Water Vocabulary Challenge

What does the word 'essential' mean?

• Very important and needed.

• Somewhat important but not really needed.

• Not important at all.

• Only important sometimes.

Answer explanation

The word 'essential' means something that is absolutely necessary or extremely important. This definition aligns with the correct answer choice, emphasizing the critical nature of what is deemed essential.

What does 'survival' mean?

• Doing well in a tough situation.

• Keeping food safe for a long time.

• Changing to fit new places.

• Staying alive or existing.

Answer explanation

'Survival' refers to the state of continuing to live or exist, which is the most fundamental definition. The other options describe related concepts but do not capture the essence of survival as living or existing.

What are 'factories' and what do they make?

• Factories make raw materials.

• Factories make products.

• Factories create energy.

• Factories make digital things.

Answer explanation

Factories are industrial facilities that primarily produce manufactured goods, transforming raw materials into finished products for consumers and businesses.

In Singapore, the ______________________ of water is a big concern.

• possibility

• availability

• durability

• feasibility

Answer explanation

In Singapore, the availability of water is a significant concern due to limited natural freshwater sources. This makes 'availability' the most appropriate choice, as it directly addresses the issue of water supply.

What does 'concern' mean in Singapore's talks about water?

• Rules and plans about water.

• New ways to use water better.

• Problems or issues with using water.

• Where water comes from.

Answer explanation

In Singapore's water discussions, 'concern' primarily refers to issues or problems affecting the use of water, highlighting challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable water management.

What are some different 'sources' of water?

• Rainbows

• Rivers, lakes, groundwater, reservoirs, and places that make fresh water from salt water.

• Snowflakes

• Clouds

Answer explanation

The correct answer identifies actual sources of water, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, reservoirs, and desalination plants. Rainbows, snowflakes, and clouds are not direct sources of water.

What does 'sustainable' mean when we talk about using resources?

• Sustainable means using resources in a way that helps us today and also helps people in the future.

• Using up resources quickly to make as much money as possible.

• Using resources without any rules or limits.

• Using resources just for now without thinking about what will happen later.

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines 'sustainable' as using resources to meet current needs while ensuring future generations can also meet theirs, contrasting with the other options that promote overuse or short-term thinking.

What does 'national' mean when we talk about taking care of water?

• National means how each city takes care of its own water.

• National means the rules and plans a country makes to manage water well.

• National means how private companies handle water.

• National means agreements between countries about water.

Answer explanation

In water management, 'national' refers to the comprehensive policies and practices a nation adopts to manage its water resources effectively, distinguishing it from local or private initiatives.

What is a 'catchment' area?

• A catchment area is the place where water collects and flows to a river or lake.

• A catchment area is a type of water storage.

• A catchment area is a home for certain animals and plants.

• A catchment area is about how many people use a service in a town.

Answer explanation

A catchment area refers to the geographical region that supplies users to a service or resource, making the first choice the correct definition. The other options misinterpret the term.

What are reservoirs used for?

• Reservoirs are used to hold water for drinking, farming, controlling floods, making electricity, and for fun activities.

• Reservoirs are used to store oil and gas.

• Reservoirs are mainly for throwing away waste.

• Reservoirs are built just for animals to live in.

Answer explanation

Reservoirs serve multiple purposes including providing water supply, supporting irrigation, managing flood control, generating hydroelectric power, and offering recreational opportunities, making the first choice the correct one.