Read This Paragraph and Answer the Questions That Follow It

question 29

Multiple Choice

Read this paragraph and answer the questions that follow it. ​
(1) Because hikers, campers, and others who love the outdoors may encounter snakes, they need to know the main differences between venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes. (2) Venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes differ in several ways. (3) Venomous snakes such as copperheads and rattlesnakes usually have triangle-shaped heads instead of the elongated oval-shaped heads of non-venomous snakes. (5) The eyes of venomous snakes usually have elliptical-shaped pupils instead of the rounded pupils that non-venomous snakes have. (6) Venomous snakes also have fangs, which non-venomous snakes do not have. (7) A snakebite made by a venomous snake will consist of two close-set puncture marks. (8) In contrast, a non-venomous snake's bite mark will look ragged. (9) If the snake is swimming in the water, a venomous snake such as a water moccasin will swim with its entire body visible on the water's surface. (10) However, a non-venomous snake, such as a harmless water snake, will swim with only its head above water.
Does this paragraph compare, contrast, or both?

• A) compares only
• B) contrasts only
• C) compares and contrasts

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Definitions:

Organized System

A structured set of components or entities that are interrelated and work together to achieve a particular goal or set of goals.

Assumptions

Accepted beliefs or statements taken for granted without proof.

Observations

The act of noticing and recording something, often used as a method in scientific research to gather data.

Theory

A system of ideas intended to explain something, based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.