Question

read the following passage: the problem began simply enough. in the 1950s, plans to build a canal were abandoned due to political red tape. the half - finished canal then became a dumping ground for garbage. chemical waste was deposited there and buried. two decades later, heavy rains and shifting soil caused some of the chemical containers to leak. the chemicals leached into the soil and contaminated the water supply. within months, the area had to be evacuated. which statement best describes the main idea of this passage? a. government slowdowns can lead to environmental disasters. b. without a fresh supply of clean water, humanity cannot survive. c. careless disposal of chemicals can lead to major problems over time. d. people should not live in close proximity to garbage dumps.

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage starts with political red tape (government slowdown) leading to canal abandonment, then dumping, chemical waste burial, and later environmental disaster (contamination, evacuation). This aligns with the main idea.
• Option B: The passage is not about the necessity of clean water for humanity's survival, but about how a series of events led to contamination. Eliminate.
• Option C: While chemical disposal was part of it, the root cause here was the government slowdown leading to the canal becoming a dump. The focus is more on the chain starting from political issues, not just chemical disposal. Eliminate.
• Option D: The passage isn't about living near garbage dumps, but about a specific chain of events from canal abandonment to environmental disaster. Eliminate.

Answer:

A. Government slowdowns can lead to environmental disasters.