Advanced English Primary 4 Comprehension

Read the passage and answer the question.\n\nWater is essential for all living things. About 97% of the Earth's water is salt water found in the oceans, and only 3% is fresh water. Of that 3%, most is locked in glaciers and ice caps, leaving less than 1% accessible for human use. Despite this scarcity, water pollution from factories, farms and households continues to contaminate rivers and lakes. As populations grow and droughts become more frequent due to climate change, water security has become one of the most urgent global challenges.\n\nBased on the passage, why is fresh water scarce even though water covers most of the Earth?

A Most of the Earth is covered by clouds, not water.
B 97% of the Earth's water is salt water, and most fresh water is inaccessible in glaciers.
C Factories use up almost all the fresh water available.
D Rain falls only in certain parts of the world.
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Worked Solution

Step 1: The question asks why fresh water is scarce despite water covering much of Earth. Step 2: The passage gives two reasons: (1) 97% is salt water in oceans, (2) most of the 3% fresh water is locked in glaciers, leaving less than 1% accessible. Step 3: The correct option combines both reasons directly from the passage. Answer: 97% of the Earth's water is salt water, and most fresh water is inaccessible in glaciers.

Correct answer: 97% of the Earth's water is salt water, and most fresh water is inaccessible in glaciers.

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