Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Entry Exam
Passage / Scenario
The Water CycleWater is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms.
The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans.
Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants.
Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.
What can the reader conclude from this passage about ponds and lakes?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Ponds and lakes are mentioned in the passage as part of the water cycle. The text states that runoff water collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans. Since ponds and lakes are water bodies that collect and store runoff, they can be considered as examples of groundwater reservoirs. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.' Ponds and lakes play a significant role in the collection and storage of water within the water cycle, contrary to options B and C, which incorrectly suggest they are not important or do not play a role. Option D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the water sources for ponds and lakes by stating they consist solely of water collected through precipitation.