Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 11 to 15.
Consumers are often encouraged to support businesses that present themselves as environmentally responsible. Public discussion has largely focused on greenwashing, in which companies exaggerate their environmental achievements in order to gain public approval. Yet researchers have also identified a contrasting practice known as brownwashing. (11) .
At first, this seems surprising, because companies usually benefit from appearing responsible and forward-looking.
(12) _________. Some businesses fear that strong green claims may attract criticism, closer scrutiny, or expectations they may not be able to meet later. This can be especially true when profits are uncertain, competition is intense, or environmental targets are difficult to maintain over time. Silence may therefore appear safer than praise. In such situations, (13) ___, firms may choose modest language or avoid discussing their environmental record in detail.
Brownwashing can create problems for consumers, investors, and policymakers. (14) _________, distinguishing genuine progress from weak environmental performance becomes more difficult. This reduces trust in sustainability reporting and may prevent responsible firms from receiving the recognition they deserve. At the same time, (15) _____.
Environmental progress is often gradual and difficult to measure accurately, so careful wording may sometimes be reasonable. The real issue is whether a company is communicating cautiously or intentionally withholding favourable information.
(Adapted from https://news.umich.edu)