Understanding Passage Completion and Word Choice

The question asks us to fill in the fifth blank in the provided passage about the potential negative impacts of tourism, specifically focusing on environmental disruption. To answer this type of question, it is important to read the surrounding text carefully and determine the grammatical structure and meaning required in the blank space.

Analyzing Blank (5) in the Tourism Passage

Let's look at the sentence containing blank (5):

"Natural systems get (4)______ as a result of indiscriminate construction to provide water (5)______ waste disposal facilities along with recreational arrangements to tourists."

The phrase lists items that are provided to tourists due to indiscriminate construction. These items are "water", "waste disposal facilities", and "recreational arrangements". Blank (5) is positioned between "water" and "waste disposal facilities". We need a word that connects these two items in a list of provisions.

Evaluating the Options for Blank (5)

Let's examine the given alternatives for blank (5):

• Option 1: and
• Option 2: but
• Option 3: also
• Option 4: as

Consider how each word fits into the sentence:

• and: "to provide water and waste disposal facilities". This connects "water" and "waste disposal facilities" as two items being provided. This is grammatically correct and makes logical sense in the context of listing facilities.
• but: "to provide water but waste disposal facilities". "But" is typically used to show contrast. There is no contrast implied between providing water and providing waste disposal facilities; both are types of facilities. So, "but" is not appropriate here.
• also: "to provide water also waste disposal facilities". "Also" is used to add something in addition. While one might say "provide water and also waste disposal facilities", simply using "also" between two items in a list like this is not standard grammatical practice. "And" is the standard conjunction for listing items.
• as: "to provide water as waste disposal facilities". "As" is typically used for comparison or to indicate a role or reason. This does not fit the context of connecting two types of facilities being provided.

Determining the Most Appropriate Word

Based on the analysis, the word "and" is the most suitable choice to connect "water" and "waste disposal facilities" as part of a list of provisions made through indiscriminate construction. The sentence structure requires a coordinating conjunction like "and" to link these parallel elements in the list of facilities being provided.

Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (5) is "and".

Revision Table: Understanding Connectors

This question highlights the use of connectors, specifically conjunctions, to link ideas or items in a sentence. Understanding common connectors is crucial for passage completion tasks.

Additional Information: Environmental Impacts of Tourism

The passage discusses the environmental damage caused by tourism. This is a significant concern in many parts of the world. Understanding these impacts can help in comprehending passages like this.

• Habitat Destruction: Construction of hotels, resorts, roads, and other infrastructure for tourists can destroy natural habitats.
• Pollution: Tourists generate waste, including plastic and sewage. Transportation methods (airplanes, buses, cars) contribute to air and noise pollution.
• Resource Depletion: Tourism often requires large amounts of fresh water, energy, and other resources, putting a strain on local supplies, especially in water-scarce regions.
• Erosion: Foot traffic, construction, and off-road activities can lead to soil erosion, damaging landscapes.
• Impact on Wildlife: Tourist activities can disturb wildlife, alter their behavior, and damage ecosystems.

Sustainable tourism practices aim to minimize these negative effects by considering the local environment, economy, and culture.