Read the following article and select the best answer. Article: Studies show farmland in Africa is often lacking in important nutrients. But researchers say combining different farming methods may help. Since the world food crisis several years ago, researchers have directed more of their attention to small farms. Most farms in areas south of the Sahara Desert are only about one or two hectares. One of the goals is to increase production without necessarily clearing more land to grow additional crops. American researchers say that can happen with greater use of an agricultural system called perennation. It mixes food crops with trees and perennial plants - those that return year after year. Mr. Reganold, who is with Washington State University, says poor soil may have resulted from years of weathering that washed away many nutrients. He says some farmers may have done more harm than good. He estimates that up to two billion dollars worth of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium is lost from African soil each year. The scientist says the word perennation defines three systems that are already used in Africa. The oldest of the three is called evergreen agriculture. This is where farmers plant trees with their crops. John Reganold says farmers in Africa have been doing this for sixty years, but it seems to be growing in popularity. The method is gaining widespread use in countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Malawi and Zambia. The trees are planted among maize, millet or sorghum crops. They not only add nitrogen to the soil through their roots, but also through their leaves when they fall off and break down. At other times of the year, the trees can protect plants from strong sunlight. Mr. Reganold was one of three researchers who wrote a report about perennation. It was published in the journal Nature. Question: The word"perennation"mentioned in this passage _ . - is a farming method of planting food crops with trees - is a new farming method - can help African people produce more food than they need - is gaining widespread use around the world
is a farming method of planting food crops with trees

(Question)
Read the following article and select the best answer. Article: President Abraham Lincoln's first call for volunteers to fight in the Civil War was for whites only.The Civil War was a white man's war,northern whites insisted.Its purpose was to preserve the Union.It was not being fought to end slavery.But by September of 1862,the _ toward black volunteers had changed.Lincoln had hoped that the war would be short,but it had already lasted for a year and a half.Union manpower had fallen dangerously. Lincoln had a plan.He issued the Emancipation Proclamation.It stated that as of January 1,1863,all slaves living in the rebellious southern states would be forever free.And starting immediately,Union armies would accept black volunteers. The southern rebels'response to Lincoln's call for black troops was a deadly one.Captives of any Union regiment with black troops were to be given "no quarter".They were to be put to death immediately. AfricanAmerican troops throughout the war distinguished themselves in battle at places like Milliken's Bend,Fort Wagner,and the Crater at St.Petersburg.As to their conduct on the battlefield,Colonel Thomas Wentworth Higginson wrote,"Nobody knows anything about these men who has not seen them in battle.No officer in this regiment now doubts that the successful process of the war lies in the unlimited employment of black troops." By the war's end,186,000 black men had participated.They made up nearly 10 percent of Union forces.These black soldiers saw action in more than 250 battles.Black soldiers also gave their lives.By the war's end,about 38,000 black soldiers had died.They died from disease,in battle,and after capture by rebel troops. Question: This passage is mainly about _ . - cause of the Civil War - the Emancipation Proclamation - black soldiers in the Civil War - why Lincoln was a good president
(Answer)
black soldiers in the Civil War

Ques:Read the following article and select the best answer. Article: "Write All About It" Centerville High School Essay Contest Rules 1. Students are asked to submit essays of 500 to 700 words of their own work. Any essay containing material plagiarized from another source will be disqualified. 2. Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced, with the student's name, address, and grade level on a separate sheet of paper. 3. Essays must be turned in by 4:00 p.m. on November 30. They can be brought to Mrs. Elton in Room 104 or to Mr. Markham in the school library. Essay-Writing Tips 1. Catch your readers' interest-Your opening should immediately pull your readers into your essay. Asking a question or starting with an anecdote, quotation, or surprising statement are some good ways to do this. 2. Create a picture-Use active words that show your readers what is happening. Instead of telling your readers vaguely that "the room was disordered," paint a picture using active verbs and lively adjectives. 3. Have a purpose-Well-written essays do more than just describe an incident or express a viewpoint, they also communicate a message. 4.Check for mistakes-Read your paper over to check for mistakes. Ask another student to read your paper and make suggestions. Another pair of eyes will often spot a mistake you've overlooked. 5. Format your essay-Neatly type your essay on white paper. Choose an attractive cover for submission. The computer lab will be open after school from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. each day this month so that students can use the computers. Prizes Winning essays will be published in the Centerville Times. Everyone who takes part in it will also receive a free pass to enter one school activity this year. First Prize: $ 50 savings bond Second Prize: Dictionary and reference book Third Prize: Pen set and journal Question: Which of the following writing tips is given in the passage? - Drawing a picture to go with the essay. - Trying to communicate an important idea to readers. - Asking a teacher to find the mistakes you haven't found. - Making the essay short enough to hold the readers' interest.

Ans:
Trying to communicate an important idea to readers.