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Set 4: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 The 'tragedy of the commons' occurs when individuals, acting in their own self-interest, deplete a shared resource. Examples include overfishing and deforestation. Text 2 Elinor Ostrom's research challenges the inevitability of this tragedy. She found that local communities often develop their own complex rules and social norms to manage shared resources sustainably without external regulation.

How does Text 2 refute the pessimism of the theory in Text 1?

A. It provides empirical evidence of successful collective management strategies.✓ Correct
B. It denies that resources are depleted.
C. It claims individuals are selfless.
D. It says governments must always interfere.

Detailed Explanation

Text 1: Inevitable depletion (Tragedy). Text 2: Ostrom found communities manage sustainably (Rules/Norms). Refutation: Not inevitable.

Key Evidence:

• "challenges the inevitability"

• "develop ... complex rules ... sustainably"

Why others are wrong: B (Text 1 gives examples.), C (Rules manage interest.), D (Without external regulation.).

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