What is all this talk of cicadas lately in the United States? You might be wondering why the media has featured it, but in fact, the discussion about cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. Let's get oriented with some background on cicadas. What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is large, loud insect with long transparent wings and it is mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out. With delicate, translucent wings — and that not only are the cicadas loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is the male cicadas that are the noisy ones to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, with sound like the roar of a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident, high buzzing sound by vibrating two membranes on the abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate. Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees wherever the female deposits the eggs into the bank. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas especially the mogucicada.   Which of the following events happens first after the male cicada calls to the female cicada, according to the passage?

A. The tradition has been officially observed in the U.S since the 1800s and is believed to have developed from European folk traditions

B. Legend has it that on Grounding Day, the official weather forecasting grounding awakens from hibernation and comes out of his burrow to look for his shadow

C. 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

D. Over the years, these events have come to include a stranger hunt, a talent show and a ball

A. Index

B. Bibliography

C. Appendix

D. Glossary

A. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are global

B. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are cyclical

C. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are inspirational

D. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are inexplicable

A. Each ball of dough must be pressed down with a fork before baking

B. The egg white and vanilla are beaten together in a bowl

C. When beating the eggs and sugars, you shouldn’t stop until soft peaks form

D. After adding flour, the cookies are baked for 10 to 12 minutes

A. Expert

B. Criminal

C. Prolific

D. Financial

A. Habitat and diet

B. Weather and farming

C. History and folklore

D. Holiday and festivities

A. Eva is communicating with her aunt while on a class trip to Ireland

B. Eva has found an example of the Healy knitting pattern for her aunt

C. Eva is talking a lot of pictures while on her trip to Ireland

D. Eva is learning about the culture and traditions in Ireland

A. Idle

B. Meticulous

C. Considerate

D. Slow

A. Economics play an important role in society

B. The space program evokes a variety of reactions

C. Space travel inspires the populace to look beyond our planet

D. Technical innovation can sometimes lead to tragedies

A. On a personal trip abroad, Eva is focused on seeing as much as possible in a short amount of time gathering souvenirs for everyone she knows

B. In an email to ger aunt, Eva reports that the Aran Islands contain a strong agricultural community with long-standing traditions

C. In an email to her aunt, Eva brags about touring Ireland and the extravagant purchases she made there

D. On a school trip to Ireland, Eva has spent time in the Aran islands, where she learned about the culture and visited several significant landmarks