'Central'ize your Mind!
(RI 8.1/8.2)
(RI 8.1/8.2)
Astronauts cautiously opened the newly installed solar wings on the space station after replacing a bolt that had been put in the wrong way.
A highlight of the mission, the long, careful process of unfurling the panels began the morning after the repair was made. The solar panels, which look like the glistening wings of a dragonfly, provide electric power for the space station.
Which of the following can be inferred from this passage?
A. The brain stem is in the middle of the human brain.
B. The brain stem is crucial to life for human beings.
C. The arteries of the brain stem are often blocked.
D. The brain stem provides blood to the whole brain.
B: Because the brain stem controls breathing and heart rate, which human beings need to stay alive, it is crucial for life.
Hank Aaron was an American baseball player nicknamed Hammerin' Hank. His nickname came from the 755 home runs he hit that broke the all-time record previously held by Babe Ruth. Aaron was noted for his remarkable consistency. Although he led the league in home runs only four times, he hit 30 or more homeruns in a season 15 times. During his 23-year career, the right-handed slugger set more than ten major league records, including most home runs, runs batted in (RBIs), extra-base hits, and total bases.
On April 8, 1974, Hammerin' Hank hit his 715th home run over the left field wall in Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium, taking sole possession of the career home run record. In 1975, he broke Ruth's career RBI record. When Aaron retired after the 1976 season, he held many career records, including most home runs (755), runs batted in (2297), total bases (6856), extra-base hits (1477), and times at bat (12,364). Any list of baseball's greatest players will have Hank Aaron near the top.
adapted from Microsoft Encarta
Which of the following relationships is most similar to the relationship below?
Hank Aaron : baseball
B:
Hank Aaron is famous because he set many records playing baseball. Michael Jordan is famous because he set many records playing basketball. You might recognize Beethoven as being famous, but his fame came from his musical compositions. To say that he was famous for his "classical" does not make sense. Also, you might think that George Bush is famous for being president of the United States, but that analogy is presented in the wrong order.
What structural form would be best suited for writing directions for constructing a functional helium balloon?
Sequence
Which type of supporting evidence would best convince readers that a neighborhood needs a fire station?
C: Readers who are considering whether to support the building of a new fire station would benefit from knowing how effective the city has been at putting out fires in the neighborhood. Data on the large number of neighborhood houses that burned down last year would provide the reader this information. The other answer choices do not directly support the argument.
Passage 1
Overfishing
People through the centuries have looked to the rivers and oceans for food. However, by 2050, our rivers and oceans may no longer have enough fish to feed us. Statistics show that species such as tuna have declined to 10 percent of their population. The cause of declining fish populations is overfishing, which is a result of an increase in the demand for fish, and this in turn is due to the rise in human population.
Another reason for declining fish populations is the modern technology used by commercial fisheries in recent times. For example, many shrimp boats use trawls or big nets. These trawls, when dragged across the ocean bed, catch shrimps as well as many other non-targeted fish. These fish, being of no use to the fishermen, are often discarded. In addition, when these trawls are dragged across the ocean bed, they destroy coral reefs and ocean bed habitats.
Governments must curb overfishing to help safeguard the environment. They can do this by introducing stricter laws and no-fishing zones.
Passage 2
The Fishing Industry
Fishing has been a primary occupation since time immemorial. In early times, people fished for personal consumption. Later, fishing became commercial. Even as long back as the 1200s, fishing resulted in a decline in river fish populations. People then turned to the seas for fishing.
In modern times too, fish is very popular for its taste and nutritive value. An increasing demand for various species of fish has led to more fishing of different species. Some people are concerned about fishing affecting fish populations and the marine ecosystem. No doubt, there is a decline in some species. For instance, statistics show that the tuna population is down to 50 percent. However, this is due to greedy people who indulge in illegal fishing activities and unsustainable practices such dredging and drift nets, rather than an increase in demand because of the rising population.
Fishing is a major industry that provides employment to many people. Putting curbs on fishing by introducing stricter laws or having quotas will only affect the economy negatively, and deprive people of their right to make an honest living. The best way to deal with reducing fish populations is for governments to come down heavily on illegal fishing.
