Question

Section A (Reading)
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
(10)
The coconut is an unusual food for many reasons. It is technically a seed, produced by the coconut
palm tree, and as such is one of the largest edible seeds produced by any plant. Its unusual contents
also make it unique in the seed world—the interior consists of both "meat" and "water." The meat is
the white pith with which we are all familiar, as it is used extensively for cooking and flavorings, the
coconut water is a white liquid that is very sweet and thirst-quenching. Portuguese explorers gave the
nut its name in the 15th century, referring to it as coco, meaning "ghost" in their language. The three
dimples and the hairy texture reminded them of a ghost's face, and the tree has retained that name
ever since. The coconut has many varied uses. It is used to make margarine, as well as various
cooking oils, and these cooking oils are used by fast-food restaurants around the world to make such
diet staples as French fries. The coconut fluid is a favorite drink in hot climates, providing a cool and
refreshing beverage right off the tree. This water is also used by manufacturers of various sports
drinks because of its isotonic electrolyte properties. Even the shell itself has many uses, including
cattle food and fertilizer. Yet the coconut is also useful in many ways that have nothing to do with
food. Coconut oil is used for cosmetics, medicines, and can even be used in place of diesel fuel. Dried
coconut shells are used in many countries as a tool, such as a buffer for shining wood floors. The
shells are also used for shirt buttons, and are commonly found on Hawaiian clothing. They are even
used for musical instruments.
and bird houses! And all these are only some of the uses found for the coconut
fruit. The coconut palm tree, which produces the nut, also produces
countless useful items. It's no wonder that the coconut palm has been
called the tree of life."

Answer 1

Answer:

Where are the questions?

Answer 2

Answer:

The word "pith", as used in the passage, most nearly means