What Does it mean?
Passage 1 and more
Replace
Passage 2
100

”But it's less dangerous than other explosives because its explosion produces a "mild blast," which is less likely to trigger fires or ignite surrounding materials.”

                                                                                                                                                                          What is the meaning of the prefix ex- in explosion?                                                                  A. danger

B. without

C. strong

D. outward     

D. outward    

100

 In paragraph 2 of Passage 1, what does the phrase prospects for the future mean? 

 “They are working hard to build a stable life and improve their prospects for the future.”

A. chances for success

B. plans for development

C. attitudes towards change

D. profits from business

A. chances for success

100

Through the years, technology has drastically changed how we communicate. 

Replace Through with:

A. Through the (no change)

 B. Into the

 C. Throughout

 D. In between

C. Throughout
 

100

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, is best known for his invention of dynamite, which made him a wealthy man. In his will, Nobel specified that his fortune should be used to create prizes for outstanding achievements in various fields. The Nobel Prizes are awarded every year in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The first Nobel Prizes were given out in 1901, and they have continued to be awarded annually since then.

Nobel was also a man of varied interests. In addition to his scientific work, he had a passion for literature. His wealth gave him leisure to write plays, novels, and poems, reflecting his creative side. Despite being known for his inventions, Nobel's wide range of talents suggests that he was independent and creative, always exploring new ideas and avenues of expression.

Nobel’s work with explosives began when he became interested in nitroglycerin, a highly volatile substance invented by Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero. Although Sobrero created the explosive, it was Nobel who found a way to make it safer for use in industry. By stabilizing nitroglycerin, he was able to create dynamite, a safer and more controlled form of the liquid, which became widely used in construction and mining.

Which detail from the passage supports that he was independent and creative

a. “His wealth gave him leisure to write plays, novels, and poems.”                                                            b. “As a teenager, he showed a great talent for science.”                                                                  c. “He had a tremendous energy for his work.”              d. “He built factories in Germany, Sweden, New York, and California.”

a. “His wealth gave him leisure to write plays, novels, and poems.”  

200

Dynamite is a highly powerful explosive used in construction and demolition projects. It has a quick reaction that releases a large amount of energy in a very short time. Materials like absorbent soil can be used around the blast site to help absorb shockwaves and minimize damage. The diameter of the blast area is carefully calculated to ensure safety and effectiveness when using dynamite.                                                                                                                    Which word used in Passage 1 has a science prefix meaning “across”                                                          A) absorbent                                                              B) diameter                                                              C) dynamite                                                              D) explosive  

 B) diameter  

200

Before dynamite was invented, blasting through rock to build roads, bridges, and mines was a much slower and more dangerous job. Today, dynamite makes these tough construction tasks much faster, easier, and safer.

Dynamite is a powerful chemical explosive. It creates a huge rush of hot gas when ignited, producing enough pressure to break through even solid rock. Dynamite has been essential in building cities, roads, tunnels, and mines all over the world.

The key ingredient in dynamite is nitroglycerin, a highly explosive and dangerous chemical. To make it safer to use, the nitroglycerin is absorbed into a material that looks like sawdust. This mixture is packed into paper tubes about an inch wide and 8 inches long, and sealed with paraffin wax to protect it from moisture. Different sizes of dynamite tubes are made depending on the needs of a project.

Blasting experts must be very careful when using dynamite. For safety, the dynamite is transported in one truck, while the wires and firing switches are carried in a separate vehicle. This prevents accidents from happening before the dynamite is ready to be used.

Today, dynamite is only sold to licensed professionals who are trained to handle it. Because it is such a powerful and important tool, it must be used carefully and responsibly. Dynamite continues to help builders and engineers complete massive construction projects that would otherwise be impossible.

The word "dynamite" has even become a way to describe something exciting or impressive. So if someone calls you "dynamite," take it as a big compliment—you’re powerful and amazing!


What are two main ideas developed in Passage 1?         A. Dynamite is a powerful tool used in the construction of roads, bridges, and mines.                  B. Dynamite is an explosive that uses a dangerous chemical called nitroglycerin.                                     C. Dynamite is safe because its explosion creates a “cool flame.”                                                           D. Today, dynamite is sold only to certified professional blasting experts.                E. People who use dynamite must follow certain safety procedures.

    A. Dynamite is a powerful tool used in the construction of roads, bridges, and mines.             B. Dynamite is an explosive that uses a dangerous chemical called nitroglycerin.  

200
  1. Today, we were burning biofuel, which is derived from organic materials, commonly crops like soybeans.                                                  Replace were burning with:

          A) burn

         B) were burning

         C) will burn

         D) have been burning

  A) burn

200

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, is best known for his invention of dynamite, which made him a wealthy man. In his will, Nobel specified that his fortune should be used to create prizes for outstanding achievements in various fields. The Nobel Prizes are awarded every year in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The first Nobel Prizes were given out in 1901, and they have continued to be awarded annually since then.

