Unmaintained areas of contiguous stands of forest are particularly

Question

Unmaintained areas of contiguous stands of forest are particularly vulnerable to hard-to-control wildfires, and logging practices can exacerbate conditions when unsellable lumber debris is scattered or, worse still for firefighters, piled and abandoned. Prescribed burning, carried out with careful consideration for air quality and the potential for runoff of ash into streams and lakes, need not occur yearly nor need the area be completely burned. Once maintenance is established and assuming normal rainfall patterns, a partial burn every three to four years will prevent fuel continuity, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Once previous burns have decreased available deadwood fuel, foresters may employ patchy burns, leaving stands of unburned vegetation in the midst of treated areas rather than allowing the fire to progress to full coverage of the area.

The practical results of prescribed burns go well beyond fire control and mitigation of damage caused by wildfire to businesses and personal investments in increasingly populated forest areas. After well-managed burns, biodiversity increases because of the destruction of fast-growing species that would otherwise monopolize resources, crowding out other plants and decreasing available varieties of habitat. One category of unwanted species, in particular, is kept in check by prescribed burns: such pests as insects and plant diseases. In addition, species that are fire dependent for propagation benefit from controlled burns, so the aesthetic value of scenic and recreational areas is also enhanced. Particularly when well-planned patchy burns are prescribed and the top story of vegetation is preserved, the resulting visual contrasts are pleasing to the eye.    1 
 1. The passage suggests that

A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.
E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.

2 
 2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes. 
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.

3 
 3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.

800gal · Accepted Answer

Passage Mapping -
Paragraph 1 - Main Idea (Introduction to Prescribed Burning as a way to mitigate wildfires) 
Paragraph 2 - Main Idea ( Additional benefits of Prescribed Burning other than wildfire mitigation like aesthetics, pest control etc)

Question 1:
1. The passage suggests that
( CR + RC ---> Inference / Must Be true)
A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.

Nope, cannot find any support for this conclusion.

B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.

This can be inferred if we assume that the passage addresses CONCENTRATION OF TREES. But it may or may not be true.

C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.

Not at all. It does mention aesthetic results as a positive effect of Prescribed Burning but not that it should be the main reason to perform Prescribed Burning.

D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.

The passage never states that Prescribed Burning can become uncontrollable. It suggests quite the opposite.

E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.

YES! Supported by passage 1 "...and logging practices can exacerbate conditions when unsellable lumber debris is scattered or, worse still for firefighters, piled and abandoned." Logging Practices can be logically performed by Logging Companies. Current practices by logging companies are suggested to be the reason for current catastrophic wildfires. CORRECT!

Question 2

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?
(This can be answered by glancing at the passage map)

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.

This is a part of Paragraph 2, not the main idea/ function of the paragraph.

B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.

No. In fact this is hinted at in Paragraph 1.

C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.

Yes. Paragraph 2 expands on the need for Prescribed Burning by giving additional benefits for the practice other than controlling wildfires. CORRECT

D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.

No. There is an underlying tone of persuading the reader on the benefits of the practice, however not specifically to homeowners/area residents.

E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.

This is a part of paragraph 2 and not the function of the whole paragraph.

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?
(Classic CR + RC mashup ---> Strengthen)

Here the premise would be " Despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics" and the conclusion would be "prescribed burns are necessary in (homeowners') areas".
The underlying assumption would be --> The homeowner's benefit from prescribed burning in some other significant way.

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.

Protecting seed trees and eliminating ground debris hints at aesthetic management. However this may or may not impact homeowners.

B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.

Trees that need to be preserved may or may not impact homeowners and their homes per say. What if they don't really care for preservation ? Too many piling assumptions.

C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.

This addresses logging businesses being impacted and not homeowners.

D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.

So if nothing holds back advancing wildfires, it can affect homeowners by burning their houses down? This does affect them and give them a reason to contend that prescribed burning is NECESSARY despite the reduction in air quality + aesthetics) - CORRECT

E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.

