Groundhog Day — What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's | QuizRN | QuizRN
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Reading passage
Groundhog Day
3 questions
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 U.S. 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 Punxsutawney, 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 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 a Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvania to see Punxsutawney Phil and all of the fun he inspires each year might just provide the touch of hope needed to reach the end of winter.
Question 1
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?
Answer
History and folklore
Rationale
The passage states that Groundhog Day developed from European folk traditions. Searching "Groundhog Day + history and folklore" would therefore be most likely to provide information about its origins.
Which of the following evidence from the passage supports the inference that Groundhog Day is an entertaining tradition?
Answer
Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a ball.
Rationale
A scavenger hunt, talent show, and ball are recreational activities, directly supporting the inference that the tradition is entertaining.
Answer choices
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a ball.
D. This tradition has been officially observed in the U.S. since the 1800s and is believed to have developed from European folk traditions.
What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over a number of years?
Answer
A record of weather patterns in the last decade
Rationale
A record of weather patterns from the last decade can be compared with Punxsutawney Phil's yearly predictions to judge how reliable they have been. A historical survey of customs, an encyclopedia entry about mammals, and a club member's memoir do not provide weather data to compare.
Answer choices
A. A record of weather patterns in the last decade
B. An encyclopedia entry on mammals in the northeast U.S.