Question

At last the rain came. It was sudden and tremendous. For two or three moons the sun had been gathering strength till it seemed to breathe a breath of fire on the earth. All the grass had long been scorched brown, and the sands felt like live coals to the feet. Evergreen trees wore a dusty coat of brown. The birds were silenced in the forests, and the world lay panting under the live, vibrating heat. And then came the clap of thunder. It was an angry, metallic and thirsty clap, unlike the deep and liquid rumbling of the rainy season. A mighty wind arose and filled the air with dust. Palm trees swayed as the wind combed their leaves into flying crests like strange and fantastic coiffure.

IT helps explain why people in Mbanta are so grateful when it rains.
It helps suggest why people in Mbanta are so confused by the sight of hail.
It helps to show how resourceful people in Mbanta are in the face of difficulty.
It helps to demonstrate how people in Mbanta spend time while waiting for rain.

Answer 1

1. It helps explain why people in Mbanta are so grateful when it rains.

The passage emphasizes the long, intense heat, scorched grass, burning sand, and the panting world—so the coming rain would be a huge relief, explaining their gratitude.