- Read the passage, then answer the question.
Recycling is often described as an easy way to help the environment. When people recycle paper, metal, and plastic, fewer raw materials must be taken from forests or mines. In theory, recycling also reduces the amount of trash sent to landfills.
Still, recycling works best when items are sorted correctly. If food or liquids are left in containers, they can contaminate other materials. Some plastics look similar but must be processed differently, so mistakes can cause entire batches to be thrown away.
For example, greasy pizza boxes usually cannot be recycled with clean cardboard because the oil soaks into the fibers. Likewise, a plastic bag placed in a recycling bin can tangle machines at a sorting facility. These problems slow down processing and make recycling more expensive.
Communities can improve recycling by teaching clear rules and providing labeled bins. People can also rinse containers and check local guidelines, since rules vary by town. Small habits can make the whole system work better.
How does the third paragraph contribute to the overall passage?
Answer: It provides detailed examples of common recycling mistakes
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, some paragraphs present general principles, while others provide specific examples. In this passage about recycling, the third paragraph begins with 'For example' and describes specific recycling mistakes like greasy pizza boxes and plastic bags. Choice A is correct because it identifies the paragraph's role in providing detailed examples of common recycling mistakes, illustrating the sorting problems mentioned in the previous paragraph. Choice B is incorrect because the introduction occurs in the first paragraph, not the third. To help students master paragraph function identification, teach them to recognize example signal words and practice analyzing how authors use specific instances to support general claims about proper recycling practices.
- Read the passage, then answer the question.
In the novel The Secret Garden, Mary Lennox begins as a lonely and unpleasant child. She has grown up with servants who do everything for her, so she expects others to obey her. When she moves to her uncle's estate in England, she feels out of place and angry.
As Mary explores the grounds, she discovers a locked garden that has been ignored for years. Finding the key and opening the door gives her a purpose. Gradually, she starts to spend time outdoors, noticing plants, weather, and animals.
This change matters because the garden becomes a symbol of Mary's growth. As she weeds, plants, and waits for new shoots, she also learns patience and responsibility. The garden does not transform overnight, and neither does Mary. Her improving attitude shows that caring for something living can help a person care about others.
Mary's friendship with Dickon and Colin strengthens this message. Together, the children encourage one another and share their successes. By the end, Mary is more confident and kinder than she was at the beginning.
What is the primary function of the third paragraph?
Answer: To provide critical interpretation of the garden's meaning
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, some paragraphs narrate events, while others provide analysis or interpretation. In this passage about The Secret Garden, the third paragraph begins with 'This change matters' and explains the symbolic meaning of the garden in Mary's character development. Choice B is correct because it identifies the paragraph's role in providing critical interpretation of the garden's meaning, analyzing how it represents Mary's personal growth. Choice C is incorrect because the paragraph doesn't summarize plot events but interprets their significance. To help students recognize interpretive paragraphs, teach them to look for phrases like 'This matters because' that signal analysis and encourage them to distinguish between paragraphs that tell what happens versus those that explain why it matters.
- Read the passage, then answer: How does the first paragraph contribute to the overall argument?
ÂÂÂIn Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge begins as a man who values money above people. He refuses to help others and treats kindness as a weakness. This harsh attitude sets up the main conflict of the story.
ÂÂÂWhen Scrooge is visited by three spirits, he is forced to view his past, present, and possible future. For example, he sees moments when he chose profit over friendship. These scenes show that his choices, not bad luck, shaped his isolation.
ÂÂÂA critical reading suggests that Dickens is not only telling a ghost story. He is also criticizing a society that ignores poverty and excuses selfishness. Scrooge's change becomes a model for how individuals can respond to social problems.
ÂÂÂDickens uses vivid contrasts to support this message. Warm homes and shared meals are placed beside cold streets and empty rooms. In addition, the cheerful tone at the end highlights how much Scrooge has changed.
ÂÂÂUltimately, the novel argues that generosity is practical as well as moral. When Scrooge reconnects with others, his life becomes richer in more than one sense.
