A piece of land that is almost completely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland on one side is called what?

Introduction / Context:
Basic geography often includes learning standard landform terms such as island, peninsula, isthmus, and strait. This question focuses on identifying the correct term for a landform that is almost surrounded by water but still attached to a larger landmass on one side. Knowing these definitions helps learners read maps accurately and describe physical features clearly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The land is almost surrounded by water.- There is still a connection to the mainland on one side.- Options given are island, isthmus, peninsula, and strait.- We assume standard school level geography definitions.

Concept / Approach:
The key is to recall the precise definition of each term. An island is completely surrounded by water and has no land connection. A peninsula is a landform surrounded by water on most sides but connected to the mainland on at least one side. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas, and a strait is a narrow water body connecting two larger water bodies. The description in the question matches the definition of a peninsula, not the others.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Focus on the phrase “almost surrounded by water” and “piece of land.” This already suggests we are talking about land, not water.2. Island: Fully surrounded by water with no land connection, so this does not fit the phrase “almost surrounded” plus “connected to the mainland.”3. Isthmus: A narrow land strip connecting larger land areas, but it is not described as almost surrounded by water; it is more about connection than surrounding.4. Strait: A narrow water passage, not land, so this does not match the description of a piece of land.5. Peninsula: A landform surrounded by water on three sides and joined to the mainland on one side. This perfectly matches the wording of the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of examples like the Indian subcontinent often described as a peninsula, the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, or the Florida Peninsula in the United States. Each is surrounded by water on most sides but connected to a larger land area on one side. Visualizing these examples on a map confirms that a peninsula is defined by being almost surrounded by water while still part of a larger landmass. That check supports the choice of peninsula as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Island: Does not have any land connection to the mainland; it is completely surrounded by water.- Isthmus: A land bridge between two larger landmasses, usually with water on two sides, but the focus is on connection, not on being surrounded on three sides.- Strait: This is a water body, not a landform, so it cannot describe a piece of land.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse peninsula and island because both involve land and water. The key difference is the presence or absence of a land connection. Another common confusion is between isthmus and strait, where one is land and the other is water. To avoid mistakes, learners should remember that peninsula is like an extended arm of land sticking into the water, still attached to the body of land behind it.

Final Answer:
The correct option is Peninsula, because it is the term for a piece of land almost surrounded by water yet still connected to the mainland on one side.