Category 1
In paragraph 4, the author states that nutrient pollution is "smothering seagrass beds." Based on the context of the paragraph, what does the word "smothering" imply?
A. Providing a warm, protective layer for the plants.
B. Depriving the plants of what they need to survive.
C. Forcing the plants to grow in a different direction.
D. Removing toxic chemicals from the surrounding water.
B. Depriving the plants of what they need to survive.
Read this sentence from paragraph 4:
"When there are too many nutrients... we get blooms of tiny marine organisms called phytoplankton in the water, reducing clarity."
What is the most accurate definition of "clarity" as it is used in this sentence?
A. The speed at which water moves.
B. The ability to understand a difficult idea.
C. The quality of being transparent or see-through.
D. The chemical balance of salt and fresh water.
C. The quality of being transparent or see-through.
In paragraph 6, Jim Hagy mentions "biological endpoints to support nutrient criteria."
Which word or phrase from the text best helps the reader understand the meaning of "criteria" as a set of standards?
A. "reliable protection"
B. "historical and recent maps"
C. "coastal ecosystems"
D. "exciting research"
A. "reliable protection"
The text describes certain fish and shellfish as "economically important" in paragraph 2.
Based on the surrounding text in paragraph 5, why are these species described this way?
A. They are essential to the beauty of the shoreline.
B. They are difficult for scientists to track and map.
C. They are a primary food source for larger sea animals.
D. They represent a source of income and trade for people.
D. They represent a source of income and trade for people.
Read the following phrase from paragraph 6:
"...a credible path to restoration for impaired waters."
What is the meaning of "impaired" in this context?
A. Hidden or difficult to locate.
B. Damaged or weakened in quality.
C. Deep or far away from the shore.
D. Protected by government laws.
B. Damaged or weakened in quality.
In paragraph 5, the author describes the rising price of seafood as "a tough pill to swallow."
What is the effect of this idiom?
A. It emphasizes that the situation is unpleasant and hard to accept.
B. It suggests that seafood is becoming a necessary form of medicine.
C. It implies that the solution to the problem will be very expensive.
D. It highlights that seagrass pollution is making people physically ill.
A. It emphasizes that the situation is unpleasant and hard to accept.
The title refers to seagrasses as the "nurseries of our coastal waters."
How does this metaphor contribute to the reader's understanding of seagrass?
A. It suggests that seagrasses are very fragile and require constant care.
B. It implies that seagrasses are only found in very small, enclosed areas.
C. It highlights that seagrasses provide a safe place for young life to grow.
D. It shows that seagrasses are being planted by humans to help the ocean.
C. It highlights that seagrasses provide a safe place for young life to grow.
In paragraph 5, the author notes that seagrasses can be "stressed" by nutrient pollution.
Which statement best explains the personification of the seagrass?
A. It shows that seagrasses have feelings similar to humans.
B. It suggests that seagrasses are trying to fight against the algae.
C. It explains why seagrasses grow more slowly in the winter months.
D. It describes the physical strain and health decline of the plants.
D. It describes the physical strain and health decline of the plants.
How do paragraphs 6 and 7 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?
A. by including Hagy’s work to describe the pollution problem in Florida
B. by focusing on Hagy’s work with various kinds of maps that reveal seagrass depth
C. by explaining how Hagy’s work uses science to create a solution to the problem of decreasing seagrasses
D. by conveying how Hagy’s work supports a way for maintaining seafood production rates with less seagrass
C. by explaining how Hagy’s work uses science to create a solution to the problem of decreasing seagrasses
In paragraph 6, the author describes Florida estuaries entering a "new chapter in their history."
What does this figure of speech suggest about the future of the estuaries?
A. Scientists are going to write a book about the Florida coast.
B. The history of the water is being forgotten by the local people.
C. There is a significant change starting in how the water is managed.
D. The estuaries are becoming older and more difficult to protect.
C. There is a significant change starting in how the water is managed.
Why does the author use the phrase "Around the Water Cooler" in the title?
A. To indicate that the text is a formal scientific report for experts.
B. To suggest the topic is something people might discuss casually.
C. To warn the reader that the global water supply is running out.
D. To show that seagrasses are actually used to filter drinking water.
B. To suggest the topic is something people might discuss casually.
In paragraph 4, the author describes how "nutrient pollution... is smothering seagrass beds" by causing "blooms of tiny marine organisms."
Based on the surrounding text, what is the most accurate meaning of "blooms" in this context?
A. The colorful flowers that grow on underwater plants.
B. The process of seagrasses producing new seeds.
C. A sudden and rapid increase in a population.
D. A healthy sign that an ecosystem is thriving.
C. A sudden and rapid increase in a population.
How do the details of paragraph 4 contribute to the development of ideas?
A. by explaining that adding nutrients to natural waters can be harmful in the long run to wildlife and plants
B. by explaining that phytoplankton can actually increase the production of seagrass
C. by explaining that added nutrients to natural waters can be dangerous to humans
D. by explaining that clarity of the water depends on the amount of seagrass found
A. by explaining that adding nutrients to natural waters can be harmful in the long run to wildlife and plants
How does paragraph 6 develop the concept of seagrass maps?
A. by highlighting the people who study seagrass maps
B. by explaining the overall purpose of having seagrass maps
C. by describing the research that goes into creating seagrass maps
D. by introducing the science behind making water plants for seagrass maps
B. by explaining the overall purpose of having seagrass maps
How does paragraph 7 contribute to the development of the text?
A. It describes the importance of researching ecosystems growing in Florida seagrasses.
B. It explains the importance of studying a recent map of seagrass colonization depth.
C. It introduces the idea that seagrasses can assist in cleaning up the environment.
D. It emphasizes the idea that Florida is a state with a high population of seagrass.
B. It explains the importance of studying a recent map of seagrass colonization depth.
How do paragraphs 1 and 2 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?
A.by immediately defining the problem and giving the solution
B. by summarizing the role that seagrass plays in natural habitats
C. by providing the background information needed to understand the lack of seafood
D. by referring to tasty seafood and its connection to seagrass as an attention grabber
D. by referring to tasty seafood and its connection to seagrass as an attention grabber
How does paragraph 4 contribute to the development of ideas?
A.by explaining how seagrasses are threatened
B. by describing how seagrasses increase phytoplankton
C. by detailing how seagrasses are important in algae formation
D. by revealing how seagrasses take nutrients away from phytoplankton
A.by explaining how seagrasses are threatened
How does paragraph 6 contribute to the view about the importance of clear water for seagrasses?
A. It provides an example of a recent map of seagrass depth.
B. It details that seagrasses only grow along Florida’s coastlines.
C. It explains why seagrasses grow more abundantly in deeper waters.
D. It shows a vital connection seagrasses have to their surrounding water.
D. It shows a vital connection seagrasses have to their surrounding water.
How do the details of paragraphs 4 and 5 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?
A. by defining nutrient pollution in precise scientific terms
B. by mentioning the amount of seagrass that is depleted yearly
C. by expressing concern for all of the pollution that is overtaking the ocean
D. by showing the relationship between seagrass pollution and seafood prices
D. by showing the relationship between seagrass pollution and seafood prices
How does the last sentence in paragraph 5 contribute to the topic of seagrass protection?
A. It shows how dangerous pollution can be to seagrass.
B. It explains that protecting seagrass is a difficult choice to make.
C. It reinforces the idea of the costs involved if seagrass disappears.
D. It discusses the controversies involved in finding solutions to protect seagrass.
C. It reinforces the idea of the costs involved if seagrass disappears.