Question

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Heatwaves are becoming longer, frequent and intense due to climate change. The impacts of extreme heat are unevenly experienced; with older people and young children, those with pre-existing medical conditions and on low incomes significantly more vulnerable. Adaptation to heatwaves is a significant public policy concern. Research conducted among at-risk people in the UK reveals that even vulnerable people do not perceive themselves as at risk of extreme heat; therefore, early warnings of extreme heat events do not perform as intended. This suggests that understanding how extreme heat is narrated is very important. The news media play a central role in this process and can help warn people about the potential danger, as well as about impacts on infrastructure and society.

• A. Heatwaves pose an enormous risk; the media plays a pivotal role in alerting people to this danger.
• B. People are vulnerable to heatwaves caused due to climate change, measures taken are ineffective.
• C. Protection from heat waves is important but current reports and public policies seem ineffective.
• D. News stories help in warning about heatwaves, but they have to become more effective.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The passage addresses the escalating frequency and severity of heatwaves attributable to climate change, affecting various vulnerable demographics disparately. It underscores the necessity of adapting to heatwaves as a significant public policy concern. Research findings indicate that even vulnerable individuals may not recognize themselves as susceptible to extreme heat, underscoring the importance of comprehending how extreme heat is communicated. Specifically, the passage highlights the pivotal role of the news media in forewarning the populace about the potential hazards of heatwaves and their repercussions on infrastructure and society.

Option (A) implies a general significance of protection without specifically emphasizing the media's role in alerting people to the dangers of heatwaves.
Option (B) acknowledges vulnerability to heatwaves but fails to stress the media's role in alerting people, instead suggesting a broader critique of measures taken.
Option (C) effectively conveys the central focus on the substantial risk posed by heatwaves and the crucial function of the media in alerting the public to this peril.
Option (D) mentions the necessity for news stories to enhance effectiveness but does not highlight the central role of the media in alerting people to the risk of heatwaves, as the passage does.

So, the correct option is (A): Heatwaves pose an enormous risk; the media plays a pivotal role in alerting people to this danger.