Question

the ethanol debate natalie stewart our society has recently undergone a shift towards greener living. people have grown more aware of how their actions seriously and negatively impact the environment. many are seeking out new ways to decrease pollution levels and to find cleaner energy sources to power their homes and businesses. ethanol is an increasingly popular fuel alternative to gasoline, made from distilled, fermented corn. the benefits of ethanol include lowering the amount of harmful carbon dioxide gases released into the air by burning fossil fuels like gasoline, as well as decreasing the united states dependence on foreign oil. though many people support the production of ethanol for use as an alternative fuel, most of them ignore the serious drawbacks of ethanol use. one important economic factor in producing ethanol is its influence on the price of corn. corn prices have more than doubled since 2005 because of increased demand, according to financial experts. farmers know that corn is highly sought after, so they allot more space on their farms to grow large amounts of corn. this leaves less room for growing other kinds of crops, such as wheat or soybeans. these smaller amounts force suppliers to raise the prices of these now secondary crops as well. bread and cereal manufactures are also involved in the economics of ethanol. these companies then pass rising costs of their crops to consumers, leading to higher prices at the grocery store. corn is also a common source of food for livestock. many farmers are now struggling to feed their herds of cows, chickens, and pigs. the increased cost of feeding their animals which statement best evaluates this passage? a the author presents an argument supporting ethanol and proposes a subsidy for farmers growing crops such as soybeans and wheat. b the author presents an argument against ethanol and proposes a solution that involves searching for other ways to supply our need for fuel. c the author presents an argument against ethanol and proposes a solution that involves increased promotion for the sale of beef, chicken, and pork. d the author presents a balanced argument explaining the benefits of ethanol and encourages continued production as well as increased efforts for solar energy research.

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage focuses on drawbacks of ethanol, not supporting it or proposing farmer subsidies. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The passage first mentions ethanol's benefits but then emphasizes its serious drawbacks (economic impact on crop prices, livestock feeding). It implies the need to find other fuel sources. This matches.
• Option C: The passage does not propose promoting beef, chicken, or pork sales. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The passage is not balanced; it highlights drawbacks after a brief benefit mention and doesn't encourage ethanol production or solar research. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. The author presents an argument against ethanol and proposes a solution that involves searching for other ways to supply our need for fuel.