Passage 16
Passage 16
Passage 16
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the
correct answer to each of the questions.
The mineral particles found in soil range in size from microscopic clay particles to large boulders. The
most abundant particles - sand, silt, and clay - are the focus of examination in studies of soil texture.
Texture is the term used to describe the line composite sizes of particles in a soil sample, typically several
representative handfuls. To measure soil texture, the sand, silt, and clay particles are sorted out by size
and weight. The weights of each size are then expressed as a percentage of the sample weight.
In the field, soil texture can be estimated by extracting a handful of sod and squeezing the damp soil
into three basic shapes; cast, a lump formed by squeezing a sample in a clenched fist; thread, a pencil
shape formed by rolling soil between the palms; and ribbon, a flatfish shape formed by squeezing a small
sample between the thumb and index finger. The behavioral characteristics of the soil when molded into
each of these shapes, if they can be formed at all, provides the basis for a general textural classification.
The behavior of the soil in the hand test is determined by the amount of clay in the sample. Clay particles
are highly cohesive, and when dampened, behave as a plastic. Therefore the higher the clay content in a
sample, the more refined and durable the shapes into which it can be molded.
Another method of determining soil texture involves the use of devices called sediment sieves, screens
built with a specified mesh size. When the soil is filtered through a group of sieves, each with a different
mesh size, the particles become grouped in corresponding size categories. Each category can be weighed
to make a textural determination. Although sieves work well for silt, sand, and larger particles, they are
not appropriate for clay particles. Clay is far too small to sieve accurately; therefore, in soils with a high
proportion of clay, the fine particles are measured on the basis of their settling velocity when suspended
in water. Since clays settle so slowly, they are easily segregated from sand and silt. The water can be
drawn off and evaporated, leaving a residue of clay, which can be weighed.
Question 1. The author mentions “several representative handfuls” in the passage in order to show
.
A. how small soil particles are B. the requirements for an adequate soil farm
C. the process by which soil is weighed D. the range of soil samples
Question 2. It can be inferred that the names of the three basic shapes mentioned in paragraph 2 reflect
.
A. the results of squeezing the soil B. the way the soil is extracted
C. the need to check more than one handful D. the difficulty of forming different shapes
Question 3. The word “dampened” in the passage is closest in meaning to .
A. examined B. stretched C. moistened D. damaged
Question 4. It can be inferred from the passage that a soil sample with little or no clay in it .
A. may not hold its shape when molded B. does not have a classifiable texture
C. is not very heavy D. does not have a durable shape
Question 5. The word “they” in the passage refers to .
A. categories B. sieves C. clay particles D. larger particles
Question 6. The word “fine” in the passage is closest in meaning to .
A. various B. tiny C. excellent D. many
Page 1
Question 7. During the procedure described in paragraph 3, when clay particles are placed into water
they .
A. dissolve quickly B. separate into different sizes
C. take some time to sink to the bottom D. stick to the sides of the water container
Question 8. It can be inferred from the passage that the sediment sieve has an advantage over the hand
test in determining soil texture because .
A. less training is required to use the sieve B. the sieve allows for a more exact measure
C. the sieve can measure clay D. using the sieve takes less time
ĐÁP ÁN
1-D 2-A 3-C 4-A 5-C
6-B 7-C 8-B