PrepTest 156, Section 1, Question 7
Because most agricultural practices in North America produce(438 more words not shown)
The author would be most(23 more words not shown)
- AThey have been(12 more words not shown)
- BThey are focused(10 more words not shown)
- CThey have not(9 more words not shown)
- DThey are interested(11 more words not shown)
- EThey continue to(9 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The geneticists had focused their research and thinking on methods brought from elsewhere. The next sentence criticizes those methods' intense drive to maximize output, which isn't always suited to preserving genetic diversity. Put those sentences together: their focus gave too much weight to the output-maximizing approach.
What we’re looking for
Also keep the timing straight. They have recently begun recognizing indigenous knowledge. The author criticizes their earlier emphasis without saying they still show no interest in heirlooms.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
Their reliance on these methods, together with the criticism of the methods' intense pursuit of output, supports this judgment. The problem is that maximizing production doesn't necessarily preserve the diverse genetic pool the food system needs.
- B
The criticism concerns genetic diversity, not a claim that the researchers favor production at small farmers' expense. The later decline of small farmers doesn't establish this description of the geneticists' priorities.
- C
“Any interest” ignores the recent recognition of indigenous knowledge as a valuable resource. Their past neglect doesn't establish a complete absence of interest now.
- D
The reason for the new interest is the resource these crops and methods offer for genetic conservation. The author doesn't say the geneticists value heirlooms because they maximize particular yields. That substitutes the output-centered goal the discussion is questioning.
- E
Again, “continue to ignore” misses the recent change. They had neglected the knowledge, but the author expressly says its value has now begun to be recognized.
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