Section C
Most volcanoes are quiet. They rest (36)
for hundreds of years. No one pays much attention to them. Mount St. Helens
was one of these volcanoes. Until 1980, it was a beautiful (37)
area. Its last eruption had been 123 years ago. No one was worried about
another one. In March 1980, Mount St. Helens began to make noises. At first,
there were some shaking movements. Then, small eruptions occurred. Some
(38) left immediately. Others felt there was no danger. But on
the morning of May 18, 1980, the mountain (39) its top.
With the power of twenty-five (40) bombs, Mount St. Helens
exploded. Clouds of dust and ash rose more than twelve miles into the sky. Rocks
and mud (41) down on the slopes. Unfortunately, many people
were still living, (42) or working in the area. Over forty
people lost their lives. Others were (43) .Robert Baker was
fishing with his family when the explosion happened. He reported that the
morning of May 18 was strange. No birds were singing. The air was still. Then,
he saw a large black cloud coming down towards them. In minutes, day turned into
night. (44) . All the time, hot ash was
raining on them. But other people were not so lucky. David Johnston,
(45) . At 8:31 a.m., he radioed "This is it! "He was never heard
again. Mount St. Helens is peaceful now. But its slopes are empty.
(46)