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Set 2: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 Plastic is a durable and versatile material. It is used in everything from medical devices to food packaging because it is cheap and lasts a long time. Text 2 The durability of plastic is a major environmental problem. It takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to massive accumulation in landfills and oceans.

Which choice best describes the dual nature of plastic presented?

A. The quality that makes it useful (durability) is the same quality that makes it harmful.✓ Correct
B. It is expensive to make but cheap to recycle.
C. It harms medical patients.
D. It decomposes too quickly.

Detailed Explanation

Text 1: Durable = Useful. Text 2: Durable = Problem (Doesn't decompose). Dual nature: Benefit is the hazard.

Key Evidence:

• "lasts a long time"

• "durability ... major environmental problem"

Why others are wrong: B (Cheap.), C (Used in devices.), D (Hundreds of years.).