That was only the beginning of disaster: Now the real tragedy began. Nitric oxides rained from the air, turning the sea to acid. Clouds of soot from incinerated forests darkened the sky, hiding the sun for months. Worldwide, the temperature dropped precipitously, killing off most of the plants and animals that had survived the initial cataclysm. Which option is the accurate synonym for cataclysm as it is used in the excerpt A. misfortune
B. fiasco
C. devastation
D. explosion

Which statement best describes how these paragraphs develop the central idea of the article? a- they elaborate on the idea that the offer has been made with youngsters in mind. b- they provide additional information as to why the prize is a wagon instead of something else. c- they support the idea that the wagon is attractive to youngsters and is a worthy prize. d- they introduce the idea that the newspaper is a generous organization. read paragraphs 4 and 5. the disc wheel coaster wagon is thirty-six inches long and sixteen inches wide. the coaster is built exactly like a high-powered automobile. the disc wheels have rubber tires and true roller bearings. it runs as smoothly as an eight-cylinder automobile. it is built of the strongest wood and is equipped with a reliable hand brake, enabling the owner to stop in an instant. the tongue—usually the first thing about a wagon to break and render the wagon unserviceable—is so stout that a man can jump on it without breaking it.