Question

read the excerpt from silent spring. in the gutters under the eaves and between the shingles of the roofs, a white granular powder still showed a few patches; some weeks before it had fallen like snow upon the roofs and the lawns, the fields and streams. which best explains how the phrase \white granular powder\ supports the authors purpose of calling attention to the environment? the powder is an unnatural substance. the powder has a texture like sugar. the powder looks like freshly fallen snow. the powder is used in house construction.

Explanation:

To determine how "white granular powder" supports the environmental purpose, analyze each option:

• Option A: An unnatural substance in the environment (like a pollutant) would highlight environmental harm, aligning with Silent Spring's focus on ecological damage from chemicals.
• Option B: Comparing to sugar (a common, natural - seeming substance) does not emphasize environmental concern.
• Option C: Looking like snow is descriptive but does not connect to environmental impact.
• Option D: Use in house construction is irrelevant to environmental attention.

So, Option A best explains the support for the environmental purpose.

Answer:

A. The powder is an unnatural substance.