Chernobyl Disaster Reading Comprehension

Why was radioactive material released into the atmosphere?

• A. The four reactors at the plant exploded.

• B. After the meltdown, hazardous materials spilled into the Pripyat River.

• C. Radioactive materials evaporated from the super-heated ground.

• D. A steam explosion tore off the top of a building, causing a chain reaction.

Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?

• A. Deadly Power

• B. Power Plant Disasters

• C. Living Without Energy

• D. Ukraine’s Biggest Disaster

What was the cause of the Chernobyl accident?

• A. A steam explosion caused the accident.

• B. The exact cause remains uncertain.

• C. The emergency backup systems were disabled.

• D. Operators were not aware of problems with the reactor.

According to the passage, which statement is true?

• A. Hundreds of people were evacuated after the disaster.

• B. The plant is still in operation.

• C. The disaster occurred during work hours.

• D. The plant was an important Ukrainian energy source.

What types of effects did the disaster have?

• A. The disaster had only immediate effects on people.

• B. People who were affected were forced to evacuate until cured.

• C. People and agriculture suffered long term effects.

• D. The disaster resulted in the research of new energy sources.

As used in the passage, the word abandoned most nearly means

• A. populated.

• B. deserted.

• C. attractive.

• D. historical.