Water is a huge issue in the American West. There are very few rivers in this region and those that do exist are more like streams when compared to other parts of the world. Because water is such an issue, people are constantly being reminded to conserve what is there. And in this region, weather forecasters often talk about water in terms of “moisture” rather than just precipitation since it’s this “moisture” that truly provides the lifeblood for the communities in this region during all times of the year, but especially the hot summer months. Water is conserved in reservoirs throughout the American West, even though those were often the source of debate and protest when they were first announced. But it would be nearly impossible to have the population size there is today without this ability to store vast quantities of water instead of letting it just flow out to the Pacific Ocean.

Question

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

Which rhetorical question would most improve the effectiveness of the passage?

(1 point)
Responses

What size are the rivers in other parts of the world?
What size are the rivers in other parts of the world?

Is water an oft-discussed topic where you live?
Is water an oft-discussed topic where you live?

Where is the American West?
Where is the American West?

Do people think that reservoirs should be drained?

Answer 1

The rhetorical question that would most improve the effectiveness of the passage is: "Do people think that reservoirs should be drained?"

This question directly addresses a key point of contention in the passage—the debate and protest surrounding the construction and use of reservoirs. It prompts readers to think critically about the necessity of water conservation measures in the American West, enhancing engagement with the topic.