GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionMedium
A student is reading an online forum discussion about a controversial new city ordinance. User A states, 'This ordinance will destroy local businesses and turn our downtown into a ghost town!' User B responds, 'While there may be some initial adjustments, this ordinance is crucial for long-term urban sustainability and will ultimately attract new, eco-friendly businesses.' How should the student best characterize User A's point of view?
- AObjective and fact-based.
- BAlarmist and overly negative.
- COptimistic and forward-thinking.
- DBalanced and nuanced.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Alarmist and overly negative.
User A uses extreme language ('destroy local businesses,' 'ghost town') to predict dire consequences without presenting specific evidence or acknowledging potential counterarguments. This indicates an alarmist and overly negative perspective, rather than a reasoned or balanced one.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. User A's statement lacks specific facts and uses emotionally charged language, making it subjective rather than objective.
- C. The language 'destroy' and 'ghost town' is the opposite of optimistic.
- D. A balanced view would acknowledge both potential downsides and upsides, which User A does not do.
Point of View: Alarmist
A perspective that deliberately exaggerates dangers or problems to create fear or panic.
- Uses hyperbole and emotionally charged language.
- Often focuses on worst-case scenarios.
- May lack factual evidence or omit mitigating factors.
Memory trick: C.A.M.P. = Critical, Alarmist, Measured, Persuasive