Study Island – Introducing and Closing Topics Activities
Standard
GA Grade 7, ELA Standard
ELACC7W1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating
an understanding of the topic or text.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and
evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
GA Grade 7, ELA Standard
ELACC7W2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the
selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
a.
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies
such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics
(e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
b. Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
c. Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
e. Establish and maintain a formal style.
f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
GA Grade 7, ELA Standard
ELACC7W3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive
details, and well-structured event sequences.
a.
c.
d.
Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or
characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or
characters.
Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or
setting to another.
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey
experiences and events.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
Copyright © 2014 Edmentum - All rights reserved.
Generation Date: 02/03/2014
Generated By: Shenica Bridges-Mathieu
1. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A. The board of directors listened for an hour.
B. None of the people on the board could agree.
C.
At the moment, the board's definition of hard work is for the people in charge to take time
off while everyone else works.
D. To summarize, the board is to blame.
(1) When you see a small white sphere with red stitches, you immediately recognize
it as a baseball. You may also have heard someone say, “He hit the cover off the ball!”
But have you ever wondered what would come out from under that cover if that actually
happened? What’s actually under there?
(2) First of all, the core of the baseball is made of cork. The cork is cushioned by two
layers of rubber. The cushioned cork center is then wrapped with yarn. This yarn makes
up most of the baseball. In fact, if you stretched out the yarn into a straight line, it would
be longer than three football fields! Once the yarn is wrapped around the core, a white
leather cover is applied with rubber cement and sewn together. Each ball has 216
stitches of waxed red thread, of which 88 inches, or more than seven feet, are used.
(3) The cover is very hard to remove and must be peeled away from the core. It takes
a lot of time and effort to peel the cover away, so it’s unlikely that anybody will ever hit
the cover completely off the ball. If it ever does happen, the ball was probably defective
in the first place!
2. Which of the following sentences would best conclude paragraph 2?
A. All of those materials make the ball rock-hard and very durable.
B. Before 1910, the core of the ball was made of rubber instead of cork.
C. Nobody has ever hit the cover off the ball.
D. It's hard to believe that it could be so small!
3. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A. Most of the lifeguards are 16.
B. Finally, this proves that anyone can do the job.
C. The public seems to like them.
D. To start with, all of the lifeguards are too young to be employed.
The Curse of the Bambino
(1) On December 26, 1919, the owner of the Boston Red Sox, Harry Frazee, made a
decision that would haunt fans of the club for 86 years. He sold his best player, Babe
Ruth, to the New York Yankees. This transaction marked the beginning of the "Curse of
the Bambino." The Curse of the Bambino was the belief that, because the Red Sox sold
Babe Ruth, they would never win another World Series.
(2) Ruth helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 1915, 1916, and 1918.
However, his demands for a higher salary and his poor attitude caused Frazee to look
for a chance to trade him. He chose an offer from the Yankees to sell Ruth for cash.
(3) Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Ruth would go on to become the greatest player in
the history of the game. After purchasing Ruth, the Yankees would go on to become the
most successful baseball club in history. They won their 26th World Series title in 2000.
(4) However, the worst part of the curse was that the Red Sox came very close to
winning the championship several times but suffered heartbreaking losses. For Sox
fans, seeing their team suffer heartbreaking losses was worse than the fate of teams
like the Chicago Cubs, who were usually too bad to even get close.
(5) Finally, in 2004, Red Sox fans were rewarded for their loyalty. The Red Sox were
able to defeat their rivals, the Yankees, to advance to the World Series. Then, they
easily defeated the St. Louis Cardinals. While Red Sox fans suffered for 86 years, they
would say that their victory in 2004 was sweeter because they had longed for it for so
many years.
4. Which of the following sentences should be added to the end of paragraph 3?
A. However, the Red Sox did not have very many good players on their team after that.
B. Lou Gehrig was another great player for the Yankees.
C. Needless to say, the Yankees benefited greatly from acquiring the Babe.
D. Babe Ruth also played for the Boston Braves at the end of his career.
(1) Each year, millions of Americans decide to take a few weeks off from work to go
travel to Europe. Places such as France, Italy, and Germany benefit by welcoming
American tourists. Americans that travel out of the country get a chance to see a
different part of the world.
(2) For many Americans, the art and architecture in Europe make it the ideal place to
travel. People can see some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the
Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the Vatican Museums in Rome.
They can also see famous buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of
Pisa.
(3) For other people, however, the main attraction is the food. Italy, France, and
Germany are known throughout the world for having delicious food. Many people
attempt to cook this food at home, but tasting it in Europe is a unique experience.
(4) A person who likes to ski should visit the Swiss Alps, one of the most popular
spots for winter sports. A person who loves the beach should go to Crete, Greece,
known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Planning a trip
according to interests increases the chances of having an enjoyable vacation.
(5) Tourists can often be targets for thieves because they carry cash, expensive
cameras, and cell phones. Tourists should always take care to secure their belongings
well and travel in groups. Being safe discourages criminals from even attempting to
steal from them. By being careful, tourists can ensure that their vacation remains fun
and relaxing.
5. Which of the following is the best concluding sentence for paragraph 1?
A. However, it is not just Americans that travel to Europe to see popular tourist attractions.
B.
Whenever people visit a new country, they should always bring a map so that they do not
get lost.
C.
First of all, the cafés in Paris are a popular place to eat, drink, and meet new people from
all over.
D. Learning about Europe's rich history and culture can be a very rewarding experience.
6. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A. As a result, many people are moving.
B. Right now, conserving water is our only hope to keep the costs down.
C. Moreover, the wells are empty.
D. In addition, the town is at a loss.
7. Which of the following sentences best concludes paragraph 2?
A. A tourist could spend all day in some of the museums and still not see everything.
B. Seeing museums and famous sites is the main reason to travel for some people.
C.
However, most popular sites are very crowded with tourists, which can make the
experience less enjoyable.
D.
