Text 1: Urban planner Maria Santos advocates for "15-minute cities" where residents can reach all essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. "This model reduces car dependency, cuts emissions, and builds stronger communities," Santos writes.
Text 2: Transportation analyst Robert Hayes is skeptical of the 15-minute city concept. "In low-density suburban areas, this model is impractical," Hayes argues. "Retrofitting existing infrastructure would cost billions, and many residents prefer car-based lifestyles that offer greater mobility and freedom."
Which choice best describes how Hayes's argument in Text 2 relates to Santos's position in Text 1?
It supports Santos's environmental claims while questioning the feasibility
It dismisses the concept entirely as based on flawed assumptions
It raises practical and preference-based objections to the model
It proposes an alternative solution to the problems Santos identifies
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the correct answer. Hayes raises two types of objections: practical concerns (impractical in suburbs, costly infrastructure) and preference-based concerns (residents prefer car lifestyles).
- Evidence: Hayes cites "low-density suburban areas," "billions" in costs, and "prefer car-based lifestyles."
- Reasoning: These are barriers to implementation rather than disputes about benefits.
- Conclusion: Hayes objects to feasibility and desirability, not the concept's theoretical merits.
Choice A is incorrect because Hayes doesn't explicitly support the environmental claims. Choice B is incorrect because Hayes doesn't call the concept entirely flawed, just impractical in certain contexts. Choice D is incorrect because Hayes doesn't propose an alternative solution.