Answer: The statement that best explains how paragraph 1 makes the essay clearer is: C. It previews the different topics about volcanoes that the essay will cover.
Paragraph 1 introduces the topic of living near a volcano and explains the various dangers associated with it, such as molten lava, wildfires, and ash. This preview of the different topics about volcanoes that the essay will cover helps the reader to understand what to expect in the rest of the essay and provides a clear structure for the information presented.
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