/

What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over a number of years?

A. A memoir from a member of The Groundhog Club

B. A historical survey of customs in Pennsylvania

C. A record of weather patterns in the last decade

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

Answer Explanation:

A record of weather patterns in the last decade would be the most useful source in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over a number of years. By comparing the groundhog's predictions with actual weather outcomes, you can assess the accuracy of his forecasts and evaluate his reliability as a weather predictor.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

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 were 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 saw ancient ruins, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We also climbed down to a mysterious rock 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.   According to the passage, which of the following events happens last?

    A. Eva eats steak and vegetable stew.

    B. Eva took a ferry from Galway.

    C. Eva purchases a patterned sweater.

    D. Eva takes a bus to Dublin.

    Answer Explanation

    According to the passage, the event that happens last is Eva taking a bus to Dublin. The passage begins with Eva writing the letter before getting on the bus from Galway back to Dublin, indicating that the events described in the letter have occurred before she takes the bus.

  • Q #2: Which of the following is a counterclaim to the argument in the passage?

    A. The beard is not just a passing trend.

    B. Beards may be a hazard in professional lines of employment.

    C. You should grow a beard because they come in a variety of styles.

    D. If you have a beard, you can dye it pink.

    Answer Explanation

     "Beards may be a hazard in professional lines of employment" is a counterclaim to the argument in the passage, as the passage praises the versatility and style of beards, while the counterclaim suggests that beards might pose problems in certain professional contexts.

  • 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 their 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. 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 Magiccodo, or periodical cicadas, which regularly... Which of the following statements from the passage offers evidence that female cicadas do not have tymbals attached to their abdomen?

    A. "Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing..."

    B. "...the male cicada makes a strident, high buzzing by vibrating two membranes on its abdomen called tymbals..."

    C. "...the cicada is a large, loud insect

    D. "...the female deposits the eggs into the bark."

    Answer Explanation

    The statement "Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing..." offers evidence that female cicadas do not have tymbals attached to their abdomen, as the tymbals are responsible for producing the buzzing sound made by male cicadas.