Passage 3: The Water Cycle
The water cycle is a continuous process that circulates water between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere. It begins with evaporation, where water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into vapor due to heat from the sun. This water vapor rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses into clouds through a process called condensation.
Next, precipitation occurs when water droplets in clouds combine and fall back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. The water then flows into rivers, streams, and groundwater, replenishing freshwater sources. Eventually, water returns to the oceans, completing the cycle.
Understanding the water cycle is essential for managing water resources and predicting weather patterns. Human activities can impact the water cycle through deforestation, pollution, and climate change, affecting global water availability and quality.
What is the first stage of the water cycle?
A) Precipitation
B) Condensation
C) Evaporation
D) Groundwater flow
How does water return to Earth during the water cycle?
A) Through condensation
B) Through evaporation
C) Through precipitation
D) Through groundwater flow
Passage 4: The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid technological advancement that began in the late 18th century. It marked the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized societies, characterized by the mechanization of production processes. Innovations such as the steam engine, textile machinery, and iron smelting revolutionized manufacturing and transportation.
Urbanization accelerated as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of employment opportunities in factories. However, this period also saw widespread environmental degradation due to pollution and deforestation.
The Industrial Revolution laid the foundation for modern capitalism and transformed social structures. It led to the rise of the middle class, labor movements, and advancements in science and medicine.