None of those museums, however, are any better than the Smithsonian in Washington,
D.C.
(1) For aspiring authors, the goal of writing is to tell a story, to express themselves
artistically, or to simply finish the book. However, readers love to talk about literature
and discuss which books are good or bad. To recognize what they consider to be good
literature, there are several different awards.
(2) The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy each year to
the person who makes the greatest contribution to the field of literature. This prize is
international, so it can go to authors from any country. Winners of the award receive a
medal, a cash prize, and, of course, the prestige of winning the Nobel Prize.
(3) Usually called “the Booker,” the Man Booker Prize is a much newer award than
the Nobel Prize. It was first awarded in 1968, and it is a British award, so it can only be
won by a citizen of the Commonwealth of Nations or Ireland. Winning the Booker will
make a book a very big seller, and its author will gain instant respect. For a British,
Indian, or Canadian author, this is one of the greatest accomplishments he or she can
achieve.
(4) In addition to those awards, there is an award for American authors. The Pulitzer
Prize is an award that is given strictly for works in the United States. The Pulitzer was
first awarded in 1917 for reporting. Since then, several categories have been added,
including fiction and music. American authors can strive to win both a Pulitzer and a
Nobel Prize. William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway received both honors.
(5) The reasons why authors write may vary, but they all try to create a great work of
art first. Receiving an award is just a bonus. Regardless, winning the Nobel Prize, the
Man Booker Prize, or the Pulitzer Prize is a sign that an author has written something
truly great.
8. Which of the following sentences should be added to the end of paragraph 4?
A. Getting on the New York Times best-seller list is also a great accomplishment.
B. Just one of these awards is a high honor, but winning both is a truly great accomplishment.
C. John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath is one of the greatest American novels ever written.
D. There are many other awards for authors that are not as well-known.
The Long Walk
The walk back to the village was unbearably quiet under the cover the trees. Esi looked
around and observed the stillness of her surroundings. The forest was too eerie without her
brother Kwame. He would usually whoop and holler and banish away the silence. Esi was given
the task of walking to the next village for some supplies. However, Kwame was too sick to join
her. Esi had never walked through the forest alone.
The tree branches seemed to lean in closer and brushed against Esi's body as she walked
through a thicket. However, at the end of the thicket, Esi realized something was wrong. I just
came from that way. We always passed this broken tree on the way back, Esi thought. I should
have been paying attention.
Puzzled, Esi turned quickly around and walked back the way she had come. Once again, she
passed through the thicket. Before she reached the end, she spied another broken tree. Esi's eyes
began to water. Someone must be playing a trick on me! she thought angrily.
Suddenly, a loud sound broke the silence. Esi froze immediately. The sound was getting
closer to Esi, but she couldn't move. Then, a herd of elephants appeared in the distance. All right.
Stay calm. Think about what Kwame told you to do if this happened, Esi thought. She stepped
back into the trees and watched the elephants amble through the forest, sometimes knocking
down a tree. She smiled. So, they were the ones playing a trick on me. Esi sighed in relief.
Esi looked around at her surroundings. This time she didn't panic. She stood there and thought
about what Kwame had taught her. He had told her to always pay attention and to memorize
certain sections of the forest so that she would know exactly where she was at all times. After
carefully studying the trees, Esi knew exactly where she was. She was only an hour away from
the village. If she walked quickly enough, she would make it to village by nightfall.
9. Which of the following would make the best conclusion for the passage?
A.
Even though Kwame often made walking through the forest entertaining, he managed to
teach Esi a lot about the forest. Esi had learned a lot from their walks.
The strange silence of the forest distracted Essie as she walked. She could hardly paid
B. attention to where she was going. She needed someone or something to break the silence
for her.
C.
Esi had never traveled alone before, but Kwame believed that she had the skills to survive
on her own. Kwame had never been afraid for Esi. She was very bright.
As Esi walked toward the village, she walked taller. She knew that she could walk through
D. the forest alone. All she needed to do was to keep in mind all the things that Kwame had
taught her.
10. Which of the following is an example of a concluding statement?
A. Perfect attendance helps the learning environment by making things interesting.
B. As I have demonstrated, perfect attendance is an honor that students should be proud of.
C. However, perfect attendance makes kids in school uncomfortable.
D. Perfect attendance creates a good atmosphere for learning.
Getting The Most out of Your Run
(1) Warming up, stretching properly, and cooling down keeps the muscles loose and
keeps them from becoming injured during the run and from being sore after the run. A
consistent routine of warming up, stretching, and cooling down is the key to being able
to keep up the habit of running, and it makes it much more enjoyable, too.
(2) When people start running without stretching first, their muscles are tight and not
prepared for the activity. Muscles are weakest when they are tight, so stretching helps
prevent injury. However, you should actually warm up the muscles before stretching.
This can be done by simply walking for five minutes before stretching. The stretching
should last ten to fifteen minutes.
(3) After the run is over, you need to cool down. Stopping immediately can make the
muscles tighten up again. Walking again for a few minutes after the run can help get the
muscles to slowly relax. After you have properly cooled down, it is time to stretch again.
This keeps your muscles loose and helps to reduce soreness after the workout.
(4) If you are not in pain, you will enjoy your run more, and you'll be able to run more
often. Taking these precautions can make it easier to work out, and you will be healthier
because of it.
11. Which of the following sentences should conclude paragraph 3?
A. It is a good idea to listen to some upbeat music to keep your energy level up.
B. Finally, you need to make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your run.
Instead of having to wait several days or even weeks for your muscles to heal up, you'll be
C.
able to run again soon.
D.
In addition, using a treadmill or an elliptical machine can give you some of the same
benefits that running does.
(1) Each year, millions of Americans decide to take a few weeks off from work to go
travel to Europe. Places such as France, Italy, and Germany benefit by welcoming
American tourists. Americans that travel out of the country get a chance to see a
different part of the world.
(2) For many Americans, the art and architecture in Europe make it the ideal place to
travel. People can see some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the
Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the Vatican Museums in Rome.
