Question

The Power of Earthquakes
Earthquakes happen when energy is suddenly released in the Earth’s crust, causing the ground to shake. Most earthquakes occur along faults, which are cracks in the Earth where plates shift and grind against each other. These events can be so small they are barely felt, or so powerful they can destroy buildings and change landscapes.

Earthquakes are measured using a device called a seismograph. Scientists also use the Richter scale to describe the strength of an earthquake. A minor earthquake might be a 3.0, while a major one can be 7.0 or higher.

While earthquakes can be dangerous, studying them helps scientists prepare people for future events. In some places, buildings are designed to move with the shaking instead of collapsing. Understanding earthquakes can save lives and reduce damage in the future.

Question
What are the two main purposes of this passage?
Responses
A To entertain readers with a story and encourage them to study scienceTo entertain readers with a story and encourage them to study science
B To give instructions on building earthquake-proof homes and report a news storyTo give instructions on building earthquake-proof homes and report a news story
C To tell a personal story about surviving an earthquake and persuade others to move away from fault zonesTo tell a personal story about surviving an earthquake and persuade others to move away from fault zones
D To describe how earthquakes are measured and explain their effectsTo describe how earthquakes are measured and explain their effects

Answer 1

D — To describe how earthquakes are measured and explain their effects. The passage explains seismographs and the Richter scale and discusses how earthquakes shake the ground, can destroy buildings, and how studying them helps prepare and reduce damage.