Pompeii sits on a spur of lava...

[Mikoey]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #879 "Pompeii, past and present", question 1

According to geologic and geographical research, Pompeii sits on a ......... of lava about 40 meters above sea level. On August 24, 79 AD, it was dominated by a supposedly extinct volcano, Mt. Vesuvius. But on that morning, Vesuvius came alive and terrified residents experienced a hurricane of eruptive materials and gas, dying on the streets as they tried to escape.

(a) spur
(b) butte
(c) prominent
(d) mesa

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #879 "Pompeii, past and present", answer 1

According to geologic and geographical research, Pompeii sits on a spur of lava about 40 meters above sea level. On August 24, 79 AD, it was dominated by a supposedly extinct volcano, Mt. Vesuvius. But on that morning, Vesuvius came alive and terrified residents experienced a hurricane of eruptive materials and gas, dying on the streets as they tried to escape.

Correct answer: (a) spur
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just put one word , why you need a long paragraph

[Mister Micawber]

You might learn something.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Carlsoak]

why is butte wrong? "Spur" is commonly used combined with mountain .... spur / rock ... spur

[Mister Micawber]

A butte is a hill with a flat top and steep sides in a flat area of land. That is not the situation at Pompeii.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's