Iguacu Falls, which sit on the border between Argentina and Brazil, ar

Iguacu Falls, which sit on the border between Argentina and Brazil, are said to make Niagara look like a leaky faucet. The great cataracts stretch for two and a half miles across lushly foliaged rocky outcroppings before plunging a staggering two hundred and thirty feet into the river below. The falls region is densely forested, and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including a number of endangered ones. It is a paradise where parrots dive and swoop through the spray, butterflies cavort among the tropical plants and coatis, and giant otters and anteaters amble through the trees. The foliage itself varies between tropical and deciduous with orchids blushing in the shade of pines and ferns nodding gracefully in the shadow of fruit trees.

Depending on rainfall and water flow, between 100 and 300 individual falls tumble over the cliffs creating a stunning panoply of churning water. Small wonder that this natural powerhouse attracted the attention of developers. At the top of the falls on the Parana River sits Itaipu Dam, the world’s largest operational hydroelectric power plant. The dam is often numbered among the wonders of the modern world.

The falls’ superlatives don’t stop with technology. Many consider the cataract system itself one of the natural wonders of the world. In 1986, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) concurred when it declared the falls a World Heritage site in order to ensure its preservation in the face of continuing technological development.

1. The comparison in the first sentence is meant to emphasize the

A. Abundant beauty of Niagara Falls.
B. Plumbing problems that can be caused by building in close proximity to a waterfall.
C. Smallness of Niagara Falls in relation to Iguacu Falls.
D. Distance of Iguacu Falls from civilization.
E. Fact that Niagara Falls is a less popular tourist destination than Iguacu Falls.


2. The author’s attitude toward Iguacu Falls can best be described as which of the following?

A. Overweening pride.
B. Positive appreciation.
C. Mild acceptance.
D. Apathetic objectivity.
E. Cautious optimism


3. What can most reasonably be inferred from the information in the final two paragraphs?

A. Iguacu Falls’ success as a hydroelectric site could potentially cause a threat to its longevity.
B. Conservationist efforts have made a tremendous impact in the maintenance of the Itaipu Dam hydroelectric power plant.
C. Brazil and Argentina are two of the largest producers of hydroelectric power in the world.
D. UNESCO considers the preservation of Iguacu Falls crucial to the balance of the world ecosystem.
E. Developers consider any opportunity to invest in hydroelectric power a lucrative business venture.


4. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

A. Exalting the beauties of a variety of waterfall sites.
B. Outlining the history of Iguacu Falls since its discovery.
C. Portraying the positive aesthetic and economic aspects of a natural phenomenon.
D. Describing Iguacu Falls in terms that would make sense to an American audience.
E. Discussing the tension between economic development and natural conservation.