Reading Strategies for Argumentative Texts
Welcome to your next reading challenge! In many international exams, you’ll encounter passages that present an argument, explore a complex problem, or compare different viewpoints. These texts require you to do more than just find facts; you need to understand the logic, the author’s stance, and the relationship between ideas.
Here are some pro tips for tackling these argumentative passages:
- Identify the Core Conflict: Complex issues, like the one in today’s passage, often involve a central conflict or debate (e.g., economic growth vs. environmental protection). As you skim the text, try to identify this main tension. It will be the anchor for the entire passage.
- Map the Arguments: Who are the different stakeholders or viewpoints mentioned? What is the main argument for each side? You can make quick notes like “Biz -> costs” vs. “Scientists -> risk.” This helps you keep track of the different perspectives.
- Look for Connecting Words: Pay close attention to transition words that signal relationships between ideas. “However” or “In contrast” signal a counter-argument. “Therefore” or “Consequently” signal a cause-and-effect relationship. “Furthermore” signals a supporting point. These words are your roadmap.
- Time Management is Key: For an academic passage and question set of this type, a good pace is essential. Aim to read the passage and answer all 10 questions within 18-20 minutes. This timing will prepare you for the pressure of the real exam.
Today’s reading delves into the intricate world of environmental sustainability and policy-making. It’s a perfect opportunity to practice analyzing a complex argument. Let’s get started.
Reading Passage
Keywords & Phrases
Fraught with:
What it means: This phrase means “full of” or “filled with” something undesirable, like problems or risks.
How it was used in the reading: The author uses it to say that the process of making environmental policy is full of difficulties. “…a notoriously difficult endeavor, fraught with scientific uncertainty, economic trade-offs, and political disputes.”
Posits:
What it means: This is a formal verb that means to put forward as a fact or basis for argument; to postulate. It’s a way of saying “argues” or “suggests.”
How it was used in the reading: It is used to introduce the core argument of the precautionary principle. “The principle posits that when an activity raises threats of harm…”
Stifle innovation:
What it means: To ‘stifle’ means to suppress or prevent something from happening. To ‘stifle innovation’ means to stop or discourage the development of new ideas and inventions.
How it was used in the reading: This is presented as the main criticism of the precautionary principle—that if you are too cautious, you might prevent beneficial new technologies from emerging. “…an overly stringent application… can stifle innovation…”
Policy paralysis:
What it means: ‘Paralysis’ is the inability to move or act. ‘Policy paralysis’ is a situation where a government is unable to make decisions or enact new policies, often due to disagreement or complexity.
How it was used in the reading: This describes the potential negative outcome of setting the bar for proving safety too high, leading to an inability to act at all. “…and lead to policy paralysis…”
Divergent interests:
What it means: ‘Divergent’ means developing in different directions or differing from each other. ‘Divergent interests’ are the goals of different groups that are in conflict with one another.
How it was used in the reading: This phrase is used to introduce the conflict between different groups, like industries and environmentalists, who want different things from policy. “This debate is further complicated by the divergent interests of stakeholders.”
Prescriptive government mandates:
What it means: ‘Prescriptive’ means telling people exactly what they must do. A ‘mandate’ is an official order. The phrase refers to specific, strict rules from the government that must be followed.
How it was used in the reading: This is used to describe the “command-and-control” style of regulation, which corporations often find too rigid. “…without prescriptive government mandates.”
Environmental degradation:
What it means: ‘Degradation’ is the process of something breaking down or deteriorating. ‘Environmental degradation’ is the deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources like air, water, and soil.
How it was used in the reading: This is used by environmental groups as evidence that industries, if left to themselves, can cause significant harm to the environment. “…a history of environmental degradation caused by industrial activities…”
At their disposal:
What it means: This idiom means available for one to use.
How it was used in the reading: The author uses it to state that policymakers have a variety of tools and options available to them. “Policymakers have a range of options at their disposal…”
Transboundary issues:
What it means: ‘Transboundary’ means crossing across boundaries or borders. ‘Transboundary issues’ are problems, like pollution, that don’t stay within one country but affect neighboring countries as well.
How it was used in the reading: This term is used to explain why international cooperation is necessary—because problems like acid rain and climate change cross borders. “Transboundary issues like acid rain and climate change cannot be solved by any single nation…”
Political will:
What it means: This refers to the firm intention and commitment of politicians and governments to do something. A lack of ‘political will’ is often cited as the reason why problems aren’t solved, even when solutions exist.
How it was used in the reading: The author concludes that public demand is the most powerful driver for creating this necessary commitment from politicians. “…the most powerful driver of political will.”
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