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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
D. Strong ocean currents in the past twelve months have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
Moderator Update: Answer choice D modified from "this year" to "past twelve months"
_________________
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
D. Strong ocean currents in the past twelve months have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
Moderator Update: Answer choice D modified from "this year" to "past twelve months"
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Bunuel
GMAT Club Official Explanation:
Correct Answer: D. Strong ocean currents in the past twelve months have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
Option D provides the reason for why environmental scientists might hesitate to declare the bans on single-use plastics ineffective. If unusual ocean currents have affected the distribution of plastic debris, this would explain why there hasn’t been a noticeable decrease in waste on beaches year over year and thus why the scientist felt the ban was not ineffective.
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
This is the opposite answer choice from what we are looking for. This would make the paradox worse. Lots of plastics production has been reduced and yet we are seeing no results year over year. Bans are clearly not working unless there is an explanation but this choice does not explain why the same amount of plastics is washing up. Eliminate it.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
If the amount of plastic waste produced annual varies, why has the same amount washing out on the beaches? Also, why would the scientist feel that the bans were not ineffective if the results were inconclusive? What would be the basiss of their judgement? This answer choice is a contender but it is incomplete and we should try to find a better one as this one leaves too many gaps.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This answer choice similar to A does not address why the same amount of plastics is washing up on the beaches, and why despite the same amount washing up, scientists felt their ban was effective.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
As is, E) does not explain the paradox: 1) constant levels of waste washing up year over year and 2) why the scientists felt the ban was not ineffective.
In the passage, scientists are measuring the ban effectiveness with the plastic debris washing up, and they are not seeing any difference year over year. E) does not explain why the amount of plastic washing up is constant despite the ban (source) which should have reduced the input. Plastic clearly did not decompose (duh) but the amount of plastics should have reduced year over year if the bans were working (it is implied in the question that a reduction was expected).
Note that E) does not mean that plastics take hundreds of years to wash ashore or that there is a delay in banning and seeing results for hundreds of years. Decomposing was never a solution to reduce plastic waste - banning it was.
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General Discussion
Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
conc:
Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year.
ans:
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
conc:
Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year.
ans:
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
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The fact is the redictoyof production of single use plastics which has significantly reduced in most countries, this provides strongest support to the scientist observation.
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Bunuel
Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
okay for argument to stand but on lines of conclusion of scientist claim
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
irrelvant
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
this is true to argument but does not strengthen scientist claim ..
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
correct option , that the ban has been valid , but due to strong currents more debris came to shore
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
irrelvant
OPTION D is correct
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Type of question : Strengthen
Scenario: Plastic found during beach cleanup last year is same as previous years.
Hence Bans are ineffective.
Pre-thinking: What if already existing plastic(floating there since many years) from oceans came to the beach.Maybe due to some cyclone or something.
A. Talks about production stop, we never know how much is already produced & stocked.
Ambiguous hence out.
B. Waste varies>> doesn't impact.Out
C. Similar to A. Out
D. Goes with our pre-thinking.
Correct Ans. D
E. Plastic decomeses late.
Come-on tell me something relevant!! Bad choice
E.
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Scenario: Plastic found during beach cleanup last year is same as previous years.
Hence Bans are ineffective.
Pre-thinking: What if already existing plastic(floating there since many years) from oceans came to the beach.Maybe due to some cyclone or something.
A. Talks about production stop, we never know how much is already produced & stocked.
Ambiguous hence out.
B. Waste varies>> doesn't impact.Out
C. Similar to A. Out
D. Goes with our pre-thinking.
Correct Ans. D
E. Plastic decomeses late.
Come-on tell me something relevant!! Bad choice
E.
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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. [doesn't explain the paradox]
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.[doesn't explain the paradox]
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. [doesn't explain the paradox]
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual. [This explains it! Maybe that's why we are seeing this amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches]
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing. [ But this doesn't explain consistent volume of plastic waste and environmental scientist's stance]
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. [doesn't explain the paradox]
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.[doesn't explain the paradox]
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. [doesn't explain the paradox]
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual. [This explains it! Maybe that's why we are seeing this amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches]
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing. [ But this doesn't explain consistent volume of plastic waste and environmental scientist's stance]
To determine which statement would provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the finding that beach plastic waste has not decreased despite bans on single-use plastics, we need to understand why scientists might not consider the bans ineffective.
Let's analyze each option:
(A) The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
While this indicates a reduction in production, it doesn't explain why the volume of beach plastic waste remains the same despite the bans.