They can also see famous buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of
Pisa.
(3) For other people, however, the main attraction is the food. Italy, France, and
Germany are known throughout the world for having delicious food. Many people
attempt to cook this food at home, but tasting it in Europe is a unique experience.
(4) A person who likes to ski should visit the Swiss Alps, one of the most popular
spots for winter sports. A person who loves the beach should go to Crete, Greece,
known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Planning a trip
according to interests increases the chances of having an enjoyable vacation.
(5) Tourists can often be targets for thieves because they carry cash, expensive
cameras, and cell phones. Tourists should always take care to secure their belongings
well and travel in groups. Being safe discourages criminals from even attempting to
steal from them. By being careful, tourists can ensure that their vacation remains fun
and relaxing.
12. Which of the following sentences should be added to the beginning of paragraph 5?
A. However, travelers should always be careful when they go to a new place.
B.
For some people, not being able to speak the language prevents them from wanting to
travel.
C. Furthermore, traveling can be dangerous if people are not careful.
D. Nothing is more frustrating than getting lost on vacation.
The Locket
I watched people pass by the store window. I wished they would come in. No one had entered
the store all the day. I drummed my fingers on the counter, trying to ease my boredom.
Suddenly, a ding was heard at the front the store. Immediately, I stood up and straightened my
suit and tie.
"Welcome to World Antiquities!" I exclaimed with a slight bow. "How may I be at your
service?"
The tiny elderly lady did not acknowledge me but began to look around the store. Her gaze
fell upon a rusty locket behind a glass case. She pointed and stared at me. I frowned. That locket,
by far, was the ugliest object that we had in the store.
"Madam, there are more fine-looking lockets in this case here," I said, pointing to the case on
her right.
The lady once again pointed at the locket and stared directly into my eyes. I quickly fumbled
for the keys in my pocket and unlocked the case. I pulled the locket out and set it on a velvet
display. The chain and locket were a dirty bronze color instead of silver. Why would anyone want
this locket? I thought.
Carefully laying the locket in the palm of her hand, the lady rubbed the locket with her index
finger. A tear formed in the corner of her eye.
"Madam, is everything all right?" I asked nervously.
The lady dabbed her eye with her antique handkerchief and merely nodded in my direction.
Her voice cracked when she said, "Yes. Yes, everything is just fine. I have been looking for this
locket for over 60 years. I lost it the first year I was married. I was so heartbroken," the lady said.
I smiled and quickly wrapped up the locket in tissue paper. I handed the locket to the lady.
She took out her pocketbook, but I just shook my head. "There is no need for money. This locket
rightfully belongs to you," I said. The lady took the locket, shook my hand, and walked out of
the door.
13. Which of the following would best conclude the passage?
A.
I tried to keep each piece in the store in excellent condition. However, the locket proved to
be the most difficult piece to clean.
I watched as little old lady walked down the street and disappeared. I wish I had more
B. moments like that, I thought. I sat down and began to drum my fingers on the counter once
again.
C.
"The locket was the first present my husband ever gave to me," the old lady said quietly.
She looked at the locket affectionately.
The lady carefully looked at each of the cases in the front of the store until something
D. made her stop. I strolled up to the glass case and wondered what could have caught her
eye.
(1) For aspiring authors, the goal of writing is to tell a story, to express themselves
artistically, or to simply finish the book. However, readers love to talk about literature
and discuss which books are good or bad. To recognize what they consider to be good
literature, there are several different awards.
(2) The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy each year to
the person who makes the greatest contribution to the field of literature. This prize is
international, so it can go to authors from any country. Winners of the award receive a
medal, a cash prize, and, of course, the prestige of winning the Nobel Prize.
(3) Usually called “the Booker,” the Man Booker Prize is a much newer award than
the Nobel Prize. It was first awarded in 1968, and it is a British award, so it can only be
won by a citizen of the Commonwealth of Nations or Ireland. Winning the Booker will
make a book a very big seller, and its author will gain instant respect. For a British,
Indian, or Canadian author, this is one of the greatest accomplishments he or she can
achieve.
(4) In addition to those awards, there is an award for American authors. The Pulitzer
Prize is an award that is given strictly for works in the United States. The Pulitzer was
first awarded in 1917 for reporting. Since then, several categories have been added,
including fiction and music. American authors can strive to win both a Pulitzer and a
Nobel Prize. William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway received both honors.
(5) The reasons why authors write may vary, but they all try to create a great work of
art first. Receiving an award is just a bonus. Regardless, winning the Nobel Prize, the
Man Booker Prize, or the Pulitzer Prize is a sign that an author has written something
truly great.
14. Which of the following sentences would best introduce paragraph 3?
A. The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is also a prestigious award.
B. The Man Booker Prize does not carry as much history as the Nobel Prize.
C. For many authors, winning the Man Booker Prize is even better than the Nobel Prize.
D. The Man Booker Prize was awarded to Salman Rushdie for his book Midnight's Children.
The Curse of the Bambino
(1) On December 26, 1919, the owner of the Boston Red Sox, Harry Frazee, made a
decision that would haunt fans of the club for 86 years. He sold his best player, Babe
Ruth, to the New York Yankees. This transaction marked the beginning of the "Curse of
the Bambino." The Curse of the Bambino was the belief that, because the Red Sox sold
Babe Ruth, they would never win another World Series.
(2) Ruth helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 1915, 1916, and 1918.
However, his demands for a higher salary and his poor attitude caused Frazee to look
for a chance to trade him. He chose an offer from the Yankees to sell Ruth for cash.
(3) Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Ruth would go on to become the greatest player in
the history of the game. After purchasing Ruth, the Yankees would go on to become the
most successful baseball club in history. They won their 26th World Series title in 2000.
(4) However, the worst part of the curse was that the Red Sox came very close to
winning the championship several times but suffered heartbreaking losses. For Sox
fans, seeing their team suffer heartbreaking losses was worse than the fate of teams
like the Chicago Cubs, who were usually too bad to even get close.
