Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 66%

The Water Cycle
Water is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms.
The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans.
Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants.
Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.

What was the author's primary purpose for writing this essay?

Rationale

To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle.

The passage provides an explanation of the different stages of the water cycle, detailing processes such as precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. The focus is on describing these stages and their roles in the cycle rather than persuading or analyzing specific aspects of water conservation or runoff.

A (To persuade the reader to conserve water) YOUR ANSWER

The passage does not present arguments or persuasive language aimed at encouraging water conservation. Instead, it focuses on explaining the natural processes involved in the water cycle.

B (To persuade the reader that runoff is not the best way to collect water) YOUR ANSWER

There is no discussion or argument presented against runoff as a method of collecting water. Runoff is simply described as a part of the water cycle without any evaluative language or persuasive intent.

C (To analyze different types of runoff) YOUR ANSWER

The text does not analyze or differentiate among various types of runoff. It briefly mentions runoff as a natural process in the water cycle without delving into specific types or analyzing differences.

D (To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle) CORRECT

The passage clearly describes the stages of the water cycle, including precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. This informative approach is consistent with the primary purpose of educating the reader about these natural processes.

Conclusion

The author's primary purpose in writing this passage is to inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle. The descriptions of precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation are presented in an explanatory manner, aligning with an educational objective rather than persuasion or analysis. The passage serves as an informative guide to understanding the fundamental processes that sustain life on Earth through the water cycle.

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