Passage
As the new century begins, it is becoming evident to urban dwellers, whether in industrial or developing countries, that there is an immanent conflict between the automobile and the city. Urban air pollution, often from automobiles, claims millions of lives. Congestion also takes a direct economic toll in rising costs in time and the use of petrol.
Another cost of cities that are devoted to cars is a psychological one, a deprivation of contact with the natural world — an "asphalt complex". There is a growing body of evidence that there is an innate human need for contact with nature. Both ecologists and psychologists have been aware of this for some time. Ecologists, led by Harvard University biologist E.O. Wilson, have formulated the "biophilia hypothesis", which argues that those who are deprived of contact with nature suffer psychologically and that this deprivation leads to a measurable decline in well-being.
Meanwhile psychologists have coined their own term — ecopsychology — in which they make the same argument. Theodore Roszak, a leader in this field, cites a study that documents humans' dependence on nature by looking at the rate of recovery of patients in a hospital in Pennsylvania. Those whose rooms overlooked gardens with grass, trees, flowers, and birds recovered from illnesses more quickly than those who were in rooms overlooking the parking lot.
Urban Conflict: Automobiles vs. Cities
The passage identifies a significant conflict between automobiles and urban environments. Key issues highlighted include:
- Environmental Impact: Urban air pollution, largely from automobiles, causes millions of deaths.
- Economic Impact: Congestion leads to increased costs in terms of time and fuel consumption.
- Psychological Impact: Cities prioritizing cars contribute to an "asphalt complex," a deprivation of contact with the natural world.
The Need for Nature Connection
The passage emphasizes the innate human requirement for connection with nature, supported by scientific concepts:
- Biophilia Hypothesis: Formulated by E.O. Wilson, it suggests that deprivation of nature contact leads to psychological suffering and a decline in well-being.
- Ecopsychology: This field, with leaders like Theodore Roszak, parallels the biophilia hypothesis. A study cited shows patients recovering faster when their hospital rooms overlooked natural scenes (gardens, birds) compared to those overlooking parking lots.
Answering the Question
Based on the passage, the core message revolves around the negative consequences of car-centric cities and the fundamental human need for nature. Therefore, the passage draws attention to:
- Option 4: The need to remain close to nature even within our cities. This directly addresses the "asphalt complex" and the evidence presented from both ecology and psychology about the benefits of nature contact for well-being.
The other options are not the main focus:
- Option 1 is contrary to the passage's critique of car dependency.
- Option 2 is a detail supporting the main argument, not the central theme itself.
- Option 3 (banning cars) is a potential implication but not the direct point the passage makes; it focuses on the *need* for nature.
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'?