(5) Finally, in 2004, Red Sox fans were rewarded for their loyalty. The Red Sox were
able to defeat their rivals, the Yankees, to advance to the World Series. Then, they
easily defeated the St. Louis Cardinals. While Red Sox fans suffered for 86 years, they
would say that their victory in 2004 was sweeter because they had longed for it for so
many years.
15. Which of the following sentences would best introduce paragraph 2?
A.
George Herman Ruth, Jr., better known as "the Great Bambino" or simply "the Babe," was
a pitcher and an outfielder for the Red Sox, and he was already a great player by 1919.
B.
George Herman Ruth, Jr., was born in 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland, and throwing and
hitting a baseball came naturally to him from an early age.
C.
However, it was not the most important day in baseball history because there would be
many more important days in Ruth's career.
D. There were other reasons to explain Boston's problems besides a curse.
Climbing Mount Everest
(1) Standing at 29,029 feet in the air, Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas
between Nepal and China. For many adventurers, climbing Mount Everest is the
greatest feat that can be achieved in the world. It is a dangerous climb, and many
people have died in the attempt. But for the people who succeed, the chance to actually
stand on top of the world is well worth the risk.
(2) In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people in
recorded history to stand on top of Everest. It took them over two months from the time
they set up base camp, but on May 29, they reached the summit. After they got back,
people wanted to know which one of them had been the first one to the top. They told
people that they both had been the first to reach the top because it had been a team
effort. After a few years, though, Tenzing Norgay said that it was Hillary that had stood
on the top first. He added, “If it is a shame to be the second man on Mount Everest,
then I will have to live with this shame.”
(3) Many others have since followed in the footsteps of Hillary and Norgay. To date,
more than 1,300 climbers have completed the climb. While it is still an amazing feat to
climb Everest, it has become easier due to advancements in climbing equipment and
better knowledge of how to climb it. A 13-year-old American climber reached the top in
2010. In 2008, a 76-year-old man from Nepal reached the summit.
(4) However, Mount Everest has also been the site of much tragedy. On May 10,
1996, eight climbers died on Everest trying to climb down in a blizzard. That year, fifteen
people died on Everest, the most in any year on Mount Everest. People can freeze
outside or suffer from a lack of oxygen.
(5) In the end, Hillary and Norgay spent only about 15 minutes on the summit of
Everest. To some, risking one’s life and spending two months on a mountain is too
great a cost for getting a scenic view for only 15 minutes. Others, however, point to the
fact that Hillary’s and Norgay’s names will live on for centuries and think that is worth
the risk. As Sir Edmund Hillary might tell you, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
16. At the end of which paragraph should the following sentence be placed?
Incidents like that show that great achievements such as climbing Everest have great
risks.
A. paragraph 4
B. paragraph 2
C. paragraph 3
D. paragraph 1
The Curse of the Bambino
(1) On December 26, 1919, the owner of the Boston Red Sox, Harry Frazee, made a
decision that would haunt fans of the club for 86 years. He sold his best player, Babe
Ruth, to the New York Yankees. This transaction marked the beginning of the "Curse of
the Bambino." The Curse of the Bambino was the belief that, because the Red Sox sold
Babe Ruth, they would never win another World Series.
(2) Ruth helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 1915, 1916, and 1918.
However, his demands for a higher salary and his poor attitude caused Frazee to look
for a chance to trade him. He chose an offer from the Yankees to sell Ruth for cash.
(3) Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Ruth would go on to become the greatest player in
the history of the game. After purchasing Ruth, the Yankees would go on to become the
most successful baseball club in history. They won their 26th World Series title in 2000.
(4) However, the worst part of the curse was that the Red Sox came very close to
winning the championship several times but suffered heartbreaking losses. For Sox
fans, seeing their team suffer heartbreaking losses was worse than the fate of teams
like the Chicago Cubs, who were usually too bad to even get close.
(5) Finally, in 2004, Red Sox fans were rewarded for their loyalty. The Red Sox were
able to defeat their rivals, the Yankees, to advance to the World Series. Then, they
easily defeated the St. Louis Cardinals. While Red Sox fans suffered for 86 years, they
would say that their victory in 2004 was sweeter because they had longed for it for so
many years.
17. Which of the following sentences would best introduce paragraph 4?
A. At least the Red Sox were still a good team for many of those years.
B. The Yankees and Red Sox now have a historic rivalry.
C. Meanwhile, the Red Sox failed to win a single title since the day they sold Ruth.
D. In addition, Roger Clemens won a Cy Young award for both the Red Sox and the Yankees.
18. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A. The courtroom was too quiet.
B. In the end, they ignored their requests.
C. In the beginning, the policy of the committee was to listen to the people in attendance.
D. After the meeting, everyone was confused.
19. Which of the following is an example of a concluding statement?
A. Water conservation is a top priority.
B.
In the end, a more concrete solution benefits not only those who agree with the plans but
those who don't agree.
C. Turning off the faucet during the summer is one suggestion.
D. Another suggestion is to turn off indoor faucets when you brush your teeth.
20. Which of the following is an example of a concluding statement?
A. The nearby fish are sick.
B. The plant life is dwindling too.
C. However, all the shops nearby are making lots of money.
D.
In short, the more tourism that comes into the bay, the more pollution there will be to the
ocean.
(1) Each year, millions of Americans decide to take a few weeks off from work to go
travel to Europe. Places such as France, Italy, and Germany benefit by welcoming
American tourists. Americans that travel out of the country get a chance to see a
different part of the world.
(2) For many Americans, the art and architecture in Europe make it the ideal place to
travel. People can see some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the
Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the Vatican Museums in Rome.
They can also see famous buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of
Pisa.
(3) For other people, however, the main attraction is the food. Italy, France, and
Germany are known throughout the world for having delicious food. Many people
attempt to cook this food at home, but tasting it in Europe is a unique experience.
