Question

what advantage did building a longhouse into a hillside offer?

a. it provided better views of the fjords from roof tops

b. it made the house easier to defend in an attack

c. it was warmer in winter and cooler in summer

d. it required less building materials even though floors were made with stone

what is the main contrast presented in the text regarding the vikings?

a. their reputation as fierce warriors versus their lives as farmers and traders

b. their skill in shipbuilding versus their agricultural practices

c. their peaceful nature versus their aggressive tendencies

d. their religious beliefs versus their political beliefs

Explanation:

First Question (About longhouse advantage):

Building a longhouse into a hillside (like earth-sheltered or semi - earth - sheltered construction) utilizes the thermal mass and insulation properties of the earth. In winter, the earth helps retain heat, making the interior warmer. In summer, it keeps the interior cooler as the earth insulates against external heat. Option a is incorrect as the main advantage of hillside construction isn't for views. Option b: Defensibility isn't the primary advantage of this construction method. Option d: The claim about less building materials and stone floors isn't a typical advantage of hillside longhouse construction.

Vikings are often known for their reputation as fierce warriors (due to raids and conquests). However, they also had a significant life as farmers (cultivating land) and traders (engaging in trade across regions). This is a major contrast. Option b: Shipbuilding and agricultural practices are not a main contrast. Option c: Vikings are more known for their warrior - like (aggressive) side rather than a peaceful nature, so this contrast is inaccurate. Option d: Religious and political beliefs are not the main contrast associated with Vikings.

Answer:

c. It was warmer in winter and cooler in summer

Second Question (About Vikings' main contrast):