What piece of information in passage 2 is different from passage 1?
B: The passages have conflicting information about the reason for the reduction in fish populations. In passage 2, the author notes that illegal fishing and unsustainable practices are major reasons for declining fish populations. However, in passage 1, the author says that the dwindling fish populations are due to overfishing, resulting from a greater demand for fish, and the use of modern technology.
Most people have probably heard that pigs are smarter than dogs. Studies have shown that pigs are thought to have the intelligence of a 3-year-old human child. A Penn State study showed that pigs can play video games that use joysticks. In fact, they proved to be better at the games than some members of the chimp family. The same study revealed that pigs could be taught to recognize and use objects, like a Frisbee or a dumb bell, and still remember them three years later. University of Illinois scientists conducted a study in which pigs used trial and error to figure out how to turn the heat on and off in a cold barn.
Although we might find a pig's intelligence to be impressive, most of us would be unlikely to allow a full-grown one to live in our homes. People who would consider a pig for a pet are in luck. Micro pigs are the latest craze in unusual pets. But don’t think of them as purse or pocket pigs! They grow to be about 40 to 65 pounds, the size of many adult dogs. Because pigs have hair instead of fur, they might actually prove to be better pets for people with allergies. They can be trained to use a litter box, and most owners say they’re clean animals.
However, do your research before choosing a pig as a pet. Pigs can be destructive if they don’t have the companionship, attention, stimulation, and boundaries they require. Pigs are social animals, and some breeders only sell them in pairs.
Which statement from the article supports the idea that having a micro pig as a pet is a bad idea?
Pigs can be destructive if they don't have the companionship, attention, stimulation, and boundaries they require.
B. University of Illinois scientists conducted a study in which pigs used trial and error to figure out how to turn the heat on and off in a cold barn.
C. The same study revealed that pigs could be taught to recognize and use objects, like a Frisbee or a dumb bell, and still remember them three years later.
D. Because pigs have hair instead of fur, they might actually prove to be better pets for people with allergies.
A:This statement from the passage reflects the last paragraph's main idea. People should carefully consider whether to buy a pig as a pet.
The riverboat Columbia Queen takes passengers on an almost-1,000-mile journey along the route taken by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the early 1800s. Along the way, the boat makes stops where passengers can disembark and see wildlife and artifacts onshore.
What is the meaning of disembark as it is used in this paragraph?
B: Passengers on a ship must go ashore to see things on the shore. The keyword is onshore. To get a good look at something onshore, the passengers would have to leave the ship.
"Organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process their produce. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat are often grown and processed this way. These are often more expensive than inorganic products and spoil easily. Unlike conventional or inorganic farmers, organic farmers use natural fertilizers and methods to reduce pests and diseases. Organic farmers do not give antibiotics or growth hormones to animals like conventional farmers. In addition, organic farmers do not use medication to prevent diseases in animals. While conventional farmers give limited space to their animals indoors, organic farmers allow their animals to access the outdoors.
How does the author's use of the organizational structure support his or her purpose?
A: The author uses a compare/contrast method to show how organic and inorganic methods of growing and processing produce are different. Although both methods share the goals, like preventing diseases in their produce and producing food to consume or sell, the ways they achieve these goals are different.
When developing an argument, it's helpful to think about what the opposition might think. What might be an opposing argument for the following thesis?
Residential recycling should be required by law.
B: Any law could be interpreted as a violation of personal rights and freedoms, so some people might view a recycling law the same way: They should have the right not to recycle. Two answer options argue in favor of the law, not opposition to it, and no one is likely to want to ban recycling.
Passage 1
The Galapagos Islands are the only places in the world with a combination of large, sea-going lizards, seabirds that can’t fly, and turtles the size of desks. Unsustainable fishing practices and a lack of well-managed protected areas have driven these island ecosystems to the edge of collapse and threaten the Galapagos’ irreplaceable plants and animals. In collaboration with local communities in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador, the Nature Conservancy is implementing new, sustainable fisheries programs and working to protect over 30 million acres of Pacific marine habitat in the region. Their progress is inspiring.
