GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningEasy

Text Completion: Cause and Effect: The rapid deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has led to a significant ______ in local rainfall patterns, which in turn exacerbates the risk of wildfires and further threatens biodiversity.

  1. Astabilization
  2. Bamelioration
  3. Cdisruption
  4. Dincrease
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. disruption

The sentence describes deforestation leading to negative consequences like wildfires and threatened biodiversity. A 'disruption' in rainfall patterns logically connects these negative effects.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. A 'stabilization' of rainfall would suggest a positive or neutral outcome, contradicting the negative consequences described.
  • B. An 'amelioration' means an improvement, which is contrary to the negative chain of events described.
  • D. An 'increase' in rainfall would likely mitigate, not exacerbate, wildfires and biodiversity loss.

Cause and Effect

A relationship where one event (the cause) leads to another event (the effect).

  • Identified by signal words like 'because,' 'since,' 'therefore,' 'as a result,' 'leads to.'
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for comprehending logical connections in text.
  • Often forms the basis of scientific and historical explanations.

Memory trick: One thing makes another thing happen, like dominoes falling.

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