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On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday of Groundhog Day, a day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning. This tradition has been officially observed in the US since the 1800s, and is believed to have developed from European folk traditions in which a bear, fox, badger, or even hedgehog would serve as the symbolic meteorologist. Although other cultures and towns observe Groundhog Day (or something similar), the town of Punksutawney, Pennsylvania takes special pride in being home to the one true forecasting groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. At the turn of the twentieth century, townspeople formed the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to perpetuate the joyful rituals and events surrounding Groundhog Day. Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a ball Legend has it that on Groundhog Day the official weather forecasting groundhog awakens from hibernation and comes out of his burrow to look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are to come, and Punxsutawney Phill goes back to bed. However, if he does not see his shadow, Punxsutawney Phil takes this as a sign that spring has arrived, and he remains above ground. Of course, common sense tells us that February 2 is too early for spring to begin, and that while animals may be attuned to various elements of nature from which humans might learn, they are unlikely to act on their impincts based on a schedule set by a Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvania to see Punksutawney Phil and all of the fun he inspires each year might just provide the touch of hope needed to reach the end of winter   Which of the following pairs of search terms entered into a search engine with the phrase "Groundhog Day" is likely to produce information about the origin of Groundhog Day?

A. Weather and farming

B. History and folklore

C. Habitat and diet

D. Holiday and festivities

Answer Explanation:

These terms are relevant to uncovering historical information about the development of Groundhog Day as a holiday and its folklore origins.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Reading

  • Q #1: Dear Aunt Suzanne I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy. For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on Inis Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The Healy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids, and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We say ancient ruins, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We also cimbed down to a mysterious rack formation known as "The Worm Hole." a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves and looks like it houses a terrible serpent (see attached photo). The Worm Hole was difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Gaelic! Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier time. I'm excited to see you when I get home. I have lots more pictures to share! Which of the following details supports the inference that Eva's family has Irish roots?

    A. Eva has found an example of the Healy knitting pattern for her aunt

    B. Eva is learning about the culture and traditions in ireland.

    C. Eva is communicating with her aunt while on a class trip to Ireland.

    D. Eva is taking a lot of pictures while on her trip to Ireland.

    Answer Explanation

    This suggests that Eva's family is connected to Irish culture, as the Healy pattern is associated with Irish families or clans, indicating a heritage or interest in Irish traditions.

  • Q #2: Which of the following provides information about symbols used on a specific map?

    A. Legend

    B. Table of contents

    C. Index

    D. Glossary

    Answer Explanation

    A legend, also known as a key, is a section of a map that explains the meaning of symbols, colors, and other map features, making it easier for readers to interpret the map accurately.

  • Q #3: What is all this talk of cicadas lately in the United States? You might be wondering why the media has featured it, but in fact, the discussion about cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. Let's get oriented with some background on cicadas. What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is a large, loud insect with long transparent wings, mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out, with delicate, translucent wings and that not only is the cicada loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is male cicadas that are the noisy ones, to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, which is like the roar of a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident, high buzzing by vibrating two membranes on its abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum, Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate. Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees whereafter the female deposits the eggs into the bark. Wher the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground, with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas, especially the Magicicodo, or periodical cicadas, which regularly emerge in intervals of 13 or 17 years, depending on the species and the location. This is why talk of cicadas in the media is as predictable as their emergence in the US. Which of the following best describes the theme of this passage?

    A. Disinformation in the media is responsible for conflicting information about the cicada life cycle.

    B. Disinformation in the media falsely identifies climate change as the root cause of the cicada's near extinction,

    C. Media attention to cicadas is as predictable as cicada life cycles.

    D. Media attention to cicadas can also bring attention to climate change

    Answer Explanation

    The passage discusses how media attention about cicadas emerges predictably, comparing it to the predictable emergence of cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. This theme emphasizes the cyclical nature of media coverage on cicadas.