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Set 7: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 Nudges are subtle design changes that alter behavior without forbidding options. For example, placing fruit at eye level in a cafeteria encourages healthy eating while still allowing people to choose junk food. Text 2 Critics call nudging 'soft paternalism.' They argue it is manipulative, bypassing rational deliberation to exploit psychological biases. Who decides what is a 'good' choice, and does this undermine autonomy?

What ethical concern does Text 2 raise about the methodology described in Text 1?

A. It questions whether influencing behavior through subconscious manipulation infringes on personal freedom.✓ Correct
B. It suggests banning junk food.
C. It claims nudges don't work.
D. It says fruit is bad.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to compare perspectives from two passages. Text 1: Nudge = Subtle/No ban. Text 2: Soft paternalism/Manipulative/Undermine autonomy. Concern: Manipulation/Freedom. Understanding how the authors relate to each other's views is essential. Identify whether they agree, disagree, or address different aspects of the topic. Focus on their specific claims and conclusions. When comparing texts, first identify each author's thesis or main argument. Then determine how these positions interact: do they complement each other, contradict each other, or address different aspects of the same issue? The relationship between texts reveals deeper meaning.

Key Evidence:

• "bypassing rational deliberation"

• "undermine autonomy"

Why others are wrong: C (They work (exploit).), B (Text 1 says no ban.), D (No.).

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