PARCC Reading Comprehension Practice Test story 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 15. Herculaneum and its harbor were buried under _________ lava.
- liquid
- solid (Correct answer)
- flowing
- gas
- Answer not available
Correct answer: solid
Herculaneum was buried not by flowing liquid lava, but primarily by pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic debris. These flows, upon cooling, solidified into a dense, rock-like material, effectively entombing the city under a thick, hard mass. This solid burial contributed to the exceptional preservation of organic materials within the city.
Question 2: 16. The poisonous gases were not _________ in the air.
- able to float (Correct answer)
- visible
- able to evaporate
- invisible
- able to condense
Correct answer: able to float
Many poisonous volcanic gases, such as carbon dioxide, are denser than the surrounding air. This characteristic means they do not readily disperse or 'float' upwards; instead, they tend to sink and accumulate in low-lying areas. This accumulation can create deadly pockets of suffocating gas, posing a significant hazard to life, as seen in various volcanic incidents.
Question 3: 17. Scientists analyzed data about Vesuvius in the same way that a zoologist _________ a specimen.
- describes in detail
- studies by cutting apart (Correct answer)
- photographs
- chart
- Answer not available
Correct answer: studies by cutting apart
The phrase 'studies by cutting apart' refers to dissection or detailed anatomical analysis, a method used to understand the internal structure and components of a specimen. Similarly, when scientists analyze complex data, they often break it down into its constituent parts, examining each element in depth to understand the overall phenomenon. This systematic, in-depth examination of components is analogous to a zoologist dissecting a specimen.
Question 4: 18. _________ have concluded that the volcanic eruption caused a tidal wave.
- Scientists who study oceans
- Scientists who study atmospheric conditions (Correct answer)
- Scientists who study ash
- Scientists who study animal behavior
- Answer not available in article
Correct answer: Scientists who study atmospheric conditions
Volcanic eruptions release massive amounts of energy and material into the atmosphere, creating significant atmospheric disturbances, including powerful shockwaves. These atmospheric shockwaves can transmit energy to the ocean surface, potentially generating or contributing to large waves, sometimes referred to as tidal waves or tsunamis. Therefore, scientists who study atmospheric conditions would be crucial in understanding how such an eruption could trigger these oceanic events.
Question 5: 19. Scientists have used _________ water to wash away volcanic ash from the skeletons of victims.
- bottled
- volcanic
- purified (Correct answer)
- sea
- fountain
Correct answer: purified
When cleaning delicate archaeological remains like skeletons, it is essential to use water free from impurities, minerals, and contaminants. Purified water, such as distilled or deionized water, prevents the introduction of new substances that could react with, damage, or leave residues on the bones. This ensures the preservation of the remains and allows for accurate scientific analysis.
PARCC Reading Comprehension Practice Test story 3
15.
Herculaneum and its harbor were buried under _________ lava.