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America's Great Outdoors Initiative
Donn Saylor

1Pollution levels are increasing. Threats to nature are rising. It has never been more important to protect America's natural beauty. At the same time, the country keeps growing. More people means a need for more goods and services. If not sensibly made, these goods and services can cause lasting problems in nature. Large companies and big businesses often think only about customers' wants. They pay less attention to the long-term problems that the natural world could face as they try to quickly meet those wants.

2To help save America's natural beauty, President Barack Obama created America's Great Outdoors Initiative in 2010. This plan places great value on protecting the country's outdoor spaces. It asks local and state leaders to help make the natural world cleaner and safer. According to the plan, one thing state and local leaders should do is properly care for parks, forests, rivers, mountains, and wildlife.

3Another aim of the plan is to create wildlife corridors, which will let wild animals move freely through outdoor spaces. Animals will be able to find food and shelter more easily. Through these efforts, wildlife will remain alive and well.

4Animals are not the only ones who need a better place to live. The plan also encourages citizens to make their own land more Earth friendly. What can you or I do? One way to help is by using power sources such as wind and sun. Another way to help is through the use of cleaner, more natural farming methods to grow food.

5The main goal of America's Great Outdoors Initiative is for every person to learn more about the country’s outdoor spaces. Today's children spend about half as much time outside as their parents once did. Also, big companies clear two million acres of American land each year to make room for homes and businesses. With such big changes taking place, it is important to value the natural beauty of the country as it is now. By spending time in the great outdoors, people can see the natural wonders America has to offer.

6Like the rest of America's citizens, you should do your part to protect nature. Pollution has been a threat to nature for a long time. That threat has only gotten worse in recent years. Every American can enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces the country has to offer. In doing so, they will have the opportunity to see how important it is to save these lands. This can happen only by working together to cut pollution and live more Earth friendly lives. America’s Great Outdoors Initiative is the first step in making the whole country more aware of the natural world. It is your key to a brighter world, a healthier life, and a better future.
The Launch of the America's Great Outdoors Initiative
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)

1 On February 15, 2011, President Barack Obama announced the America's Great Outdoors Report, the Administration's action plan under the America's Great Outdoors initiative to achieve lasting conservation of the outdoor spaces that power our nation's economy, shape our culture, and build our outdoor traditions.

2 The report released outlines ways in which the Federal Government will help empower local communities to accomplish their conservation and recreation priorities by recognizing that the best ideas come from outside of Washington. In the summer of 2010, senior Administration officials held 51 listening sessions across the country to gather input from Americans about the outdoor places and activities that they value most. These sessions drew more than 10,000 participants and more than 105,000 written comments, used to inform the America’s Great Outdoors Report, which when implemented will result in:
1. Accessible parks or green spaces for our children.
2. A new generation of great urban parks and community green spaces.
3. Newly-restored river restorations and recreational “blueways” that power economic revitalization in communities.
4. Stronger support for farmers, ranchers, and private landowners that help protect rural landscapes and provide access for recreation.
5. The reinvestment of revenues from oil and gas extraction into the permanent protection of parks, open spaces, wildlife habitat, and access for recreational activities.
6. A 21st century conservation ethic that builds on local ideas and solutions for environmental stewardship and connecting to our historic, cultural, and natural heritage.

Question
Which MOST ACCURATELY analyzes the purpose of these two texts?
Responses
A Both passages have the primary purposes of highlighting the value of combined input from local communities and explaining the overall initiative.Both passages have the primary purposes of highlighting the value of combined input from local communities and explaining the overall initiative.
B Both passages have the dual purposes of highlighting the necessity for increased funding with the importance of new generation recreational activities.Both passages have the dual purposes of highlighting the necessity for increased funding with the importance of new generation recreational activities.
C The primary purpose of the CEQ article is to highlight the value of combined input from local communities, while the Saylor article seeks to explain the overall purpose of the initiative.The primary purpose of the CEQ article is to highlight the value of combined input from local communities, while the Saylor article seeks to explain the overall purpose of the initiative.
D The primary purpose of the Saylor article is to highlight the value of combined input from local communities, while the CEQ article seeks to explain the overall purpose of the initiative.The primary purpose of the Saylor article is to highlight the value of combined input from local communities, while the CEQ article seeks to explain the overall purpose of the initiative.

1 answer

The most accurate analysis of the purpose of the two texts is:

C: The primary purpose of the CEQ article is to highlight the value of combined input from local communities, while the Saylor article seeks to explain the overall purpose of the initiative.

Here's the reasoning for choosing this option:

  • The CEQ article emphasizes the importance of gathering input from local communities and outlines the actions to be taken based on their feedback. It highlights how the ideas and values of those communities create a foundation for the America's Great Outdoors initiative.
  • The Saylor article, on the other hand, explains the broader objectives of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, including environmental protection, encouraging outdoor recreation, and educating citizens on the importance of preserving natural spaces.

Thus, Option C accurately reflects the distinct purposes of both passages.