Answer: It introduces Scrooge's starting character to set up later change
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, an introductory paragraph sets the stage, while a concluding paragraph wraps up the argument. In this passage, the first paragraph contributes by introducing Scrooge's starting character to set up later change in the story. Choice A is correct because it recognizes the paragraph's setup role in establishing conflict for the argument. Choice B is incorrect because it misinterprets the spirits as unimportant, ignoring their catalytic function in the narrative. To help students, emphasize how openings create contrasts for change, and encourage outlining character arcs to understand introductory contributions.
- The second paragraph serves mainly to
Answer: detail the specific biological consequences of the forest's geographical isolation.
The correct answer is C. The first paragraph establishes that the forest is isolated. The second paragraph then explains the results of this isolation: the development of a unique ecosystem with species found nowhere else. It details the biological consequences, supporting the idea presented earlier. Distractor A is incorrect because the paragraph discusses the findings, not the methods of exploration. Distractor B is incorrect as the paragraph emphasizes, rather than questions, the significance of the findings. Distractor D is incorrect because the term 'sky island' is introduced as a scientific classification, not in the context of tourism.
- The main purpose of the first paragraph is to
Answer: introduce the fennec fox and highlight its most visually prominent feature.
The correct answer is B. The first paragraph introduces the subject (the fennec fox), provides basic context (smallest canid, lives in the Sahara), and then draws the reader's attention to its most noticeable characteristic ('comically oversized' ears), which sets up the detailed explanation in the next paragraph. Distractor A is incorrect because the temperature regulation is explained in the second paragraph. Distractor C is incorrect as it only makes one point of comparison (size) but doesn't elaborate. Distractor D is incorrect as the Sahara is mentioned only as the fox's habitat, not described in detail.
- What function does the fourth paragraph serve?
Answer: It concludes the passage by reflecting on the broader significance of the library's disappearance.
The correct answer is B. The fourth paragraph moves beyond the physical loss of scrolls to discuss a deeper meaning of the library's end: the loss of its scholarly community and collaborative environment. By calling this the 'true tragedy,' it offers a concluding reflection on the ultimate importance and legacy of the library. Distractor A is incorrect because it does not summarize the events, but rather interprets their consequences. Distractor C is incorrect because it does not introduce a new theory of destruction. Distractor D is incorrect because it does not list specific lost discoveries.
- Read the passage, then answer the question.
Many students enjoy listening to music while studying. Some say it helps them feel calm and makes homework seem less stressful. Others find that any sound distracts them, especially when they need to read carefully.
Whether music helps can depend on the task. Simple, repeated work—like copying vocabulary—may be easier with background music. In contrast, solving multi-step math problems or writing an essay often requires holding several ideas in mind at once.
For instance, a student reading a science chapter might miss key details if the song has lyrics. The brain may switch attention between the words on the page and the words in the music. On the other hand, instrumental music at a low volume might be less distracting because it does not compete with reading.
Students can experiment to find what works. They might try studying in silence for one assignment and with music for another, then compare results. Paying attention to focus and accuracy is more helpful than following a trend.
In the end, good study habits are personal. The best choice is the one that helps a student understand and remember the material.
Which paragraph serves as an example of the author's argument?
Answer: Third paragraph, giving a specific study situation
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, some paragraphs provide theoretical explanations, while others offer concrete examples. In this passage about studying with music, the third paragraph begins with 'For instance' and provides a specific example of a student reading science with lyrics playing. Choice C is correct because it identifies this as the third paragraph giving a specific study situation that illustrates the author's argument about music's potential distraction. Choice A is incorrect because the first paragraph introduces the topic but doesn't serve as an example. To help students recognize exemplification paragraphs, teach them to look for phrases like 'For instance' or 'For example' that signal concrete illustrations of abstract concepts, and practice identifying how authors use specific scenarios to support their general claims.
- The third paragraph serves to
Answer: broaden the discussion by introducing additional adaptations.
