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passage 1

the sense of saving water

water is an essential resource. although water makes up a significant part of the planet, most of it is salt water, so we cannot drink or clean with it. the fresh water we use is not limitless. people currently use more fresh water than can naturally be replaced. many states are already experiencing water shortages. scientists expect this problem to become worse in the future. a growing shortage of water will affect our way of life in many ways. therefore, the conservation of water should happen now.
there are some ways that we can conserve water in our daily lives. we can be more aware how we use water and how we use it unwisely. many times, the appliances that we use waste water. using more efficient machines can save water. taking shorter showers and brushing one's teeth with the faucet off also stop waste. by making these small changes, we can make a difference. we can also save money when we use less water.
water conservation is something that people of all ages can do. by conserving water, we are to provide for our future. everyone should do his or her part to make sure there is enough water for future generations.

passage 2

conservation is costly

conserving water has become a popular issue because many u. s. states are suffering a drought. some lawmakers think that states should enforce a fine to those who use too much water. as the drought becomes worse, many believe that enforcing this penalty would best conserve water.
although water conservation is an important issue for everyone, fines for using water could mean the downfall of many businesses. the majority of businesses require a lot of water to operate. without it, businesses may not operate properly. this would result in a loss of business. in particular, the restaurant industry might suffer. restaurants rely on people to come in and buy their food. they also want to provide clean environments and drinking water for the diners. should they be expected to pay fines in order to conduct business?
some lawmakers say that conservation would not affect businesses if they used water-saving appliances. these machines can conserve water. however, some of these water-efficient appliances are costly. many businesses cannot afford the expense of replacing their equipment. as a result, they face a difficult situation that might lead them to shut down.
enforcing water conservation with fines might cause more damage than good. businesses might choose not to save water because paying fines would be cheaper than buying better appliances. these are points that lawmakers should consider before passing such a bill.

16. what piece of information in passage 2 is different from passage 1?
question 16 options:

a. water is a very limited and precious resource.
b. much of the united states has water problems.
c. all people are affected by the shortage of water.
d. efforts to conserve water can harm people’s lives.

17. what is the author’s purpose in writing passage 2?

question 17 options:
a. to persuade the reader to call lawmakers in support of a fine for too much water usage.
b. to inform people that it is important to consider how a fine might affect businesses and the economy.
c. to explain how water conservationists are incorrect and that there is enough water for everyone.
d. to describe all the reasons a restaurant should not have to pay a fine for using too much water.

18. which of the following statements from passage 2 shows that the author supports some claims the author of passage 1 has made?

question 18 options:
a. “although water conservation is an important issue for everyone…”
b. “conserving water has become a popular issue because many u. s. states are suffering a drought.”
c. “these are points that lawmakers should consider before passing such a bill.”
d. “enforcing water conservation with fines might cause more damage than good.”

19. what comparison can be made between the two passages?

question 19 options:
a. both authors want people to do anything they can to save water.
b. both authors support fines for businesses that don’t conserve water.
c. both authors believe water conservation is an important issue for everyone.
d. both authors think water conservation is up to the government to enforce.

20. which of the following statements from passage 2 weakens one of the arguments made by the author of passage 1 about a water conservation strategy?

question 20 options:
a. ” however, some of these water-efficient appliances are costly.”
b. “this would result in a loss of business.”
c. “they also want to provide clean environments and drinking water for the diners.”
d. “as a result, they face a difficult situation that might lead them to shut down.”