Which sentence from “Hydroponics” BEST supports the inference in Part A? A. Hydroponics is farming without the dirty soil and all its problems. (paragraph 2) B. Hydroponic farming uses less water than traditional farming because the water is recycled. (paragraph 3) C. With hydroponics, there is no need for pesticides and herbicides, which keeps toxic chemicals away from our food. (paragraph 5) D. Kalera, one of the earliest commercial indoor farms, says that its romaine lettuce contains 50% more proteins, vitamins, and minerals than romaine that is grown traditionally. (paragraph 6)

Which sentence from “Hydroponics” supports the central idea of the text? A. Therefore, these farms take up less space than what is needed for open-field agriculture. (paragraph 2) B. In open-field farming, water is lost through evaporation and poor irrigation. (paragraph 3) C. Other problems faced by traditional farmers are those of bugs and weeds. (paragraph 5) D. Some people claim that the best-tasting food comes from the soil. (

Which sentence from “Hydroponics” shows how the author responds to people with a different viewpoint? A. When people think of farms, they think of what is now called open-field agriculture. (paragraph 1) B. AppHarvest, an indoor farming company in Appalachia, states they are able to grow 30 times more produce than what could be yielded in soil on the same size plot of land. (paragraph 2) C. However, anyone who has eaten the crisp leafy lettuces and juicy sweet strawberries grown hydroponically will tell you they are no less delicious than those grown in soil. (paragraph 6) D. The growing number of people on Earth calls for an increase in the food supply. (paragraph 7)

Which inference is BEST supported by “Hydroponics”? A. Hydroponic food does not need light to grow. B. There are no bugs or weeds in hydroponic farms. C. Foods grown hydroponically taste better than others. D. Farmers face no problems growing food hydroponically.

In “Soil,” what is one way the author makes a distinction between farming in soil and hydroponic farming? A. The author contrasts the large yields of traditional farming with the smaller yields of hydroponics. B. The author contrasts the problems of traditional farming with the solutions offered by hydroponics. C. The author contrasts the natural component of traditional farming with the scientific component of hydroponics. D. The author contrasts the environmental cost of traditional farming with the environmental benefit of hydroponics.

Which detail from “Soil” BEST conveys the author’s tone? A. . . . we have not treated the soil on Earth well. (paragraph 2) B. We must continue to grow produce . . . (paragraph 3) C. Another problem with hydroponics . . . (paragraph 5) D. . . . and have healthier soil for a healthier planet. (paragraph 7)