SSAT Reading Question 250: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 250
4. Which of the following best describes the difference between a tsunami wave and a regular ocean wave?
- A. Tsunami waves are more than 100 miles apart in the deep ocean, while regular ocean waves follow closely one after the other.
- B. The length between peaks and the amount of time between peaks is greater in tsunami waves than it is in regular ocean waves.
- C. Regular ocean waves are more harmful to young children, while tsunami waves are more likely to endanger the elderly.
- D. Tsunami waves are more likely to affect boats in deep water than are regular ocean waves.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
B is correct. The answer to this question is found in paragraph 3 which says, "Tsunami waves are distinguished from ordinary ocean waves by their great length between peaks, often exceeding 100 miles in the deep ocean, and by the long amount of time between these peaks, ranging from five minutes to an hour." Choice A is wrong because the passage does not mention that regular waves follow closely one after the other. Choice C is wrong because it has no support in the passage. Choice D is wrong because the passage states that in deep water "a tsunami is barely noticeable, causing only a small rising and falling of the sea surface as it passes." Choice E is wrong because tsunami waves grow in height as they approach land and shallow water.