Venezuelan Lightning Storms

"The lightning is also credited with ruining a surprise attack on the city of Maracaibo by the English sea captain Sir Francis Drake in 1595. The lightning flashes illuminated Drake’s ships, alerting the Spanish forces to their presence."

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

The map next to paragraph 2 helps the reader better understand the information in the selection because it —

• illustrates how wide Lake Maracaibo is

• provides the names of other countries in South America

• helps the reader understand the causes of the lightning in Venezuela

• shows the reader where the lightning occurs in Venezuela

By stating a main idea and supporting it with specific details in paragraphs 2 through 4, the author is able to —

• offer a vivid picture of what the Catatumbo Lightning looks like to observers

• give a thorough explanation of why the Catatumbo Lightning is unique

• add a sense of drama and suspense regarding the Catatumbo Lightning strikes

• provide scientific reasons for the colorful display during a Catatumbo Lightning storm

The main idea of paragraphs 8 and 9 is that —

• an increase in methane gas in the area may be responsible for the lightning

• there are some theories about what causes the lightning but no definite answer

• the lightning may be caused by warm air from a river and a lake meeting cool mountain air

• when lightning strikes stopped during a drought, scientists studied how weather affects the lightning

Which of these facts from the selection supports the idea that the local people embrace the Catatumbo Lightning?

• This natural phenomenon is called the Relámpago del Catatumbo, or the Catatumbo Lightning.

• The color of the lightning changes depending on the presence of dust, water, and various gases in the air.

• The lightning is mentioned in poetry and songs; the state of Zulia even has a lightning bolt on its flag.

• The mystery of what causes the lightning deepened when, beginning in January 2010, the lightning did not appear for a period of several months.

Based on the information throughout the selection, how do the native people of Zulia feel about the Catatumbo Lightning?

• They are indifferent to it.

• They fear it as a powerful force of nature.

• They believe it is problematic for their community.

• They appreciate it as a special feature of their area.

The author’s main purpose for writing this selection is to —

• warn readers about the dangers of lightning

• discuss the mysterious lightning found in a region

• compare and contrast lightning storms around the world

• explain the weather conditions that cause lightning