Question

weather
weath-er weth -er
middle english; old english weder,
german wetter
noun

1. state of atmosphere
2. strong wind or storm

whether
wheth-er hweth -er
middle english; old english hwether,
old norse hvatharr
conjunction

1. used to introduce two or more

alternatives

looking at the gray sky, beckie wondered ______ the ______ would ruin the class trip.

which words complete the sentence correctly?

o weather, weather
o whether, whether
o whether, weather

Explanation:

Analyze the first blank

The first blank requires a conjunction to introduce a choice or alternative condition ("wondered if/whether..."). According to the dictionary entry, "whether" is a conjunction used to introduce alternatives.

Analyze the second blank

The second blank requires a noun referring to atmospheric conditions ("the weather"). According to the dictionary entry, "weather" is a noun meaning the "state of atmosphere."

Match the correct option

Combining both choices, the sentence should read: "Beckie wondered whether the weather would ruin the class trip." This corresponds to the third option: "whether, weather".

Answer:

• weather, weather
• whether, whether
• whether, weather (Correct answer)