So P.B won't effect seed fall of the dominant species. Direct impact on homeowners? Maybe. Maybe Not.

mendax · Answer

The passage is about the benefits of the prescribed burns. The first paragraph introduces the concept of prescribed burns whereas the second paragraph explains the benefits from prescribed burns.

1. The passage suggests that

A.  homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live. 
B.  prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated. 
C.  aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning. 
D.  because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns. 
  E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.  -This should be answer

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
 C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns. 
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes. 
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
 D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires. 
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.

Pankaj0901 · Answer

Answer:
1. E
2. C
3. D

1. The passage suggests that
 
A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.
 Passage doesn't suggest this. 
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.
 Nothing like this is mentioned. 
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.
 There is no such guiding principle mentioned in the passage. 
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.
 Passage doesn't mention about the situation pertaining to uncontrolled burns. 
E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.
 Correct. From the first line of the passage: Unmaintained areas of contiguous stands of forest are particularly vulnerable to hard-to-control wildfires, and logging practices can exacerbate conditions when unsellable lumber debris is scattered or, worse still for firefighters, piled and abandoned

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.
 The second paragraph lays out the benefits of prescribed burning. Only option C summarizes the function of the second passage.

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.
 Only option D specifies the danger associated with not having prescribed fire. If piles of deadwood are not burned off, then it could cause wildfires. All other options are too specific to situations that are not relevant and are less likely to convince homeowners about the necessity of prescribed burns.

Gaudapada · Answer

1. The passage suggests that :

A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.  
No where in the passage does the author make any prescriptive claims about where the homeowners should build their homes.

B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.  
The author does not mention any other terrain. The passage focuses on forest fires only.

C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.  
While the author does mention aesthetic benefits in the second paragraph, they never allude to it being a guiding principle. It is only an auxiliary benefit.

D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.  
Author neither mentions evacuations, nor the possibility of prescribed burns becoming uncontrolled burns. The author only mentions the positive aspects of prescribed burns

E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.  
Author mentions the exacerbating conditions when unsellable lumber is scattered or piled and abandoned. Hence the danger of a catastrophic wildfire would be mitigated if careful practices were followed

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.  
While this is mentioned in the second paragraph, it does not serve as the main function. It is only an example of a practical result.

B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.  
No mentions of safety considerations are made in the second paragraph. There isn't even a mention of humans so this option can be ruled out.

C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.  
This option is correct. Take a look at the first line-  "The practical results of prescribed burns go well beyond fire control and mitigation of damage caused by wildfire to businesses and personal investments in increasingly populated forest areas." . We can see that this closely fits our answer.

D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.  
As with option B, There is no mention of humans at all. No arguments are made which would resemble persuasion. Only further benefits of prescribed burning are provided.

E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.  
A catalog is a list of items. No such list is presented. The passage mentions that certain species would benefit but this only serves as a benefit of prescribed burns, further strengthening   C

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.  
We are looking for an argument that would offer some benefit to the homeowners who are inconvenienced by the prescribed burns. Hence we need a selfish motive/ advantage towards the homeowner. This option does not fit.

B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.

C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.  
This would convince the loggers, but not necessarily the homeowners. Hence it is ruled out.

D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.  
The argument clearly presents a threat to the homeowner in the form of advancing wildfires and also the benefit of prescribed fires in dealing with this threat. Hence it is correct.

E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.  
This is irrelevant to the homeowner.

ash124 · Answer

Understand the passage and try to create a map:

1st para : how partial burn can reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire
2nd para : Other advantages of partial burning

1. The passage suggests that 
 let's visit each option and try to identify it from the passage 
A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.
 It is not said in the passage 
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.
 Nowhere grassland or coastal plain is mentioned 
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.
 Just mentioned in the 2nd paragraph but not the main crux 
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.
 It is just saying the opposite 
E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.
 We can infer from the 1st paragraph.

Answer E 
 
 2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
 It does say that but not the main function of 2nd para .
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
 Not the only thing 
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.
 Yes, It further supports the 1st para. 
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes. 
 Not talking about the area residents. 
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.
 It does say that but not the main function of 2nd para.

