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Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Text Structure and Rhetorical Features

Consider this passage from an editorial on sustainable agriculture in the Andean region:

"In the high valleys of the Andes, ancient agricultural terraces have stood for centuries as a testament to early engineering. Modern industrial agriculture, with its reliance on chemical fertilizers and heavy machinery, has promised higher short-term yields. However, these modern practices often lead to severe soil erosion and water scarcity in mountain ecosystems. By contrast, the traditional terrace system naturally conserves water and prevents landslides, offering a time-tested model of sustainability. Therefore, restoring these ancient structures is not merely an act of historical preservation, but an ecological necessity for the region's future."

Which of the following best describes the rhetorical function of the contrast presented in the fourth sentence ("By contrast, the traditional terrace system...")?

  1. It highlights the ecological benefits of traditional methods to support the argument for their restoration.Answer
  2. B
    It serves as a concession that acknowledges the superior economic efficiency of modern farming.
  3. C
    It introduces a speculative theory about the future of mountain agriculture without presenting concrete evidence.
  4. D
    It establishes a neutral, objective description of both farming methods to avoid taking a definitive stance.

Answer

It highlights the ecological benefits of traditional methods to support the argument for their restoration.
The correct option is correct because the target sentence uses the transition 'By contrast' to present the ecological benefits of traditional terrace farming (conserving water and preventing landslides) as a direct solution to the environmental degradation caused by modern agriculture. This contrast serves to persuade the reader that restoring these ancient structures is a practical necessity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the author's argument in the passage.
The author introduces a problem (modern agriculture causing soil erosion and water scarcity) and then introduces traditional terraces as a solution that prevents these issues.
Understanding the surrounding context helps identify how the target sentence fits into the overall flow of the argument.
2
Identify the transition word and its logical role in the target sentence.
The phrase 'By contrast' signals a direct comparison between the negative ecological impacts of modern farming and the positive ecological benefits of the traditional terrace system.
Transition words dictate the logical relationship between ideas in a text.
3
Evaluate how this contrast supports the conclusion of the passage.
Showing that the traditional system prevents the ecological damage caused by modern practices directly supports the final claim that restoring these terraces is an 'ecological necessity.'
Rhetorical features are designed to persuade the reader of the author's main thesis.

Key Concept

Analyzing Text Structure and Rhetorical Features
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Analyzing Text Structure and Rhetorical Features

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