Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

      Drought is a condition that becomes when average rainfall for a fertile area drops far below the normal (25)________ for a long period of time. In areas (26)_______ are not irritated, the lack of rain causesfarm crops to wither and dead . Higher than normal temperatures ussually accompany periods of drought . They add to the crop damage. Forest fires start easily during drought . The soil of a drought area becomes dry and crumbles. Often the rich topsoil is (27)________ away by the hot, dry winds . Streams, ponds, and wells often dry up during a drought, and animals suffer and may even die (28)______ the lack of water.