Water-Wise Landscaper
What can the reader infer about the future of water use based on Michelle’s comments about climate change?
A. Water will become less important in daily life.
B. Droughts may happen more often, requiring conservation.
C. Technology will eliminate the need for landscaping changes.
D. Climate change will only affect desert regions.
B. Droughts may happen more often, requiring conservation.
Michelle explains droughts will likely become more common.
Why did the author most likely choose an interview format for this text?
A. To entertain readers with personal stories
B. To persuade readers to stop using water completely
C. To explain ideas clearly through questions and expert answers
D. To compare different landscaping careers
C. To explain ideas clearly through questions and expert answers
The interview allows clear explanations from an expert.
Which theme is most clearly developed through Odysseus’s actions during the storm and his encounter with the lotus‑eaters?
A. The gods control every human decision.
B. Intelligence and perseverance are necessary to survive challenges.
C. Nature is unpredictable and unfair.
D. Trusting strangers always leads to danger.
B. Intelligence and perseverance are necessary to survive challenges.
Odysseus uses careful thinking and persistence to overcome both dangers.
What chain of events best explains why Odysseus becomes anxious at the end of the passage?
A. The gods help Odysseus → the men celebrate → the journey ends
B. The storm ends → the island seems peaceful → danger still exists
C. The men eat the lotus → the ships stop → Odysseus rests
D. The islanders smile → Odysseus eats → the men escape
B. The storm ends → the island seems peaceful → danger still exists
The calm island hides danger, making Odysseus uneasy.
Passage 1
In a dry rural community, families carefully plan how they use water each day. Rain falls only a few times a year, making wells the main water source. Washing clothes and bathing happen less often to save water. Farmers grow crops that can survive with very little moisture. When droughts last too long, families must walk farther to collect water. Water is treated as a resource that must be protected.
Passage 2
In many cities, water flows easily from taps in homes and schools. People water lawns and wash cars without much thought. However, most city water is brought from distant rivers or reservoirs. During long dry seasons, these sources shrink. Cities respond by limiting outdoor water use. These restrictions remind residents that water is not unlimited.
Question
What central idea is developed across both passages?
A. Cities rely more on water than rural communities.
B. Water must be carefully managed because it is limited.
C. Droughts affect only farming communities.
D. Water conservation depends on government rules.
B. Water must be carefully managed because it is limited.
Both passages explain that limited water requires careful use in all communities.
Why do cities in desert climates often rely on wells or imported water?
A. They prefer water from distant locations.
B. Lawns cannot grow naturally in deserts.
C. There is limited rainfall in these regions.
D. People do not conserve water properly.
C. There is limited rainfall in these regions.
Low rainfall is the primary cause identified in the text.
Which statement best evaluates Michelle’s claim that people do not need large lawns?
A. The claim is weak because lawns are traditional.
B. The claim is supported by evidence about water use.
C. The claim focuses mainly on children’s play needs.
D. The claim is based only on personal opinion.
B. The claim is supported by evidence about water use.
Michelle supports her claim with evidence about water consumption.
Why does Odysseus refuse to eat the lotus flowers even though he is starving?
A. He dislikes unfamiliar food.
B. He fears the islanders.
C. He realizes the flowers could prevent his men from returning home.
D. He believes the gods have forbidden it.
C. He realizes the flowers could prevent his men from returning home.
He understands the flowers cause forgetfulness and threaten the journey home.
How does the author’s description of the island’s beauty contribute to the reader’s understanding of the danger?
A. It creates contrast that makes the danger unexpected.
B. It distracts from the main problem.
C. It explains Greek culture.
D. It shows the island is safe.
A. It creates contrast that makes the danger unexpected.
The peaceful setting makes the hidden danger more surprising.
Passage 1
A young girl wakes before sunrise to collect water for her family. The walk to the well takes nearly an hour each way. Some days, she misses school to help her family survive. Every container of water must last until night. Her family carefully plans each task that requires water. Her experience shows how water scarcity shapes daily life.
Passage 2
Saving water does not always require large changes. Turning off faucets when not in use can save gallons each day. Choosing plants that need less water reduces waste. Communities that practice conservation prepare better for droughts. Small actions taken by many people can protect water supplies. Everyone has a role in conserving water.
Question
How do the authors’ purposes differ between the two passages?
A. Passage 1 persuades readers, while Passage 2 entertains them.
B. Passage 1 illustrates the effects of scarcity, while Passage 2 encourages responsible behavior.
C. Passage 1 explains rules, while Passage 2 compares ideas.
D. Passage 1 lists facts, while Passage 2 tells a legend.
B. Passage 1 illustrates the effects of scarcity, while Passage 2 encourages responsible behavior.
One passage builds understanding through personal experience, while the other motivates action.
Based on the interview, what does the word xeriscaping most nearly mean?
A. Planting gardens that require frequent watering
B. Designing outdoor spaces using water‑conserving methods
C. Growing only food plants at home
D. Replacing lawns with playground equipment
B. Designing outdoor spaces using water‑conserving methods
Xeriscaping is defined in context as water‑efficient landscaping.
Which action best applies the ideas from the interview to everyday life?
A. Watering lawns every day to keep them green
B. Choosing plants that naturally grow in the local climate
C. Removing all outdoor plants
D. Replacing gardens with paved areas
B. Choosing plants that naturally grow in the local climate
This choice reflects water‑wise landscaping principles.
How does Odysseus’s decision to tie his men to the rowing benches affect the plot?
A. It prevents further delays in their journey.
B. It rewards the men for their loyalty.
C. It ends the conflict with the lotus‑eaters.
D. It causes the gods to become angry.
A. It prevents further delays in their journey.
This action stops the men from eating more lotus and forgetting home.
