1.
McBroom says that what the stranger thought were woodpeckers were really
Correct Answer
B. Mosquitoes
Explanation
The correct answer is mosquitoes because the sentence states that McBroom is saying that what the stranger thought were woodpeckers were actually something else. Since mosquitoes are small flying insects commonly found in wooded areas, it is plausible that the stranger mistook them for woodpeckers. The other options, vultures and helicopters, do not align with the context of the sentence and are unlikely to be mistaken for woodpeckers.
2.
How many childred do the McBrooms have?
Correct Answer
B. Eleven
3.
Why did McBroom decide to go hunting for a rain cloud?
Correct Answer
C. He decides to go hunting for a raincloud because the topsoil and all the plants are drying up.
4.
What happened to the pocket watch McBroom dropped?
Correct Answer
A. The pocket watch put down roots and grew into a three-dollar alarm clock.
5.
How do the young McBrooms make fireworks?
Correct Answer
B. They shoot radish seeds with their bean shooters.
Explanation
The correct answer is "They shoot radish seeds with their bean shooters." This can be inferred from the given options where it is mentioned that the young McBrooms make fireworks by shooting radish seeds with their bean shooters. The other options of setting off watermelons in cannons and shooting watermelon seeds with bean shooters are not mentioned in the given information.
6.
How did the skeeters help the McBrooms?
Correct Answer
A. They cried so much from the onions that the McBrooms had plenty of water.
Explanation
The skeeters helped the McBrooms by crying so much from the onions that the McBrooms had plenty of water. This suggests that the tears shed by the skeeters from the onions provided the McBrooms with a sufficient supply of water.
7.
What did the mosquitoes do to the beets?
Correct Answer
B. The mosquitoes sucked the beets dry until they went from red to white.
Explanation
The correct answer states that the mosquitoes sucked the beets dry until they went from red to white. This suggests that the mosquitoes fed on the beets, draining them of their juices and nutrients. This explanation aligns with the typical behavior of mosquitoes, as they are known to feed on the blood or sap of plants and animals. By sucking the beets dry, the mosquitoes caused them to lose their color and become pale or white.
8.
What was the first sign that there was going to be a dry spell?
Correct Answer
A. The first sign of a dry spell came when the vegetables clocks that grew on the farm started running slowly.
9.
What does McBroom plant to end the drought?
Correct Answer
C. Onions
Explanation
McBroom plants onions to end the drought. Onions are known to be a resilient crop that can tolerate dry conditions. They have a shallow root system that allows them to access moisture in the soil more efficiently. By planting onions, McBroom is likely hoping to conserve water and still be able to grow a successful crop during the drought.
10.
What caused the handkerchiefs to be as wet as dishrags?
Correct Answer
B. The onions made everyone cry.
Explanation
The correct answer is "The onions made everyone cry." This is because onions contain a chemical compound that irritates the eyes and causes tears to be produced. When onions are cut or chopped, this compound is released into the air, causing people to cry. Therefore, if the onions made everyone cry, it is likely that their tears made the handkerchiefs as wet as dishrags.
11.
McBroom says that some folks have no regard for the truth. Regard means
Correct Answer
C. Concern
Explanation
The word "regard" in this context refers to the level of consideration or attention that someone gives to something. McBroom is saying that some people do not have concern or care for the truth, implying that they do not pay attention to it or take it seriously.
12.
The earth was so parched, they couldn't raise a crop of beets. In this sentence, parched means
Correct Answer
A. Very hot and dry
Explanation
In this sentence, the word "parched" is used to describe the earth, indicating that it is extremely dry and lacking moisture. This is supported by the statement that they couldn't raise a crop of beets, as beets require a certain level of moisture to grow successfully. Therefore, the correct answer is "very hot and dry."
13.
In this story, the "Big Dry" is what McBroom calls the drought. A drought is
Correct Answer
B. A long period of dry weather
Explanation
The correct answer is "a long period of dry weather." This is evident from the context of the question, where it is mentioned that McBroom calls the drought "Big Dry." Additionally, the term "Big Dry" itself implies a prolonged absence of rain, indicating a long period of dry weather.
14.
McBroom found a genuine rain crow hiding from the skeeters under a milk pail. Another word for genuine is
Correct Answer
C. Real
Explanation
The word "genuine" means real or authentic. In the given context, McBroom found a real rain crow, indicating that the rain crow was not fake or artificial. Therefore, the correct synonym for genuine in this case is "real".
15.
Those hot tempered prairie mosquiotes were returning from town. A prairie is
Correct Answer
C. A large area of flat land covered with grass
Explanation
The correct answer is "a large area of flat land covered with grass." This is because the word "prairie" refers to a specific type of ecosystem characterized by vast expanses of flat land covered in grasses. Prairies are typically found in North America and are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species adapted to this unique environment.