Question

read the following paragraph, which is missing a topic sentence: but by itself, even the most powerful quake isnt very dangerous. the ground doesnt shake people to death, or split open and swallow them up. it is what happens after the earth moves that is deadly. when buildings, dams, or pipelines shatter, when hillsides fall apart, or when tsunamis roar ashore, that is when people die. which is the most effective topic sentence for the paragraph? earthquakes are among the most destructive events on earth. you grow up thinking there is nothing more solid and reliable than the ground on which you stand, and then one day, it falls to pieces beneath your feet. the 2011 japanese earthquake took 16,000 lives and caused more than $300 billion of damage. geologists often say that earthquakes dont kill people, buildings do.

Explanation:

The paragraph emphasizes that the earthquake itself isn't dangerous, but the aftermath (buildings, tsunamis, etc.) is. The topic sentence should reflect this.

• Option 1: Just says earthquakes are destructive, doesn't mention aftermath.
• Option 2: Talks about ground reliability, not the main point of the paragraph.
• Option 3: Gives a specific example (2011 Japan), not a general topic sentence.
• Option 4: "Earthquakes don't kill people, buildings do" aligns with the idea that it's the aftermath (buildings, tsunamis which are related to the movement - like buildings being affected by quake - tsunamis are after - effects) that is deadly.

Answer:

Geologists often say that earthquakes don't kill people, buildings do.