13. In context, which sentence would be best to insert at the beginning of the second paragraph (sentences 7–10)?
Answer: A
Acceptance of the city's new bike lanes did not come immediately.
The best sentence to insert at the beginning of the second paragraph is that acceptance of the city's new bike lanes did not come immediately. This statement directly addresses the challenges and opposition faced by the bike lanes, which is the focus of sentences 7 to 10.
A) Acceptance of the city's new bike lanes did not come immediately.
This option is correct as it sets the context for the subsequent sentences that discuss the complaints about the bike lanes, including issues with car traffic, parking, and local opposition. It illustrates that while the city made efforts to implement bike lanes, they were met with significant resistance.
B) The new bike lanes served numerous purposes for New Yorkers.
This option is incorrect because it does not reflect the immediate context of the paragraph, which focuses on the difficulties and complaints regarding the bike lanes. Instead of highlighting the benefits, it would mislead the reader about the prevailing sentiment at that time.
C) In 2006, the majority of New York City residents did not own bicycles.
This option is also incorrect as it provides irrelevant information that does not relate to the acceptance or opposition of the bike lanes. The focus of the second paragraph is on the reaction to the bike lanes, not on bicycle ownership statistics.
D) Many pedestrians and motorists supported bicycle riding on city streets.
This option is incorrect because it suggests a level of support that is not reflected in the subsequent sentences. The primary theme of the paragraph is the backlash and complaints against the bike lanes, rather than support for them.
Conclusion
Inserting the statement about the immediate lack of acceptance accurately frames the challenges the bike lanes faced, as highlighted in the following sentences regarding complaints from New Yorkers. The other options either misrepresent the sentiments expressed in the context or introduce irrelevant information, making them unsuitable for this specific placement within the paragraph.