Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

Environmental pollution is a term that refers to all the ___(1)___ by which man pollutes his surroundings. Man dirties the air with gases and smoke, ___(2)___ the water with chemicals and other substances, and damages the soil with too many fertilizers and ___(3)___. Man also pollutes his surroundings in various other ways. Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing mankind today. Air, water, and soil are necessary to the survival of all living things. Badly polluted air can cause illness, and ___(4)___ death. Polluted water kills fish and other marine life. Pollution of soil ___(5)___ the amount of land that is available for growing food. Environmental pollution also brings ugliness to man’s naturally beautiful world.