What term describes a large earthquake expected to strike California in the near future?

• A. The Big One
• B. The Great Quake
• C. The Megaquake
• D. The California Crash

Answer: (A)

The big idea here is recognizing the common nickname used for a major anticipated California earthquake. The term The Big One is the best fit because it’s the familiar, widely used phrase in media and public discussion to describe a potentially devastating quake in California. It conveys the scale and impact of a large event without pinning down an exact magnitude. The other phrases aren’t standard names you’ll typically hear in credible discussions about California hazards, so they don’t fit as well.