Passage 2
Manhattan Island is a part of New York City. It teems with people, pets, traffic, towering skyscrapers and 24-hour noise. A visitor only has to go a few blocks before recognizing famous landmarks, like the Guggenheim Museum or the stately lions guarding the entrance to the public library. The island, which looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, is home to Broadway and Wall Street. As the center of the financial and entertainment industries, it contains intoxicating promises of fame and fortune and attracts many people year after year, though few really make it to the top. Called the “Big Apple,” New York City is also known as the “Asphalt Jungle” due to its highly competitive nature. Anyone who can survive on this island can make it almost anywhere.
What similarities can be found in these two passages?
C: Both of these passages are about islands, although the islands are very different. Full of unusual plants and animals, the Galapagos Islands are unique ecosystems under strain because of unsustainable fishing practices. Manhattan Island is full of people and famous landmarks.
Shuttle Endeavour will thunder into orbit this week with an American flag on its right wing. The ship will carry its most international crew ever launched. The spaceship is headed for the International Space Station. Four Americans are on board, along with Russian, Canadian, and Italian astronauts. This multinational crew will be symbolic of those who will work and live on the growing outpost. The station is a joint project of 16 nations on four continents.
This paragraph is mainly about
A: This paragraph tells you about the "multinational" or diverse crew that will be launching into orbit on the Shuttle Endeavour, including astronauts from Russia, Canada, Italy, and America.
from "Third Inaugural Address of Franklin Roosevelt"
Monday, January 20, 1941
A nation, like a person, has a body—a body that must be fed and clothed and housed, invigorated1 and rested, in a manner that measures up to the objectives of our time.
A nation, like a person, has a mind—a mind that must be kept informed and alert, that must know itself, that understands the hopes and the needs of its neighbors—all the other nations that live within the narrowing circle of the world.
1. to give life
Why does Roosevelt use a simile in the first paragraph?
A:
Consider the needs of a human body. For a human to reach his or her potential and succeed, his or her physical needs including having access to food, housing, adequate rest, and refreshment should be fulfilled. Similarly, Roosevelt feels that a nation and its people must be taken care of so that the nation can achieve its goals.
Don't Get Caught in the Net
When you are shopping online, be careful. When you buy items with a credit or debit card, you have to remember to be careful about to whom you give the information. You need to make sure that the Web site you are buying from protects your personal information. Any reliable Web site will have taken the proper steps to make sure that your information is kept from people who will misuse it.
There are people on the Internet who are trying to steal personal information, but there are also people on the Internet who sell fake goods, but tell you they are selling the real thing. There are also people who run fake storefronts that will take your order, take your money, but never send you the item you purchased. You shouldn’t rely on credit or debit card companies to protect you from these people. You need to protect yourself by doing a little research on any Web site from which you make a purchase. Bad design, lack of updates, lack of email addresses, and pictures of products that have been taken from other Web sites can all be clues that tell you not to trust a Web site. Also, you need to remember that if the deal seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.
When the author wrote this passage, he intended
A: The author of this article is informing the reader about the risks involved in online shopping. The author is also telling the reader some steps that he or she can take to protect his or her private information.
Give Praise for Hard Work, Not Intelligence
Americans want to know what is wrong with the U.S. education system. American children consistently score lower on tests than students from many other countries. One possible reason for this failing is that Americans put too much emphasis on intelligence. American students are taught that if a person is intelligent, he or she does not have to work hard to succeed.
Psychologists Claudia Mueller and Carol Dweck have performed studies to determine the effects of praise. In one study, a group of fifth graders were given a challenging test. After they took the test, some of the children were praised for being intelligent. The other children were praised for working hard. The children were then given a choice. They could take another challenging test, or they could take an easy test. The majority of the students who were praised for being "intelligent" chose to take the easy test. Conversely, the majority of the students who were praised for being "hardworking" chose to take the more challenging test.
