Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the questions by selecting the correct/most appropriate options: Increased time constraints and the need for convenience in raising children appear to offset parents' concerns about the future when it comes to their carbon footprints, according to new research by University of Wyoming economists and a colleague in Sweden. UW's Jason Shogren and Linda Thunstrom, along with Jonas Nordstrom of the Lund University School of Economics and Management, have documented that two-adult households with children emit over 25 percent more carbon dioxide than two-adult households without children. Their research appears April 15 in PLOS One, a journal published by the Public Library of Science. "While having children makes people focus more on the future and, presumably, care more about the environment, our study suggests that parenthood does not cause people to become 'greener,'" Shogren and Thunstrom say. "In fact, the difference in CO2 emissions between parents and non-parents is substantial, and that's primarily because of increased transportation and food consumption changes." The study involved an analysis of expenditures on goods and services by households in Sweden. The researchers found that parents with children at home consume goods and services that emit CO2 in the areas of food, such as meat, and transportation, such as gasoline, at higher rates than childless households. The economists note that time constraints become more binding, and convenience may become more important when people have children." Parents may need to be in more places in one day," resulting in people driving themselves instead of using public transportation or bicycling, the researchers wrote. "They also need to feed more people. Eating more pre-prepared, red meat carbon-intensive meals may add convenience and save time."The disparity in the carbon footprints of Swedish households with and without children is particularly striking , as concerns about climate change are more pronounced in Sweden than most other developed countries. Most Swedes believe climate change is real and have accepted sizable CO2 taxes, and households with children are subsidized, which helps to alleviate some of the time crunches for parents. Sweden has generous parental leave and subsidized daycare, and parents have a legal right to reduced work hours. "If we're finding these results in Sweden, it's pretty safe to assume that the disparity in carbon footprints between parents and nonparents is even bigger in most other Western countries," Thunstrom says -- though she notes that Sweden also has one of the world's highest female labour participation rates, which may add to the time constraints of household with children. "Becoming a parent can transform a person -- he or she thinks more about the future and worries about future risks imposed on their children and progeny," Shogren says. "But, while having children might be transformational, our results suggest that parents' concerns about climate change do not cause them to be 'greener' than non-parent adults."
Choose the word which is most nearly the SIMILARin meaning to the word ' Constraint ' as highlighted in the passage.
Restraint
Word Analysis: Understanding 'Constraint' from the Passage
The question asks us to identify the word that is most nearly similar in meaning to the word 'Constraint' as highlighted in the provided passage. To answer this effectively, we need to understand the context in which 'constraint' is used in the passage and then compare it with the given options.
Contextual 'Constraint' in the Passage
In the passage, the word 'constraint' appears in phrases such as "Increased time constraints" and "time constraints become more binding". In these instances, 'constraint' refers to a limiting factor or a restriction on parents' time, which influences their choices regarding their carbon footprints. It suggests that parents have less freedom or flexibility due to limited time.
Definition of 'Constraint'
The term 'constraint' generally means:
- A limitation or restriction.
- Something that restricts or limits what one can do.
- A controlling force or influence.
Analyzing the Options for 'Constraint'
Let's examine each option to determine which one is most similar in meaning to 'constraint':
- Absurd: This word means wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate. It describes something ridiculous or senseless. This is not similar to 'constraint'.
- Relentless: This means oppressively constant; incessant or harsh and unforgiving. While time constraints might feel relentless, the word itself describes persistence or intensity, not a limitation. This is not a direct synonym for 'constraint'.
- Frankness: This refers to the quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing. It relates to honesty and transparency. This is not similar to 'constraint'.
- Restraint: This word refers to a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits. It implies a restriction, control, or limitation. For example, "financial restraint" means limiting spending, which is analogous to "time constraint" meaning limited time. This meaning closely aligns with 'constraint'.
- Timid: This means showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened. It describes a personality trait, not a limitation or restriction. This is not similar to 'constraint'.
Identifying the Similar Word
Based on the analysis, 'Restraint' is the word that is most nearly similar in meaning to 'Constraint'. Both words convey the idea of a limitation, restriction, or controlling influence. In the context of "time constraints," 'restraint' effectively captures the essence of being limited or held back by a lack of time.
Conclusion on 'Constraint' Synonym
The word 'Constraint' in the passage refers to a limitation or restriction, particularly regarding time. Among the given options, 'Restraint' best captures this meaning, implying a control or a limit imposed on something. Therefore, 'Restraint' is the most appropriate synonym for 'Constraint' in this context.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
