Question

water
water is essential for life, and it covers nearly three-
fourths of the surface of the earth. imagine the immense
space oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers cover and how
useful all this water is to man.
water is an absolute necessity for the body. humans
must be able to drink clean water to live and be healthy.
animals and birds and other living creatures also need
water to survive. water is used to grow crops and also to
cook food.
ships travel the oceans and lakes, and boats ply along
the rivers carrying people and goods to and fro, going
thousands of miles from their starting point. the longest
rivers in the united states are the missouri river, which is
about 2,340 miles, and the mississippi river, which is
about 2,320 miles, and these two rivers form the longest
water transportation system in north america.
water has three different forms known as solid, liquid,
and gas. water has no taste or smell. the energy or power
of water can do more work than thousands of men. water
which statement gives two central ideas from the passage?
o a. people also use water as a means of enjoyment, and water sports, such as rowing, are fun.
o b. water promotes and protects life, and it also serves as a source of enjoyment.
o c. the missouri river is 2,340 miles long, and the mississippi river is 2,320 miles long.

Explanation:

The passage first emphasizes that water is essential for life (humans, animals, crops, etc. need it), which is about water promoting and protecting life. Then it mentions ships traveling (a form of enjoyment through water - related activities like using waterways for transport which can be seen as a source of enjoyment in a broader sense as it enables movement and connection). Option A only focuses on enjoyment aspect (water sports) and misses the life - promoting part. Option C is about specific river lengths which are just details in the passage and not central ideas. Option B correctly combines the two main aspects: water's role in life (promoting and protecting) and its role as a source of enjoyment.

Answer:

B. Water promotes and protects life, and it also serves as a source of enjoyment.