Personal accounts from teachers also support the idea that praising students for their intelligence does not encourage success. Some teachers reported that students tried to conceal how hard they worked and how much time they spent studying. According to the teachers, the students did not want to be seen as unintelligent for putting too much effort into their schoolwork.
These findings show that when adults praise children too much for being smart, the children receive the wrong message. The children mistakenly believe that schoolwork should be easy for smart kids. Another effect is that students who believe they are smart will not try as hard. The best way to solve these problems is to put the focus back on hard work.
Select ALL the correct answers.Which two statements best explain the author's purpose for writing the passage?
A: to show that intelligent students learn differently than hardworking students
B: to prove that Americans have much to learn from students in other countries
C: to encourage praise for students' effort in order to promote academic success
D: to offer a reason for the poor performance of American students in school
E: to highlight the embarrassment felt by students who put forth a lot of effort
C & D- In the passage, the author explains that praising students for intelligence rather than hard work discourages students from trying hard to succeed, resulting in low performance rates at American schools. Therefore, the correct answers that best explain the author's purpose for writing the passage are "to offer a reason for the poor performance of American students in school" and "to encourage praise for students' effort in order to promote academic success."
Passage 1
The Sense of Saving Water
Water is an essential resource. Although water makes up a significant part of the planet, most of it is salt water, so we cannot drink or clean with it. The fresh water we use is not limitless. People currently use more fresh water than can naturally be replaced. Many states are already experiencing water shortages. Scientists expect this problem to become worse in the future. A growing shortage of water will affect our way of life in many ways. Therefore, the conservation of water should happen now.
There are some ways that we can help conserve water in our daily lives. We can be more aware how we use water and how we use it unwisely. Many times, the appliances that we use waste water. Using more efficient machines can help save water. Taking shorter showers and brushing one's teeth with the faucet off also helps stop waste. By making these small changes, we can make a difference. We can also save money when we use less water.
Water conservation is something that people of all ages can do. By conserving water, we are helping to provide for our future. Everyone should do his or her part to make sure there is enough water for future generations.
Passage 2
Conservation is Costly
Conserving water has become a popular issue because many U.S. states are suffering a drought. Some lawmakers think that states should enforce a fine to those who use too much water. As the drought becomes worse, many believe that enforcing this penalty would best help conserve water.
Although water conservation is an important issue for everyone, fines for using water could mean the downfall of many businesses. The majority of businesses require a lot of water to operate. Without it, businesses may not operate properly. This would result in a loss of business. In particular, the restaurant industry might suffer. Restaurants rely on people to come in and buy their food. They also want to provide clean environments and drinking water for the diners. Should they be expected to pay fines in order to conduct business?
Some lawmakers say that conservation would not affect businesses if they used water-saving appliances. These machines can help conserve water. However, some of these water-efficient appliances are costly. Many businesses cannot afford the expense of replacing their equipment. As a result, they face a difficult situation that might lead them to shut down.
Enforcing water conservation with fines might cause more damage than good. Businesses might choose not to save water because paying fines would be cheaper than buying better appliances. These are points that lawmakers should consider before passing such a bill.
What piece of information from Passage 1 conflicts with information from Passage 2?
A. Saving water is an important issue for everyone.
B. There are appliances that can help save water.
C. States are affected by water conservation efforts.
D. Water conservation can save people money.
D: The passages have conflicting information about whether water conservation saves money or not. In Passage 1, the author notes that by conserving water, a person can save money on their water bill. However, in Passage 2, the author says that conserving water can be costly when they have to spend money on water-saving appliances.
(1) La Opera is the promotion and booking arm of the Samaaya Music Company in Greece. Yesterday, Samaaya Music announced that it had appointed Abiron Jakobe as its new managing director.
(2) Previously, Jakobe was the president of Worldwide Music, a popular music production company. He is a successful and upcoming businessman in the live Grecian music and entertainment industry. Jakobe has helped stage live shows for several top national and international artistes in the world of music.
(3) David Gustaffe, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Samaaya Music Company, Greece said, "By appointing Abiron Jakobe, the company restates its promise and commitment to maintain its high standards in the music market. It also will strive to build on its services for musicians and music lovers all over the country."
