Passage 1
I was horrified to learn recently that the city is spending millions of dollars to renovate a theater downtown. This is a ridiculous waste of money during difficult economic times. The city should be spending the taxpayers' money on more important things, such as hiring more police officers and firefighters, or repairing the city's roads and athletic fields, which are in bad shape. Also, the building is in a prime downtown location that attracts huge numbers of people passing by every day. The building should be used for a profitable business that will bring in lots of sales tax to support city services. No one goes to see plays and musicals any more. People get all their entertainment from personal technology. This building is a wasted opportunity!
Passage 2
A historic building from the 1800s is getting new life thanks to a wonderful renovation project by the city. It's a theater that was built during the Gold Rush, and it's one of the few remaining pieces of that important era that made our city possible. Without the influx of gold miners that made our city grow, we might not be here today! This theater will be a center for the arts and also contribute economically to downtown. Revenue from theater ticket sales will bring in sales tax to the city, and audiences will also spend money at our restaurants, cafes, and bars. They'll even support our local florist by buying flowers to give to the actors after performances. In addition, the theater will hold acting and dance classes, which will especially benefit our children. Studies show that participating in the arts helps kids build poise, confidence, and public-speaking abilities.
Question 11
11.
The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for
Aclaiming that the old theater building has any historic valueBexaggerating the amount that a theater could contribute to a cityCoverlooking the importance of a well-staffed police forceDoveremphasizing the importance of the gold miners in the city
1 answer
The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for:
A) claiming that the old theater building has any historic value.
Passage 1 takes a dismissive stance toward the renovation of the theater and questions its value, suggesting that the funds would be better spent on more essential community services rather than on a historic building.
