Question

Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone

The following is an excerpt from a Spanish journalistic editorial concerning tourism in the Balearic Islands:

"While the economic benefits of international tourism in the Balearic Islands are undeniable, the social fabric of local neighborhoods is fraying under the weight of uncontrolled visitor growth. Historical districts, once vibrant centers of community life, have transitioned into seasonal hotel zones, displacing long-term residents and local businesses. Proponents of tourism-led development argue that this represents progress, yet they overlook the cultural erosion that occurs when a city loses its residents. We must ask ourselves if a robust GDP is worth the loss of our collective identity. It is time to enact regulations that prioritize the community over profit."

Based on the passage, what is the author's primary purpose?

  1. To advocate for policies that protect the local community from the negative social consequences of tourism.Answer
  2. B
    To argue that tourism has failed to bring any measurable economic growth to the region.
  3. C
    To express anger and urge residents to ban all international visitors from historical districts.
  4. D
    To demand that the government completely replace tourism-led development with agricultural subsidies.

Answer

To advocate for policies that protect the local community from the negative social consequences of tourism.
The correct option identifies the author's primary purpose, which is to call for policies that protect local neighborhoods and residents from the negative social impacts of tourism, aligned with the author's concluding appeal to prioritize community over profit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the opening statement of the passage.
The author concedes that tourism provides undeniable economic benefits but immediately shifts focus to the negative social impacts on local neighborhoods.
Understanding how the author frames the issue helps identify their perspective.
2
Examine the author's argument against proponents of development.
The author argues that proponents overlook cultural erosion and displacement of residents, asking whether financial gain is worth the loss of collective identity.
This highlights the core conflict between economic gain and social preservation.
3
Identify the author's final recommendation or conclusion.
The author concludes that it is time to enact regulations prioritizing the community over profit.
The final call to action directly states the primary purpose of the editorial.

Key Concept

Analyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone
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