(4) La Opera has produced programs and tours for many famous music artistes and groups. Some of them are Pinkhead, The Roses, Robertson, and Flamingo.
(5) The company also has its own artistes. Some of them are Flagero, Amadeus Roes, The Blue Divers, Danielle Marcus, and Hans Manuel.
What is the central idea presented in this article?
D: The central idea is what the passage is mostly about. This passage is about Abiron Jakobe's achievements in the music industry and his new position as managing director of Samaaya Music Company. The rest of the passage gives details about different music companies and artistes.
The Constitution grants power to the President of the United States to veto a bill if he or she thinks the bill is not up to the required standard. In order to prevent the bill from being disapproved by the President, the content of the bill goes through various changes before it is presented to the President.
What do the words veto and disapprove mean in the sentences?
C: Despite their similar literal meanings, veto and disapprove have different connotations. In this context, "veto" indicates "to turn down or reject something," whereas "disapprove" has a more negative connotation and indicates "to object to" something.
Serious about Saving Bees
adapted from the US Department of Agriculture
Pollinators are a vital part of agricultural production. In the United States, more than one-third of all crop production—90 crops ranging from nuts to berries to flowering vegetables—requires insect pollination. Managed honey bee colonies are our primary pollinators, adding at least $15 billion a year by increasing yields and helping to ensure superior-quality harvests.
Beehives are man-made structures built to house bee colonies. In addition to producing honey, beehives serve other purposes including repopulating areas that have experienced a decline in bee colonies. Bee nests are naturally occurring bee colonies usually found in protected natural environments, like the hollow of a tree, or under roofs or in corners of buildings.
Over the years, beekeepers have been steadily losing colonies. The number of honey beehives in this country has decreased from 6 million in the 1940s to about 2.5 million today. There are some helpful steps that people can take in their own communities. One option is to consider setting up hives where possible, or at least to plant bee-friendly flowers and flowering herbs in gardens and yards. However, there is a need for research to better understand how bee colonies work and how the number of bee colonies can be increased.
What other form of media would bset support the idea in that passage that people need to take steps to protect bees?
d: The passage focuses on the idea that bees are an essential part of crop production. A decline in bee population impacts pollination, and bee keepers have been losing colonies for many decades. Therefore, another medium that would support the idea from the passage that people need to take steps to protect bees is "A line graph showing the decline of bee colonies since 1940."
PALO ALTO DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, March 1, 2000
Proposition 26 will improve California's public schools
California is one of only four states where you need more than just a majority of voters to approve a bond issue to build new schools. Not coincidentally, California ranks 49th out of 50 states in terms of classroom crowding. Most of our schools are 30 years or older.
Proposition 26 would allow school construction bonds to pass with a majority vote instead of the current two-thirds requirement.
A majority vote is only fair. Currently, every "no" vote counts twice as much as every "yes" vote.
Of course it's easy to argue for Proposition 26 in Palo Alto, where voters understand the importance of a good education. Here, voters have been generous to the school system over the years, and bond measures have passed with far more than the two-thirds vote necessary.
But that's not true elsewhere in California, especially where schools fall well below national standards. We're not saying that school spending means higher test scores, but it's hard for students to learn in crowded, cold or crumbling classrooms. And these students are the workforce of tomorrow we're talking about, which is why many employers in the Silicon Valley are backing Proposition 26.
(6) Opponents say that if we go to a majority vote, seniors who own homes but are on fixed incomes will be outvoted by non-property owners who don't care how high property taxes go.
But the number of seniors is increasing, and they're already casting the votes that decide many elections because younger people aren't registering to vote.
And we think seniors understand that better schools mean a better educated workforce.
Proposition 26 levels the playing field for school bond issues. It will mean that every "yes" vote will count as much as every "no" vote. And it will give schools, particularly in poor or impoverished communities, a chance to make needed improvements.
Vote "yes" on Proposition 26.
In paragraph 6, why does the writer bring up the opponents' argument?
