Which best defines a lake?

• A. A body of water connected to the ocean
• B. A body of water completely surrounded by land
• C. A shallow area with waves
• D. A large river

Answer: (B)

A lake is a large inland body of water that is completely surrounded by land and has no direct connection to the ocean. This enclosed, landlocked position is what distinguishes a lake from other watery features. Lakes can be fresh or salty, and their water generally stays relatively still compared with moving streams or rivers.

Why the other descriptions don’t fit: a body of water connected to the ocean describes a sea or gulf, not a lake; a shallow area with waves points to a coastal zone like a beach or shore rather than an inland, fully surrounded water body; and a large river refers to a flowing body of water that moves through channels, not an enclosed, stationary one.