Question

Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone

Read the following passage about urban infrastructure in Bolivia:

For decades, the geographical division of La Paz and El Alto in Bolivia mirrored deep socioeconomic divides. While the wealthy resided in the lower valleys, the marginalized indigenous majority lived on the high-altitude plateau of El Alto, navigating hours of congested, polluting minibus traffic to reach the city center. The introduction of "Mi Teleférico"—the world's highest cable car network—dramatically transformed this landscape. Beyond being a model of clean energy, this aerial transit system acts as a social equalizer. By soaring above the dramatic topography, it physically and metaphorically bridges the gap between disparate economic classes. Critics initially argued that the investment was a costly vanity project that would disrupt historic neighborhoods. However, the system's daily operations have silenced detractors, demonstrating that infrastructure can foster dignity and equity. As commuters gaze down at the unified metropolis, the cable cars serve as a testament to the power of inclusive urban design in reclaiming the public sphere for all citizens.

What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

  1. To demonstrate how a public transit initiative can mitigate social stratification and urban divisionAnswer
  2. B
    To argue that the financial costs of the cable car project outweigh its environmental and social benefits
  3. C
    To advocate for the immediate replacement of all minibus transit networks in high-altitude South American cities
  4. D
    To provide a detailed historical overview of the transportation challenges faced by La Paz residents prior to 2014

Answer

To demonstrate how a public transit initiative can mitigate social stratification and urban division
The correct option is correct because the author explicitly frames 'Mi Teleférico' as a social equalizer that bridges the gap between disparate economic classes and fosters dignity and equity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main idea and overall direction of the passage.
The text describes how the 'Mi Teleférico' cable car network connected La Paz and El Alto, transforming the socioeconomic and physical landscape.
Identifying the central subject helps narrow down the author's communicative purpose.
2
Evaluate the tone and perspective of the author toward 'Mi Teleférico'.
The author uses positive terms like 'social equalizer,' 'bridges the gap,' and 'foster dignity and equity,' while noting that critics have been 'silenced.'
Understanding the author's attitude ensures that the chosen purpose aligns with their supportive stance.
3
Compare the options against the main thesis and author's tone.
The option focusing on mitigating social stratification and urban division directly matches the author's positive emphasis on bridging economic classes, while other options either misrepresent the tone, overgeneralize, or focus on minor details.
Eliminating distractors based on common errors ensures the selection of the most accurate primary purpose.

Key Concept

Analyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone
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