In the passage, 'maintain' in 'maintain the walls' means:
For centuries, farmers in mountain regions of South America have cut steps into steep hillsides and filled them with soil. These terraces slow the water that runs down a slope after heavy rain, which keeps the soil from being washed away. They also create small flat fields where crops can grow, and the stone walls store heat during the day and release it at night, which protects plants from frost. Many terraces are still in use today, but they need constant repair, and in some villages young people have moved to cities, leaving few hands to maintain the walls. As a result, some terraces have collapsed.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. keep in good condition through repair
- Step 1: The sentence speaks of constant repair. Step 2. 'Maintain' therefore means to keep in good condition. Answer: keep in good condition through repair. Why not the others: The other meanings do not fit the repair context.
Practise more Reading Comprehension.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Prueba Unica Nacional (Peru Teacher Appointment Test) mock tests.
More Reading Comprehension questions
- What is the main idea of the passage?
- Which statement can be inferred from the passage?
- In the passage, the word 'regular' in 'short, regular practice' most nearly means:
- Why does the writer include the final sentence?
- Which new finding would best strengthen the teachers' conclusion about short daily tasks?
- According to the passage, how do terraces protect the soil?