Read the passage and answer: The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering approximately 9 million square kilometers — roughly the size of the United States. Despite its harsh conditions, the Sahara is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to extreme heat and water scarcity. Camels, jerboas, fennec foxes, and various reptiles thrive there. The desert experiences temperature extremes ranging from over 50°C (122°F) during the day to near freezing at night. According to the passage, what is the approximate size of the Sahara Desert?

Detail questions ask for specific information stated directly in the passage. The passage states 'approximately 9 million square kilometers.' Strategy for detail questions: (1) Read the question first to know what you're looking for; (2) Scan the passage for the relevant information; (3) Verify by re-reading the specific sentence. Note distractor 4: '9 million square miles' is a unit trap — the passage says kilometers, not miles. Always read units carefully. Detail questions test reading attention; they're typically easier than main idea or inference questions because the answer is right there in the text. Don't rely on memory; refer back to the passage.