Each year, Carroll County gives an award to the town that has most increased the area of its green space in the past 12 months. To earn the zoning designation “green space,” a lot must produce less carbon than it absorbs. Examples of land that qualifies as green space include parks, cemeteries, office buildings with highly efficient cooling systems, and homes with large gardens. 55% of the town of Arlington is designated as green space, while 45% of Barrington is designated as green space. Arlington officials have passed an ordinance declaring that any new office buildings built in Arlington in the next 12 months must have highly efficient cooling systems. Barrington officials have responded with a plan to open several new parks in the next 12 months. Barrington officials are confident that they will be ranked ahead of Arlington in the competition for the Carroll County award.

Which of the following, if true, would most justify the officials’ confidence that Barrington will beat Arlington in the award rankings?

(A) Barrington’s new parks will increase its green space by 30%, while Arlington’s new office buildings will increase its green space by only 15%.

(B) Arlington’s additional green space will not exceed 80% of Barrington’s additional green space.

(C) Arlington’s new office buildings will constitute 10% of its existing green space, while Barrington’s new parks will constitute 20% of its existing green space.

(D) The area of Arlington is no larger than that of Barrington.

(E) Barrington’s new parks will bring its percentage of green space to 65%, while Arlington’s new office buildings will bring its percentage of green space to only 60%.


OA B

Source: Veritas Prep