(4) A person who likes to ski should visit the Swiss Alps, one of the most popular
spots for winter sports. A person who loves the beach should go to Crete, Greece,
known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Planning a trip
according to interests increases the chances of having an enjoyable vacation.
(5) Tourists can often be targets for thieves because they carry cash, expensive
cameras, and cell phones. Tourists should always take care to secure their belongings
well and travel in groups. Being safe discourages criminals from even attempting to
steal from them. By being careful, tourists can ensure that their vacation remains fun
and relaxing.
21. Which of the following sentences should be added to the end of paragraph 3?
A. There are many cafés in Paris where you can have lunch or dinner on the patio.
B. The best restaurants in Italy are usually away from the main roads.
C. Often, tourists begin to miss American food before their vacation is over.
D. Trying new and different types of food can really add flavor to a European vacation.
(1) Every four years, the best soccer players in the world gather to decide which
country has the best soccer team in the world. Each time, a different country hosts the
tournament, in which 32 countries compete.
(2) The players take a break from playing with their regular team so that they can
represent their country in the tournament. Winning the World Cup is considered the
greatest accomplishment that a soccer player can achieve, so the players always give
their maximum effort.
(3) Waving their nation's flag and cheering as loud as possible, fans all across the
world make long trips to watch the games. It is a spectacle like no other in sports.
22. Which of the following sentences would best conclude paragraph 1?
A. In 2010, Spain won the World Cup, which was played in South Africa.
B. The United States has never won the World Cup, even though it hosted it in 1994.
C. It is called the World Cup, and it's one of the biggest sporting events on Earth.
D. The World Cup is governed by FIFA, which is based in Switzerland.
Say it Ain’t So, Joe
(1) In October of 1919, the Chicago White Sox were thought to be the best team in
baseball. They were set to play the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. The White Sox
had a great pitcher, Eddie Cicotte, the best hitter in the game, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson,
and several other great players. Everyone expected the White Sox to easily beat the
Reds. So it was a big surprise when people started betting that the Reds would win.
Everyone suspected that the gamblers knew something that the rest of America did not,
and it turns out they did. The White Sox were planning to “throw” the series. In other
words, they were planning to lose on purpose.
(2)
The simple explanation for why the players chose to throw the series is for
money. The gamblers stood to make plenty of money since they knew whom to bet on.
They arranged to pay the players to perform poorly enough to lose. The players did not
get paid nearly as well in 1919 as they do now, and the White Sox owner, Charles
Comiskey, was famous for being cheap. Popular stories suggest that Comiskey once
forced Eddie Cicotte to sit out games at the end of the season to keep him from earning
a bonus at the end of the year. Needless to say, the White Sox felt that they deserved
some extra money, and they thought that losing might be the only way to get it.
(3)
Everyone knew the series was fixed, and people started calling the team “the
Black Sox.” Eight players were banned for life from baseball. Arnold “Chick” Gandil and
Eddie Cicotte were the main culprits, and most people agree that they deserved their
punishment. However, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and George “Buck” Weaver both played
terrifically during the series. Many baseball historians think that Jackson and Weaver
were unfairly punished for simply refusing to tell on their teammates. Nevertheless,
Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis made sure that no one involved in the
scandal would ever play professional baseball again.
(4)
Baseball had its first commissioner, who had total authority to make decisions for
baseball. Furthermore, betting on baseball became the game’s worst crime. Pete Rose,
the man with the most hits in the history of baseball, was banned for life from baseball in
1989 for betting on baseball games.
(5)
The most important effect of the Black Sox scandal, though, was the impact it
had on the public’s view of baseball. People became doubtful of baseball and thought
that all the players were crooked. If gamblers were going to decide the outcome of the
game, there was no point in paying for a ticket to watch. Eventually, the fans came back
to baseball. For many years, though, baseball fans were left with the scene outside the
courthouse, where legend states that a heartbroken young boy approached "Shoeless"
Joe Jackson and said, “Say it ain’t so, Joe!”
23. Which of the following sentences should introduce paragraph 2?
A.
As a result of the 1919 World Series, the White Sox would not win another World Series
until 2005.
B. Throwing the series was not easy because the players had to make it look authentic.
C. Many people cannot understand why anyone would ever want to lose on purpose.
D.
Even though the players threw the series, the gamblers did not pay them what they were
promised.
(1) Every four years, the best soccer players in the world gather to decide which
country has the best soccer team in the world. Each time, a different country hosts the
tournament, in which 32 countries compete.
(2) The players take a break from playing with their regular team so that they can
represent their country in the tournament. Winning the World Cup is considered the
greatest accomplishment that a soccer player can achieve, so the players always give
their maximum effort.
(3) Waving their nation's flag and cheering as loud as possible, fans all across the
world make long trips to watch the games. It is a spectacle like no other in sports.
24. Which of the following sentences would best introduce paragraph 3?
A. Patriotic soccer fans are as excited about the World Cup as the players.
B. Many fans choose to root for a team based on their favorite players.
C. The quality of referees in the World Cup has been questionable for years.
D. Manchester United is the most popular club team in the world.
Science Fair Issues
The sun burst through the clouds on the day of the science fair. The damp ground and dewy
grass were the only proof that a major thunderstorm had come and gone. Andrew bitterly looked
out of the car window as he watched other students eagerly and carefully carry in their science
projects. Some of the projects were so complex that they had to be wheeled in on carts.
It's not fair, Andrew thought as he glanced back at his project. Andrew's project wasn't as
large or as attractive as the other projects. He hadn't had the chance to spruce up his project
before the storm rolled in last night. He had spent all his time perfecting the mechanics of the
project that he had left the project's appearance for last. That was a bad idea because the storm
had knocked out the power for the rest of the night. With no electricity, Andrew had to do the
best he could; however, the project still looked like a disaster.
"Andy, it won't be that bad. Sure, the project needs a little bit more attention, but the judges
will see your hard work," Andrew's mom said encouragingly.