Select two actions that show Odysseus is a thoughtful leader rather than a reckless one.
☐ He orders the ships to push off quickly
☐ He eats the lotus flowers
☐ He searches for his missing men
☐ He ignores the gods’ warnings
He orders the ships to push off quickly
He searches for his missing men
Both actions show Odysseus protects his men and stays focused on the journey.
Passage 1
Families in dry regions reuse water whenever possible. Clothes are washed only once a week. Stored water must last all day for cooking and drinking. Running out of water means walking long distances. Every drop is carefully measured. Water is never wasted.
Passage 2
In some homes, long showers are common. Lawns are watered regularly, even during hot weather. Because water flows easily from faucets, people may not think about how much they use. During droughts, water restrictions surprise many residents. Some struggle to adjust their habits. Easy access can make conservation feel unnecessary.
Question
What can the reader infer by comparing both passages?
A. Limited access to water causes people to value it more.
B. People with easy access use less water.
C. Water shortages occur only in rural areas.
D. Conservation habits are the same everywhere.
A. Limited access to water causes people to value it more.
Comparing both texts shows that scarcity increases awareness and careful use.
Which detail best supports the idea that traditional lawns are not water‑efficient?
A. Some grasses are soft to walk on.
B. Lawns often need large amounts of water to stay green.
C. Children need space to play outdoors.
D. Lawns can be placed in backyard areas.
B. Lawns often need large amounts of water to stay green.
The text directly states lawns require “tons of water.”
Select two details from the text that support the idea that landscaping can help the environment.
☐ Plants take carbon dioxide out of the air
☐ Lawns make neighborhoods look uniform
☐ Drought‑tolerant plants need less water
☐ Children need outdoor play spaces
✅ Plants take carbon dioxide out of the air
✅ Drought‑tolerant plants need less water
Which detail best supports the idea that the storm is meant to test Odysseus’s leadership?
A. The storm lasts for many days.
B. The men shout that they will drown.
C. The waves roll over the ships.
D. The sea eventually becomes calm.
B. The men shout that they will drown.
The men’s fear shows Odysseus must guide them through danger.
How are the storm and the lotus‑eaters similar challenges for Odysseus?
A. Both are caused by the same god.
B. Both threaten to stop his journey home.
C. Both are solved by resting.
D. Both test Odysseus’s physical strength.
B. Both threaten to stop his journey home.
Each challenge could delay or end Odysseus’s return to Ithaca.
Passage 1
When wells dry up, villagers travel several miles to collect water. This journey often takes hours. Children sometimes miss school to help their families. Daily routines change when water is scarce. Families must choose between tasks that require water. Survival depends on access to water.
Passage 2
During droughts, cities ban watering lawns and filling swimming pools. Car washes close temporarily. Residents are asked to shorten showers. These changes affect daily schedules. Businesses adjust their services to follow restrictions. Water shortages impact entire communities.
Question
Which detail from each passage best supports the idea that water shortages disrupt daily life?
A. Children missing school / cities banning lawn watering
B. Wells drying up / people owning pools
C. Traveling long distances / having city services
D. Families needing water / residents washing cars
A. Children missing school / cities banning lawn watering
Both details show how water shortages force changes in everyday routines.
What is the central idea of the interview with Michelle Pekko‑Seymoure?
A. Lawns are the best way to make outdoor spaces attractive.
B. Climate change has completely eliminated rainfall in desert regions.
C. Landscaping choices can help conserve water in dry climates.
D. Growing food at home is easier than buying it from stores.
C. Landscaping choices can help conserve water in dry climates.
The interview consistently focuses on how water‑wise landscaping saves water.
How do Michelle’s explanations about water scarcity and xeriscaping work together to support the author’s message?
A. Water scarcity explains why lawns should look attractive.
B. Xeriscaping is presented as a solution to the problem of limited water.
C. Water scarcity and xeriscaping are unrelated topics in the interview.
D. Xeriscaping causes water scarcity in desert regions.
B. Xeriscaping is presented as a solution to the problem of limited water.
The text first explains the problem (water scarcity) and then introduces xeriscaping as an effective solution, showing how ideas build logically—an essential FAST PM3 comprehension skill.
Why does the author compare the waves to “looming mountains”?
A. To explain the shape of the waves
B. To describe the weather accurately
C. To emphasize how overwhelming the danger feels
D. To show the location of the ships
C. To emphasize how overwhelming the danger feels
The comparison helps readers feel the intensity of the storm.
Which lesson from Odysseus’s experiences is most useful for overcoming challenges in real life?
A. Depend on luck
B. Let others solve difficult problems
C. Think carefully before making decisions that affect others.
D. Avoid unfamiliar situations
C. Think carefully before making decisions that affect others.
Odysseus succeeds by making smart choices that protect his group.
Passage 1
In communities with limited water, conservation is part of daily survival. People reuse water and plan carefully. Water shortages affect food, hygiene, and education. Every decision involves managing water wisely. Conservation is not optional. It is necessary for survival.
Passage 2
In places where water is easily available, conservation can seem unimportant. However, droughts reveal how quickly water supplies can shrink. Simple habits can reduce waste. Conserving water helps protect future resources. Small choices can have large impacts. Responsibility begins with awareness.
Question
How does reading both passages together deepen understanding of water conservation?
A. It shows that conservation matters only during droughts.
B. It connects survival needs with personal responsibility.
C. It explains how water systems are built.
D. It proves cities waste more water than rural areas.
B. It connects survival needs with personal responsibility.
Together, the passages show why conservation is important everywhere.