READ THE PASSAGE AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT FOLLOWS: A volcano is a mountain with an opening in the earth’s surface, through which molten rock, ash and gases can escape. Volcanoes are usually found along the edges of tectonic plates, where the Earth’s crust is being pulled apart or pushed together. There are three types of volcanoes: stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes and cinder cones. Stratovolcanoes are tall and cone-shaped with steep sides and a crater at the top. Shield volcanoes are broad and flat, with gently sloping sides and a broad base. Cinder cones are small and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a hole at the top. What is a volcano?

Correct option is A

A volcano is defined as a mountain that has an opening at the surface for the release of molten rock, ash, and gases. This definition is clearly mentioned in the very first line of the passage and distinguishes volcanoes from other landforms. Explanation of options: (a) ✔ Matches the exact wording from the passage. (b) ✘ Valleys are depressions between hills and do not erupt. (c) ✘ Rivers are water bodies, not geological vents. (d) ✘ Lakes may form inside volcanic craters but are not volcanoes themselves.