Shrugging his shoulders, Andrew got out of the car and grabbed his project. The project
swayed as he walked through the front entrance, threatening to collapse at any second. Andrew
safely navigated through the crowds to his designated area and placed his project onto the table.
He scanned the auditorium to see the other projects and sighed. No one's project looked like his.
On the loudspeaker, a voice announced, "Students, be ready to present your project to the
judges. They will arrive in a few minutes."
Andrew braced himself for the judges' reactions when they saw his project. Deep breaths. You
can do this; just impress them with your project, Andrew thought as he saw the judges coming
his way.
Much to Andrew's surprise, the judges merely glanced at the project and began to ask Andrew
about how he came up with idea. They asked how the project worked and what results came
from the project. Andrew immediately knew how to answer all of the questions.
At the end of the day, the scores were tallied, and the judges announced the winners. "Today,
we have seen amazing projects. However, one project stands apart from the rest. This project
shows a great understanding of science. First place goes to Mr. Andrew Cho."
25. Which of the following would be the best conclusion for the passage?
Andrew watched the judges as they assessed the other science projects. His palms began to
A. sweat; he didn't know what to do with himself except to smile wildly. The judges were
finally approaching him. Andrew's time was now.
After his presentation, Andrew walked around the auditorium to view the other science
B. projects. Most of the projects were simple; however, some of them were remarkable.
Andrew marveled at the amount of work put in.
Wide-eyed, Andrew stood up and walked up to receive his prize. He was stunned. The
C. judges didn't care about how the project looked; they had wanted a project that answered
scientific questions. He didn't have to worry after all.
Andrew thought of all the things he could have done to make his project look better. He
D. could have focused on the appearance while building the experiment. However, he didn't
know what the results would have been.
Getting The Most out of Your Run
(1) Warming up, stretching properly, and cooling down keeps the muscles loose and
keeps them from becoming injured during the run and from being sore after the run. A
consistent routine of warming up, stretching, and cooling down is the key to being able
to keep up the habit of running, and it makes it much more enjoyable, too.
(2) When people start running without stretching first, their muscles are tight and not
prepared for the activity. Muscles are weakest when they are tight, so stretching helps
prevent injury. However, you should actually warm up the muscles before stretching.
This can be done by simply walking for five minutes before stretching. The stretching
should last ten to fifteen minutes.
(3) After the run is over, you need to cool down. Stopping immediately can make the
muscles tighten up again. Walking again for a few minutes after the run can help get the
muscles to slowly relax. After you have properly cooled down, it is time to stretch again.
This keeps your muscles loose and helps to reduce soreness after the workout.
(4) If you are not in pain, you will enjoy your run more, and you'll be able to run more
often. Taking these precautions can make it easier to work out, and you will be healthier
because of it.
26. Which of the following would best introduce paragraph 1?
A.
Did you know that thousands of joggers go running every year and many of them are not
equipped with the proper footwear?
B.
Warming up, stretching, and cooling down are the most important parts of any workout
because they can keep you from getting injured.
C.
Most people realize that running is a great way to stay in shape, but did you know that
running can be dangerous if you do not prepare properly?
D.
First of all, running is a good idea only if you are in good enough shape to do it because it
can be very hard.
27.
One of the most popular literary characters of all time is whom many people refer
to as "Frankenstein." Actually, though, people should call him "the creature." Victor
Frankenstein is the scientist who creates the monster in Mary Shelley's novel,
Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus. The monster itself does not have a name
and is simply called "the creature" or "the monster" throughout the book.
Which of the following sentences should be added to the end of the paragraph?
A.
The old television show The Munsters features a character inspired by Dr. Frankenstein's
monster.
B. Another very popular gothic character is Count Dracula from Bram Stoker's Dracula.
C. Modern readers may not understand how scary Frankenstein was for readers of the time.
D. The people who call the monster "Frankenstein" are probably those who have never read
the book.
Say it Ain’t So, Joe
(1) In October of 1919, the Chicago White Sox were thought to be the best team in
baseball. They were set to play the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. The White Sox
had a great pitcher, Eddie Cicotte, the best hitter in the game, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson,
and several other great players. Everyone expected the White Sox to easily beat the
Reds. So it was a big surprise when people started betting that the Reds would win.
Everyone suspected that the gamblers knew something that the rest of America did not,
and it turns out they did. The White Sox were planning to “throw” the series. In other
words, they were planning to lose on purpose.
(2)
The simple explanation for why the players chose to throw the series is for
money. The gamblers stood to make plenty of money since they knew whom to bet on.
They arranged to pay the players to perform poorly enough to lose. The players did not
get paid nearly as well in 1919 as they do now, and the White Sox owner, Charles
Comiskey, was famous for being cheap. Popular stories suggest that Comiskey once
forced Eddie Cicotte to sit out games at the end of the season to keep him from earning
a bonus at the end of the year. Needless to say, the White Sox felt that they deserved
some extra money, and they thought that losing might be the only way to get it.
(3)
Everyone knew the series was fixed, and people started calling the team “the
Black Sox.” Eight players were banned for life from baseball. Arnold “Chick” Gandil and
Eddie Cicotte were the main culprits, and most people agree that they deserved their
punishment. However, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and George “Buck” Weaver both played
terrifically during the series. Many baseball historians think that Jackson and Weaver
were unfairly punished for simply refusing to tell on their teammates. Nevertheless,
Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis made sure that no one involved in the
scandal would ever play professional baseball again.
(4)
Baseball had its first commissioner, who had total authority to make decisions for
baseball. Furthermore, betting on baseball became the game’s worst crime. Pete Rose,
the man with the most hits in the history of baseball, was banned for life from baseball in
1989 for betting on baseball games.
(5)
The most important effect of the Black Sox scandal, though, was the impact it
had on the public’s view of baseball. People became doubtful of baseball and thought
that all the players were crooked. If gamblers were going to decide the outcome of the
game, there was no point in paying for a ticket to watch. Eventually, the fans came back
to baseball. For many years, though, baseball fans were left with the scene outside the
courthouse, where legend states that a heartbroken young boy approached "Shoeless"
Joe Jackson and said, “Say it ain’t so, Joe!”
