12. In context, which of the following sentences would best be inserted between sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)? They say we could save a great deal of energy by addressing the problem of food waste. The "sell by" dates on foods are typically very conservative and result in people throwing away perfectly edible items.
Answer: A
Better labeling might help
Inserting the sentence "Better labeling might help" between sentences 9 and 10 effectively connects the idea of reducing food waste with the potential solution of improved labeling practices. This transition emphasizes how better information on food products can lead to more efficient consumption and less waste.
A) Better labeling might help
This option is correct because it provides a direct solution to the problem of food waste mentioned in the previous sentence. By suggesting that better labeling could assist consumers in making informed choices, it logically leads into the discussion about the conservative "sell by" dates and their impact on food waste.
B) Many people regularly buy more food than they need.
This choice, while relevant to the topic of food waste, does not seamlessly connect the ideas between sentences 9 and 10. It introduces a separate issue regarding consumer behavior without addressing the labeling aspect that the subsequent sentence focuses on.
C) Certain types of produce spoil more quickly than others.
Though this statement could relate to food waste, it diverts the discussion toward the nature of the produce rather than the labeling solutions. This option fails to maintain the focus on how labeling can mitigate the problems of waste and mismanagement of food.
D) Canned foods last much longer than fresh items
While this information is true, it does not serve as an effective transition between the two sentences. It shifts the focus from the labeling of food products to a comparison between types of food, which is not directly relevant to the preceding discussion about energy savings and food waste.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "Better labeling might help," is the most appropriate choice as it creates a logical bridge between the concepts of energy savings through reduced food waste and the conservative nature of "sell by" dates. In contrast, the other options either introduce unrelated topics or fail to connect effectively with the focus on labeling and consumer awareness.