First, let’s consider the author’s purpose throughout the course of the passage:

• Initially, the author introduces ecoefficiency and the view of two individuals that it could actually harm the environment.
• Then, the author explains how ecoefficiency could harm the environment.
• Finally, the author recommends an alternative approach that, while including ecoefficiency, would preserve the environment.

The question asks that we identify the author’s primary purpose. With that in mind, here’s (D):


The particular business strategy discussed in the passage is ecoefficiency. The problem with (D) is that the author does not contend that ecoefficiency should be practiced on a larger scale. Rather, the author points out the potential harmful effects of ecoefficiency, and then he/she recommends additional factors that must be taken into account (total material use and accumulated waster). But these two factors are not addressed by ecoefficiency, and the author does not argue that ecoefficiency should be applied on a larger scale. Eliminate (D).

And here’s (C):


As we said above, the particular business strategy discussed is ecoefficiency. The author begins by introducing the strategy and goes on to discuss the possible harmful effects of that strategy. This is precisely what (C) describes, so it is the best answer choice.

I hope that helps!

Q3. The passage implies that which of the following is a possible consequence of a company’s adoption of innovations that increase its ecoefficiency?
A. Company profits resulting from such innovations may be reinvested in that company with no guarantee that the company will continue to make further improvements in ecoefficiency.
B. Company growth fostered by cost savings from such innovations may allow that company to manufacture a greater number of products that will be used and discarded, thus worsening environmental stress.
C. A company that fails to realize significant cost savings from such innovations may have little incentive to continue to minimize the environmental impact of its production processes.
D. A company that comes to depend on such innovations to increase its profits and growth may be vulnerable in the global market to competition from old-style eco-inefficient industries.
E. A company that meets its ecoefficiency goals is unlikely to invest its increased profits in the development of new and innovative ecoefficiency measures.
Inference
The answer to this question will be an inference about what may result from a company’s increased ecoefficiency. The passage suggests several outcomes from such an increase: a general worsening of the environment; a tendency for companies to manufacture more of particular products, which will then be thrown away by consumers; the possibility that increased profits will result in greater investment in industries that are not ecoefficient; and even the possibility that ecoefficiency might allow so much growth that more total waste will be produced and more overall wildlife habitat destroyed.
A. The passage suggests generally that ecoefficiency will increase companies’ profits, but there is no suggestion that these companies will therefore then abandon ecoefficiency as a goal.
B. Correct. Lines 6–12 strongly suggest that it is possible that the increased growth that may come from ecoefficiency may result in more products being manufactured, which may result in more waste as those products are discarded by consumers.
C. The passage does not suggest that ecoefficiency may fail to increase a company’s profits.
D. The passage suggests that ecoefficiency has allowed many companies to increase profits, but it does not suggest that eco-inefficient companies are more profitable or competitive in the global marketplace.
E. As with answer choice (A), there is no suggestion that companies are likely to abandon ecoefficient strategies once they have realized increased profits from such strategies.
The correct answer is B.

2. The passage mentions which of the following as a possible consequence of companies’ realization of greater profits through ecoefficiency?

(A) The companies may be able to sell a greater number of products by lowering prices.
(B) The companies may be better able to attract investment capital in the global market.
(C) The profits may be reinvested to increase economic growth through ecoefficiency.
(D) The profits may be used as investment capital for industries that are not ecoefficient.
(E) The profits may encourage companies to make further innovations in reducing production waste.


Hi can you please explain why D is correct?

I got confused with 3rd questions. Almost all options looks same. Can you explain it.

GeminiHeat, Carcass, can you please explain Q1 and Q3?
Q1: I selected A based on the following reasons:
Ecoefficiency (measures to minimize environmental impact through the reduction or elimination of waste from production processes) has become a goal for companies worldwide, with many realizing significant cost savings from such innovations.--> Based on this statement, I understood that it was once anticipated by the companies that eccoefficiency is a successful strategy.

The rest of the passage provides rationale why eccoefficiency may not be a successful strategy.

Therefore, I selected A. Can you please explain where I am getting wrong with my analysis.

Q3: For Q3, I selected A.
According to the passage, capital can be reinvested in old style eco-inefficient industries. As a result of this, company will not be able to make further improvements in eco-efficiency. Where I am getting wrong with my analysis?

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