Item 8 Read the passage.

The Sandia Mountains

Surrounding New Mexico’s largest city are some of the most majestic and awe-inspiring mountains in the Southwest. The Sandia Mountain range stretches only 17 miles. Its highest point, Sandia Crest, is just over 10,000 feet high. This point is two miles above sea level but only one mile above the city of Albuquerque.

The word sandia means “watermelon” in Spanish. The range received its name because of the deep reds, maroons, and pinks that make up its granite and limestone faces. These colors are especially striking at sunset. The westward face of the range is characterized by its rugged, sheer cliffs and large, rocky outgrowths. The eastward face slopes gradually and is covered in the green of pine and juniper trees.

The Sandia Mountains have many different attractions that draw tourists each year. One of these is the “Sandia Man” cave, first discovered and excavated in the 1930s. During its excavation, human tools and clothing were found, as well as the remains of a prehistoric mastodon. Evidence at the cave site dates human usage between nine and eleven thousand years ago, making this one of the oldest human habitats in North America.

Another attraction is the Sandia Peak Tramway. This tram system has two tram cars that run every 15 to 30 minutes. One car ascends the mountain, taking passengers to the top where they disembark. The other descends the mountain, bringing them back down. First opened in 1966, the cars hold a maximum of 55 passengers. During construction of the tram, thousands of helicopter flights lifted cables, workers, and materials to build the two towers to the mountaintop.

The total length of the tram system extends nearly three miles. The span that extends from the second tower to the peak is the third longest clear span in the world. A clear span is a "length of cable between supporting towers." The cars travel at a speed of 12 miles per hour and provide passengers with an unimpeded view of the city of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, and even three extinct volcanoes.

Tram passengers are also able to see a wide variety of birds and animals native to the mountain’s ecosystem. As a passenger on the Sandia Peak Tramway, you might see golden eagles, Steller’s jays, ravens, and canyon wrens. You may also glimpse a few land animals like mule deer, black bears, and bobcats.

What is the author’s purpose in writing the second paragraph of “The Sandia Mountains”?

to convince the reader that the Sandia Mountains are special

to give the reader basic statistics about the Sandia Mountains

to describe for the reader what the Sandia Mountains look like

to persuade the reader to visit the Sandia Mountains