28. At the end of which paragraph should the following sentence be placed?
Clearly, the events of the 1919 World Series affected baseball for years to come.
A. paragraph 2
B. paragraph 4
C. paragraph 3
D. paragraph 1
29. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A. In the end, only we can stop them.
B. Furthermore, the water is black.
C. Also, there were only two people responsible.
D. Currently, how can the company continue to pollute the environment?
Getting The Most out of Your Run
(1) Warming up, stretching properly, and cooling down keeps the muscles loose and
keeps them from becoming injured during the run and from being sore after the run. A
consistent routine of warming up, stretching, and cooling down is the key to being able
to keep up the habit of running, and it makes it much more enjoyable, too.
(2) When people start running without stretching first, their muscles are tight and not
prepared for the activity. Muscles are weakest when they are tight, so stretching helps
prevent injury. However, you should actually warm up the muscles before stretching.
This can be done by simply walking for five minutes before stretching. The stretching
should last ten to fifteen minutes.
(3) After the run is over, you need to cool down. Stopping immediately can make the
muscles tighten up again. Walking again for a few minutes after the run can help get the
muscles to slowly relax. After you have properly cooled down, it is time to stretch again.
This keeps your muscles loose and helps to reduce soreness after the workout.
(4) If you are not in pain, you will enjoy your run more, and you'll be able to run more
often. Taking these precautions can make it easier to work out, and you will be healthier
because of it.
30. Which of the following sentences should be added to the end of paragraph 2?
A. Do not worry if you forget to stretch because the warm-up will do the same thing for you.
B. If you do not like to run, you should find some other way of working out.
C. Once you have properly stretched out your muscles, you can begin your run.
If you are looking for some good running locations, you can ask a more experienced
D.
runner.
31. Which of the following is an example of a concluding statement?
A.
To sum up, inspiration is more important because as George Washington said, "Success
without passion breeds boredom."
B. Parents can help too.
C. City leaders can be influential to everyone.
D. Firefighters are heroes to many.
Climbing Mount Everest
(1) Standing at 29,029 feet in the air, Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas
between Nepal and China. For many adventurers, climbing Mount Everest is the
greatest feat that can be achieved in the world. It is a dangerous climb, and many
people have died in the attempt. But for the people who succeed, the chance to actually
stand on top of the world is well worth the risk.
(2) In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people in
recorded history to stand on top of Everest. It took them over two months from the time
they set up base camp, but on May 29, they reached the summit. After they got back,
people wanted to know which one of them had been the first one to the top. They told
people that they both had been the first to reach the top because it had been a team
effort. After a few years, though, Tenzing Norgay said that it was Hillary that had stood
on the top first. He added, “If it is a shame to be the second man on Mount Everest,
then I will have to live with this shame.”
(3) Many others have since followed in the footsteps of Hillary and Norgay. To date,
more than 1,300 climbers have completed the climb. While it is still an amazing feat to
climb Everest, it has become easier due to advancements in climbing equipment and
better knowledge of how to climb it. A 13-year-old American climber reached the top in
2010. In 2008, a 76-year-old man from Nepal reached the summit.
(4) However, Mount Everest has also been the site of much tragedy. On May 10,
1996, eight climbers died on Everest trying to climb down in a blizzard. That year, fifteen
people died on Everest, the most in any year on Mount Everest. People can freeze
outside or suffer from a lack of oxygen.
(5) In the end, Hillary and Norgay spent only about 15 minutes on the summit of
Everest. To some, risking one’s life and spending two months on a mountain is too
great a cost for getting a scenic view for only 15 minutes. Others, however, point to the
fact that Hillary’s and Norgay’s names will live on for centuries and think that is worth
the risk. As Sir Edmund Hillary might tell you, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
32. Which of the following sentences would best conclude paragraph 2?
A.
Even though they reached the top first, some people thought that it should not count
because they used oxygen tanks.
B.
When they reached the top, Norgay planted the flags of New Zealand and Nepal,
representing the home countries of both Hillary and Norgay.
C.
There are no photographs of Hillary on the summit because Norgay did not know how to
operate a camera.
D.
Indeed, the expedition of Hillary and Norgay would prove to be one of the most incredible
feats in the 20th century.
33. Which of the following is an example of a concluding statement?
A. Only three people in the world know where to find it.
B. First, a job like that is too big.
C. In conclusion, if the resources don't present themselves, we need to go out and find them.
D. How can that even be possible?
(1) Each year, hundreds of drivers run red lights at the corner of Main Street and Fifth
Avenue. Sometimes these cars go through the intersection with no problem. However,
many times these drivers get into car accidents. These accidents cause thousands of
dollars in damages to people’s cars. This is nothing compared to the personal injuries
and loss of life caused by these accidents. The reason why these drivers run the red
light at this intersection is because they believe they will not get a ticket. Therefore, the
city should install a red-light camera to make people stop running the light, prevent
accidents, and generate revenue for the city.
(2) If a red-light camera is set up, every car that runs the red light will receive a ticket.
This will make drivers remember that they will get a ticket if they run the red light.
People will be much more careful around this intersection.
(3) Furthermore, fewer wrecks will happen at that intersection. This intersection
comes after a curve on one end and after a hill on the other end. As a result, people
often cannot see the color of the light until it is too late. This causes them to run the light
because they are going too fast to stop in time. If drivers get tickets, they will drive more
slowly as they approach the light.
(4) Finally, the red-light camera will have the added benefit of generating revenue for
the city. Each driver that runs the light will have to pay a fine, and many more drivers
will be caught by a camera than by police officers. The money from all those fines can
be put to good use for the city repairing roads, improving parks, or giving raises to the
city’s police and fire departments.
