Question

Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone

Read the following excerpt from a journalistic article about water management in Spain:

"In the arid slopes of Spain’s Sierra Nevada, a network of medieval irrigation channels known as *acequias careadoras* is being restored by local farmers and environmental scientists. Originally engineered by the Moors over a thousand years ago, these unlined clay channels redirect spring meltwater from high-altitude streams, allowing it to slowly filter into the mountain's subsoil and recharge the aquifers that sustain the valleys below during the dry summer months. For decades, regional planners dismissed this ancient network as an inefficient relic, advocating instead for modern concrete and plastic pipes that deliver water directly to agricultural plots without 'wasting' a drop to seepage. However, ecological researchers have demonstrated that this seepage is precisely what maintains the local mountain wetlands and buffers the region against desertification. The efforts to rebuild these channels show that traditional water management is not a step backward, but a sophisticated, nature-based solution to the climate crisis."

Based on the excerpt, which of the following best describes the author's tone toward the restoration of the *acequias careadoras*?

  1. A
    Detached and objective, since the author presents a neutral overview of the debate between traditionalists and regional planners.
  2. Respectful and persuasive, as the author highlights the ecological benefits of traditional methods to counter historical criticisms.Answer
  3. C
    Sentimental and nostalgic, because the author expresses a desire to return to pre-industrial farming techniques and reject modern technology.
  4. D
    Hostile and dismissive, because the author rejects the contributions of modern ecological science to water conservation.

Answer

Respectful and persuasive, as the author highlights the ecological benefits of traditional methods to counter historical criticisms.
The correct answer is the option indicating that the tone is respectful and persuasive. The author uses terms of respect like 'sophisticated' to describe the traditional system and structures the passage to persuade readers of its ecological value by refuting criticisms with scientific evidence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the vocabulary used by the author to describe the traditional irrigation system.
The author uses positive, validating terms such as 'sophisticated' and 'nature-based solution' to describe the traditional system.
Identifying the author's descriptive language reveals their attitude toward the topic.
2
Identify the author's stance on the conflict between traditional clay channels and modern pipes.
The author refutes the critics' view of the system as an 'inefficient relic' by citing ecological researchers who show its benefits.
Determining how the author addresses counterarguments clarifies their persuasive intent.
3
Synthesize the findings to identify the overall tone.
The combination of positive framing and evidence-based rebuttals of critics shows a respectful and persuasive tone.
Synthesizing style, perspective, and evidence aligns the analysis with the correct descriptive tone.

Key Concept

Analyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone
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