The correct answer is C. The second paragraph focuses exclusively on the fox's ears. The third paragraph begins with 'Beyond its ears,' signaling that it will introduce new information. It then discusses other adaptations like fur for camouflage and insulation, and furry paws for protection. This broadens the scope of the discussion. Distractor A is incorrect because it presents new information, not a summary. Distractor B is incorrect as it does the opposite, showing that the ears are not the only adaptation. Distractor D is incorrect as predators are not mentioned.
- The main function of the second paragraph is to
Answer: describe an earlier, less effective method of machine translation to provide context for recent progress.
When you encounter questions asking about the function or purpose of a specific paragraph, you need to analyze how that paragraph fits into the overall structure and argument of the passage.
The second paragraph serves as a bridge between the introduction of universal translators as science fiction and the discussion of modern breakthroughs. It describes early machine translation systems that "relied on statistical methods" and "often produced awkward and nonsensical translations." This historical context is essential because it shows how far the technology has progressed, making the third paragraph's discussion of Neural Machine Translation more meaningful.
Choice D correctly identifies this function: the paragraph describes an earlier, less effective method to provide context for recent progress. The author deliberately presents the limitations of statistical methods to highlight how impressive modern NMT systems are by comparison.
Choice A is backwards—the second paragraph focuses on older statistical methods, not the modern AI approach that comes in paragraph three. Choice B misses the mark because the paragraph doesn't explain mathematical principles in detail; it only briefly mentions that early systems used "statistical methods" without elaborating. Choice C is too extreme—while the paragraph notes limitations of statistical translation, it doesn't argue these systems were complete failures, only that they were "functional for simple sentences" but struggled with complexity.
For reading comprehension questions about paragraph function, always consider how each paragraph moves the overall argument forward. Look for transitional language and ask yourself: "What would be missing from the passage if this paragraph weren't here?"
- Read the passage, then answer the question.
On a clear night, the Moon sometimes looks much larger near the horizon than it does overhead. People may swear that it is "giant" when it first rises, even though the Moon's size in space has not changed. This effect is called the Moon illusion.
One reason the illusion happens is that the brain uses nearby objects as clues. When the Moon is near the horizon, it appears next to trees, buildings, or mountains. Because of this, the brain compares the Moon to familiar objects and may judge it as larger.
For example, a rising Moon behind a row of houses can seem enormous, since the houses provide a scale for comparison. Photographs often surprise people because the camera shows the Moon closer to its true apparent size. Without the brain's usual context clues, the "giant Moon" feeling is weaker.
Scientists are still studying exactly how different cues work together. However, the Moon illusion shows that perception is not always the same as measurement. What we see is influenced by the way our brains interpret the world.
What is the primary function of the third paragraph?
Answer: To provide a detailed example of the Moon illusion
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, introductory paragraphs define concepts, while example paragraphs illustrate them with specific cases. In this passage about the Moon illusion, the third paragraph begins with 'For example' and describes a specific scenario of the Moon rising behind houses. Choice A is correct because it identifies the paragraph's role in providing a detailed example of the Moon illusion, showing how the phenomenon works in a concrete situation. Choice C is incorrect because the introduction and definition occur in the first paragraph, not the third. To help students identify paragraph functions, teach them to recognize example signal phrases and practice distinguishing between paragraphs that define concepts versus those that illustrate them through specific instances.
- Read the passage, then answer the question.
Coral reefs are often called "rainforests of the sea" because they support many kinds of life. Although reefs cover a small part of the ocean floor, they provide food and shelter for fish, crabs, and sea turtles. People also depend on reefs for tourism and for protection from strong waves during storms.
Reefs are built by tiny animals called coral polyps. Each polyp makes a hard skeleton from minerals in seawater, and over time these skeletons stack into large structures. However, coral polyps are sensitive to changes in their environment. When water becomes too warm, polyps can lose the colorful algae that help feed them.
For example, during a heat wave, reefs near shallow coastlines may turn pale, a process called coral bleaching. In some places, divers have reported seeing long stretches of white coral where bright colors used to be. Bleached coral can sometimes recover if temperatures drop quickly, but repeated heat waves make recovery harder.
