Meaning: 'At least' means 'no fewer than' or 'a minimum of,' indicating that the Plains Indians moved their camps three times or more each year.

Wrong options:

• fewer than: This phrase suggests a maximum number, which contradicts the context of moving camps multiple times.
• at most: Similar to 'fewer than,' this implies a limit rather than a minimum, making it unsuitable here.
• less than: This phrase is typically used for uncountable nouns, and does not fit the context of counting the number of times camps were moved.

Correct answer: like

Explanation: The word 'like' is used to make a comparison, indicating that tepees are similar to big tents, which fits both grammatically and contextually in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Like' means 'similar to' or 'in the same way as,' suggesting that tepees share characteristics with big tents.

Wrong options:

• both: This word implies two distinct items, which does not fit the context of comparing tepees to big tents.
• alike: While 'alike' also indicates similarity, it is not used correctly in this grammatical structure as it does not fit the sentence flow.
• otherwise: This word suggests a contrast or alternative, which does not align with the intent of comparing tepees to big tents.

Correct answer: in the middle

Explanation: The phrase 'in the middle' accurately describes the location of the fire within the tepee, fitting grammatically and contextually as it indicates a central position.

Meaning: 'In the middle' means 'at the center,' indicating where the fire would be placed inside the tepee for cooking.

Wrong options:

• on the top: This phrase suggests a position above, which is not suitable for the context of a fire inside a tepee.
• in spite: This phrase indicates a contrast or concession, which does not fit the context of describing the fire's location.
• in terms: This phrase is typically used to discuss conditions or aspects, not physical locations, making it inappropriate here.

Correct answer: used to

Explanation: The phrase 'used to' indicates a past habit or regular action, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the Sioux people's historical practice of putting buffalo skins on the floor.

Meaning: 'Used to' means 'accustomed to' or 'habitually did in the past,' indicating that this was a common practice among the Sioux.

Wrong options:

• akin to: This phrase suggests similarity rather than a habitual action, making it unsuitable in this context.
• preferred: This word implies a choice rather than a habitual action, which does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
• have yet to: This phrase indicates something that has not happened, which contradicts the context of describing a past practice.

Correct answer: look after

Explanation: The phrase 'look after' means to take care of someone or something, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the women's role in caring for the children.

Meaning: 'Look after' means 'to care for' or 'to attend to,' indicating the responsibility of women in the camp regarding the children.

Wrong options:

• stand for: This phrase means to represent or symbolize, which does not fit the context of caring for children.
• take care: While similar in meaning, 'take care' is not the correct idiomatic expression used in this context; 'look after' is more commonly used.
• sit about: This phrase implies inactivity, which contradicts the active role women had in caring for children.