Nobel was also a man of varied interests. In addition to his scientific work, he had a passion for literature. His wealth gave him leisure to write plays, novels, and poems, reflecting his creative side. Despite being known for his inventions, Nobel's wide range of talents suggests that he was independent and creative, always exploring new ideas and avenues of expression.

Nobel’s work with explosives began when he became interested in nitroglycerin, a highly volatile substance invented by Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero. Although Sobrero created the explosive, it was Nobel who found a way to make it safer for use in industry. By stabilizing nitroglycerin, he was able to create dynamite, a safer and more controlled form of the liquid, which became widely used in construction and mining.

13.) Select two sentences that state main ideas of Passage 2.

a. The Nobel Prizes are awarded every year in five fields.

b. The first Nobel prizes were given out in 1901.

c. Nobel invented dynamite and became a wealthy man.

d. Nobel worked with an Italian scientist named Sobrero.

e. Nobel was born in Stockholm, Sweden.

a. The Nobel Prizes are awarded every year in five fields.                                                                  c. Nobel invented dynamite and became a wealthy man.

300

The dynamite is transported to the site in secure vans, and the wires and switches are brought in  different trucks.                                                                                 What is the meaning of the word secure as it is used above?                                                        A) firmly established                                               B) made of light metal                                            C) strong and locked tight                                        D) able to move quickly    

 C) strong and locked tight  

300

12.) In passage 1, What is one thing dynamite blasters do for safety?                                                             a.) They use the word dynamite to mean “powerful and good.”                                                              b.) They use dynamite for building roads and digging mines.                                                                   c.) They make larger tubes for big strip-mining operations.                                                            d.) They keep the dynamite and switches in separate vehicles.

 d.) They keep the dynamite and switches in separate vehicles.

300

Ethanol will have blended with gasoline to create a more sustainable fuel for vehicles.                                                                                                                       Replace "will have blended" with:                                                                                                       A) will have been blended (no change)
 B) can be blended
 C) was blended
 D) is being blended

 B) can be blended

300

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, is best known for his invention of dynamite, which made him a wealthy man. In his will, Nobel specified that his fortune should be used to create prizes for outstanding achievements in various fields. The Nobel Prizes are awarded every year in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The first Nobel Prizes were given out in 1901, and they have continued to be awarded annually since then.

Nobel was also a man of varied interests. In addition to his scientific work, he had a passion for literature. His wealth gave him leisure to write plays, novels, and poems, reflecting his creative side. Despite being known for his inventions, Nobel's wide range of talents suggests that he was independent and creative, always exploring new ideas and avenues of expression.

Nobel’s work with explosives began when he became interested in nitroglycerin, a highly volatile substance invented by Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero. Although Sobrero created the explosive, it was Nobel who found a way to make it safer for use in industry. By stabilizing nitroglycerin, he was able to create dynamite, a safer and more controlled form of the liquid, which became widely used in construction and mining.

Based on Passage 2, what can the reader infer about Nobel’s personality?

a. He was confused and unsure.

b. He was independent and creative.

c. He was angry and violent.

d. He was quiet and soft-spoken.

b. He was independent and creative.

400

They were the brainchild of a brilliant engineer named Thomas Edison                                                        What is the meaning of the word brainchild as it is used in paragraph 1 of Passage 2?                             A. an invention made possible by science
 B. an idea thought up by someone
 C. the level of intelligence shown by someone
 D. the son or daughter of an inventor

B. an idea thought up by someone

400

Despite some setbacks in recent years, a sense of confidence and forward movement pervades the city. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck south-central Texas. It was one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history, causing more than $125 billion in damage. When it struck Dallas, it dumped as much as 50 inches of rain on some parts of the city in just a few days and left more than one-third of the city underwater. More than 130,000 homes were damaged, and schools were closed for more than a month.

Recovery from Hurricane Harvey will take a long time, but Dallas remains strong. Over the years, Dallas has been adding attractions that encourage people to move there. The city has parks, the arts, and terrific restaurants, along with more than forty institutions of higher learning. In addition to some great colleges and universities, the city can claim the world's largest medical center. For opportunity and fun, Dallas has it all!

Select TWO main ideas developed in Passage 1.

A. The population of Dallas is more than 2.2 million.

 B. Dallas has become the most diverse city in the country.

 C. People move to Dallas with the hopes of a better future.

 D. Dallas has grown and changed significantly in recent years.

 E. There are many job opportunities in mathematics in Dallas.

 C. People move to Dallas with the hopes of a better future.

 D. Dallas has grown and changed significantly in recent years.

400

People disagree about whether biofuel nor gasoline is the better fuel.                                                 Replace  whether ethanol nor  with:  

a. whether  biofuel nor (no change)

b. neither  biofuel nor

c. either  biofuel  nor

d. whether ethanol or

d. whether ethanol or

400

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, is best known for his invention of dynamite, which made him a wealthy man. In his will, Nobel specified that his fortune should be used to create prizes for outstanding achievements in various fields. The Nobel Prizes are awarded every year in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The first Nobel Prizes were given out in 1901, and they have continued to be awarded annually since then.

