Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.
Passage
Just downstream from its confluence with the Missouri River, near the town of Alton, Illinois, the Mississippi River is nearly one mile across. In contrast, there are sections of the river near its source (Lake Itasca in Minnesota), where the Mississippi spans less than 20 feet from its right bank to its left.

The passage is mainly discussing the Mississippi River's

Rationale

width

The passage primarily focuses on the Mississippi River's width, describing its significant features and implications for surrounding ecosystems and human activities. This aspect is highlighted as a key point of interest, distinguishing it from other measurements of the river.

A (depth) YOUR ANSWER

While depth is an important characteristic of rivers, the passage does not emphasize this aspect. The discussion revolves around the Mississippi River's width and its impact rather than providing detailed information about how deep the river is at various points.

B (length) YOUR ANSWER

Although the length of the Mississippi River is noteworthy, the passage does not prioritize this detail in its discussion. Instead, it centers on how the river's width affects navigation, habitats, and land use, making length a secondary concern in this context.

C (width) CORRECT

The passage mainly discusses the width of the Mississippi River, emphasizing its role in the river's ecology and the human activities that depend on it. This focus on width is crucial as it affects various factors, including flood management and habitat diversity, making it the central theme of the discussion.

D (location) YOUR ANSWER

The location of the Mississippi River is a well-known fact, but the passage does not delve into geographical specifics. Instead, it emphasizes the river's physical attributes, particularly width, which influences its interaction with the environment and communities, rather than merely stating where it is situated.

Conclusion

The passage's central theme revolves around the Mississippi River's width, which is pivotal in understanding its ecological and societal significance. While other characteristics like depth, length, and location hold importance, they do not receive the same level of attention in the passage. The focus on width highlights its implications for both natural and human systems, making it the most relevant choice.