Question

read the following passage: without trees returning water vapor back into the atmosphere, the water cycle becomes critically disrupted. when trees are cut down, there is no longer a canopy to shade the forest during the day and hold in heat at night. this results in extreme temperature swings. finally, trees absorb greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming. fewer trees mean that more of these gasses are released into the atmosphere. which statement best describes how the structure enhances a reader’s understanding of the passage? a. it examines the connections between cutting down trees and the environmental outcome. b. it appeals to a reader’s emotions by creating an image of a global catastrophe. c. it traces the order of events at the beginning, middle, and end of deforestation. d. it uses a formal tone to highlight the serious nature of cutting down trees.

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage explains how cutting trees disrupts the water cycle, causes temperature swings, and increases greenhouse gases (environmental outcomes), so it examines connections between deforestation and these outcomes.
• Option B: The passage is factual, not emotional; it doesn't aim to appeal to emotions.
• Option C: The passage doesn't trace a sequence of events in deforestation (like a timeline of deforestation process), but focuses on effects of cutting trees.
• Option D: The question is about structure, not tone, so this is irrelevant.

Answer:

A. It examines the connections between cutting down trees and the environmental outcome.