Question 10

Some consumers who began to use CFLs in 2007, or later, did so for environmental reasons.

The provided extract highlights the significant increase in sales of compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) from 2005 to 2007, coinciding with heightened public awareness about climate change. This suggests that many consumers may have been motivated by environmental concerns when choosing to purchase CFLs during this period.

A) sales of CFLs would have significantly increased by 2007 due to the reduced amount of energy used

This option is partially accurate, as it acknowledges that CFLs use less energy. However, it does not directly address the reasons behind the increase in sales, specifically the impact of climate change awareness on consumer behavior, which is the focus of the claim being supported.

B) some consumers who began to use CFLs in 2007, or later, did so for environmental reasons

This option is the most directly supported by the extract. The increase in sales of CFLs in 2007 aligns with a rise in public awareness regarding climate change, indicating that environmental motivations were likely a factor influencing consumer choices during that time.

C) governments did not place sufficient priority on educating the public about the danger of human-caused climate change

While this option touches on government action regarding climate change education, it does not relate to the sales data of CFLs or consumer behavior as presented in the extract. Therefore, it does not provide support for the claim in question.

D) advertising was the main factor in helping consumers change their behavior

This option suggests that advertising was the primary influence on consumers choosing CFLs. However, the extract emphasizes the role of public awareness about climate change rather than advertising, making this option less relevant.

E) sellers of CFLs marketed them as a money-saving product rather than as an environmentally friendly product

This option implies that the marketing strategy focused on cost savings rather than environmental benefits. However, the extract indicates a link between increased CFL sales and environmental concerns raised by climate change awareness, which contradicts this claim.

Conclusion

The correct answer, B, is well-supported by the context of the extract, which shows a clear connection between increased sales of CFLs and the growing public concern about climate change. In contrast, options A, C, D, and E either misinterpret the data or fail to connect directly to the environmental motivations driving consumer behavior during the observed period.