Question

many manufacturers prefer plastic as a material for containers because it can be molded into many shapes. but plastic is not very strong. it must be fused with glass or steel for strength. it is also not very durable. even the strongest plastic can break under enough pressure. the biggest disadvantage to using plastic is that it does not decompose. while plastic can be recycled, doing so is tedious and difficult. while it may be more expensive and difficult to work with, aluminum is a much stronger building material with far greater tensile strength. it conducts electricity because it is metal. best of all, aluminum is very easy to recycle. even if it is thrown away, it decomposes much more quickly than most manufacturing materials.
how does the compare-and-contrast organizational pattern of the passage support the author’s purpose?

a. by arguing that more research needs to be done to create plastic that is stronger than aluminum

b. by showing that decomposition is a more important consideration than strength

c. by highlighting the weaknesses of plastic in order to show that aluminum is superior

d. by suggesting that plastic should be used in containers instead of aluminum

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage doesn't discuss researching stronger plastic than aluminum. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The passage compares multiple aspects (strength, durability, decomposition, recyclability) of plastic and aluminum, not just emphasizing decomposition over strength. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The passage lists plastic's weaknesses (not strong, not durable, doesn't decompose easily, hard to recycle) and aluminum's strengths (stronger, conducts electricity, easy to recycle, decomposes faster). The compare - contrast pattern highlights plastic's weaknesses to show aluminum is better. This matches.
• Option D: The passage shows aluminum is better, so it doesn't suggest using plastic over aluminum. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. By highlighting the weaknesses of plastic in order to show that aluminum is superior