Pollution can also weaken reefs. Runoff from farms may carry extra nutrients into the sea, causing algae to grow too fast and block sunlight. As a result, coral polyps may struggle to get enough energy. Fishing methods that break coral structures can add more damage.
Scientists and local communities are working to protect reefs by reducing pollution and setting up marine protected areas. In the end, keeping reefs healthy requires both careful science and everyday choices, such as using less fertilizer and supporting sustainable seafood.
What is the primary function of the third paragraph?
Answer: To provide a detailed example of bleaching effects
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, an introductory paragraph sets the stage, while a body paragraph might provide evidence or examples. In this passage, the third paragraph begins with 'For example' and describes coral bleaching during heat waves, providing a specific illustration of how temperature changes affect coral. Choice C is correct because it identifies the paragraph's role as providing a detailed example of bleaching effects, demonstrating how environmental changes harm coral reefs. Choice A is incorrect because the comparison to rainforests occurs in the first paragraph, not the third. To help students identify paragraph functions, encourage them to look for transitional phrases like 'for example' that signal the paragraph's purpose and practice annotating texts to note how each paragraph contributes to the overall message.
- The third paragraph's role in the passage is to
Answer: present the current, superior technology that contrasts with the method described in the previous paragraph.
The correct answer is A. The paragraph begins with 'Today's most advanced systems use a different approach,' clearly setting up a contrast with the 'early' systems from paragraph two. It then explains how NMT is more accurate and produces more natural-sounding translations, establishing its superiority. Distractor B is incorrect because the paragraph describes current technology, it does not make predictions about the future. Distractor C is incorrect because it focuses only on the most recent development, not the entire history. Distractor D is incorrect as no specific companies are mentioned.
- Read the passage, then answer: Why is the fourth paragraph important in this passage?
ÂÂÂIn 1962, the United States faced a tense moment called the Cuban Missile Crisis. American leaders discovered that the Soviet Union was placing nuclear missiles in Cuba, close to the U.S. coastline. Because nuclear weapons could cause massive destruction, the situation demanded careful choices.
ÂÂÂPresident John F. Kennedy and his advisors considered several options. They could launch air strikes, invade Cuba, or attempt diplomacy. Instead, they announced a naval "quarantine" to stop more missiles from arriving, while also sending messages to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.
ÂÂÂAfter days of negotiation, the crisis ended when the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles. In return, the U.S. promised not to invade Cuba and quietly removed certain missiles from Turkey. As a result, both sides stepped back from immediate conflict.
ÂÂÂThe crisis also revealed lasting lessons. Leaders realized that misunderstandings could quickly lead to disaster, so they created a direct "hotline" for faster communication. Additionally, the event encouraged later agreements to limit nuclear testing.
ÂÂÂMany historians view the Cuban Missile Crisis as a turning point in the Cold War. It showed that even powerful nations sometimes choose compromise to avoid greater harm.
Answer: It provides lasting outcomes and lessons learned from the event
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, an introductory paragraph sets the stage, while a concluding paragraph wraps up the argument. In this passage, the fourth paragraph is important because it provides lasting outcomes and lessons learned from the Cuban Missile Crisis, such as the hotline and nuclear agreements. Choice A is correct because it captures the paragraph's role in discussing long-term effects, showing its importance to the passage's message on compromise. Choice D is incorrect because it wrongly suggests the paragraph argues no agreements occurred, ignoring the described resolutions, a common misreading of transitional words. To help students, emphasize noting phrases like 'lasting lessons' that indicate outcomes, and encourage group discussions to analyze paragraph contributions to the whole text.
- Read the passage, then answer: What is the primary function of the third paragraph?
ÂÂÂIn the novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Mary Lennox begins as a lonely, unpleasant child. After moving to her uncle's estate in England, she discovers a hidden garden that has been locked for years. The setting is important because it reflects Mary's own emotional state.
