Question

section: environmental policies in the united states
read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
throughout the 1900s, u.s. citizens became more aware of environmental problems. widespread crop disasters in the 1930s showed the country that poor farming practices were causing soil erosion and poverty. policies to encourage soil conservation were adopted. people objected to living near smelly garbage dumps, so research on better methods of waste disposal began. the public began to complain about pollution. the first earth day, celebrated around the world in 1970, was a sign of widespread environmental awareness. in the same year, the u.s. environmental protection agency (epa) was created.
u.s. lawmakers have created many policies and federal agencies to manage environmental affairs. for example, the epa enforces the clean air act and the clean water act. these acts set standards for acceptable levels of pollutants in air and water. the epa uses regulations and economic incentives to encourage individuals and businesses to meet these standards.
identifying main ideas
one reading skill is the ability to identify the main idea of a passage. the main idea is the main focus or key idea. frequently, a main idea is accompanied by supporting information that offers detailed facts about the main idea.
in the space provided, write the letter of the term or phrase that best completes each statement or best answers each question.

1. throughout the 1900s, u.s. citizens

a. complained about pollution.
b. celebrated earth day.
c. experienced widespread crop disasters.
d. became more aware of environmental problems.

1. what did the celebration of the first earth day signify?

a. the need for cleaner air and water
b. widespread interest in environmental issues
c. a movement toward government regulation of pollutants
d. the government’s concern with the environment

1. what is the purpose of the clean air act and the clean water act?

a. to create better methods of waste disposal
b. to establish the environmental protection agency
c. to set standards for acceptable levels of pollutants in air and water
d. to raise public awareness about environmental problems

Explanation:

1. The passage clearly states "Throughout the 1900s, U.S. citizens became more aware of environmental problems."
2. It mentions "The first Earth Day, celebrated around the world in 1970, was a sign of widespread environmental awareness."
3. The text says "The EPA enforces the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. These acts set standards for acceptable levels of pollutants in air and water."

Answer:

1. d. became more aware of environmental problems
2. b. widespread interest in environmental issues
3. c. to set standards for acceptable levels of pollutants in air and water