Probably the most important factor governing the severity of forest fire is weather. Hot, dry weather lowers the moisture content of fuels. Once a fir

Probably the most important factor governing the severity of forest fire is weather. Hot, dry weather lowers the moisture content of fuels. Once a fire has started, wind is extremely critical because it influences the oxygen supply and the rate of spread. Forest type and forest conditions are also important factors. For example, fire is more likely to occur in conifers than in hardwoods; slash-covered or brushy areas are especially hazardous because the rate at which combustion consumes fuels is proportional to fuel volume and surface area
Some fires are caused by lightening; others are caused by people. Those caused by people may be accidental or intentional (incendiary). The causes of fire in the United States show large regional differences. In the Rocky Mountains more than 70 percent of the fires are caused by lightning, whereas incendiary fires amount to only about 1 percent. In contrast, more than 40 percent of the fires in the South are incendiary, whereas lightning causes only 1 percent
1. In this passage the author’s main purpose is to
A. Argue B. inform C. Persuade D. entertain
2. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
A. A comparison and contrast of the factors governing forest fires is followed by a list of causes
B. A description of the conditions affecting forest fires is followed by a description of the causes
C. An analysis of factors related to forest fires is followed by an argument against the causes of fires
D. Several generalizations about forest fires are followed by a series of conclusions
3. It can be concluded from this passage that
A. There are not many people living in the Rocky Mountain area
B. There are more fires in hardwood forests than in pine forests
C. Winter is the worst season for fires
D. Fire prevention techniques vary from region to region
4. The paragraph following this passage would most likely be about
A. The causes of hot, dry weather
B. The various uses of hardwoods
C. Methods of controlling fires
D. The geographical differences between the Rocky Mountain area and the Southern states
5. The author of this passage would most likely be
A. A forest ranger B. A meteorologist
C. A historian D. A business person