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Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone

In this excerpt from an editorial discussing urban agriculture in Mexico:

"The chinampas of Xochimilco, ancient agricultural islands built during the Aztec Empire, are far more than historical relics; they are highly efficient ecological systems. Yet, as the urban sprawl of Mexico City advances, municipal authorities seem content to reduce this heritage to a mere tourist attraction, plastering images of colorful boats on travel brochures while allowing the surrounding waters to suffer from neglect and pollution. To treat this agricultural marvel as an ornament of the past, rather than a viable model for sustainable urban food production, is a failure of both ecological imagination and civic duty."

Based on the excerpt, which of the following best describes the author's tone toward municipal authorities?

  1. Critical and urgent, censuring their superficial approach to heritage preservationAnswer
  2. B
    Nostalgic and resigned, mourning the inevitable loss of ancient farming systems to modernization
  3. C
    Neutral and objective, documenting the demographic expansion of Mexico City
  4. D
    Optimistic, highlighting the tourism revenue generated by municipal promotions

Answer

Critical and urgent, censuring their superficial approach to heritage preservation
The correct option is correct because the author's vocabulary ('neglect', 'pollution', 'failure') directly expresses strong disapproval and alarm regarding the authorities' passive stance, making 'critical and urgent' the most accurate description of the tone.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the text for evaluative vocabulary and expressions indicating the author's feelings.
Identified phrases like 'seem content to reduce this heritage', 'suffer from neglect', and 'failure of both ecological imagination and civic duty'.
These emotionally charged and critical words show the author's stance on the actions of municipal authorities.
2
Determine the author's core perspective regarding the treatment of the chinampas.
The author believes the chinampas should be treated as functional agricultural systems, not just decorative tourist spots.
This shows the author opposes the passive or cosmetic preservation policies currently in place.
3
Match the identified stance and emotional coloration to the options.
The tone is critical and urgent, condemning the superficiality of turning the chinampas into mere ornaments rather than active ecological tools.
This directly aligns with the option describing a critical and urgent tone censuring the superficial approach.

Key Concept

Analyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone
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Topics

Analyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone

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