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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: 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.

  • Q #2: 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 conclusions can be drawn from the passage?

    A. Eleanor Roosevelt did not enjoy giving oral speeches to troops.

    B. Eleanor Roosevelt hand-wrote notes to every troop's family.

    C. Eleanor Roosevelt became First Lady before the war in the Pacific ended.

    D. Eleanor Roosevelt was present during most battles in Asia during WWII.

    Answer Explanation

    The passage suggests that Eleanor Roosevelt became First Lady before the war in the Pacific ended, as it mentions her visiting the troops and wounded during the ongoing war in the Pacific in 1943. This implies that she was First Lady during the war's continuation.

  • Q #3: Peanut Butter Cookies Grandma Harry     30 minutes Cookies/Desserts Makes 1 dozen 1 egg white 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup flour Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, and beat again until softpeaks form. Gently fold in peanut butter and vanilla. Add flour in small increments until dough forms. Chill dough for at least 2 hours. Roll into balls, roll in sugar, press down with a fork, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet. These are very fragile. Which of the following statements is true?

    A. After adding flour, the cookies are baked for 10 to 12 minutes.

    B. Each ball of dough must be pressed down with a fork before baking.

    C. The egg white and vanilla are beaten together in a bowl.

    D. When beating the eggs and sugar, you shouldn't stop until soft peaks form.

    Answer Explanation

    Choice B: Each ball of dough must be pressed down with a fork before baking.

    In the provided recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies, it mentions rolling the dough into balls, rolling them in sugar, and then pressing them down with a fork before baking. This step is necessary to create the classic crisscross pattern on peanut butter cookies and to help the cookies bake evenly. The other statements do not accurately represent the instructions given in the recipe.