B: t is always important to be aware of your opponents' opinions, so you can give logical points to dispute the argument. Your argument is stronger if you can find ways to prove your opponent wrong even before your opponent begins to argue!
The Benefits of Local Recycling Programs
Natural resources are getting exhausted faster than we are prepared for, especially with the boom in technology. It is clear by now that resources are not limitless and need to be used with caution. However, technology has also enabled us to come up with ways to recycle products that would have otherwise been sent to landfills and incinerators. Recycling is environment friendly and helps in protecting natural resources. Reusing waste materials turns out to be cheaper and helps in saving money.
There are various local recycling programs that operate in the United States. These programs function at the state and neighborhood levels. In these programs, all recyclable products are collected and sent to a recovery facility, where they are processed. These products include plastic, batteries, household waste, and so on. After being processed, they are used to manufacture recycled goods. These recycling programs are also meant to generate awareness. They encourage people to buy goods that contain recycled materials. Recycled goods contain recyclable materials, which maintain the recycle loop. These programs have become popular as they are effective and accessible to most people.
Passage 2
Scope for Improvement
Recycling is an effective way to save resources that are depleting at a fast rate. Recycling has become extremely popular in the United States. Many programs have been initiated at local levels to ensure that everyday waste is managed and recycled so that environmental resources can be conserved. This waste includes items of daily use, such as plastic, egg cartons, glass, tires, and so on. These programs collect waste materials from people and sort them out. After this, the materials are taken to a recovery center, where they are processed and converted into recycled products.
However, these recycling programs are new and face several problems. One limitation of these programs is that not all the recyclables are collected because the programs have limited means. This means that people from different communities and localities need to be aware of the materials that are collected in these recycling programs. Also, the price of the recycled products depends on the market. The cost of recycled products depends on the demand and supply of the products in the United States and in the world. As the demand for recycled products goes up, the prices increase, which makes these products costly and inaccessible to common people.
Often, the recycled products do not necessarily contain recycled materials, making it difficult to maintain the chain of recycling while being cost effective. However, despite these limitations, these programs have been successful in generating awareness on recycling.
What piece of information from passage 1 conflicts with the information from passage 2?
A. Household waste and plastic are recyclable products.
B. All recyclable waste materials are collected by local recycling programs.
C. Recyclable materials are processed at a recovery center.
D. Recycling helps in conservation of natural environmental resources.
B: Both passages present conflicting information on whether local recycling programs collect all the recyclable waste materials or not. In passage 1, the author states that all recyclable materials are collected by the local recycling programs and taken to the recovery center. However, in passage 2, the author says that not all materials are collected in these programs as they have limited means.
The most primitive time-measuring device was a pole planted upright in a sunny place that would cast a shadow on the ground. The position of that shadow marked time. Another ancient invention for measuring time was the water-clock. These primitive techniques were used for hundreds of years before modern clocks were invented.
It is impossible to establish by whom, when, or where clocks were invented, but it is fairly clear that in AD 1000, a monk named Gerbert made a clock for the German city of Magdeburg. Clocks may have been made before this, but there is no evidence to establish this fact. Unlike modern clocks, the first clocks invented were large and stationary.
Later, the bulky, stationary clocks were replaced by more portable ones. Portable clocks appeared around the beginning of the 14th century, though the inventor and the exact time or place of invention of these portable clocks is unknown. The invention of portable clocks marks an era in the development of the clock. However, the introduction of the pendulum was the greatest event in clock development. This invention has been credited to Huygens, a Dutch philosopher, who not only discovered the pendulum but also put it to use in 1657.
The modern watch is a developed type of the clock. The earlier clocks had originally only one hand, which indicated the hour. Minute and second hands were added later. Within recent years, clocks operated with electricity have been invented. With the beginning of clock and watch manufacture by machinery, the cost has been so reduced that practically anyone may own an accurate time-piece. The United States is one of the foremost countries of the world in the manufacture and sale of clocks as well as watches.
Which paragraph best summarizes the passage?
