Analyzing Global Warming and Earth's Rising Temperature

The question asks us to fill in the blanks in a passage discussing global warming and its causes and effects. We need to choose the most appropriate word or phrase for each blank based on the context of the passage. Let's focus on the first blank (1):

The Earth's temperature is rising (1)______.

We are given four options for blank (1):

1. strongly
2. steadily
3. stability
4. simply

The sentence describes how the Earth's temperature is changing. The verb "rising" indicates an increase over time. We need an adverb that describes the manner of this rise.

Let's look at the options:

• strongly: This means with great force or intensity. While global warming is a significant issue, describing the temperature rise as "strongly" might imply a sudden, violent increase rather than a continuous, ongoing process, although it does convey intensity.
• steadily: This means gradually and continuously. This word suggests a constant rate of increase over a period of time. Scientific data shows that the average global temperature has been increasing consistently over the past century, making "steadily" a fitting description of this trend.
• stability: This word means the state of being stable or not changing. This is the opposite of "rising," so it is incorrect.
• simply: This word means in a simple manner; plainly. This does not describe the rate or nature of the temperature rise.

Considering the scientific understanding of climate change, the Earth's average temperature has shown a consistent, long-term upward trend. This trend is often described as a gradual but continuous increase. Therefore, the word that best describes this kind of persistent increase is "steadily." The passage continues by mentioning the range of the average temperature rise (1.8°C to 4°C), further suggesting a measurable change over time, which aligns with a steady increase rather than a sudden, intense surge.

Based on the context of global warming and how temperature changes are generally described in climate science, "steadily" is the most appropriate word to fill in blank (1).

Understanding Key Terms: Rising Steadily

• Rising: Indicates an upward movement or increase in value or level. In this case, it refers to the average temperature of the Earth.
• Steadily: Describes something happening at a constant rate or in a continuous manner. When applied to temperature rising, it means the temperature is increasing consistently over time.

Connecting to Global Warming Concepts

The passage correctly links this rising temperature to global warming and climate change. The steady increase in average global temperatures is the defining characteristic of global warming. This increase is primarily attributed to human activities, as mentioned later in the passage.

Revision Table: Global Warming Passage

Let's look at the first blank in the context of the sentence again:

"The Earth's temperature is rising (1)______ ."

Choosing "steadily" completes the sentence as:

"The Earth's temperature is rising steadily ."

This sentence sets the stage for the rest of the passage by establishing the primary phenomenon being discussed: the continuous increase in global temperature.

Additional Information: The Rate of Global Warming

While the term "steadily" suggests a continuous increase, it's important to note that the *rate* of this increase can vary over time and can even accelerate due to feedback loops in the climate system. However, for describing the general trend of average global temperature increase over decades, "steadily" is a commonly used and appropriate term that conveys the ongoing nature of the phenomenon.

The passage itself acknowledges that while reversing the process is difficult, the *rate* can be checked, further implying that there is a rate of increase that can be influenced.