PTE Reading

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

1 questions. Answer them all, then submit once for your section score.

Pearson Test of English — TestDayTwin Practice

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Read the passage and select ALL correct options. Wrong selections lose points.

Winter road de-icing has quietly become one of the largest sources of chloride pollution in cold-climate freshwater systems. Salt spread on highways washes into storm drains and eventually reaches rivers and lakes, where chloride does not break down or evaporate. Studies of urban streams in the northeastern United States have found chloride concentrations exceeding safe levels for aquatic life for months after the last snowfall, as salt stored in soil and groundwater leaches out slowly. Some freshwater species, including certain mayfly larvae and amphibians, show reduced survival rates even at concentrations well below those toxic to humans. Municipalities face a genuine dilemma: reducing salt use lowers pollution but may increase icy-road accidents, so several cities are now testing beet juice and brine pre-wetting techniques that use less salt for the same de-icing effect.

According to the passage, which of the following statements are true? (select all that apply)

Chloride from road salt breaks down naturally within days of application.Some aquatic species are harmed by chloride levels lower than those dangerous to humans.Salt stored in soil can continue releasing chloride into water long after snow has stopped falling.All cities have abandoned salt in favor of beet juice de-icing.Cities are experimenting with alternatives that reduce the amount of salt needed.