Question

read the passage. there are several questions about this passage.
from cats, calamities, and static cling
1
have you ever wondered why, on some days, cats lick themselves more
vigorously than on others? i suspect not. but their licking rate is indeed
variable. and it just might have to do with the animals fear of getting an
electric shock. unfortunately for felines, cat fur loses electrons very readily,
and therein lies a problem. anytime a cat rubs up against something—and
they do a lot of rubbing up—electrons are transferred from the cat to the
object, leaving the cat positively charged. when the animal now comes close
to items that are good electrical conductors and therefore readily give up
electrons, it is subjected to an electrifying experience. a spark, which is
nothing more than a stream of electrons, can jump from the item to the cat.
and then the cat jumps. unless it has engaged in some preventative
licking.
2
the buildup of static electricity is less likely when there is moisture in
the air, due to a couple of factors. water in the air makes the air more
conductive, making for an easier dissipation of any charge that has built up.
furthermore, water molecules, being polar, also bind to the charged
material. \polar\ means that within the molecule electrons are distributed in
a fashion so as to make the oxygen atom slightly negative and the hydrogen
atoms slightly positive. cat fur being positively charged attracts the negative
end of water molecules, which means the positive charge is partially
neutralized, making the fur less attractive to any source of electrons. the
risk of a spark is diminished. when humidity is low, the cat has to use saliva
to moisten its fur to prevent being shocked. since low humidity is usually
associated with good weather, a cat licking itself with increased enthusiasm
is a sign that rain is not likely. if you prefer not to use your cat as a
barometer, a little spray with water will do the trick. but you may lose some
affection.
3
lets move on from licking cats to licking static cling. this too has to do
these sentences are from the passage.
\if you prefer not to use your cat as a barometer, a
little spray with water will do the trick. but you may
lose some affection.\ (paragraph 2)
how is the authors purpose in the passage aided by
these sentences?

1. by using the phrase \lose some affection,\ the

author cautions readers to avoid spraying

their cats with water.

1. by incorporating humor, the author keeps

readers engaged with a scientific topic that
might otherwise seem challenging.

1. by addressing readers as \you,\ the author

communicates caring advice to those who are
worried about their cats comfort.

1. by providing a simple solution to a problem,

the author shows readers that science has
practical applications in everyday life.

Explanation:

• Option 1: The sentence “But you may lose some affection” is more humorous than a serious caution, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: The passage is about static electricity and cats. The phrase “lose some affection” adds a humorous tone, which can make a scientific topic (static electricity and its effects on cats) more engaging for readers who might find the science challenging. This matches the purpose of using humor to engage readers.
• Option 3: Addressing as “you” is not mainly to show caring advice for worried cat owners, but to present a relatable and humorous solution, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: The main purpose here isn't to show science's practical applications generally, but to make the scientific content (about static and cats) engaging with humor, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

1. By incorporating humor, the author keeps readers engaged with a scientific topic that might otherwise seem challenging.