A: A summary is a shorter way of writing a passage. It includes only the most important ideas from a passage. The important ideas are (1) ancient techniques such as shadows cast by poles and water clocks were initially used to measure time, (2) in 1000 AD, a monk named Gerbert made a clock for the city of Magdeburg, (3) this was followed by the discovery and use of the pendulum by Huygens, (4) many improvements were made to the earlier types of clocks, which were large and stationary, and (5) thanks to the use of machinery, modern day watches are handy, accurate, and inexpensive.
The brain is a large and extremely complex organ. Different parts of the brain perform different functions. Scientists believe that different parts of the brain developed at different points in human history. One important section of the brain, the brain stem, controls some of the body's most important functions. For instance, the brain stem controls breathing, heart rate, swallowing, and some aspects of speech. Because the brain stem is in charge of such important functions, scientists think it was one of the first parts of the brain to evolve. The brain stem is located at the base of the brain, at the top of the spinal cord. It is made up of three parts: the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla. Six different arteries bring blood to the brain stem. If any of these arteries becomes blocked, a stroke or other life-threatening problem is possible.
Select the correct location on the image.
Read the following sentence from the passage.
Different parts of the brain perform different functions.
Select the correct definition of functions based on the context.
2. a factor related to or dependent upon other factors
3.the purpose for which something is designed or exists
4. the contribution made by culture on a social system.
3. The use of functions in the passage describes the many purposes of the brain and how it specifically controls the human body. Therefore, the correct definition based on the context in the sentence is "the purpose for which something is designed or exists."
How would a newspaper report and a TV report likely differ in their coverage of the Super Bowl?
C: Although newspapers do print photographs, they cannot match TV when it comes to showing visual images. Newspaper articles often contain many descriptive words that "paint a picture" of an event so that the reader can understand what happened without seeing pictures.
Researchers at Wake Forest University found that in periods of high emotional strain, like before major exams, students were 23 percent more likely to experience acne breakouts.
Which thesis statement does the evidence above best support?
A:
The piece of supporting evidence says that students are more likely to get acne in times of stress, such as before major exams. The evidence would best support the thesis, "Stress is one of the many causes of acne." The other answer options are not correct because the evidence does not mention college, studying, or depression.
Passage 1
Ocean acidification is the result of large amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Much of the carbon dioxide, which is released into the air by burning gas, coal, and oil, dissolves into the waters of the ocean. It appears that the oceans of the world have absorbed more than 500 billion tons of carbon dioxide since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Researchers believed that this was a positive sign as they felt that it would leave the earth with less carbon dioxide. However, this actually resulted in changing the chemical balance of the ocean. The dissolving of the carbon dioxide in water made the waters of the ocean very acidic, and this change has happened only in the past few hundred years. As a result, marine life, which has survived in acid free waters for millions of years, has had to adapt too quickly to this change in the water.
Many of the shells of marine creatures that contain calcium carbonate are becoming very thin, and some of them have started dissolving in the acidic water. Scientists are, however, worried that ocean acidification will have a negative impact on aquaculture and fisheries, and may threaten the food security for people. They also believe that it will have a negative effect on tourism and other economies that are related to the sea.
Passage 2
Some researchers are of the opinion that ocean acidification, which has occurred in the last few hundred years, may be beneficial because different organisms respond in different ways to the acid in the water. The shells of these marine creatures contain different forms of calcium carbonate, which react differently to the acid in the water. Scientists exposed more than 10 organisms to different levels of acidity in the water. They discovered that some forms of marine life, such as shrimp, blue crabs, and lobsters actually grew very thick shells, which helped protect them from their predators. This proved that ocean acidification might actually be a boon to some forms of marine life. The acidic water enhanced some forms of coral as well, and they thrived in such waters.
What piece of information in passage 1 is different from passage 2?
B: Both passages present conflicting information on ocean acidification. However, in passage 1, the author explains that the ocean water absorbs the carbon dioxide that is released from burning coal and gas. In contrast, passage 2 does not give this explanation. It only mentions the positive effects of ocean acidification. Hence, the correct answer is, "Carbon dioxide that is released from burning coal and oil dissolves in the ocean waters."