(B) The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This statement suggests variability in plastic waste production but does not address the specific issue of why beach plastic waste hasn't decreased despite the bans.
(C) Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This supports the implementation of bans but doesn't explain why the amount of beach plastic waste remains unchanged.
(D) Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This provides a plausible reason why the volume of plastic debris on beaches has not decreased. It suggests that external factors, such as unusual ocean currents, could have increased the amount of plastic waste washing up on beaches, regardless of the bans.
(E) Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This explains why existing plastic waste might still be present in the environment but doesn't address the impact of current bans on new waste.
The statement that would provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings is:
(D) Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This explanation suggests that the observed consistent volume of plastic debris on beaches could be due to natural variations in ocean currents, which could temporarily mask the effects of the bans on reducing new plastic waste.
Answer: D
Let's analyze each option:
(A) The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
While this indicates a reduction in production, it doesn't explain why the volume of beach plastic waste remains the same despite the bans.
(B) The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This statement suggests variability in plastic waste production but does not address the specific issue of why beach plastic waste hasn't decreased despite the bans.
(C) Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This supports the implementation of bans but doesn't explain why the amount of beach plastic waste remains unchanged.
(D) Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This provides a plausible reason why the volume of plastic debris on beaches has not decreased. It suggests that external factors, such as unusual ocean currents, could have increased the amount of plastic waste washing up on beaches, regardless of the bans.
(E) Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This explains why existing plastic waste might still be present in the environment but doesn't address the impact of current bans on new waste.
The statement that would provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings is:
(D) Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This explanation suggests that the observed consistent volume of plastic debris on beaches could be due to natural variations in ocean currents, which could temporarily mask the effects of the bans on reducing new plastic waste.
Answer: D
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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
Line of thought => So there must be some another reason for a spike in plastics getting to beaches from ocean
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. => So? doesn't help us in any way
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year. => Irrelevant!!, doesn't help in reasoning of "increase"
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. => So> doesn't help us in any way
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual. => This is the reason we are looking for!, answer
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing. => True, but this doesn't tell that they come to beaches!
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
Line of thought => So there must be some another reason for a spike in plastics getting to beaches from ocean
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. => So? doesn't help us in any way
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year. => Irrelevant!!, doesn't help in reasoning of "increase"
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. => So> doesn't help us in any way
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual. => This is the reason we are looking for!, answer
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing. => True, but this doesn't tell that they come to beaches!
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Bunuel
Should be D
Premise: the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased
Conclusion: these bans are ineffective
Goal: find a statement that explains the premise and shows that the premise may not lead to the conclusion validly.
A. this option doesn't link back to the premise. Irrelevant.
B. this option does not show any concrete impact. Out.
C. we aren't concerned with the regulations imposed by other countries. Irrelevant.
D. This provides a valid explanation that why the fact that the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased does not necessarily suggest that the bans are ineffective.
E. We are not concerned with the plastic persistence. Irrelevant.
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IMO - D
Question type - find the paradox
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. //Eliminate- Actually this option creates more doubt about the effectiveness of the ban if ban was implemented well then plastic on the shore should have reduced.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year. // Eliminate - As this against gives no reason why scientists believe ban is effective.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. //Eliminate- Actually this option creates more doubt about the effectiveness of the ban if ban was implemented well then plastic on the shore should have reduced.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.// Correct perfectly fits the situation.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.// Eliminate - Irrelevant because does not provide the reason if ban is effective or not.
Question type - find the paradox
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. //Eliminate- Actually this option creates more doubt about the effectiveness of the ban if ban was implemented well then plastic on the shore should have reduced.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year. // Eliminate - As this against gives no reason why scientists believe ban is effective.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. //Eliminate- Actually this option creates more doubt about the effectiveness of the ban if ban was implemented well then plastic on the shore should have reduced.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.// Correct perfectly fits the situation.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.// Eliminate - Irrelevant because does not provide the reason if ban is effective or not.
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
While this statement suggests that the bans might have been effective in reducing production, it does not address why the volume of plastic debris on beaches has not decreased.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This statement suggests variability in production but does not directly explain the consistent volume of plastic waste found on beaches.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This supports the idea that efforts are being made to reduce plastic waste, but like option A, it does not explain why the beach debris volume has not changed.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This provides a direct explanation for the observed data. It suggests that external factors, such as ocean currents, could be responsible for the consistent volume of plastic waste on beaches, irrespective of the bans on single-use plastics.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
While this highlights the long-lasting nature of plastic waste, it does not explain the observed year-to-year consistency in beach debris volume in light of recent bans.