Answer C

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
 nothing much for homeowners 
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
 nothing much for homeowners 
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
 does pile affect the homeowners 
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.
 advancing wildfires can affect homeowners
correct answer 
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species
 nothing much for homeowners

Answer D

Acme · Answer

1. The passage suggests that

A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live. – Incorrect : The passage doesn’t mention anything about homeowners 
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated. – Incorrect: there is no mention about the specific areas in relation to prescribed burns
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning. –Incorrect : This was given as one of the benefit in second passage not as the guiding principle
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns. –Incorrect : The evacuation is not mentioned in the passage
E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire --  Correct 
2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.—Incorrect : the second para is about various adv of prescribed burning not specific to the above
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe. .—Incorrect : the second para is about various adv of prescribed burning not specific to the above
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns. --  Correct 
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.—Incorrect: this is not the function of the second passage
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.-- .—Incorrect : the second para is about various adv of prescribed burning not specific to the above

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.—Incorrect : This doesn’t provide any relation/adv to the homeowners agreeing to the pres burning
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation. .—Incorrect : This doesn’t provide any relation/adv to the homeowners agreeing to the pres burning. This is more on such tress in the forests
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.-- .—Incorrect : This doesn’t provide any relation/adv to the homeowners agreeing to the pres burning
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.--  COrrect 
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.-- .—Incorrect : This doesn’t explain any usefulness to the homeowners agreement on the pres burning

c93liu · Answer

Q1 - my answer is E)

A) - This is rather extreme, and wildfire damage mitigation for personal investments is a key reason to have prescribed burns. 
B) - We only know about the need and added benefits of prescribed burns in forests. No information was provided about other places.
C) - We only know that aesthetic results are an added benefit of prescribed burns (in paragraph 2). We do not know if these results should be the guiding principle - rather, it seems like what mentioned in paragraph 1 about fire control and damage mitigation are the key guiding principles.
D) - There is no mention of evacuations prior to prescribed burns.
E) - Yes, this seems to be implied from paragraph 1. We know that uncareful logging practices could exacerbate wildfire situations, so the opposite side to this (i.e., careful practices) could reduce the danger.

Q2 - my answer is C)
2nd paragraph clearly expands on paragraph 1 for additional benefits of prescribed burns on top of the necessity for fire control and damage mitigation.

A) - Although both are mentioned in paragraph 2, they are merely mentioned as examples of the additional benefits. This choice is too much about the details but not the function of paragraph 2 (also, the aesthetics aspect is completely missing from this choice).
B) - There is no mention of this whatsoever in paragraph 2. Irrelevant.
C) - Yes, this matches with our initial thoughts above.
D) - Persuasion of business and residents are not mentioned in paragraph 2.
E) - Catalogues of plant and animal species are not mentioned in paragraph 2.

Q3 - my answer is D)

A) - Hard to see how this argument would convince a homeowner. This choice seems to describe environmental benefits (seed trees), but not sure how this is relevant to a homeowner.
B) - First off this seems to be again environmental concerns. Secondly, this option seems to describe a potential downside to prescribed burns.
C) - Not sure again how this is relevant to a homeowner.
D) - Yes, wildfire damage mitigation is a key benefit to prescribed burns, as described at the beginning of paragraph 2.
E) - Again, not sure how this is relevant to a homeowner.

snscatter · Answer

1. The passage suggests that
 
A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live. –  No, The tone of the passage is not to demotivate anyone from buying a place near forested areas. Nowhere in the passage we find a reference for this statement. 
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated. --  No, the passage doesn't mention anything about where these "Unmaintained areas of contiguous stands of forest" are found.  
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning. –  No. Passage surely mentions aesthetic results as one of the benefits of prescribed burning, but it doesn’t state it as the guiding principle. 
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns. –  No. We cannot find a reference for this statement in the passage. 
E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire. –  Yes, referring to the 1st line of the passage we can say that if logging practices are improved, they would not exacerbate conditions.

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?
 