Nobel was also a man of varied interests. In addition to his scientific work, he had a passion for literature. His wealth gave him leisure to write plays, novels, and poems, reflecting his creative side. Despite being known for his inventions, Nobel's wide range of talents suggests that he was independent and creative, always exploring new ideas and avenues of expression.

Nobel’s work with explosives began when he became interested in nitroglycerin, a highly volatile substance invented by Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero. Although Sobrero created the explosive, it was Nobel who found a way to make it safer for use in industry. By stabilizing nitroglycerin, he was able to create dynamite, a safer and more controlled form of the liquid, which became widely used in construction and mining.

Based on Passage 2, which sentence best describes Nobel’s connection to Ascanio Sobrero?          A. Nobel made Sobrero’s explosive liquid safer to use.  B. Sobrero paid for Nobel’s experiments with nitroglycerin.                                                          C. Sobrero was Nobel’s first chemistry teacher.             D. Nobel invited Sobrero to work with him in Stockholm.

  D. Nobel invited Sobrero to work with him in Stockholm.

500

9.) Alfred Nobel's invention of dynamite was a groundbreaking achievement that earned him numerous patents. Through these patents, he was able to protect his ideas and profit from his innovations. Nobel's work revolutionized industries such as construction and mining. His wealth, derived from his patents, also allowed him to pursue his passion for writing plays, novels, and poems, while simultaneously supporting the cause of peace and working toward an end to war.            

Which phrase from the passage helps the reader understand the meaning of patent?                            A) “an end to war”                                                    B) “cause of peace”                                                  C) “invention of dynamite                                         D) “plays, novels, and poems”

 C) “invention of dynamite  

500

What else does the city do to attract newcomers? One answer is that Chicago invites and promotes business. A city website gives this startling fact: 'If Chicago were an independent nation, it would rank as the world's 30th largest economy.' Many important corporations call Chicago home. With the tenth largest port in the world, the city leads the way in a number of industries. For example, more than 5,000 energy businesses enrich Chicago's economy. In fact, the city is sometimes called the energy capital of the world."


Which sentence best supports the idea that Chicago has been successful in attracting businesses? Underline the sentence.

A. One answer is that Chicago invites and promotes business.                                                                   B. A city website gives this startling fact: "If Chicago were an independent nation, it would rank as the world's 30th largest economy."                                    C. With the tenth largest port in the world, the city leads the way in a number of industries                        D. In fact, the city is sometimes called the energy capital of the world.

B. A city website gives this startling fact: "If Chicago were an independent nation, it would rank as the world's 30th largest economy."      

500

 Thus, biodiesel is not only a fuel for cars but also a fuel for debate.

Replace not only a fuel for cars but also with

a. not only a fuel for cars but also (no change)

b. only a fuel for cars and also

c. either only a fuel for cars or also

d. only a fuel for cars while also

a. not only a fuel for cars but also (no change)

500

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, is best known for his invention of dynamite, which made him a wealthy man. In his will, Nobel specified that his fortune should be used to create prizes for outstanding achievements in various fields. The Nobel Prizes are awarded every year in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The first Nobel Prizes were given out in 1901, and they have continued to be awarded annually since then.

Nobel was also a man of varied interests. In addition to his scientific work, he had a passion for literature. His wealth gave him leisure to write plays, novels, and poems, reflecting his creative side. Despite being known for his inventions, Nobel's wide range of talents suggests that he was independent and creative, always exploring new ideas and avenues of expression.

Nobel’s work with explosives began when he became interested in nitroglycerin, a highly volatile substance invented by Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero. Although Sobrero created the explosive, it was Nobel who found a way to make it safer for use in industry. By stabilizing nitroglycerin, he was able to create dynamite, a safer and more controlled form of the liquid, which became widely used in construction and mining.


What statement from the passage describes the purpose of the Nobel Prizes?                                     A. “As a teenager, he showed a great talent for science. By the time he was 16, he was a competent chemist and spoke five languages.”                              B. “In 1866, he discovered that when nitroglycerin was put into a clay-like material, it was much safer and easier to store, use, and transport.”                             C. “Every year, a committee in Sweden gives prizes to honor great accomplishments in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, and literature. Another prize honors work for peace.”                                              D. “The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901; they have been awarded every year since then.”

 C. “Every year, a committee in Sweden gives prizes to honor great accomplishments in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, and literature. Another prize honors work for peace.”    

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