Reading and writing practice test 2, Grades 10–12 — question 27 of 42
Read the text. Then answer the question.
From a Science Article
Over many years, farmers along the river cleared away the trees that once grew on its banks to make room for more fields. ______, the soil along the banks washed away more easily during floods, and the river water grew muddier.
Choose the best answer.
Which word or phrase best completes the text?
You can move on without answering. Unanswered questions are counted as wrong.