Question

This question has two parts. First, answer part A, then, answer part B. Part A: Read this sentence from the passage. "Once the floodwaters subside, the drought continues." In the sentence, what does the word "subside" most nearly mean? (Multiple Choice) Options: Abate Elevate Merge Recur Which detail from the passage best supports the answer to the previous question?

Answer 1

The word 'subside' means to abate or reduce in intensity. The excerpt that supports this definition describes how a storm 'abated' and 'subsided,' which parallels the diminishing floodwaters.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Word 'Subside'

The word 'subside' most nearly means to abate, which indicates a decrease or reduction in intensity or severity. In the context of the sentence "Once the floodwaters subside, the drought continues," it suggests that the floodwaters are receding or diminishing. Looking at the provided excerpts, one detail that supports this meaning is the passage: "When the storm abated Venters sought his own cave, and late in the night, as his blood cooled and the stir and throb and thrill subsided, he fell asleep." This implies that the storm's intensity decreased, much like the floodwaters mentioned in the initial question.

Answer 2

In the sentence, the word "subside" most nearly means the following: abate.

The detail from the passage that best supports the answer to the previous question is this: the description of the flooding and its aftermath.

What is the meaning?

The description of the flooding provides context for the use of the word "subside." It shows that the floodwaters were at one point very high and inundating the town, but they have now receded or abated.

The other options do not fit the context of the sentence because "Elevate" means to rise or go higher, which is the opposite of what is happening to the floodwaters. "Merge" means to combine or join together, which is not relevant to the sentence and "Recur" means to happen again.