Question

farming changes the environment
farming is a necessary part of the modern world.
people to produce the meats and vegetables necessary for
environment.
however, farming changes the natural
farming destroys the habitats for many animals.
examples are prairie dogs, bubble bees, prairie songbirds,
trees and shrubs around their fields. the trees and shrubs
will provide a home for animals.
when grasslands are plowed under, wind and water
can wash away the bare topsoil. farmers can slow down
this erosion. they can plant cover crops during the winter.
the roots of the cover crops will hold the topsoil in place.
farmers sometimes place fertilizer on their crops to
help them grow. if not used correctly, fertilizers harm the
environment. it can harm birds. it can also make weeds
grow faster. farmers can solve this problem by applying
later fertilizers. they can apply fertilizers more carefully.
farming impacts our environment, but it is
necessary. it is important for farmers to be good stewards
the environment.

1. the word erosion means

a. wind and water washing away the soil
b. plant and animal habitats being destroyed
c. trees and shrubs providing a home for animals
d. grasslands being plowed under

1. what is the central idea of this article?

a. farming is necessary for people and good for our
environment.
b. we should stop farming because it is harmful for the
environment.
c. farming is necessary, so we must choose careful farming
methods.
d. farmers have been careless with our environment.

1. the author probably wrote this article to

a. stop farming because of its harmful affects
b. tell a story about how a farmer harmed the environment
c. tell how many plants and animals have been harmed by
farming
d. explain the affects of farming and offer solutions to help

1. if farming is so harmful to the environment, why do we

keep farming?

Explanation:

1. For the word "erosion":

• The text mentions "when grasslands are plowed under, wind and water can wash away the bare topsoil. Farmers can slow down this erosion". So, "erosion" means wind and water washing away the soil.

1. For the central idea:

• The article first says farming is necessary (people need food), then talks about its negative impacts (destroying habitats, causing soil erosion if not done right) and also mentions solutions (applying fertilizers carefully, planting cover crops). So the central idea is that farming is necessary but can harm the environment if not done properly, which is covered by option C.

1. For the author's purpose:

• The article discusses both the necessity of farming (people need to eat) and its impacts (positive - providing food, negative - environmental impacts like habitat destruction, soil erosion) and solutions (e.g., proper fertilizer use, cover crops). So the author's purpose is to explain the affects of farming and offer solutions, which is option D.

Answer:

1. A. wind and water washing away the soil
2. C. Farming is necessary for people and good for our environment, but it is important for farmers to be good stewards.
3. D. explain the affects of farming and offer solutions to help keep farming?