Reading Passage - Venezuela's Lightning Storms

Read the dictionary entry for the word credit.

credit \^ıkre-dit\ v

1. to believe something such as a report 2. to assign responsibility to someone or something 3. to add money to an account 4. to award a passing mark or grade in school

Which definition best matches the way the word credited is used in paragraph 6?

• F. Definition 1

• G. Definition 2

• H. Definition 3

• J. Definition 4

The map next to paragraph 2 helps the reader better understand the information in the selection because it —

• A illustrates how wide Lake Maracaibo is

• B provides the names of other countries in South America

• C helps the reader understand the causes of the lightning in Venezuela

• D shows the reader where the lightning occurs in Venezuela

By stating a main idea and supporting it with specific details in paragraphs 2 through 4, the author is able to —

• F offer a vivid picture of what the Catatumbo Lightning looks like to observers

• G give a thorough explanation of why the Catatumbo Lightning is unique

• H add a sense of drama and suspense regarding the Catatumbo Lightning strikes

• J provide scientific reasons for the colorful display during a Catatumbo Lightning storm

37 The main idea of paragraphs 8 and 9 is that —

• A an increase in methane gas in the area may be responsible for the lightning

• B there are some theories about what causes the lightning but no definite answer

• C the lightning may be caused by warm air from a river and a lake meeting cool mountain air

• D when lightning strikes stopped during a drought, scientists studied how weather affects the lightning

Which of these facts from the selection supports the idea that the local people embrace the Catatumbo Lightning?

• F This natural phenomenon is called the Relámpago del Catatumbo, or the Catatumbo Lightning.

• G The color of the lightning changes depending on the presence of dust, water, and various gases in the air.

• H The lightning is mentioned in poetry and songs; the state of Zulia even has a lightning bolt on its flag.

• J The mystery of what causes the lightning deepened when, beginning in January 2010, the lightning did not appear for a period of several months.