Question

forest fires

table of contents
i. fire ecology: a study of forest fires
ii. factors contributing to forest fires
iii. environmental risks of forest fires
iv. methods of controlling forest fires
v. conclusion

fire ecology: a study of forest fires

10

the author saved the section \methods of controlling forest fires\ for the end of the passage to
a. summarize the causes and effects of forest fires in tropical and conifer forests.
b. criticize fire managers for their lack of efficiency in controlling intense forest fires.
c. show readers that the problem of forest fires is only increasing every year.
d. explain to the reader the different measures that are taken to reduce destructive forest fires.

Explanation:

Analyze the structural layout

Using the Text Structure Analysis knowledge point

The passage outline is presented as a Table of Contents:

• I. Fire Ecology: A Study of Forest Fires
• II. Factors Contributing to Forest Fires
• III. Environmental Risks of Forest Fires
• IV. Methods of Controlling Forest Fires
• V. Conclusion

The question asks why the author saved the section "Methods of Controlling Forest Fires" (Section IV) for the end of the passage (just before the conclusion).

Evaluate the purpose of the section

Using the Reading Purpose knowledge point

• Section IV is titled "Methods of Controlling Forest Fires".
• The word "Methods" indicates actionable strategies, solutions, or measures.
• Placing solutions at the end of a text is a standard problem-and-solution organizational structure. The author first establishes the background (ecology, factors, risks) and then presents the solutions (methods of control) before concluding.
• Therefore, the purpose of this specific section is to explain the different measures taken to reduce or manage destructive forest fires.

Evaluate the given options

Using the Reading Purpose and Text Structure Analysis knowledge points

• Option A: "summarize the causes and effects of forest fires in tropical and conifer forests."
• Why it is incorrect: This describes the earlier sections (factors and risks) rather than the "Methods of Controlling" section. Furthermore, it is too narrow and does not reflect the primary purpose of Section IV, which is about control and mitigation, not summarizing causes/effects.
• Option B: "criticize fire managers for their lack of efficiency in controlling intense forest fires."
• Why it is incorrect: The title "Methods of Controlling Forest Fires" suggests an objective, informative overview of management techniques rather than a critique of personnel.
• Option C: "show readers that the problem of forest fires is only increasing every year."
• Why it is incorrect: This would belong in a section about trends or risks (Section III), whereas Section IV focuses on the active solutions and control measures.
• Option D: "explain to the reader the different measures that are taken to reduce destructive forest fires."
• Why it is correct: This directly aligns with the title "Methods of Controlling Forest Fires," as "methods" are the "different measures taken to reduce" the fires.

Answer:

• (A) summarize the causes and effects of forest fires in tropical and conifer forests.
• (B) criticize fire managers for their lack of efficiency in controlling intense forest fires.
• (C) show readers that the problem of forest fires is only increasing every year.
• (D) explain to the reader the different measures that are taken to reduce destructive forest fires. (Correct answer)