The following text discusses invasive species.
Invasive species can devastate local ecosystems. The brown tree snake, accidentally introduced to Guam, drove several native bird species to extinction. Similarly, zebra mussels in the Great Lakes have disrupted food chains by consuming vast quantities of plankton. These examples illustrate why preventing species introductions is a conservation priority.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It defines a problem and provides specific examples.
It traces the history of conservation efforts.
It compares invasive species across different continents.
It proposes methods for controlling invasive species.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text defines invasive species as devastating, then gives specific examples (brown tree snake, zebra mussels) and draws a conclusion.
- Evidence: The text opens with the problem: "Invasive species can devastate." It follows with examples: "brown tree snake" and "zebra mussels."
- Reasoning: The structure moves from a general statement to specific illustrations.
- Conclusion: This matches "defines a problem and provides specific examples."
💡 Strategy: Notice the pattern: General Claim -> Example 1 -> Example 2.
Choice B is incorrect because conservation history isn't traced. Choice C is incorrect because the comparison isn't continental. Choice D is incorrect because control methods aren't proposed.