PrepTest 116, Section 1, Question 3
The accumulation of scientific knowledge regarding the environmental(459 more words not shown)
The author's attitude regarding oil(9 more words not shown)
- Acynical that future(7 more words not shown)
- Bsatisfied that existing(13 more words not shown)
- Cconcerned that regulatory(9 more words not shown)
- Doptimistic that current(6 more words not shown)
- Econfident that regulations(8 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The main point gives us the direction: the writer is concerned that the rules lag behind the problems. We keep discovering hazards after damage has occurred, and the existing barriers still have unassessed risks. That doesn't sound like satisfaction or confidence that everything will work out.
Working the answers
- A
International concern did follow the coastal disaster. But the writer doesn't say future reform depends on international attention. The recurring concern is reform following damage.
- B
Existing regulations still leave risks because the relevant science is incomplete. Calling them adequate reverses that concern.
- CCorrect
The opening says the need for regulation becomes apparent “only after undesirable events occur.” The final disaster repeats that pattern: contamination first, efforts to refine the rules afterward.
- D
Scientific research is relevant, but no confidence in current research producing reform is expressed. The emphasis is on unanswered questions.
- E
Identifying a lack of geological understanding doesn't establish confidence that future regulations will overcome it. That hopeful forecast isn't given.
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