Question

(Groundhog Day passage)

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 provide the touch of hope needed to reach the end of winter.

1. Which of the following evidence from the passage supports the inference that Groundhog Day is an entertaining tradition?

o Legend has it that on Groundhog Day, the official weather forecasting groundhog awakes from hibernation and comes out of his burrow to look for shadow
o This tradition has been officially observed in the US since the 1800s and is believed to have developed from European folk traditions
o Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show and a ball
o On February 2 each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday of Groundhog Day, a day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning.

Answer 1

The Groundhog Day tradition is entertaining because it includes fun events such as a scavenger hunt, talent show, and ball, and revolves around the whimsical legend of a weather-predicting groundhog.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evidence from the passage that supports the inference that Groundhog Day is an entertaining tradition is 'Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a ball'. These activities suggest that the day is about more than just predicting the weather; it's a day filled with fun and community engagement, indicative of a celebratory tradition. The legend of the forecasting groundhog itself adds to the entertainment value, as does the special pride the town of Punxsutawney takes in their groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil.