Reading Overview
9. In lines 9-17, the author of Passage 1 mentions several companies primarily to
A) note the technological advances that make space mining possible.
B) provide evidence of the growing interest in space mining.
C) emphasize the large profits to be made from space mining.
D) highlight the diverse ways to carry out space mining operations.
9. Answer: B
The author of Passage 1 identifies specific companies such as the “Planetary Resources of Washington,” “Deep Space Industries of Virginia,” and “Golden Spike of Colorado” to support his earlier assertion that there are many interested groups “working to make space mining a reality” (line 8). Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the author of Passage 1 does not mention these companies to profile the technological advances in space mining, the profit margins from space mining, or the diverse approaches to space mining.
FREE POINTS
FREE POINTS
10. The author of Passage 1 indicates that space mining could have which positive effect?
A) It could yield materials important to Earth’s
economy.
B) It could raise the value of some precious metals
on Earth.
C) It could create unanticipated technological
innovations.
D) It could change scientists’ understanding of
space resources.
10. Answer: A
The author of Passage 1 explicitly states that one benefit to space mining is access to precious metals and earth elements: “within a few decades, [space mining] may be meeting earthly demands for precious metals, such as platinum and gold, and the rare earth elements vital for personal electronics, such as yttrium and lanthanum” (lines 18-22). Choice B is incorrect because Passage 1 does not suggest that precious metals extracted from space may make metals more valuable on Earth. Choice C and Choice D are incorrect because Passage 1 never mentions how space mining could create unanticipated technological innovations or change scientists’ understanding of space resources.
Determine whether the following sentences have a tone. If they do, describe the tone.
1. The secretary of state is the mouthpiece for the United States in matters of foreign policy for a number of reasons.
2. As I waited for a turn to speak I realized that my hard work would go unrecognized and angrily swept my pile of reports on the floor. The loud bang stopped the meeting for a few seconds, and then everyone resumed what they were doing. I disgustedly stormed out of the meeting.
3. Some say that China, still in the midst of its industrial revolution, has the opportunity to become a leader in green technology, if the country chooses to get behind electric cars.
4. It is difficult to feel sanguine about the future of humanity when, almost every week, there is a report of a senseless shooting of one or more innocent bystanders.
1. This is a statement of fact.
2. The tone is angry, raging, disappointed, disgusted, or bitter.
3. Although this sentence does convey an opinion, it says nothing about the tone of the author because the opinion presented is not the author’s opinion. The author him/herself is impartial.
4. The tone is angry, raging, disappointed, disgusted, or bitter.
12. What function does the discussion of water in lines 35-40 serve in Passage 1?
A) It continues an extended comparison that begins in the previous paragraph.
B) It provides an unexpected answer to a question raised in the previous paragraph.
C) It offers hypothetical examples supporting a claim made in the previous paragraph.
D) It examines possible outcomes of a proposal put forth in the previous paragraph.
12. Answer: C
Lines 29-30 introduce the idea that water mined in space may be very valuable: “water mined from other worlds could become the most desired commodity.” Lines 35-40 support this assertion by suggesting how mined space water could be used “for drinking or as a radiation shield” (lines 36-37) or to make “spacecraft fuel” (line 38).
"There are numerous other reasons to buy organic food, such as, a desire to protect the environment from pesticides or a preference for the taste of organic foods."
A) NO CHANGE
B) food such as;
C) food such as,
D) food, such as
D) food, such as
What are the three skills covered in the reading test?
Information and ideas
Rhetoric
Synthesis
13. The central claim of Passage 2 is that space mining has positive potential but
A) it will end up encouraging humanity’s reckless treatment of the environment.
B) its effects should be thoughtfully considered before it becomes a reality.
C) such potential may not include replenishing key resources that are disappearing on Earth.
D) experts disagree about the commercial viability of the discoveries it could yield.
13. Answer: B
The author of Passage 2 recognizes that space mining may prove beneficial to humanity stating that “we all stand to gain: the mineral bounty and spin-off technologies could enrich us all” (lines 50-52). The author also repeatedly mentions that space mining should be carefully considered before it is implemented: “But before the miners start firing up their rockets, we should pause for thought” (lines 53-54); “But [space mining’s] consequences – both here on Earth and in space – merit careful consideration” (lines 57-59).
"The novelty of this comfortable work-from-home life, however, soon got worn off quickly."
A) NO CHANGE
B) was promptly worn
C) promptly wore
D) wore
14. Which statement best describes the relationship between the passages?
A) Passage 2 refutes the central claim advanced in Passage 1.
B) Passage 2 illustrates the phenomenon described in more general terms in Passage 1.
C) Passage 2 argues against the practicality of the proposals put forth in Passage 1.
D) Passage 2 expresses reservations about developments discussed in Passage 1.
14. Answer: D
The author of Passage 1 is excited about the possibilities of space mining and how it can yield valuable materials, such as precious metals and rare earth elements (lines 19-20 and lines 41-42), water ice (line 35), and space dirt (line 44). The author of Passage 2, on the other hand, recognizes the possible benefits of space mining but also states that space mining should be thoughtfully considered before being implemented. Therefore, the author of Passage 2 expresses some concerns about a concept discussed in Passage 1.
"Yogurt manufacturers, food scientists; and government officials are also working together to develop additional solutions for reusing whey."
A) NO CHANGE
B) scientists: and
C) scientists, and
D) scientists, and,
C) scientists, and