While this statement suggests that the bans might have been effective in reducing production, it does not address why the volume of plastic debris on beaches has not decreased.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This statement suggests variability in production but does not directly explain the consistent volume of plastic waste found on beaches.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This supports the idea that efforts are being made to reduce plastic waste, but like option A, it does not explain why the beach debris volume has not changed.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This provides a direct explanation for the observed data. It suggests that external factors, such as ocean currents, could be responsible for the consistent volume of plastic waste on beaches, irrespective of the bans on single-use plastics.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
While this highlights the long-lasting nature of plastic waste, it does not explain the observed year-to-year consistency in beach debris volume in light of recent bans.
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Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year.
Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
Incorrect
Correct
The statement contains no additional information
Incorrect
Incorrect
Incorrect
IMO B
Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
Quote:
The argument is NOT concerned with reduction in production of single-use plastics OVER THE PAST DECADE but is concerned with past year and previous year only.
Incorrect
Quote:
If the amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year, then it is possible that plastic waste was generated in larger amounts past year compared to the previous year and despite the ban, resulting in less usage of single-use plastic, the consistent volume of plastic waste was found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year.
Correct
Quote:
It is already mentioned in the argument that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased.
The statement contains no additional information
Incorrect
Quote:
The argument is NOT concerned with reduction in disposal of single-use plastics debris THIS YEAR but is concerned with past year and previous year only.
Incorrect
Quote:
The statement DOES NOT provide reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings. Even if plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing, it can not explain the fact that despite the ban on single-use plastics, the consistent volume of plastic waste was found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year.
Incorrect
IMO B
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Bunuel
Analysing every option:
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
This option suggests that the production of single-use plastics has decreased, which is a positive step towards reducing plastic waste. However, it doesn't directly address why the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. It doesn't take into account the persistence of plastic waste that is already in the environment.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This option implies that the annual production of plastic waste is inconsistent, which might affect the amount of plastic debris found on beaches each year. However, it doesn't directly explain why the bans on single-use plastics have not resulted in a decrease in plastic waste washing up on beaches. Variability in production alone doesn't account for the persistence and accumulation of existing waste.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This option highlights the recent implementation of strict regulations, which should theoretically reduce plastic waste in the future. However, like option A, it doesn't address the persistence of existing plastic waste in the environment and why immediate effects of these bans are not observed in the amount of debris washing up on beaches.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This option suggests that unusual ocean currents have brought more plastic debris to beaches this year. While this could explain a temporary increase in plastic waste on beaches, it doesn't address the overall persistence of plastic waste in the environment or the long-term effectiveness of single-use plastic bans.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This option provides the most comprehensive explanation. It acknowledges that even though efforts to reduce single-use plastics are in place, the plastic waste already present in the ocean can persist for a very long time. This long-term persistence means that the immediate effects of the bans may not be visible because the existing waste continues to wash up on beaches. It aligns with the scientists' reaction, as they recognize that the effectiveness of the bans cannot be judged solely on short-term observations of beach cleanups.
Therefore, E provides the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings.
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(A) The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
While this indicates a reduction in production, it doesn't address why the amount of plastic debris on beaches hasn't decreased.
(B) The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This information about annual variation does not directly explain why the volume of plastic waste on beaches hasn't decreased despite the bans.
(C) Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This provides context for the bans but does not explain why the amount of debris on beaches remains unchanged.
(D) Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This offers a clear explanation for the persistent volume of plastic debris: the increase in debris washing up on beaches could be due to strong ocean currents rather than the ineffectiveness of the bans.
(E) Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This highlights the longevity of plastic waste but doesn't directly address the unchanged volume of new plastic debris on beaches after the bans.
Ans D
While this indicates a reduction in production, it doesn't address why the amount of plastic debris on beaches hasn't decreased.
(B) The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This information about annual variation does not directly explain why the volume of plastic waste on beaches hasn't decreased despite the bans.
(C) Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This provides context for the bans but does not explain why the amount of debris on beaches remains unchanged.
(D) Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This offers a clear explanation for the persistent volume of plastic debris: the increase in debris washing up on beaches could be due to strong ocean currents rather than the ineffectiveness of the bans.
(E) Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This highlights the longevity of plastic waste but doesn't directly address the unchanged volume of new plastic debris on beaches after the bans.
Ans D
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Option A
Conclusion- environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
find a premise to support that ban is working......
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. -Yes, if volume is less then over time it will reduce....
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year. - uhmm not support
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. - Ok, how is it supporting the global scale tho?
