Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumDetermining Writer Intent and Attitude

Read the following letter written by Dr. Gabriela Rios to Isabella Fuentes, the President of the Municipal Heritage Preservation Board:

"Dear Ms. Fuentes,

I am writing to share my professional assessment regarding the municipal board's recently published plan for the renovation of the historic San Sebastian Plaza. As an independent researcher specializing in colonial architecture, I sincerely appreciate the board's initiative to address the structural degradation of the plaza’s central fountain and surrounding walkways, which have long been in need of repair.

However, after reviewing the detailed blueprints, I must express my deep concern regarding the proposal to replace the original 18th-century hand-carved stone tiling with modern synthetic composites. While the administrative report asserts that this substitution will significantly lower future maintenance costs, executing this plan would irreversibly compromise the historical integrity and authentic character of one of our city's oldest landmarks.

The heritage of our community should not be sacrificed for short-term financial convenience. I strongly urge the board to reconsider the materials selected for the plaza floor. I suggest exploring specialized cultural conservation grants, which could help cover the costs of using authentic, locally sourced stone. I remain at your disposal to discuss alternative preservation strategies that protect our history while remaining structurally viable.

Sincerely,
Dr. Gabriela Rios"

Based on the letter, what is Dr. Rios's attitude toward the proposed renovation of San Sebastian Plaza?

  1. A
    She opposes the entire renovation project and demands that all work on the plaza be immediately suspended.
  2. B
    She fully endorses the board's plan as a cost-effective way to modernize the historic downtown area.
  3. She supports the structural repairs but opposes the use of synthetic materials that would compromise historical authenticity.Answer
  4. D
    She offers to personally finance the stone restoration if the board agrees to modify the blueprints.

Answer

She supports the structural repairs but opposes the use of synthetic materials that would compromise historical authenticity.
The correct answer describes the author's dual stance: she supports the structural maintenance of the plaza but opposes the proposed material changes. In the text, she explicitly appreciates the initiative to address the structural degradation of the plaza's fountain and walkways, while simultaneously expressing deep concern that replacing the hand-carved stone with synthetic composites would compromise the historical integrity of the landmark.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the introductory remarks in the letter where the author discusses the renovation project.
The author states she appreciates the board's initiative to address the structural degradation of the central fountain and walkways.
To identify the author's initial positive stance on the necessity of structural maintenance.
2
Examine the middle paragraph where the author introduces her main objection using the transition 'However'.
She expresses concern over replacing the 18th-century stone tiling with modern synthetic composites, stating it compromises historical integrity.
To determine the specific element of the renovation plan that the author opposes.
3
Review the conclusion to synthesize the author's overall attitude.
She urges the board to reconsider the material selection and suggests cultural conservation grants, offering to discuss alternative preservation strategies.
To confirm that her attitude combines support for maintenance with opposition to the proposed synthetic materials.

Key Concept

Determining Writer Intent and Attitude in correspondence
Rate this question

Topics

Determining Writer Intent and Attitude

More questions from this topic