ÂÂÂAs Mary explores the grounds, she meets Dickon, a boy who understands animals and the outdoors. She also befriends Colin, her sickly cousin who believes he cannot get better. Gradually, their friendships encourage each character to take small risks and try new habits.
ÂÂÂA critical interpretation is that the garden symbolizes healing. As the plants are cleared, watered, and given sunlight, Mary becomes kinder and more confident. Colin's strength improves as he spends time outside and begins to believe in his own abilities. In this way, Burnett connects physical growth in the garden to emotional growth in the children.
ÂÂÂThe author's language also supports this idea. Descriptions shift from cold winds and gray walls to bright colors and lively sounds. These details create a mood change that matches the characters' transformation.
ÂÂÂBy the end, the garden is no longer a secret place of neglect. It becomes a shared space that represents hope, friendship, and renewal.
Answer: To offer a critical interpretation of the garden's symbolic meaning
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, an introductory paragraph sets the stage, while a concluding paragraph wraps up the argument. In this passage, the third paragraph functions to offer a critical interpretation of the garden's symbolic meaning as healing and growth. Choice B is correct because it identifies the paragraph's interpretive role in connecting setting to character development. Choice A is incorrect because it describes plot summary, which fits the second paragraph, a common confusion between summary and analysis. To help students, emphasize spotting interpretive phrases like 'a critical interpretation,' and encourage discussing symbolic elements in literature groups.
- Read the passage, then answer: Why is the fourth paragraph important in this passage?
ÂÂÂIn Lois Lowry's novel The Giver, Jonas lives in a community that values sameness. People follow strict rules about clothing, jobs, and even family structure. At first, the system seems calm and orderly, with few visible conflicts.
ÂÂÂJonas is selected to become the Receiver of Memory, a role that involves learning about the past. Through memories, he experiences colors, music, and strong emotions that his community has removed. As a result, he begins to question whether "sameness" is truly fair.
ÂÂÂOne interpretation is that Lowry uses memory to show the value of choice. Without memories of pain, people also lose memories of joy, love, and courage. Jonas's growing awareness suggests that a safe life may still be incomplete if people cannot decide for themselves.
ÂÂÂThe novel also raises ethical questions about control. The community's leaders decide what is "best," but they keep citizens ignorant of important truths. Therefore, the reader is pushed to consider whether comfort is worth the cost of freedom.
ÂÂÂBy ending with uncertainty, Lowry avoids an easy answer. The final pages invite readers to debate what Jonas's choice means and what a good society should protect.
Answer: It adds ethical analysis that deepens the novel's central conflict
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, an introductory paragraph sets the stage, while a concluding paragraph wraps up the argument. In this passage, the fourth paragraph is important because it adds ethical analysis that deepens the novel's central conflict about control and freedom. Choice C is correct because it highlights the paragraph's role in exploring ethical questions to enhance the theme. Choice D is incorrect because it claims a summary of the ending, but the paragraph focuses on analysis, not plot resolution. To help students, emphasize identifying analytical language like 'raises ethical questions,' and suggest annotating for themes to see paragraph importance.
- Read the passage, then answer the question.
When people talk about the American Revolution, they often focus on battles and famous leaders. Yet everyday decisions, such as buying cloth or drinking tea, also mattered. In the years before the war, colonists debated how to respond to British taxes and trade rules.
Many colonists organized boycotts to protest these policies. They avoided British goods and tried to make or buy local products instead. In addition, groups sometimes encouraged neighbors to join the boycott, believing that unity would increase pressure on British merchants.
In summary, these actions had several important outcomes. Boycotts reduced sales of certain British goods and helped colonists practice working together. They also increased tensions, since some colonists disagreed and continued to trade with Britain. Over time, repeated protests made compromise harder and pushed both sides toward open conflict.
The boycotts were not the only cause of the Revolution, but they show how economic choices can become political statements. They also demonstrate that large historical events often grow from many small actions taken by ordinary people.
How does the third paragraph support the main idea?
