City planners in the 1960s believed that building highways through urban centers would reduce traffic congestion. Decades later, research has shown this assumption to be _______: new roads often attract more drivers, a phenomenon known as "induced demand," which can actually increase congestion.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
flawed
correct
popular
ancient
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The passage reveals that the planners' assumption led to the opposite of their intended outcome.
- Context clues: The word "actually increase congestion" shows the assumption failed to achieve its goal.
- Meaning: "Flawed" means having a defect or imperfection, which accurately describes an assumption that proved wrong.
- Verify: Calling the assumption "flawed" explains why highways didn't reduce congestion as expected.
💡 Strategy: When a passage shows that an idea led to opposite results, look for words indicating error or incorrectness.
Choice B is incorrect because "correct" contradicts the evidence showing the assumption failed. Choice C is incorrect because "popular" describes acceptance, not accuracy. Choice D is incorrect because "ancient" describes age, not validity of the assumption.