Question

Megacities are classified according to __________.

• A. population
• B. territorial area
• C. their ecological footprint
• D. their GDP
• A. A‐(i); B‐(ii); C‐(iii); D‐(iv)
• B. A‐(iv); B‐(iii); C‐(ii); D‐(i)
• C. A‐(i); B‐(iii); C‐(ii); D‐(iv)
• D. A‐(iii); B‐(ii); C‐(iv); D‐(i)
• A. I – M & II – SD
• B. I – SD & II – M
• C. I & II both M
• D. I & II both SD
• A. to come to an end
• B. to be less successful
• C. not to be working
• D. to be less strong

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks about the criteria for classifying a city as a "megacity." From the provided passage, we can determine the correct classification criterion.

1. The passage states, "Contrary to common belief, fewer than 10 percent of urban dwellers are residents of megacities with populations of over ten million." This directly indicates that the classification is based on population.

2. A megacity is defined by the size of its population rather than land area, ecological footprint, or economic output (GDP). The clear mention of population benchmarks (for example, "over ten million") signal the metric used for categorization.

3. Thus, the correct answer is "population" as it aligns with the passage's emphasis on population numbers as a defining characteristic of megacities.

Hence, based on the information provided in the passage, megacities are classified according to population.

Answer 2

To solve this problem, we need to match specific meanings with the corresponding underlined words/phrases from the passage provided. Let's go through each option and corresponding sentence to find the correct matches:

1. Reaching a higher position: The phrase "up the ladder" in statement A is an idiom that signifies moving to a higher rank or position, often used in the context of professional advancement. Therefore, A matches with (i).
2. Seriously suffering from: The word "plagued" in statement C conveys the sense of being troubled or suffering from significant issues or problems. Therefore, C matches with (ii).
3. The absolute best: The benefits of a developed infrastructure, public transportation system, etc., in statement B highlight what makes cities desirable or the best places for living, working, and enjoying. Thus, B matches with (iii).
4. Something not very practical: The phrase "more than just a nice idea" in statement D suggests that urban ecology and sustainable eco-cities are often considered idealistic or not very practical. Therefore, D matches with (iv).

Based on the analysis above, the correct match for each option is:

• A-(i); C-(ii); B-(iii); D-(iv)

Therefore, the correct answer is A-(i); B-(iii); C-(ii); D-(iv).

Answer 3

To determine which statement contains the main idea (M) and which contains supporting details (SD), we need to analyze the content and relationship between the statements:

1. Statement I: "Tokyo is the world’s largest megacity."
   • This statement presents a specific fact about Tokyo being the largest megacity. It does not delve into broader concepts or trends.
   • Thus, it serves as an example or illustration, typical of supporting details (SD).
2. Statement II: "Megacities are growing, but not as rapidly as smaller cities."
   • This statement provides a broader observation about the growth patterns of cities and contrasts the growth rate of megacities with that of smaller cities.
   • It establishes a general trend and forms the main idea (M) that supports understanding the dynamics of urban growth.

Considering the above analysis, we can conclude that:

• Statement I contains the supporting detail (SD).
• Statement II presents the main idea (M).

Therefore, the correct answer is: I – SD & II – M.

Answer 4

To determine the meaning of the phrasal verb "let up" in the context of the given passage, it's important to analyze the sentence and the overall context. The sentence from the passage reads: "Urbanization – the demographic shift from country to city – began with industrialization, and it has not let up."

1. The passage describes urbanization as a continuous and increasing trend since the start of industrialization.
2. The phrase "it has not let up" indicates that this process of urbanization has been ongoing and unrelenting.
3. Looking at the choices provided:
   • to come to an end - This option suggests that urbanization would have stopped, which contradicts the information in the passage.
   • to be less successful - This option refers to success, which is not relevant to the passage's context of continuous urbanization.
   • not to be working - This option suggests a cessation of activity, which again does not fit the ongoing nature of urbanization.
   • to be less strong - This option implies a decrease in intensity or strength, which aligns with the idea that urbanization has continued without diminishing.
4. Therefore, the correct interpretation of "let up" in this context is "to be less strong." This aligns with the understanding that urbanization has continued robustly since industrialization, showing no signs of diminishing in strength or impact.

Thus, the correct answer is: to be less strong.