A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity. –  No, it does explain that but that is not the sole/main point. 
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe. –  No, the 2nd para talks about benefits of prescribed burning 
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns. –  Yes, that is what the second paragraph does.  
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes. –  No, we can’t find a reference for this statement in the passage 
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns. –  No, the para does include that but it is not the sole/main point

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?
 
A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris. --  No, although this choice means to say that flora/fauna of the nearby area will be preserved but option D is more convincing as it talks about how prescribed burning can prevent any danger to people’s lives because of wildfires 
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation. –  No, this doesn’t help strengthen the case for prescribed burning 
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area. –  No, this doesn’t help strengthen the case for prescribed burning because it talks about piling wood instead of prescribed burning technique 
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires. –  Yes, if such prescribed burns can help prevent wildfires in future then this could convince the homeowners 
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species. – No, although this choice means to ensure that flora/fauna of the nearby area will be preserved but option D is more convincing as it talks about how prescribed burning can prevent any danger to people’s lives because of wildfires

Catman · Answer

The passage explains that how the prescribed burning can help to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. In the second paragraph the author explains the additional benefits prescribed burning will provide.
 
 1. The passage suggests that

A.  homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.  Preference for homeowner is not mentioned in the passage, so out of scope.
B.  prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.  There is no mention whether prescribed burns are effective or not for these areas. Hence eliminate.
C.  aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning . The author mentions the aesthetic results in the last paragraph but it is beyond the practical results of prescribed burning hence aesthetic results cannot be the guiding principle.
D.  because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.  Author has not mentioned that before the prescribed burns the evacuation should happen or not. Hence eliminate. 
E.  careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.  In the first passage the author states that the "logging practices can exacerbate conditions when unsellable lumber debris is scattered or, worse still for firefighters, piled and abandoned" thus careful practices from them will reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

Second paragraph provides the additional information (benefits) needed to support the author argument about the prescribed burns, and author mentions in the passage that "The practical results of prescribed burns go well beyond fire control ..."

A.   It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.  Author explains the other benefits also like aesthetic values.
B.  It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe . Author only explains the additional benefits to support the arguments given in the first passage.
C.  It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.  Clearly the author's position is to support the information provided in the first passage. 
D.  It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes . No author only provides the additional benefits of the prescribed burns, and not persuading the residents.
E.  It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns . No mention of catalogues of plants or animals.

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

For this any benefit of prescribed burns will be directly helping the homeowners whose house are near the areas of prescribed burns so that they can compromise on temporary decline in air quality and aesthetics. In this we are looking for a positive argument. Another point is we have to select option which is not mentioned in the passage.

A.  Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.  Already mentioned in the second paragraph of the passage, hence eliminate.
B.  Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation . Negative argument and it will not convince the homeowner, hence eliminate.
C.  Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.   This will not help the house owners hence eliminate.
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.  Also mentions in the last lines of 1st paragraph hence correct as it will clearly help the house owners. 
E.  Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species . It is related to seeds and not to home owners hence incorrect.

rvgmat12 · Answer

1. The passage suggests that

A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.
Incorrect. This is not suggested by the passage

B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.
Incorrect

C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.
Incorrect

D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.

E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.
Correct. It is mentioned that improper logging practices exacerbate the problem of wildlife

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
Too narrow. Eliminate

B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
No. Eliminate

C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.
Correct

D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.
No, it describes the various benefits

E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.
No, this is too narrow

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
Out of scope. Not mentioned

B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
Incorrect. Not strong enough to persuade

C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
Incorrect. Not strong enough to persuade

D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.
Correct

E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.
Out of scope. Not mentioned

Posted from my mobile device

zyt · Answer

Question 1 :
The passage suggests that
A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.
 24]E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire r].

Explanation:
A. The passage does not mainly concern with place to live, so is incorrect.
B. No mention about grassland or coastal plain areas or trees concentration, so is incorrect.
C. Aesthetic results though mention as one of the benefits is not the main guiding principle, so is incorrect.
D. Evacuation is not per se mentioned as a prerequisite.
E. careful practices such as prescribed burning do reduce the danger of wildfires,,,so is the correct answer.

