Question

se the passage, map, and your knowledge to answer the questions.
he u.s. and canada
population of the united states and canada was estimated at over 370 million
. in that year, the two countries together grew by nearly 3 million people. most
occurred in urban and suburban areas, where economic opportunities and
ntinue to drive change. within the next generation, north america’s young
number in the tens of millions — a powerful force shaping education,
d the economy. this group alone will rival the entire population of the u.s. back
ent growth patterns continue, by the year 2050, the combined populations of
es and canada could approach 450 million.
the world’s 10 largest countries by population

1. which sentence best summarizes the main

idea about the population of the u.s. and
canada?
the u.s. and canada have stopped growing in
population and are shrinking.
most of the population growth in the u.s. and
canada is happening in rural areas.
the u.s. and canada had their highest population
numbers in 1950 and have declined since then.
the combined population of the u.s. and canada is
growing steadily and is expected to keep increasing.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• First option: The passage says the population grew by nearly 3 million, so they aren't shrinking. Eliminate.
• Second option: The passage states most growth was in urban/suburban areas, not rural. Eliminate.
• Third option: The passage shows population growth (grew by 3 million, expected to reach 450 million by 2050), so it's not declining since 1950. Eliminate.
• Fourth option: The passage mentions a 3 - million growth, urban/suburban - driven change, and a future population of ~450 million, showing steady growth and expected increase. This matches.

Answer:

The combined population of the U.S. and Canada is growing steadily and is expected to keep increasing.