Key Ideas and Details
Words and Phrases in Context
Text Structure
Academic Vocabulary
100
"As Hurricane Sandy moved north, it became embedded in another powerful weather system." How did this affect New York? (See paragraphs 7 and 8.)
Sandy transformed from a hurricane to a super storm when "it combined forces with a winter storm." As a result, New York City residents had to act fast and evacuate from "the danger zone." New York residents had "less time to prepare for an approaching hurricane.
100
Find the phrase "run out of steam" in paragraph 6. What does this idiom mean within the context of this paragraph. Provide textual evidence.
Since the sentence starts with the word "fortunately," the hurricanes must do something good before reaching land. The best thing they could do would be to stop, so "run out of steam" must mean "stop."
100
What is the purpose of the "Sandy's Reality" boxes?
The 2008 article discussed predictions of what may have happened if a large hurricane hit New York City. The "Sandy Reality" boxes explain what actually happened in October 2012.
100
What is the effect of hurricanes being "embedded" in higher latitude winds? (See paragraph 7.)
Hurricanes move faster when embedded in the stronger winds of higher latitudes.
200
How did the effect of the 1821 hurricane differ from the 2012 hurricane? Provide textual evidence. (See paragraphs 11 and 12.)
The effects of the 2012 hurricane were more devastating than the 1821 hurricane. In 1821 "not many people lived in the flooded area." "Today this region is densely populated and includes miles of subway tunnels."
200
Look at the word "submerging" in paragraph 3. Define the word in context and explain its importance to the text. Provide textual evidence.
If a "wall of water sweeps over Lower Manhattan" and "Subways fill with seawater" the neighborhoods described must be under water. So, "submerged" means under water.
200
What is the purpose of the introductory text on page 186?
The introduction was written four years after the science article itself was written in 2008. Therefore, the introduction is written to help the reader understand the context of the article. "Submerged City" is a blend of predictions from the 2008 science article and detailed side notes describing "how Sandy actually played out" in October 2012.
200
According to the author, what effect would "accelerating" hurricanes have on New York City residents. (See paragraph 8.)
"Accelerating hurricanes will cause watches and warnings to be issued more suddenly." This would give New York City residents "less time to prepare for an approaching hurricane."
300
What evidence does the author use to support her claim that New York City is in danger of a super storm? (See paragraph 10.)
The author mentions that "If a hurricane were to strike this spot, the storm surge would funnel into the bay, piling up until it flooded parts of Manhattan.
300
Explain how the "land to the south of New York acts as a shield" in paragraph 9. Provide textual evidence.
"A hurricane wouldn't strike the city directly" because it was shielded by land.
300
Why does Adams include quotes from Gary Conte and Greg Holland? Provide textual evidence (See paragraphs 8 and 11).
Gary Conte is a meteorologist for the National Weather Service and Greg Holland is an atmospheric scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. They are both experts on the topic of hurricanes and weather. The author quotes ideas and facts from these experts to support her points and strengthen her article.
400
Find the phrase "classic double whammy" in paragraph 14. Determine its meaning using context clues. Provide textual evidence.
The sentence before it refers to "both the number and intensity of hurricanes." So double whammy might mean when two (both) challenging events occur.
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