Boundaries #1
Cookie Temperatures
The secret to cookies with soft, chewy centers lies in the temperature of the dough when it enters the oven. Cooling the dough slows the baking process, allowing the center of each cookie to rise while the edges produce a ___ crust. When the dough is warm, butter in the dough spreads more quickly, creating cookies that are shorter and crisp throughout.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. crisp caramelized
B. crisp: caramelized
C. crisp--caramelized
D. crisp, caramelized
D. crisp, caramelized
Oranges
Oranges are a popular treat for young people and adults alike. Parents love them for their high vitamin C content, while children enjoy the tart, sweet taste of numerous varieties. Oranges are more than just a tasty ___. They also have numerous uses around the house, including as a cleaning agent and natural odor blocker.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. diversion however
B. diversion, however
C. diversion; however
D. diversion: however
B. diversion, however
Dalmatians
Dalmatians are a highly recognizable dog breed characterized by white fur with black spots. Their name stems from the place of origin in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. As a breed, Dalmatians ___ for high levels of energy and intelligence, which may be why they are sometimes associated with firefighting. However, they rarely assist firefighters during an actual emergency.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. were known
B. is known
C. have known
D. are known
D. are known
Igneous Rock
Igneous rocks are a type of rock that ____ when lava cools and solidifies. There are two primary types of igneous rock: intrusive and extrusive. The intrusive category includes granite, which cools over a long period underneath the Earth's surface. Volcanic rock falls into the extrusive category, which is characterized by a rapid cooling phase. Both types are incredibly important to the geological make-up of the Earth.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. was formed
B. has formed
C. is formed
D. were formed
C. is formed
Jane Johnston Schoolcraft
Jane Johnston Schoolcraft was one of the first Indigenous authors in American literature. Her mother was Ojibwe and her father Scots-Irish. Much of her writing is preserved because her husband was a historian and translator who wanted to celebrate Indigenous cultures. ____, he worked with his wife, Jane, to bring her work and the work of other Ojibwe writers to English-speaking audiences.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. In fact
B. In other words
C. Additionally
D. Thus
B. In other words
Michelangelo
Michelangelo was one of the most accomplished artists during the Italian Renaissance. He is best known as the artist who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, located in Vatican City. Michelangelo was also a renowned sculptor, with his works La Pieta and David being the most popular. Fewer people know that Michelangelo wrote extensively. He is perhaps one of the most prolific poets to use the sonnet form ___ by fellow Italian artist Petrarch.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. invented,
B. invented
C. invented;
D. :invented
B. invented
Hot Cocoa
It may surprise you to know that hot cocoa, a beloved beverage in cultures across the ___ originated in Mesoamerica. Indigenous civilizations held cocoa in high regard and created the drink as part of their cultural appreciation. Today, preparation methods for hot cocoa vary, but most include cocoa powder, sugar, and milk.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. world actually
B. world. Actually
C. world, actually
D. world; actually
C. world, actually
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was a scientist and inventor whose contributions to American culture might surprise you. Carver, who was born into slavery, became a respected scientist after the Civil War. He discovered more than one hundred uses for the peanuts. One of his most visible contributions is peanut butter; though Carver did not invent peanut butter, he did help ___ the version you see in American households today.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. popularizing
B. having popularized
C. to popularize
D. were popularized
C. to popularize
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright is an American architect who left a profound impact on the American landscape throughout the early twentieth century. Some of his most iconic structures ____ the Robie House in Chicago and Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. Fallingwater is suspended over a waterfall and blends into the natural surroundings, making it a perfect example of Wright's architectural philosophy.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. including
B. include
C. included
D. includes
B. include
Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance is an arts movement centered in Harlem. The movement began in the early part of the twentieth century. This period saw innovative artistic production from authors, musicians, and visual artists alike. ___, this movement helped elevate artists like Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes, who inspired generations of artists long after the Harlem Renaissance.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. Thus
B. In fact
C. Then
D. Consequently
B. In fact
Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I became the first female to lead Britain without a male counterpart. Her contemporaries sometimes doubted whether or not a woman was fit to lead the country. Elizabeth I tried to alleviate these concerns by refusing the advances of numerous men who wanted to marry her. She was also highly visible and accomplished in ____ sometimes appearing alongside her men on the front lines.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. battle
B. battle:
C. battle,
D. battle--
C. battle,
Secret Van Gogh
Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh created a number of self-portraits during his lifetime. Interestingly, one of those self-portraits was hidden for more than one hundred years. Last year, art conservators took an x-ray of a Van Gogh painting featuring a peasant woman. Their hope was to ___ Van Gogh modified the painting over time, but they were surprised to find a likeness of Van Gogh hidden underneath layers of cardboard and glue.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. understand how
B. understand, how
C. understand; how
D. understand. How
A. understand how
Prickly Pear Cactus
