Human Impact on the Environment — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A dripping faucet wastes only a few cups of water each year.
Corrected: A dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.
Even small drips add up to thousands of gallons across twelve full months.
2. Fix the sentence:
Leaving phone chargers plugged in uses no electricity at all.
Corrected: Plugged-in chargers still draw small amounts of standby electricity.
Standby or phantom power adds up across many devices in a home.
3. Fix the sentence:
LED bulbs uses more energy than older incandescent bulbs.
Corrected: LED bulbs use much less energy than older incandescent bulbs.
LEDs convert most electricity into light rather than wasted heat energy.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Turning off the tap while brushing teeth saves several gallons daily.
Letting water flow needlessly wastes a clean, treated freshwater supply.
2. Fixing a leaky faucet stops thousands of wasted gallons each year.
Repairing leaks quickly conserves water and lowers household utility bills.
3. Switching off lights when leaving a room reduces electricity use.
Unused lighting wastes power generated by burning fossil fuels.
4. Taking shorter showers saves both water and the energy used to heat it.
Heating water uses lots of energy, so shorter rinses save twice.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. List two simple ways students can save water at home.
Sample answer: Students can turn off the tap while brushing teeth and report leaky faucets to a parent.
Small daily habits add up to large water savings over time.
2. Why does unplugging unused electronics save energy?
Sample answer: Plugged devices keep drawing standby power, so unplugging them stops that wasted electricity flow.
Cutting standby power lowers electric bills and reduces fossil fuel use.