?

a in todays society, most people are more concerned about the size of local budgets than about the safety of citizens, although they may disagree about the best way to save money.
b in todays society, most people believe government is responsible for providing for the safety of citizens, although they may disagree about costs and methods.
c in todays society, governments would rather spend money on unnecessary programs than modernize levees for flood control.
d in todays society, ill - advised flood control policies are the subject of passionate debate in communities across the united states.

1. which is the best analysis of the authors use of a problem - solution text structure in this editorial?

a the writer introduces the problem in the introduction, next gives more background on the situation, and finally proposes a solution, showing why it is both necessary and viable.
b the writer gives background on the situation in the introduction, next describes the problem, and finally proposes a solution, showing why it is both necessary and viable.
c the writer introduces the problem and its solution in the introduction, next gives more background on the situation, and then addresses counterclaims, showing why the proposed solution is both necessary and viable.
d the writer introduces the problem and its solution in the introduction, next gives more background on the situation, and then provides supporting arguments, showing why the proposed solution is both necessary and viable.

1. one way the author creates an effective appeal to logic (logos) in support of his or her claim is by —

a leading readers to wonder if local leaders are withholding the truth about the levee system.
b implying that traditional ways of building levees are questionable because they are old.
c condemning the town for spending money on programs the author holds in contempt.
d encouraging readers to compare the cost of maintaining old levees with the cost of building new ones.

Explanation:

1. Option B is a reasonable generalization as it is common for people to believe government has a role in citizen - safety while disagreeing on costs and methods. Option A is not well - supported as there's no indication most people care more about local budgets than safety. Option C is too extreme about government preferences. Option D is too specific to the US and not a general statement about society.
2. In a problem - solution text structure, the typical approach is to introduce the problem first, then give background, and finally propose a solution. Option A follows this pattern. Option B starts with background instead of the problem. Option C and D introduce the solution too early in the introduction.
3. Encouraging readers to compare costs (Option D) is an appeal to logic as it involves a rational comparison. Option A is more of a rhetorical device to create doubt. Option B is a weak argument based on age. Option C is an emotional condemnation rather than a logical appeal.

Answer:

1. B. In today's society, most people believe government is responsible for providing for the safety of citizens, although they may disagree about costs and methods.
2. A. The writer introduces the problem in the introduction, next gives more background on the situation, and finally proposes a solution, showing why it is both necessary and viable.
3. D. encouraging readers to compare the cost of maintaining old levees with the cost of building new ones.