Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumDistinguishing Fact from Opinion and Bias

Read the following passage from a journalistic article concerning energy initiatives in Chile:

"In the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Cerro Dominador solar thermal plant stands as a milestone, utilizing 10,600 mirrors to direct solar radiation toward a central tower. According to energy ministry records, the facility generates 110 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power over 380,000 homes annually. Proponents argue that this project represents the only viable path forward for Chile's transition to green energy, claiming it is the most beautiful engineering feat in South America. While the plant has successfully reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 640,000 tons per year, local environmental groups express concern that the intensive cleaning of the mirrors could strain the region’s scarce water resources. Nevertheless, the government planning commission insists that the long-term ecological benefits far outweigh any temporary localized water disruptions."

Based on the passage, which of the following statements represents a subjective opinion rather than a verifiable fact?

  1. The Cerro Dominador solar project is the only viable path forward for Chile’s green energy transition.Answer
  2. B
    The solar thermal facility generates 110 megawatts of clean energy.
  3. C
    Local environmental groups have forced the plant to stop using water for mirror cleaning.
  4. D
    The author of the article is biased against clean energy initiatives in Chile.

Answer

The statement expressing that the Cerro Dominador solar project is the only viable path forward for Chile's green energy transition represents a subjective opinion.
The correct option is the statement regarding the Cerro Dominador project being the only viable path forward. This is a subjective opinion and stance held by proponents rather than a verifiable fact. The use of value-laden language like 'only viable path' indicates a subjective judgment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the text for indicators of subjective versus objective language.
Identify that the phrase 'only viable path forward' and 'most beautiful' represent subjective judgments and opinions, whereas figures like '110 megawatts' and '10,600 mirrors' represent verifiable facts.
To distinguish which parts of the text are objective data and which parts represent viewpoints or stances.
2
Evaluate the choices against the findings from the text.
Determine that the statement about the project being the only viable path forward is an opinion attributed to proponents, while the statement about energy generation is a fact, and the other statements are incorrect interpretations of the text.
To select the option that represents a subjective opinion rather than a fact or a misinterpretation.

Key Concept

Distinguishing Fact from Opinion and Bias
Rate this question

Topics

Distinguishing Fact from Opinion and Bias

More questions from this topic