Question 8

The statement "The ill-advised rush to extract new discoveries of shale oil and natural gas is a case in point." expresses an opinion.

This statement reflects a judgment about the rush to extract shale oil and natural gas, indicating that it is ill-advised. This subjective assessment suggests a negative view rather than presenting an objective fact.

A) "The ill-advised rush to extract new discoveries of shale oil and natural gas is a case in point."

This statement is an opinion because it uses the term "ill-advised," which conveys a personal judgment about the actions taken regarding shale oil and natural gas extraction. It implies that the author believes this approach is wrong without providing factual evidence to support this subjective view.

B) "...if the result is polluted water and ghost towns, it is not a sustainable model."

This statement presents a conditional conclusion based on observable outcomes of unsustainable practices. It asserts a factual relationship between pollution and sustainability, making it a statement of fact rather than opinion.

C) “‘Sustainability' means using natural resources responsibly so that they are available to future generations."

This definition of sustainability is a factual statement that explains the concept clearly. It does not reflect personal feelings or judgments but rather provides an objective understanding of what sustainability entails.

D) "... to achieve sustainability a business will not view profit only in terms of dollars."

This statement is a guideline about sustainable business practices. It articulates an approach that businesses should take, which is based on principles of sustainability rather than a personal opinion.

Conclusion

The statement identified in option A is definitively an opinion because it expresses a subjective judgment about the extraction of shale oil and natural gas. In contrast, the other options provide definitions, factual statements, or guidelines that do not convey personal beliefs or evaluations. Understanding the distinction between opinion and fact is essential in analyzing statements within the context of sustainability.