Most importantly, though, the highway bypass would have disastrous effects on the area’s homeowners. As planned, the new road would cut directly through the middle of the Ellwood Acres subdivision. Not only would this send more cars through the neighborhood, but these cars would be traveling at much higher speeds, putting children at risk. What is more, homeowners would have to deal
with the increased noise and pollution that would result from such a heavily trafficked road. Finally, the new road would cause residential properties to depreciate. This means that families who chose to move away would have to sell their homes for far less than their current value.
Questions
1) This passage would most likely be found in
A. an editorial in a local newspaper
B. a brochure for prospective homeowners in Ellwood Acres
C. an encyclopedia article about the history of highways
D. a personal letter from a son to his father
2) Where in the full article is this paragraph most likely to appear?
A. near the beginning
B. near the end
C. in the middle
D. it could appear anywhere
3) As used in the passage, which is the best definition for depreciate?
A. to diminish in popularity
B. to decrease in value
C. to accumulate over time
D. to improve with age
4) Which of the following pieces of information, if included, would provide the best additional support for the author’s argument as presented in this passage?
A. In 2008, the author's youngest child was killed by a drunk driver.
B. Pollution is harmful to the environment.
C. According to a recent magazine study, white noise (similar to that produced
by traffic) was rated the number one cause of daytime napping.
D. In 2011, homeowners who live near interstate traffic saw a 20% reduction in
the value of their homes.