Flax is a plant with many uses, and it has been cultivated since ancient times. Growing two to four feet tall, the plant has slender stalks, spear-shaped leaves, and flowers with five petals. The attractive flowers are most often blue, though sometimes white or pink. The plant also has
round seedpods: Inside each pod are two seeds. Flax grows best in cool, moist conditions.
People have found ways to use almost every part of the flax plant. Fiber from flax stalks is used to produce linen cloth. Stronger than cotton,
linen drles quickly, and linen clothes feel cool in hot weather. Lower-grade linens are used to make thread and twine. Ground or whole flaxseeds
are often added to baked goods, such as breads, pancakes, and cereals. Flaxseed oil is edible and researchers believe that it may reduce the risk of
heart disease. Ground flaxseed can also be used to produce linseed oil, a key ingredient in oll paints and wood finishes. Even the leftovers from flax
processing have an important function; they are fed to livestock.
How does the author of the passage develop the idea that flax is valuable?
O 1. by providing examples of food items and Industrial products that are made from flax
O 2. by showing why flaxseed products are worth more than products made from flax fiber
O 3. by describing how the parts of the flax plant are used to produce linen cloth and thread
4. by suggesting that human societies have always recognized the benefits of cultivating flax