What could the weatherman not do?

What could the weatherman not do?

• A. He couldn't forecast it.
• B. He couldn't account for it.
• C. He couldn't observe it.
• D. He couldn't report it.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is understanding the phrase “account for” as explain the reason or cause behind something. A weatherman routinely forecasts, observes, and reports weather. But explaining why a particular event happened—giving a full causal explanation—often isn’t possible with the data or knowledge available, especially for unusual or unexpected weather. So he couldn’t account for it is the best answer, because it highlights a limitation rather than the usual tasks of forecasting, observing, or reporting.

The idea being tested is understanding the phrase “account for” as explain the reason or cause behind something. A weatherman routinely forecasts, observes, and reports weather. But explaining why a particular event happened—giving a full causal explanation—often isn’t possible with the data or knowledge available, especially for unusual or unexpected weather. So he couldn’t account for it is the best answer, because it highlights a limitation rather than the usual tasks of forecasting, observing, or reporting.