The Disadvantages of Prescribed Fires

Part A: What is the meaning of the word prescribed as it is used in paragraph 1?

• A. arranged

• B. claimed

• C. rushed

• D. triggered

Which quotation from paragraph 1 supports the answer to Part A?

• A “ . . . fires are used to remove the buildup of what is called wildland fuel load. . . .”

• B “ . . . this fuel load can cause devastating damage during a wildfire.”

• C “ . . . there are many advantages to using controlled burns. . . .”

• D “ . . . several criticisms can be leveled at the practice.”

Read the sentence from paragraph 2.

Pollution problems can be mitigated by burning on days when wind direction blows away from populated areas.

What does the word mitigated mean as it is used in the sentence?

• A. disturbed

• B. eliminated

• C. escalated

• D. reduced

Read the sentence from paragraph 3.

Signs should be posted along roadways adjacent to the burning area to warn drivers of the risk.

What does the word adjacent mean as it is used in the sentence?

• A. above

• B. beside

• C. inside

• D. under

Select a quotation that supports the argument that prescribed fires can cause damage.

• A. “Pollution problems can be mitigated by burning on days when wind direction blows away from populated areas.” (paragraph 2)

• B. “Smoke hovering over roadways and blown into populated areas can decrease visibility and increase the risk of auto accidents.” (paragraph 3)

• C. “Each agency has different requirements for their burn plans, but each is required to list the exact area . . . if the fire escapes the original burn area.” (paragraph 4)

• D. “Even low-intensity burns require dozens of people to set the fires, cut control lines and monitor the surrounding area for escaped fires.” (paragraph 5)

Why does the author use description to develop his ideas throughout the passage?

• A. to explain how uncontrolled fires affect an area

• B. to show the planning that goes into prescribed fires

• C. to reveal why prescribed fires concern him and should not be used

• D. to list the reasons prescribed fires are refuted and should be carefully planned

The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A: Based on the passage, what can the reader infer about prescribed fires?

• A. Prescribed fires only happen in rural or country areas.

• B. Prescribed fires take careful planning and consideration.

• C. Prescribed fires are less beneficial than unplanned fires.

• D. Prescribed fires can cause a city to spend a great deal of money.

Part B: Which quotation supports the inference made in Part A?

• A. “Prescribed fires are used by land management agencies, such as the National Park Service, the USDA Forest Service and state level park services, to maintain and restore fire-dependent environments.” (paragraph 1)

• B. “Low-intensity, prescribed fires are used to remove the buildup of what is called wildland fuel load, which is made up of fallen leaves and timber.” (paragraph 1)

• C. “Each agency has different requirements for their burn plans, but each is required to list the exact area to be burned and include emergency burn plans for the surrounding area, if the fire escapes the original burn area.” (paragraph 4)

• D. “While many people are needed to control a small, planned fire, several hundred more are needed to extinguish an unplanned fire.” (paragraph 5)

Choose two statements that express central ideas of the passage.

• A. Prescribed fires can be very useful.

• B. Prescribed fires have a few disadvantages.

• C. Prescribed fires can affect the human body.

• D. Prescribed fires are controlled by a variety of agencies.

• E. Prescribed fires are used to reduce flammable material found in nature.

Low-intensity, prescribed fires are used to remove the buildup of what is called wildland fuel load, which is made up of fallen leaves and timber. If left to accumulate, this fuel load can cause devastating damage during a wildfire.

What is the meaning of the word accumulate as it is used in paragraph 1?

• decrease in quantity (amount)

• migrate

• Increase in quantity (amount)

• feed on organisms