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Craft and StructureVery hardTwo authors on a decision's consequences

Craft and Structure practice question

Text 1 The decision to stop dredging the harbour has been a disaster, argues fisherman Tomás Vidal: the channel has silted up, and the larger boats can no longer get in at low tide. Text 2 Vidal is right that the big boats are stuck. But the silt has rebuilt the mudflats that the dredging had destroyed, the wading birds have returned, and the small-boat fishermen — most of the fleet — say the catch inside the harbour is the best in living memory. What is a disaster for a few boats has been a recovery for the rest.

Which choice best describes how the author of Text 2 responds to Vidal's argument?

  1. A. By conceding the harm to the larger boats while arguing that the change has benefited the mudflats, the birds, and most of the fleet.Correct
  2. B. By denying that the channel has silted up.
  3. C. By arguing that dredging should resume.
  4. D. By claiming that the large boats can still enter at low tide.

Answer: A. By conceding the harm to the larger boats while arguing that the change has benefited the mudflats, the birds, and most of the fleet.

'Vidal is right … But' — mudflats, birds, and the small-boat catch.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. By denying that the channel has silted up.
Text 2 concedes the silting.
C. By arguing that dredging should resume.
Text 2 favours the change.
D. By claiming that the large boats can still enter at low tide.
Text 2 concedes the big boats are stuck.

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