Question

what is the effect of the underlined sentence?

1. it emphasizes that it is costly to live in alaska.
2. it highlights that it is easy to find a job in alaska.
3. it suggests that some people think it is too cold in alaska.
4. it reveals that some people have incorrect ideas about alaska.

passage excerpt: alaska sometimes gets a bad rap. people say that it is cold and that it is expensive. parts of the state do lie in the arctic circle, where temperatures rarely get above freezing. but the climate varies from region to region. anchorage, for example, is relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 20 °f to 65 °f, depending on the time of year. it is also true that parts of the state are ranked among the most expensive places to live in the united states. ebenezer scrooge, the wealthy miser from charles dickens’ novel a christmas carol, might not fare well in alaska, however, employment is easy to find. many people in alaska earn their living in mining and fishing industries, but petroleum drives the economy and is the single most important product. in addition, the tourist industry is thriving. it serves as an additional source of income for alaskans and brings in over $1 billion, which is a boost to the state economy.

Explanation:

The underlined sentence (about Ebenezer Scrooge not fitting well in Alaska despite job availability) is used to contrast with common misconceptions. The passage starts by stating people think Alaska is cold, expensive, etc., and this sentence, along with the following job and economy info, shows these ideas are incorrect. Option 1 is wrong as the sentence isn't about cost of living. Option 2 is wrong as the job - finding part is a supporting detail, not the main effect of the sentence. Option 3 is wrong as the sentence doesn't suggest people think it's too cold; it's about the misconception of it being a bad place (including expense, etc.). Option 4 is correct as the sentence, by showing Scrooge (a miser) wouldn't fit (implying the idea of Alaska being a bad place is wrong), reveals incorrect ideas people have about Alaska.

Answer:

1. It reveals that some people have incorrect ideas about Alaska.