Desalination Process

Which sentence best sums up how the focus of the first passage differs from the focus of the second passage?

• The first passage describes the growing demand for fresh water. The second describes the current limits to water resources.

• The first passage stresses the scarcity of fresh water. The second explains how salt can be removed from seawater.

• The first passage states the pros and cons of desalination. The second argues that desalination is the solution to water problems.

• The first passage describes the desalination process. The second discusses how desalination can help solve the water crisis.

Answer explanation

The first passage focuses on describing the desalination process, while the second passage discusses how desalination can help solve the water crisis.

What is the main argument presented in the second passage?

• The second passage argues that desalination is the solution to water problems.

• The second passage discusses the current limits to water resources.

• The second passage explains how salt can be removed from seawater.

• The second passage describes the desalination process.

Answer explanation

The main argument presented in the second passage is that desalination is the solution to water problems.

Which of the following explains how the two authors shape their presentations by using similar key information in different ways?

• Both authors talk about how people need water to survive, but the second explains what will happen if water needs aren’t met.

• Both authors name reverse osmosis as a key part of desalination, but the first explains the science principles used in the process.

• Both authors state that 1.1 billion people don’t have clean fresh water, but the second uses that fact to support desalination.

• Both authors say that only a small percent of Earth’s water is fresh, but the first discusses the challenges of finding water resources.

Answer explanation

Both authors use reverse osmosis in desalination, but the first explains the science principles. This highlights the correct choice.

How does the first passage view the issue of desalination?

• The first passage describes the growing demand for fresh water.

• The first passage stresses the scarcity of fresh water.

• The first passage states the pros and cons of desalination.

• The first passage describes the desalination process.

Answer explanation

The first passage states the pros and cons of desalination.

How does the second passage support the argument for desalination?

• By explaining the science behind desalination.

• By discussing the scarcity of fresh water.

• By arguing that desalination is the solution to water problems.

• By describing the desalination process.

Which of the following best describes the first author's view on the issue of fresh water scarcity?

• The first author believes that fresh water scarcity is a major issue that needs to be addressed.

• The first author believes that fresh water scarcity is not a major issue.

• The first author believes that desalination is the solution to fresh water scarcity.

• The first author believes that fresh water scarcity can be solved by other means, not just desalination.

Compare and contrast how the two passages present desalinization. Describe how the authors use similar and different facts to achieve their purpose and express their perspectives. Use at least two details from the texts in your response.