Question

(Plastic passage)

Studies suggest that more than 9 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since 1950, more than four times the volume of Mt. Everest, and about 75% of its remains in landfills or has entered the environment as pollution. As a material, plastic has many advantages.
However, it is difficult to recycle because popular single-use and convenience items, such as packaging and water bottles, are low in quality and value when recycled. Part of the magic of plastic is that it seemingly lasts forever. But when it cannot be re-used efficiently, it leads to stark realities like an island of plastic, twice the size of Texas, floating in the Pacific Ocean. Plastic is consumed by fish and birds and is seeping into the air, water, and our food.

Based on evidence from the passage, which of the following is the most likely inference?

o If we increased production of single-use plastic packaging, more plastic would be recycled.
o Most of the plastic that has been produced has been recycled.
o The best thing about plastic is that it is recyclable, a renewable resource.
o Plastic makes life convenient, but its use has so many cons that its use should be reduced.

Answer 1

The passage implies that despite plastic's convenience, its negative environmental impacts, accumulation in landfills, and recycling inefficiency necessitate a reduction in its use.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the evidence from the passage, the most likely inference we can draw is that while plastic makes life convenient, the numerous disadvantages associated with its use, particularly the environmental impacts, suggest that its use should be reduced. The passage clearly states the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in landfills, and points to the inefficiency of current recycling efforts. Only 9% of all plastics have been recycled, highlighting the fact that increased production, especially of single-use plastics, does not necessarily lead to higher recycling rates. Moreover, it points out the environmental problems caused by plastic pollution, such as harming wildlife and contributing to air and water pollution.