Step 1: Concept
Salinity of seawater.
Step 2: Meaning
Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in water, expressed as parts per thousand (ppt) or as a percentage.
Step 3: Analysis
Average ocean salinity $\approx$ 35 ppt $=$ 3.5% $=$ 35 g/kg.
(A) 35% would be 350 ppt --- far too high.
(B) 350 ppt --- too high.
(C) 3.5% $=$ 35 ppt --- Correct.
(D) 0.35% $=$ 3.5 ppt --- too low (freshwater range).
Step 4: Conclusion
Average seawater salinity $\approx$ 3.5% (= 35 ppt).
Final Answer: (C)