Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'it' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

The Hydrosphere is an imaginary (1) sphere. However, its importance is not imaginary. The hydrosphere contains all the water that is above, below, or upon the surface of the earth. It also includes (2) the water inside plants and animals. The larger part of the earth's hydrosphere is salt water. The water cycle pureifys (3) the atmosphere and surface water by removing (4) pollutants. It (5) supplies usable water to living things on land. It does so by purifying the saltwater of the oceans and by turning (6) it into fresh water. All life thus depends upon an "active hydrosphere." That means an intact or undamaged hydrosphere with a running (7) water cycle. Since all living things use water inside their bodies, an active hydrosphere and life travel hand in hand (8).

  1. hydrosphere

  2. earth's environment

  3. water cycle

  4. running water
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The pronoun 'It' in sentence (5) refers to the nearest appropriate singular noun antecedent. The water cycle is the subject that 'supplies usable water to living things on land.' The hydrosphere is the broader system, while 'water cycle' is the specific active process described in this sentence.

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