Question

It can reasonably be inferred that "Old Faithful" (line 1 ) and Halley's Comet share what aspect that primarily contributes to their fame? (A) Presence of water (B) High eccentricity (C) Nuclear particulates (D) Periodic observability

Short answer

Choice (D) Periodic observability.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Terms and Context

The question mentions "Old Faithful" and "Halley's Comet." "Old Faithful" is known to be a geyser in Yellowstone National Park famous for its regular eruptions. "Halley's Comet" is a comet that is well-known for its visibility from Earth approximately every 76 years.

Analyze Shared Characteristics

Consider the common traits both "Old Faithful" and "Halley's Comet" might have. Since the key aspect of Old Faithful is its regular and predictable eruptions, and Halley's Comet is noted for reliably returning in intervals, their shared feature likely concerns predictability.

Evaluate Answer Choices

Look at the answer options: (A) Presence of water doesn't apply to both. (B) High eccentricity refers to the path of a comet, not relevant to a geyser. (C) Nuclear particulates don't link a geyser and a comet. (D) Periodic observability describes Old Faithful's eruptions and the recurring view of Halley's Comet sufficiently.

Select the Correct Answer

Option (D) Periodic observability makes the most sense with the context that both are famous due to being predictable objects of observation.

Key concepts

Inference Skills

Inference skills are crucial for recognizing patterns and drawing conclusions based on provided information. When faced with a question, especially in reading comprehension, it's essential to read between the lines and tease out underlying meanings or connections.
For example, in the exercise about "Old Faithful" and "Halley's Comet," the goal is to determine what makes both famous. Even though "Old Faithful" is a geyser known for regular eruptions, and "Halley's Comet" appears every 76 years, they share the trait of being predictable.
This leads us to option (D) "Periodic observability," because both phenomena can be observed repeatedly over time. Enhancing inference skills involves:

• Paying attention to context clues surrounding key terms.
• Recognizing patterns in behavior or attributes.
• Closing gaps using background knowledge.

Strong inference skills bolster our ability to make educated guesses and enhance comprehension across various subjects.

Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex problems into more manageable parts to understand and solve them effectively. In reading comprehension exercises, analytical thinking means evaluating each piece of information carefully to identify relationships and conclusions.
In the given task, understanding the characteristics of "Old Faithful" and "Halley's Comet" involves analyzing their known features. "Old Faithful" is famed for regular eruptions, while "Halley's Comet" is noted for its predictable appearance.
Determining the shared trait, which is periodic observability, requires:

• Assessing the relevance of each characteristic.
• Eliminating options that don't apply to both subjects.
• Linking traits that contribute to their reputation.

Analytical thinking hones your aptitude for problem solving, teaching you to dissect information and uncover deeper meanings or solutions.

Standardized Test Preparation

Preparing for standardized tests, such as SATs or ACTs, requires mastering reading comprehension among other skills. These tests often include sections where inference and analytical skills are necessary to select the best answer.
The example question involving "Old Faithful" and "Halley's Comet" is typical on standardized tests. To excel in such sections, students should:

• Focus on key details mentioned in the passage.
• Practice making connections between seemingly unrelated facts.
• Understand how context guides question answering.

Active engagement with the materials, regular practice, and reflection on each exercise intensify familiarity with test formats and improve response accuracy. Structured practice in reading comprehension can significantly enhance performance on test day.