The prickly pear cactus is a species of cactus that is known for its resilience. The plant grows in dry regions worldwide, and it produces edible fruits that are popular in numerous cuisine. American grocers ___ stocking the paddle-shaped stems of the prickly pear as well. The appeal is not just culinary, though, as the prickly pear is known to have medicinal properties.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. are starting
B. have started
C. were starting
D. was started
B. have started
Fer-de-lance
South America has a number of dangerous animal species, but one of the most dangerous is the fer-de-lance, a pit viper that lives in rain forests. Unlike many snake species, the fer-de-lance is quick ____ and its venom is highly potent. Many bites prove fatal, in part because humans who most often come into contact with the fer-de-lance in rural areas. Despite its dangerous, the fer-de-lance is vital to the tropical rainforest ecosystem.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. biting
B. bitten
C. will bite
D. to bite
D. to bite
Mosquito
Most people might think that the most dangerous animal in the world is a large shark or bear. This makes sense because encounters with large predators is often fatal. ___, the news is likely to cover fatal encounters with large animals, especially in areas where humans frequent. The most dangerous animal, though, is actually the mosquito. Infections from mosquito bites account for more than half a million deaths each year.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. Thus
B. Moreover
C. Incidentally
D. Although
B. Moreover
Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is perhaps the most famous of Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings. One thing that has confused viewers for years is why the woman in the portrait lacks eyebrows. Art historians have finally discovered ___ Da Vinci actually did include eyebrows when he painted the Mona Lisa. However, cleaning and restoring efforts have eroded the eyebrows over time, giving the impression that they were never there to begin with.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. the truth
B. the truth;
C. the truth,
D. the "truth"
B. the truth;
Ancient Egyptian Students
Archeologists recently discovered that ancient Egyptian students have something in common with twentieth century ___ common form of punishment for misbehavior in school. During a dig, archeologists found over 18,000 pieces of pottery, many of which had a single symbol inscribed over and over. They theorize that students were made to write the symbol in the same way that modern students write lines as a consequence.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. students, a
B. students; a
C. students: a
D. students. A
C. students: a
Amethyst
Amethyst is a gemstone characterized by its purple color. The name stems from the Greek word "amethystos," which loosely translates to "sober." Ancient Greeks ___ amethyst as a charm to prevent intoxication. Today, amethyst is often associated with spiritual healing. Some believe it can offer clarity and balance to those in need.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. using
B. were used
C. have using
D. used
D. used
Monsoons
Monsoons are a weather phenomenon that ___ predominately in South and Southeast Asia, though they could occur anywhere under the right conditions. Monsoons feature strong seasonal winds and torrential rainfall. The most common cause of monsoons is the temperature difference between land and ocean air. While they can be dangerous, monsoons are also essential for healthy crops and water sources.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. has occurred
B. is occurring
C. occurs
D. did occur
C. occurs
Mariana Trench
The Mariana Trench is considered the deepest part of the ocean, extending more than 32,000 feet, or more than 6 miles, below the surface of the water. It is so deep, ___, that it took scientists about one hundred years to reach the bottom after discovering the trench’s existence. Because of its depth, few animals can survive at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. It is mostly populated by amoebas and sea cucumbers, which are less susceptible to water pressure.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. however
B. then
C. in fact
D. similarly
C. in fact
Jesmyn Ward
Jesmyn Ward is a novelist and essayist who is known for infusing her fiction with elements of magical realism. Ward sets her novels in the American South___ one story set in Louisiana just a few days before Hurricane Katrina made landfall. The novel helps to highlight the lives of those impacted by the storm, as well as why some were unable to flee the area ahead of the storm. Ward’s ability to humanize a natural catastrophe has been praised by critics and casual readers alike.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. , including
B. including
C. : including
D. ; including
A. , including
Vaseline
Vaseline is remarkably versatile and useful in modern ___, the discovery of Vaseline was a complete accident. Robert Chesebrough, its discoverer, was looking for oil when he happened across petroleum jelly, the base for Vaseline. Chesebrough was fascinated by the substance and experimented with its uses, including everything from lubricant to a dietary supplement.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. society, however
B. society. However
C. society: however
D. society however
B. society. However
Nina Simone
Nina Simone is the stage name for Eunice Kathleen Waymon. Simone ___ for her immense talent as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. Unlike many musicians, Simone is accomplished in multiple genres, including jazz, blues, and classical music. Today, Simone is celebrated as a preeminent voice in the history of soul, and a Civil Rights icon.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. is known
B. was known
C. were known
D. have known
A. is known
Capybara
The capybara is a species of rodent indigenous to South America. It is recognizable because of its size, as the capybara ___ as large as some dogs or wild pigs. They are a semi-aquatic species, and their barrel-shaped bodies aid their movement in the water. Though capybara are generally docile, they carry diseases that make them dangerous to humans.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. can grow
B. has grown
C. had grown
D. growing
A. can grow
Hiking with Bears
If you are a fan of hiking, you may have heard that one way to deter bears is to make yourself larger or to make a lot of noise. This is an effective method when one encounters smaller bears, like the American Black Bear. ___, larger bears like the Grizzly bear are more likely to attack if you respond this way. For these bears, the best option is to lie in a fetal position and play dead.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A. However,
B. Indeed,
C. Similarly,
D. In fact,
A. However,