The 68-Year Hiccup: teacher key

Hiccups, Sneezes and Yawns, grade 4 edition, written for 4th grade. One man hiccuped for about 68 years. Learn what makes a hiccup, a sneeze and a yawn happen, and what is still a mystery.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

1. What makes the "hic" sound in a hiccup?
   • The vocal cords snapping shut (answer)
   • The stomach stretching
   • The tongue curling
2. How long did Charles Osborne's hiccups last?
   • About 68 days
   • About 68 years (answer)
   • About 68 hours
3. After how long should a grown-up take a person with hiccups to a doctor?
   • After two minutes
   • After one hour
   • After 48 hours (answer)
4. What starts a sneeze?
   • Something irritates the lining of the nose or throat (answer)
   • The diaphragm spasms
   • A deep breath through the mouth
5. Why should you wash your hands after you sneeze?
   • Sneezes can spread germs (answer)
   • Sneezes make hands cold
   • Sneezes cure hiccups
6. A spasm is a kind of what?
   • Drink
   • Sudden jerk (answer)
   • Slow nap

Words

• diaphragm: breathing muscle
• spasms: sudden jerks
• reflex: automatic action
• germs: tiny sickness-spreaders