Question 2: 
What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?
A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
 C.  It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.  
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.

A. The second para enumerates the various benefits of prescribed burns apart from control of catastrophic wild fire, including control of pests among others. So, is incorrect.
B. It doesn't describe the condition, it concentrates on benefits, so is incorrect.
C. This correctly describes the goal of second para.
D. It describes benefits but not just to the residents, so is incorrect.
E. It doesn't catalogue the plant and animal species, so is incorrect.

Q uestion 3:  Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?
A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
 D . If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.  
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.

A. Not the most important factor for convincing the home owners.
B. Not the most important factor for convincing the home owners.
C. Logging businesses may not the primary concern of the home owners.
D. Advancing wild fires are a great concern to home owners nearby so this is the correct answer.
E. Dominant species not the most important concern for home owners

SomeOneUnique · Answer

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

EXPLANATION: The second paragraph is written to highlight practical results which are positive.  
A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity. => Although second passage mentions prescribed burns control pests' but that is not the function of second passage.  INCORRECT 
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe. => Second passage does not describe any conditions. It gives results.  INCORRECT 
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns. Perfect - inline with the explanation.  CORRECT 
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes. => Passage does not mention anything regarding residents.  INCORRECT 
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns. => Towards the end of the passage, second para does mention unwanted animal species and vegetation but that is not the purpose to write the second para.  INCORRECT

akash2703 · Answer

Para 1- Unmaintained forests can cause uncontrolled wildfires. To avoid long wildfires, prescribed burning is suggested as a step by step process.
Para 2- Explained the benefits caused by the prescribed burning. Two benefits - 1) Increase in biodiversity2) The value of the scenic beauty also increase 3) Keep a check on pests and plant diseases

Question1 - OA - E

A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.
 
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.
 
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.
 
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.
 
E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.

Question2 - OA- C

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
 
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
 
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.
 
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.
 
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.

Question 3 - OA - D

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
 
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
 
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
 
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.
 
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.

RohitSaluja · Answer

Here is my analysis for all three questions

The answer to Q1. is E and below is the reasoning:
A. There is no mention of what areas should homeowner select or avoid while choosing a place to live, so eliminate 
B. There is no comparison or mention of anything as grassland or a coastal area, so eliminate 
C. Although the passage mentions in the second paragraph that "aesthetic value of scenic and recreational areas is also enhanced" but that is not what the guiding principle should be, the principal is more towards safety stand point of view, so eliminate 
D. Nowhere in the passage anything related to evacuation is mentioned, so eliminate
E. This is is the last one and lets us hope we like this, the passage mentions that "unmaintained logging practices can exacerbate conditions", so if careful practice is followed, it can reduce the risk,  hence this is the correct answer

The second paragraph starts with "The practical results of prescribed burns go well beyond fire". The keywords here are "go well beyond". So this tells us that it is providing support for the prescribed burning practice. Now with this pre-thinking let us look at the answer choices

A. This is only half-truth, the second passage does mention this but that is not the only intent of second passage, hence eliminate
B. No, nothing of that sort is mentioned
C. Bingo, this totally aligns with our pre-thinking, and  this is the correct answer  
D. Nope nowhere any persuasion is done 
E. Nope that is not the function of the passage

We have to lend support to the idea towards "prescribed burn" practice, and as it was mentioned in the first passage that deadwood exacerbate the conditions of wildfire, option D here tell us that if not burned, it hinders the construction of fire lines to hold wildfires, hence if added to the passage it supports the idea of "prescribed burn" hence  D  is the correct answer choice.

neutronstar · Answer

ktzsikka · Answer

1. The passage suggests that

A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.  no mention of homeowners in passage 
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.  no mention of grasslands/coastal plains in passage 
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.  incorrect inference that too with limited scope 
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns. no mention of evacuation in passage 
  E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.   suggested in passage

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.  limited scope 
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.  no such mention 
  C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.   suggested in passage  
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.  no such mention 
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.  limited scope

