The process of mechanically recycling plastics is often considered ______ because of the environmental impact and the loss
of material quality that often occurs. But chemist Takunda Chazovachii has helped develop a cleaner process of chemical
recycling that converts superabsorbent polymers from diapers into a desirable reusable adhesive.
resilient
inadequate
dynamic
satisfactory
Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion about recycling plastics. In this
context, “inadequate” means not satisfactory. The text indicates that the mechanical plastic-recycling process affects the
environment and causes “the loss of material quality.” The text contrasts that with Chazovachii’s chemical plastic-recycling
process, which is cleaner and produces a desirable product. The text’s emphasis on the negative aspects of mechanical
recycling suggests that it is inadequate in terms of environmental impact and the quality of the material the process yields.
Choice A is incorrect because in this context “resilient” would mean able to withstand diﬃculty and the text does not
characterize the plastic-recycling process as having this quality or describe any diﬃculties that these processes might need
to overcome. Choice C is incorrect because in this context “dynamic” would mean constantly changing. Although the text
suggests that there have been changes in the ﬁeld of recycling, as is the case with the advent of Chazovachii’s chemical
recycling process, there is nothing to suggest that the mechanical process itself has changed or is prone to change. Choice
D is incorrect because in this context “satisfactory” would mean acceptable but not perfect. The text mentions only
shortcomings of the mechanical process (environmental effects and lower material quality), so the text more strongly
supports a negative view of this process and provides no evidence that it would be considered satisfactory.