Question

Which sentence from the article best states the central idea?

During the storm, visibility was nearly zero.
Dust storms can severely affect whatever or whoever gets in their way.
Unchecked desertification will produce an increase in dust storms.
The worst dust storm ever to hit the United States was caused by drought paired with land mismanagement.

Answer 1

The sentence 'Dust storms can severely affect whatever or whoever gets in their way' best captures the central idea of the Dust Bowl's widespread impact.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of an article discussing the Dust Bowl would likely be encapsulated by a sentence that speaks to the broader implications and causes of the dust storms, rather than detailing a single event or its immediate effects. Therefore, the sentence 'Dust storms can severely affect whatever or whoever gets in their way' best states the central idea by conveying the widespread and significant impact of dust storms.

This central idea is supported by historical records of the period, such as the massive drought that began in 1931 and led to the ecological catastrophe known as the Dust Bowl, with windstorms removing the topsoil of 100 million acres of farmland.