Question

Our mountain regions are unique and beautiful places. We must preserve them for future generations. One of the most serious threats to our mountains is ridgetop development. Large housing developments built on steep slopes and along mountain ridges are unsightly. Also, they adversely affect the scenic views that draw tourists to our region each year. Who wants to drive to the mountains to see not the lovely tree-covered outline of the gently sloping mountain ridges against the sky, but rows of houses jutting from the ridges and slopes with little or no tree cover between them? With tourism as the biggest industry in our area, maintaining our scenic ridgelines is crucial to continued economic success here.
Ridgetop development not only detracts from scenic mountain views and threatens our area’s top industry, it also harms the environment. Stripping large areas to create multiple building sites removes the trees and other plants. These resources provide natural erosion barriers on steep slopes. Large housing developments on ridges often increase erosion and runoff into streams and rivers.

What is the purpose of this essay?

to describe the beautification of mountain ridges and beaches
to chronicle the growth of the economy due to ridgetop tourism
to clarify the role of the city council in protecting the environment
to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. To expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development.

Explanation:

The text presented explains the effects of ridgetop development, this includes the idea this type of development represent a threat for the mountains "One of the most serious threats to our mountains is ridgetop development" which is explained by the author as ridgetop development affect the scenic view and therefore the economy of the zone, besides this, the author explains ridgetop development has a direct effect on the environment because it causes erosion and has an effect on water sources. According to this, the main purpose or objective the author has with this text is to point out the thread or negative effects of ridgetop development or "to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development".

Answer 2

The best answer is to expose the environmental threats posed by ridgetop development.