Question

read this passage:
many manufacturers prefer plastic as a material for containers because it can be molded into many shapes. but plastic is not very strong. it must be fused with glass or steel for strength. it is also not very durable. even the strongest plastic can break under enough pressure. the biggest disadvantage to using plastic is that it does not decompose. while plastic can be recycled, doing so is tedious and difficult. while it may be more expensive and difficult to work with, aluminum is a much stronger building material with far greater tensile strength. it conducts electricity because it is metal. best of all, aluminum is very easy to recycle. even if it is thrown away, it decomposes much more quickly than most manufacturing materials.
how does the compare - and - contrast organizational pattern of the passage support the author’s purpose?
a. by arguing that more research needs to be done to create plastic that is stronger than aluminum
b. by highlighting the weaknesses of plastic in order to show that aluminum is superior
c. by showing that decomposition is a more important consideration than strength
d. by suggesting that plastic should be used in containers instead of aluminum

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage doesn't discuss the need for more research on plastic to be stronger than aluminum. It focuses on comparing existing plastic and aluminum. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The passage lists plastic's weaknesses (not strong, not durable, doesn't decompose easily, recycling is tedious) and then presents aluminum's strengths (stronger, conducts electricity, easy to recycle, decomposes quickly). This compare - contrast pattern highlights plastic's weaknesses to show aluminum is better. This is correct.
• Option C: The passage doesn't claim decomposition is more important than strength. It just presents both as factors in the comparison. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The passage shows aluminum has more advantages, so it doesn't suggest using plastic over aluminum. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. By highlighting the weaknesses of plastic in order to show that aluminum is superior