if a volcano contained magma with small proportions of water and silica would you predict a nonexplosive eruption or an explosive one? why?

The correct answer is - non-explosive one.

The type of eruption in the volcano depends on the composition of the magma.

If the magma has higher content of silica and water, the magma will be more viscous, which in turn will trap the gases, and that will result in explosive eruption.

If the magma is low on silica and water content, the magma would be less viscous, which in turn will not be trapping the gases, and the result will be non-explosive eruption, where there's lava flows coming down the volcano.