ISEE Reading Question 280: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 280

2. The first sentence implies that

  • A. Mount St. Helens had never before erupted
  • B. Mount St. Helens erupts every 123 years
  • C. Mount St. Helens last erupted in 1857
  • D. no one suspected that Mount St. Helens could erupt

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C is correct. A 123–year slumber means that Mount St. Helens had no eruptions going back 123 years from 1980. That puts the last eruption at 1857. Choice A is wrong because if Mount St. Helens had been “sleeping” for 123 years, it must have been active 123 years ago. Choice B is wrong because there is nothing to support the idea that Mount St. Helens erupts every 123 years. Choice D is wrong because if Mount St. Helens erupted 123 years ago, it could always erupt again.

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