Answer: It summarizes key outcomes of the colonists' actions
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, some paragraphs provide examples, while others summarize key points. In this passage about colonial boycotts, the third paragraph begins with 'In summary' and lists several important outcomes of the boycotts, including reduced British sales and increased tensions. Choice B is correct because it identifies the paragraph's role in summarizing key outcomes of the colonists' actions, showing the effects of the boycotts described earlier. Choice A is incorrect because the paragraph doesn't introduce new characters but summarizes results. To help students identify paragraph functions, teach them to recognize summary signal words like 'In summary' and practice distinguishing between paragraphs that introduce new information versus those that synthesize previously presented ideas.
- Read the passage, then answer the question.
In 1912, the Titanic set sail on its first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Many people believed the ship was nearly unsinkable because of its size and new design. Passengers expected a comfortable trip, and newspapers described the journey with excitement.
Late at night, the Titanic struck an iceberg. Water flooded several compartments, and the ship began to sink. There were not enough lifeboats for everyone, and the cold ocean made survival difficult. By morning, more than 1,500 people had died.
As a result of the disaster, safety rules changed around the world. Ships were required to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers and to hold lifeboat drills. Governments also supported a system to watch for icebergs and warn ships in dangerous areas.
The tragedy also influenced how engineers designed future ships. Builders improved watertight compartments and strengthened communication equipment. In addition, radio operators became more important because they could send and receive emergency messages quickly.
Today, the Titanic is remembered not only for its luxury but also for the lessons it taught about planning and responsibility. The story continues to appear in museums, books, and films, reminding people that confidence should never replace careful preparation.
What is the primary function of the third paragraph?
Answer: To summarize key outcomes and new safety rules
This question tests ISEE Middle Level comprehension skills: determining the function of a paragraph in a passage. A paragraph's function is essential to understanding its role in the overall argument or narrative. For example, a body paragraph might provide evidence, while a concluding paragraph summarizes outcomes. In this passage, the third paragraph begins with 'As a result' and describes the safety rule changes that occurred after the Titanic disaster, including requirements for lifeboats and iceberg warning systems. Choice A is correct because it identifies the paragraph's role in summarizing key outcomes and new safety rules that resulted from the tragedy. Choice B is incorrect because ship design details appear in the first paragraph, not the third. To help students master this skill, emphasize the importance of transitional phrases like 'As a result' that signal cause-and-effect relationships and encourage them to practice identifying how each paragraph advances the passage's main idea through different functions.
- What is the function of the final paragraph?
Answer: To provide a concluding update on the current status and extended mission of the probes.
The correct answer is A. The paragraph begins 'Having completed their planetary tour,' indicating a shift from the past to the present. It then describes the probes' current location ('interstellar space') and ongoing function ('continue to send back data'), providing a concluding status report on their extended mission. Distractor B is incorrect because the discoveries of the Grand Tour were detailed in the third paragraph. Distractor C is incorrect because the Golden Record was described in the second paragraph. Distractor D is incorrect because no new mission is mentioned.
- The third paragraph's primary purpose is to
Answer: correct a common misconception about the library's demise.
The correct answer is B. The paragraph directly addresses the 'popular myth' of a single great fire and contrasts it with the historical reality of a 'gradual process.' Its main function is to debunk a well-known but inaccurate story. Distractor A is too narrow; conflicts are mentioned as one factor among several, not the sole cause. Distractor C is incorrect because it mentions a 'series of smaller fires' but does not provide a specific timeline. Distractor D is incorrect as the paragraph concerns the library's destruction, not the size of its collection.
- The function of the third paragraph is to
Answer: shift the focus from the forest's specific characteristics to its broader scientific importance.
The correct answer is B. The second paragraph details the unique species and ecosystem of the forest. The third paragraph then explains why studying these things is important, discussing its value as a 'baseline' for conservation and a 'living laboratory.' It broadens the scope from what the forest is to what it means for science. Distractor A is incorrect because the paragraph does not summarize the species list from the previous paragraph. Distractor C is incorrect because the challenges of study are not mentioned. Distractor D is incorrect because the paragraph reinforces, rather than counters, the idea of the forest being untouched.
