The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has been a subject of intense debate among economists and environmentalists. Originally introduced in the 1920s to stimulate consumer demand, it involves designing products with a limited useful life, encouraging repeat purchases. While proponents argue that this strategy drives innovation and economic growth, critics contend that it leads to resource depletion and excessive waste. Recent studies suggest that a shift towards 'circular economy' models, where products are designed for durability and reparability, could mitigate these negative effects. However, implementing such models requires significant changes in manufacturing practices and consumer behavior, posing challenges for industries reliant on high turnover rates.
❓ ¿Cuál es la principal preocupación planteada por los críticos de la obsolescencia programada?
A. A) Reduce la demanda de los consumidores por productos nuevos.
B. B) Causa daños ambientales mediante el desperdicio de recursos.
C. C) Obstaculiza la innovación tecnológica en la manufactura.
D. D) Aumenta el costo de producción para las empresas.
✅ 正确答案
B) It causes environmental damage through resource waste.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
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