Question

from an editorial written by a city official. though most residents agree that running events continue to be popular and would be an enjoyable addition to our spring calendar, any may fear that a half marathon would be an inconvenience because of traffic. however, a careful mapping of the 13.1-mile course would avoid problems. the proposed route could be posted on the town’s website well ahead of time, and residents would have a week or two to note any difficulties they see. such feedback would allow a committee adequate time to reroute the race if necessary. the result? everyone—runners, residents, and drivers—will be satisfied. most importantly, by working together to become the most runner-friendly city in our region, we better exemplify our town’s motto: “a happy, healthy place to live.” why does the author include the phrase “some may fear that a half marathon would be an inconvenience because of traffic” in the editorial?

1. to anticipate and resolve a potential problem caused by the half marathon
2. to discredit the argument by showing it as an unlikely and unimportant concern
3. to emphasize and clarify the author’s position in reference to the half marathon
4. to appeal to the emotions of readers by focusing on the health benefits

Explanation:

The author includes "some may fear that a half marathon would be an inconvenience because of traffic" to address a potential concern (traffic issues) and then explains how the town will handle it (careful mapping, rerouting if needed, etc.), which matches option 1's description of anticipating and resolving a potential problem. Option 2 is incorrect as the author doesn't discredit the argument as unlikely/unimportant but addresses it. Option 3 is wrong as the phrase is about a concern, not emphasizing the author's position relative to the marathon. Option 4 is incorrect as the phrase is about a concern, not appealing to emotions about health benefits (the motto's health part is separate, and the phrase itself is about traffic concerns).

Answer:

1. to anticipate and resolve a potential problem caused by the half marathon