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.  could be true but C seems to be better choice 
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.  contradiction of our answer 
  C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.   this will positively convince the homeowners  
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.  bit out of scope 
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.  bit out of scope

singhaz · Answer

Unmaintained areas of contiguous stands of forest are particularly vulnerable to hard-to-control wildfires, and logging practices can exacerbate conditions when unsellable lumber debris is scattered or, worse still for firefighters, piled and abandoned. Prescribed burning, carried out with careful consideration for air quality and the potential for runoff of ash into streams and lakes, need not occur yearly nor need the area be completely burned. Once maintenance is established and assuming normal rainfall patterns, a partial burn every three to four years will prevent fuel continuity, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Once previous burns have decreased available deadwood fuel, foresters may employ patchy burns, leaving stands of unburned vegetation in the midst of treated areas rather than allowing the fire to progress to full coverage of the area.

Summary: Forest areas which are not maintained properly are vulnerable to wildfires. when unsellable debris is left to scatters & get piled after Process of logging, this further increase problems for firfighters . Prescribed burning after considering air quality and rainfall patterns etc are carried out to prevent catastrophic wildfires. Once deadwood which acts as fuel is decreases, foresters employ patchy burns which leave stands of unburned vegetation and stops fire to progress further.

The practical results of prescribed burns go well beyond fire control and mitigation of damage caused by wildfire to businesses and personal investments in increasingly populated forest areas. After well-managed burns, biodiversity increases because of the destruction of fast-growing species that would otherwise monopolize resources, crowding out other plants and decreasing available varieties of habitat. One category of unwanted species, in particular, is kept in check by prescribed burns: such pests as insects and plant diseases. In addition, species that are fire dependent for propagation benefit from controlled burns, so the aesthetic value of scenic and recreational areas is also enhanced. Particularly when well-planned patchy burns are prescribed and the top story of vegetation is preserved, the resulting visual contrasts are pleasing to the eye.

Summary: Prescribed burning also has other benefits such as increasing biodiversity by destroying fast growing species. Fire dependent species also gets benefit. Visual contrast also increase.

1. The passage suggests that

A. homeowners should avoid forested areas when choosing a place to live.
B. prescribed burns are not needed in grassland or coastal plain areas where trees are not concentrated.
C. aesthetic results should be the guiding principle of prescribed burning.
D. because prescribed burns can become uncontrolled burns, evacuation of affected areas should precede any prescribed burns.
E. careful practices by logging companies would reduce the danger of catastrophic wildfire.
logging practices can exacerbate conditions when unsellable lumber debris is scattered or, worse still for firefighters, piled and abandoned

2. What function does the second paragraph perform in the passage?

A. It explains that prescribed burns control pests and increase biodiversity.
B. It describes conditions under which prescribed burns may safely be carried out so foresters and area residents remain safe.
C. It presents benefits of prescribed burns, thus adding a further argument to the need for prescribed burns.
Passage B clearly talks about prescribed burns benefits.
D. It persuades area residents to allow prescribed burns near their businesses and homes.
E. It catalogues the plant and animal species that benefit from prescribed burns.

3. Which statement below, if added to the passage, would most likely convince homeowners whose houses are near the areas of prescribed burns to agree that such burns are necessary, despite the temporary declines in air quality and aesthetics?

A. Well-managed burns protect seed trees while eliminating ground debris.
B. Burning at a time of high winds and warm temperatures risks greater scorch damage to trees marked for preservation.
C. Logging businesses can pile unsellable wood so that it is less of a hindrance to tractor plows working the area.
D. If not burned off, piles of deadwood hinder the construction of fire lines that hold back advancing wildfires.
So it means, eventually there will be a wildfire which is going to be more dangerous.
E. Prescribed burns are usually carried out several weeks before seed fall of the dominant species.

VerbalBot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club VerbalBot: 

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

 This post was generated automatically.

Unmaintained areas of contiguous stands of forest are particularly

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Unmaintained areas of contiguous stands of forest are particularly

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards