Question

the creek he knew was frozen clear to the bottom, no creek could contain water in that arctic winter, but he knew also that there were springs that bubbled out from the hillsides and ran along under the snow and on top the ice of the creek. he knew that the coldest snaps never froze these springs, and he knew likewise their danger. they were traps. they hid pools of water under the snow that might be three inches deep, or three feet. sometimes a skin of ice half an inch thick covered them, and in turn was covered by the snow. sometimes there were alternate layers of water and ice - skin, so that when one broke through he kept on breaking through for a while, sometimes wetting himself to the waist.
what can you infer based on this passage from \to build a fire\?
a. fire is the opposite element of water.
b. the man has seen these traps before.
c. the man will have the dog test the ice.
d. instinct tells the man to be careful.

Explanation:

The passage states the man knows the springs' depth, ice cover, and danger in detail, which implies prior experience with these traps. Option A is irrelevant, option C is not mentioned, and the man's knowledge is based on experience, not instinct (ruling out D).

Answer:

B. The man has seen these traps before.