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual. - ok, but there was also plastic in beachside cleaning too....
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing - not really helpful tbh
Conclusion- environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
find a premise to support that ban is working......
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade. -Yes, if volume is less then over time it will reduce....
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year. - uhmm not support
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years. - Ok, how is it supporting the global scale tho?
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual. - ok, but there was also plastic in beachside cleaning too....
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing - not really helpful tbh
Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade: It doesn't address the persistence of existing plastic waste.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year: can be true but doesn't give a reason for the scientist's reaction
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years: a part of the premise but doesn't give a reason for the scientist's reaction
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual: explains the reason why the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year but but doesn't give a reason for the scientist's reaction
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing: explains the reason why the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year and gives a reason for the scientist's reaction
Ans E
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade: It doesn't address the persistence of existing plastic waste.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year: can be true but doesn't give a reason for the scientist's reaction
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years: a part of the premise but doesn't give a reason for the scientist's reaction
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual: explains the reason why the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year but but doesn't give a reason for the scientist's reaction
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing: explains the reason why the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year and gives a reason for the scientist's reaction
Ans E
Recent studies show that despite global efforts to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastics, the amount of plastic debris washing up on beaches has not decreased. Evidence of this is the consistent volume of plastic waste found during beach cleanups over the past year compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, environmental scientists have not concluded that these bans are ineffective.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
We already know this information.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
Irrelevant.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
We already know this. Nothing new.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
Irrelevant.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
My answer is E . Gives us alternate reason why the volume of single use plastic is consistent.
Which of the following would, if true, provide the strongest reason for the scientists' reaction to the findings?
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
We already know this information.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
Irrelevant.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
We already know this. Nothing new.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
Irrelevant.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
My answer is E . Gives us alternate reason why the volume of single use plastic is consistent.
ThatIndianGuy
Joined: 18 Mar 2020
Last visit: 09 Apr 2026
Posts: 74
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Technology
WE:General Management (Technology)
Posts: 74
Need to strengthen that ban was effective and be consistent with the findings
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
-this does not talk about the findings related to plastics volume found in ocean. only talks about that ban has resulted in low production of single use plastics. What if there is already a huge inventory?
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
- does not address
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
- does not address
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
- debris can or cannot contain plastics. limited scope
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
- this shows that even though ban resulted in reducing single use plastics, there is still plastic which is not decomposing and remains there in ocean.
Option E
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
-this does not talk about the findings related to plastics volume found in ocean. only talks about that ban has resulted in low production of single use plastics. What if there is already a huge inventory?
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
- does not address
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
- does not address
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
- debris can or cannot contain plastics. limited scope
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
- this shows that even though ban resulted in reducing single use plastics, there is still plastic which is not decomposing and remains there in ocean.
Option E
A. The production of single-use plastics has been significantly reduced in most countries over the past decade.
This suggests that efforts to reduce plastic production are in place, but it doesn't address why the amount of debris washing up on beaches hasn't decreased.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This could explain fluctuations in plastic debris, but it doesn't address why the amount of debris washing up on beaches hasn't decreased.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This indicates that measures are being taken, but it doesn't explain why these measures haven't yet resulted in a decrease in beach debris.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This provides a specific reason for the increased or consistent amount of debris washing up on beaches despite efforts to reduce plastic waste, suggesting that external environmental factors are at play. However this should have lead to increased plastic wash up at the shores.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This explains why existing plastic waste continues to be a problem despite current bans, as past plastic waste is still present and circulating in the environment, and may wash up shore for several years more.
Answer E
This suggests that efforts to reduce plastic production are in place, but it doesn't address why the amount of debris washing up on beaches hasn't decreased.
B. The amount of plastic waste produced annually varies significantly from year to year.
This could explain fluctuations in plastic debris, but it doesn't address why the amount of debris washing up on beaches hasn't decreased.
C. Many countries have implemented strict regulations against the use of single-use plastics in the past few years.
This indicates that measures are being taken, but it doesn't explain why these measures haven't yet resulted in a decrease in beach debris.
D. Strong ocean currents this year have carried more debris to coastal areas than usual.
This provides a specific reason for the increased or consistent amount of debris washing up on beaches despite efforts to reduce plastic waste, suggesting that external environmental factors are at play. However this should have lead to increased plastic wash up at the shores.
E. Plastic waste can persist in the ocean environment for hundreds of years before decomposing.
This explains why existing plastic waste continues to be a problem despite current bans, as past plastic waste is still present and circulating in the environment, and may wash up shore for several years more.
Answer E
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