14. The writer is considering adding the following sentence to the end of the fourth paragraph: 'Surprisingly, according to The Economist, there were 1.6 million commercial farms in Brazil in 2010.' Should the writer make this addition here?
Answer: B
Yes, because it uses concrete data to provide context about local farms and commercial farms.
Adding the sentence provides specific data that enhances the reader's understanding of the agricultural landscape in Brazil, contrasting the number of commercial farms with the focus on local farms and their economic impact.
A) Yes, because it emphasizes the paragraph's focus on the economic power of large farms.
This option is incorrect because the paragraph primarily discusses the advantages of local farms rather than emphasizing the economic power of large farms. The proposed addition does not align with the paragraph's emphasis on local farming benefits.
B) Yes, because it uses concrete data to provide context about local farms and commercial farms.
This option is correct as it offers relevant statistics that enrich the discussion surrounding the economic environment of both local and commercial farms. By including this data, the writer can effectively illustrate the contrast between the two farming types, thereby supporting the overall argument.
C) No, because it is unrelated to the economic challenges small farms may face.
This choice is incorrect because the addition is indeed related to the economic landscape in which small farms operate. Understanding the number of commercial farms is relevant to recognizing the potential challenges that small farms might encounter in a competitive market.
D) No, because it fails to show a clear connection to the paragraph's focus on supporting local farms.
This option is also incorrect as the proposed sentence can be connected to the paragraph's theme by highlighting the broader context of agricultural dynamics. It helps readers appreciate the significance of supporting local farms in the face of numerous commercial operations.
Conclusion
Incorporating the sentence enhances the argument by providing empirical data that contextualizes the discussion about local versus commercial farms. This addition allows readers to better grasp the economic landscape and reinforces the rationale for supporting local agriculture, making it a valuable inclusion. Other options fail to recognize the relevance of the data presented and miss the opportunity to strengthen the paragraph's message.