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Craft and StructureHardMain purpose of an argument about trees

Craft and Structure practice question

Cities plant trees for shade and then prune them into lollipops that cast almost none. The pruning is done for tidiness and to keep drivers' sightlines clear. A city that actually wanted shade would let the canopy spread over the road and accept the untidiness — and the slower traffic that comes with it.

What is the main purpose of the text?

  1. A. To argue that the way cities manage their trees defeats the reason for planting them.Correct
  2. B. To explain the correct way to prune a young tree.
  3. C. To praise cities for keeping their streets tidy.
  4. D. To describe the health benefits of shade.

Answer: A. To argue that the way cities manage their trees defeats the reason for planting them.

Planted for shade, pruned so they give none: the text points out the contradiction and says what wanting shade would really require.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. To explain the correct way to prune a young tree.
No pruning technique is given.
C. To praise cities for keeping their streets tidy.
Tidiness is presented as the wrong priority.
D. To describe the health benefits of shade.
Shade's benefits are assumed, not described.

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