Question

read this passage.
sideways directed volcanic explosions, known as \lateral blasts,\ can shoot large pieces of rock at very high speeds for several miles. these explosions can kill by impact, burial or heat. they have been known to knock down entire forests.
what is the main idea of this paragraph from the \volcanoes\ section of the ready.gov website?
a. the damage caused by a lateral blast
b. how to avoid a lateral blast
c. the definition of lateral blast
d. the cause of a lateral blast

Explanation:

The paragraph focuses on the damage caused by lateral blasts (such as killing by impact, burial, heat, knocking down forests). It doesn't define lateral blast (so B and C are out), and it doesn't mention the cause of lateral blast (so D is out).

Answer:

A. The damage caused by a lateral blast