(1) When selecting her ingredients, a chef has a seemingly small—but nonetheless consequential—choice: she can patronize a conventional grocery store, or she can turn to a nearby farm. (2) While a store may provide benefits such as a broad range of options, a local farm can offer major advantages of its own. (3) When chefs and other consumers choose local products rather than goods that have been transported across long distances to chain stores, they can enjoy better prices while supporting the local economy. (4) Shoppers buying locally can often reap the benefits of competitive prices on goods due to reduced transport costs. (5) For example, one researcher found that the ingredients of a common Swedish breakfast—consisting of items like bread, coffee, and orange juice—were probably shipped a distance roughly equivalent to Earth’s circumference, and shipping can be costly. (6) On the other hand, buying ingredients from local farms may reduce transportation costs significantly, thereby increasing savings for the consumer. (7) Research also suggests that small local farms collectively can produce a large quantity of food; a big supply can, in turn, translate into lower prices. (8) Small farms gain these yields in part through efficient land use. (9) One study found that in Brazil, nearly five million small farms—which occupy only about 30 percent of the country's total agricultural land—are able to produce most of the beans the country needs. (10) The law of supply and demand suggests that if local farmers can produce more food than large farms, consumers may pay less. (11) Lower prices are not the only potential advantage of buying locally. (12) When consumers shop nearby, they are helping to ensure that local farms and businesses thrive. (13) The Brazilian bean farmers, for example, can continue to build strong local economies and do not have to migrate to commercial farms to find work. (14) What will our chef choose? (15) Deciding where to shop can be enigmatic, as both the store and the farm have their attractions. (16) The local option often makes the most sense, however. (17) It is good for the chef’s wallet, the neighborhood farmer’s bottom line, and, in the end, the community’s economic vigor.
The writer is considering adding the following sentence to the end of the fourth paragraph: 'Surprisingly, according to The Economist, there were 1.6 million commercial farms in Brazil in 2010.' Should the writer make this addition here?
- A. Yes, because it emphasizes the paragraph's focus on the economic power of large farms.
- B. Yes, because it uses concrete data to provide context about local farms and commercial farms.
- C. No, because it is unrelated to the economic challenges small farms may face.
- D. No, because it fails to show a clear connection to the paragraph's focus on supporting local farms.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Adding the sentence enhances the paragraph by providing concrete data, which helps contextualize the discussion about local and commercial farms. It bridges the gap between the economic landscape and the realities faced by different types of farms, enriching the reader's understanding. Option A misinterprets the focus; while large farms are mentioned, the emphasis is on the economic challenges faced by smaller farms. Option C incorrectly suggests that the data is unrelated; understanding the number of commercial farms is essential to discussing the economic landscape. Option D overlooks that the data can indeed support a broader discussion about local farms by contrasting them with commercial operations.
Adding the sentence enhances the paragraph by providing concrete data, which helps contextualize the discussion about local and commercial farms. It bridges the gap between the economic landscape and the realities faced by different types of farms, enriching the reader's understanding. Option A misinterprets the focus; while large farms are mentioned, the emphasis is on the economic challenges faced by smaller farms. Option C incorrectly suggests that the data is unrelated; understanding the number of commercial farms is essential to discussing the economic landscape. Option D overlooks that the data can indeed support a broader discussion about local farms by contrasting them with commercial operations.
Other Related Questions
The passage indicates that ancient astronomers were 'baffled' because:
- A. Their observations disproved the poetic tales of early cosmologies
- B. They lacked the mathematical sophistication needed to calculate astronomical distances
- C. Their theories of planetary movements were more complicated than the movements themselves
- D. They could not reliably predict observable celestial phenomena
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' primarily because they struggled to reliably predict observable celestial phenomena. This unpredictability challenged their understanding and led to confusion in their astronomical models. Option A is incorrect as it implies a conflict with poetic tales, which was not the primary concern of astronomers. Option B misrepresents the issue; while mathematical sophistication was limited, the core problem was not solely about calculations. Option C inaccurately suggests that their theories were overly complex; rather, the issue lay in their inability to accurately forecast celestial events, which is the essence of their bafflement.
Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' primarily because they struggled to reliably predict observable celestial phenomena. This unpredictability challenged their understanding and led to confusion in their astronomical models. Option A is incorrect as it implies a conflict with poetic tales, which was not the primary concern of astronomers. Option B misrepresents the issue; while mathematical sophistication was limited, the core problem was not solely about calculations. Option C inaccurately suggests that their theories were overly complex; rather, the issue lay in their inability to accurately forecast celestial events, which is the essence of their bafflement.
In context, which is the best version of sentence 1 (reproduced below)? Federico Garcia Lorca was 20th-century Spain’s most famous poet and playwright.
- A. [as it is now]
- B. Federico GarcÃa Lorca, was 20th-century Spain's most famous poet and playwright.
- C. Federico GarcÃa Lorca was, 20th-century Spain's, most famous poet and playwright.
- D. Federico GarcÃa Lorca was 20th-century Spain's, most famous poet and playwright.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains clarity and grammatical correctness without unnecessary punctuation. It presents Federico Garcia Lorca's identity straightforwardly, enhancing readability. Option B incorrectly places a comma after "García Lorca," which disrupts the flow of the sentence. Option C misuses commas, creating awkward pauses that confuse the reader and detract from the sentence's coherence. Option D also misplaces a comma after "Spain's," which incorrectly separates the subject from its complement, leading to a fragmented thought. Thus, option A stands out as the most effective choice.
Option A maintains clarity and grammatical correctness without unnecessary punctuation. It presents Federico Garcia Lorca's identity straightforwardly, enhancing readability. Option B incorrectly places a comma after "García Lorca," which disrupts the flow of the sentence. Option C misuses commas, creating awkward pauses that confuse the reader and detract from the sentence's coherence. Option D also misplaces a comma after "Spain's," which incorrectly separates the subject from its complement, leading to a fragmented thought. Thus, option A stands out as the most effective choice.
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker leaves an impression on audiences: children especially remember the dazzling costumes and stirring music. Which word best completes the sentence?
- A. amorphous
- B. indelible
- C. ineffable
- D. inscrutable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The word "indelible" effectively conveys the lasting impact that Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker has on audiences, particularly children, suggesting that the memories created are unforgettable. Option A, "amorphous," refers to something lacking a clear shape or form, which does not apply to the vivid impressions made by the performance. Option C, "ineffable," describes something too great to be expressed in words, which, while fitting in some contexts, does not specifically capture the idea of lasting memory. Option D, "inscrutable," means something that is difficult to understand or interpret, which is not relevant to the memorable experience described.
The word "indelible" effectively conveys the lasting impact that Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker has on audiences, particularly children, suggesting that the memories created are unforgettable. Option A, "amorphous," refers to something lacking a clear shape or form, which does not apply to the vivid impressions made by the performance. Option C, "ineffable," describes something too great to be expressed in words, which, while fitting in some contexts, does not specifically capture the idea of lasting memory. Option D, "inscrutable," means something that is difficult to understand or interpret, which is not relevant to the memorable experience described.
Which sentence should be deleted because it contains irrelevant information?
- A. Sentence 6
- B. Sentence 7
- C. Sentence 9
- D. Sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Sentence 9 introduces information that does not directly support the main argument or theme of the passage, making it irrelevant to the central discussion. In contrast, Sentence 6 provides context, Sentence 7 offers a critical example, and Sentence 14 concludes the argument effectively. Each of these sentences contributes meaningfully to the overall coherence and purpose of the text. Removing Sentence 9 enhances clarity by eliminating distractions, allowing the reader to focus on the essential points being made.
Sentence 9 introduces information that does not directly support the main argument or theme of the passage, making it irrelevant to the central discussion. In contrast, Sentence 6 provides context, Sentence 7 offers a critical example, and Sentence 14 concludes the argument effectively. Each of these sentences contributes meaningfully to the overall coherence and purpose of the text. Removing Sentence 9 enhances clarity by eliminating distractions, allowing the reader to focus on the essential points being made.