Running Water, PleasePicture yourself walking into a hotel lobby. You approach the front desk and request a room with running water. The clerk probably laughs, knowing you are joking. There was a time when asking for running water was a real request, but it was not just "running" water that was requested, it was "healthy" water.Until the late 1800s, the water that many people used was untreated. Sewage ran into the water, causing many deadly epidemics. People drank it, unaware that it was poisoned. Today, we should be grateful that we have laws to protect our water supply. What happened to make it safe to drink water? A lot has occurred in history that has taken the dangers out of drinking water. It began with the ancient Romans.The word "plumbing" comes from the Latin word for lead. The Romans were the first to dig wells for drinking water and the first people to have water running through pipes made of lead. The Romans built sewers made of clay pipes. It seems that they understood that plumbing was the way to keep water somewhat clean. However, by medieval times, people were not using the ancient Roman plumbing system. They carried their water from wells, springs, and rivers. As population increased, so did the need for water. Steam engines pumped more water in the Victorian era to meet higher demands. The pipes were made of cast iron, which prevented leakage and conserved water.Today, conserving water is not a concern, except in times of drought. We have sophisticated means of purifying water. Our knowledge about plumbing and sanitation is advanced. Now we can flip the taps on and flush our toilets without worrying about disease. One hundred and fifty years ago people had to worry about becoming ill after drinking a cup of water. Today, drinking water is a worry–free activity. In fact, doctors recommend water as one of the healthiest liquids we can put in our bodies. Water has flown a long distance since the days when it was poisonous
In the text "Running Water, Please" the author explains
A.
the availability, purification, and plumbing of running water in the past hundreds of years.
B.
that asking for running water is a joke and will make people laugh.
C.
drinking water is a worry–free activity today.
D
.
that the word plumbing comes from the Latin word for lead.
A. the availability, purification, and plumbing of running water in the past hundreds of years.
Which of the author's conclusions is best supported by the text?
A.
The clerk probably laughs, knowing you are joking.
B.
Today, we should be grateful that we have laws to protect our water supply.
C.
It seems that they understood that plumbing was the way to keep water somewhat clean.
D
.
Today conserving water is not a concern, except in times of drought.
B. Today, we should be grateful that we have laws to protect our water supply.
Robots: The Other HumansThe human body is complex. It has many systems that function to keep it working. Its intricate structure is incredible. It is amazing that modern science allows us to create machines that act like humans. Robots do extraordinary things for humans today.Like humans, robots have a body, muscular and sensory systems, and a brain. A robot's inner computer can tell it to move and react just as the human brain tells the human body to do. The human brain is the command center for the body. Robots have a command center that the body of the robot obeys.Robots go where humans do not want to go. Police forces send them into dangerous situations. Robots find suspects or victims and report them to the police. They bring back data for the police to use for arrests and rescues. Some robots can keep bombs from going off. Robots keep us safe. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sends robots into terrain that the human body cannot tolerate. Robots in outer space do not freeze or overheat. They collect important data for astronauts. Robots discover and explore outer space for us. Eventually, robots may even perform surgery! How would you feel about having a robot for a surgeon?Some robots talk, walk, vacuum carpet, mow lawns, and cook. They appear in movies. Whatever they do, these moving computers never stop amazing and helping humankind.
Which statement from the passage provides evidence for the idea that robots help people?
A.
It is amazing that modern science allows us to create machines that act like humans.
B.
Robots go where humans do not want to go.
C.
Like humans, robots have a body, muscular and sensory systems, and a brain.
D
.
They appear in movies.
B. Robots go where humans do not want to go.
Which statement from the passage provides evidence for the idea that robots help people?
A.
It is amazing that modern science allows us to create machines that act like humans.
B.
Robots go where humans do not want to go.
C.
Like humans, robots have a body, muscular and sensory systems, and a brain.
D
.
They appear in movies.