Question

Use the passage to answer the question.

Improvements can be made to buildings and towns to help contain fires. Houses should
have sprinklers, steel frames, strong glass, and fire-resistant roofs. In addition,
residents must avoid having vegetation near their homes, because sparks can fly
between trees or shrubs and houses. Towns and counties must build firebreaks,
whether those are roads or just wide strips of bare land. They must make sure that
there are good emergency routes for evacuations.
Which piece of evidence, would strengthen the argument that improvements can be made?
(1 point)

Answer 1

Providing statistical data on fire-resistant construction efficacy, historical examples of how past building improvements have made a positive impact, and expert reasoning about fire-containment design features are ways to strengthen the argument for improvements to buildings and towns for fire containment.

Step-by-step explanation:

To strengthen the argument that improvements can be made to buildings and towns to help contain fires, one could provide evidence that encompasses historical examples, statistical data, and expert reasoning. An effective piece of evidence might include statistics that showcase the efficacy of fire-resistant construction, like less damage after a fire or fewer fatalities. A historical example such as the shift from wooden to brick and steel structures following tragic fires in the past would highlight how building improvements can lead to positive outcomes. Additionally, reasoning from fire safety experts or engineers explaining how certain design features can contain fires would serve as logical and practical evidence.

For instance, referring to the introduction of firebreaks and their success in containing fires, or mentioning the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to stricter building standards could provide the needed evidence. Exemplification of these measures with clear results, such as a decrease in urban fires or an improved response by fire services because of better infrastructure, would demonstrate the potential for such improvements.

Answer 2

Improvements such as sprinklers, steel frames, fire-resistant roofs, and firebreaks, as well as avoiding vegetation near homes, can help contain fires.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Houses should have sprinklers, steel frames, strong glass, and fire-resistant roofs to help contain fires. These improvements can prevent the spread of fire and protect the structure of the building.
2. Residents must avoid having vegetation near their homes because sparks can easily ignite dry vegetation and transfer the fire to the house.
3. Towns and counties must build firebreaks and ensure good emergency routes for evacuations. Firebreaks, such as roads or wide strips of bare land, can prevent the fire from spreading further and provide a safe escape route for residents.

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