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On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday Groundhog Day, a day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning. The 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 metrologist. Although other cultures and towns observe Groundhog Day (or something similar) the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania takes special pride in being home to the one true forecasting, the groundhog, Punxsutawney Grounding Club to perpetuate the joyful rituals and events surrounding Groundhog Day. Over the years, these rituals and 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 Phil 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 instincts based on a schedule set by the Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvania to the Punxsutawney Phil and all the fun inspires each year might provide the loath of hope needed to reach the end of winter. What source would be most useful in determining reliability of Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions over a number of years?

A. A historical survey of customs in Pennsylvania

B. An encyclopedia entry on mammals in the northeast U.S

C. A record of weather patterns in the last decade

D. A memoir from a member of the Groundhog Club

Answer Explanation:

Weather patterns in the last decade would determine the reliability of the predictions of the symbolic metrology of the Groundhog’s day.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Reading

  • Q #1: In 1943, the war in the Pacific raged on. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt went to rally the troops’ spirits, despite the disapproval of military command. Roosevelt planned a grueling itinerary. She visited several islands and hundreds of wounded in her first 6 days. The indefatigable First Lady inspected Navy hospitals, delivered a speech, attended receptions, and visited convalescing officers, all within 12 hours of her arrival. She lifted spirits among the wounded and morale among the troops. She continued her exhausting tour for a month, speaking to every patient in troop hospitals and taking down addresses to contact family members. Roosevelt traveled non-stop, risked her life, and greeted the last patient she saw with the same heartfelt sincerity as the first. Which of the following publications would have a different point of view of Eleanor Roosevelt compared to the author’s point of view?

    A. A personal memoir from an injured naval officer who fought in the pacific theater

    B. A brochure about women’s contributions to the U.S war effort

    C. A newspaper clipping from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 1994

    D. A historical Japanese military document outlining how to damage enemy morale

    Answer Explanation

    This is because this publication would be about damaging enemy morale while Roosevelt was all about rallying the troops’ spirits.

  • Q #2: Beard Superiority Unlike most others who follow along with popular trends, I am able to truly see that the beard is superior to the mustache. First, you have so much more hair and space to work with when styling a beard than you do with a mustache. You can trim and cut a beard into so many styles, the Muttonchop, the Goatee, the Stubble, the Chin Strap. You can even add things to your beard, braids, beads, glitter, and color- the possibilities of what you can add to a beard are endless. There are even professional competitions that surround the stylish nature of beards. Which of the following can be inferred from the evidence given in the passage?  

    A. The writer is a professional barber

    B. Mustaches cannot easily be styled

    C. The writer enjoys having a beard

    D. No competitions exist for the best mustache

    Answer Explanation

    This choice can be inferred from the passage as the writer expresses a positive opinion about beards, highlighting various ways they can be styled and decorated.The passage suggests that the writer finds beards superior and appreciates their versatility and styling options, which implies an enjoyment of having a beard.

    The other choices are not supported by the evidence in the passage.

  • Q #3: What is all this 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 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 as the cicadas loud. but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact. it male hat are the noisy ones to the tune of 80 to 100 dec. bels, with "ke the roar of a loud engine, This is because male cicadas make a strident. high boning by vibrating two membranes on the abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body int 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 wherever the female deposits the eggs into the bank. When 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 mogucicada.   Which of the following is the most likely reason male cicadas make buzzing sound?

    A. To attract a mate

    B. To orient via echolocation

    C. To ward off predators

    D. To locate food sources

    Answer Explanation

    According to the passage, female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing of the male cicadas but they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.