(5) A red-light camera at that intersection will save lives, prevent injury and property
damage, and provide financial assistance for the city. If the city does not install the
camera, the intersection will remain dangerous, and people will continue to break the
law. Installing that camera is a smart decision because it will result in a safer and
happier city.
34. Which of the following sentences should be added to the beginning of paragraph 2?
A.
One of the ways the city could help make the intersection safer is by setting up police
officers at the intersection to catch people running red lights.
B.
Not everyone agrees with the use of cameras to catch people running red lights, but there is
no doubt that they work.
C.
First of all, I believe that a red-light camera will make drivers stop running the light at the
intersection of Main and Fifth.
D.
Red-light cameras are incredibly annoying, and sometimes they "catch" people who never
actually run the light.
35. Which of the following is an example of a concluding statement?
A. Currently, we need to find a better approach.
B. There aren't enough computers for all the people in the office.
C. Presently, there isn't enough time to complete the task.
D. Finally, we need to keep our focus if we are to help anyone.
36. Which of the following is an example of a concluding statement?
A. The tourism in town is at a low.
B.
To summarize, building more roads, lifting the taxes in town, and advertising more will
increase tourism.
C. However, downtown doesn't seem to be affected.
D. Shops are closing all over town.
(1) For aspiring authors, the goal of writing is to tell a story, to express themselves
artistically, or to simply finish the book. However, readers love to talk about literature
and discuss which books are good or bad. To recognize what they consider to be good
literature, there are several different awards.
(2) The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy each year to
the person who makes the greatest contribution to the field of literature. This prize is
international, so it can go to authors from any country. Winners of the award receive a
medal, a cash prize, and, of course, the prestige of winning the Nobel Prize.
(3) Usually called “the Booker,” the Man Booker Prize is a much newer award than
the Nobel Prize. It was first awarded in 1968, and it is a British award, so it can only be
won by a citizen of the Commonwealth of Nations or Ireland. Winning the Booker will
make a book a very big seller, and its author will gain instant respect. For a British,
Indian, or Canadian author, this is one of the greatest accomplishments he or she can
achieve.
(4) In addition to those awards, there is an award for American authors. The Pulitzer
Prize is an award that is given strictly for works in the United States. The Pulitzer was
first awarded in 1917 for reporting. Since then, several categories have been added,
including fiction and music. American authors can strive to win both a Pulitzer and a
Nobel Prize. William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway received both honors.
(5) The reasons why authors write may vary, but they all try to create a great work of
art first. Receiving an award is just a bonus. Regardless, winning the Nobel Prize, the
Man Booker Prize, or the Pulitzer Prize is a sign that an author has written something
truly great.
37. Which of the following should introduce paragraph 2?
A. The first person to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature was Sully Prudhomme in 1901.
B. The most famous literary award is the Nobel Prize in Literature.
The award is named for Alfred Nobel, who wanted to give a prize for great human
C.
achievements.
D. There are Nobel Prizes for Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Literature.
(1) Each year, millions of Americans decide to take a few weeks off from work to go
travel to Europe. Places such as France, Italy, and Germany benefit by welcoming
American tourists. Americans that travel out of the country get a chance to see a
different part of the world.
(2) For many Americans, the art and architecture in Europe make it the ideal place to
travel. People can see some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the
Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the Vatican Museums in Rome.
They can also see famous buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of
Pisa.
(3) For other people, however, the main attraction is the food. Italy, France, and
Germany are known throughout the world for having delicious food. Many people
attempt to cook this food at home, but tasting it in Europe is a unique experience.
(4) A person who likes to ski should visit the Swiss Alps, one of the most popular
spots for winter sports. A person who loves the beach should go to Crete, Greece,
known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Planning a trip
according to interests increases the chances of having an enjoyable vacation.
(5) Tourists can often be targets for thieves because they carry cash, expensive
cameras, and cell phones. Tourists should always take care to secure their belongings
well and travel in groups. Being safe discourages criminals from even attempting to
steal from them. By being careful, tourists can ensure that their vacation remains fun
and relaxing.
38. Which of the following sentences is the best introduction for paragraph 4?
A. There are other places that people can go to for vacations, too.
B. One way to save money on your European vacation is to avoid going during the summer.
C. Guided tours are available for many places, and they can be very informative.
D. Tourists should find activities and places that are fun for them.
The Curse of the Bambino
(1) On December 26, 1919, the owner of the Boston Red Sox, Harry Frazee, made a
decision that would haunt fans of the club for 86 years. He sold his best player, Babe
Ruth, to the New York Yankees. This transaction marked the beginning of the "Curse of
the Bambino." The Curse of the Bambino was the belief that, because the Red Sox sold
Babe Ruth, they would never win another World Series.
(2) Ruth helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 1915, 1916, and 1918.
However, his demands for a higher salary and his poor attitude caused Frazee to look
for a chance to trade him. He chose an offer from the Yankees to sell Ruth for cash.
(3) Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Ruth would go on to become the greatest player in
the history of the game. After purchasing Ruth, the Yankees would go on to become the
most successful baseball club in history. They won their 26th World Series title in 2000.
(4) However, the worst part of the curse was that the Red Sox came very close to
winning the championship several times but suffered heartbreaking losses. For Sox
fans, seeing their team suffer heartbreaking losses was worse than the fate of teams
like the Chicago Cubs, who were usually too bad to even get close.
(5) Finally, in 2004, Red Sox fans were rewarded for their loyalty. The Red Sox were
able to defeat their rivals, the Yankees, to advance to the World Series. Then, they
easily defeated the St. Louis Cardinals. While Red Sox fans suffered for 86 years, they
would say that their victory in 2004 was sweeter because they had longed for it for so
many years.
39. Which of the following sentences should be added to the end of paragraph 1?
A. Furthermore, there were other teams that supposedly had curses, too.
That day in 1919 would prove to be one of the most talked about days in the history of
B.
baseball.
C. However, curses do not really exist, even if the fans are convinced that they do.
D. On the other hand, fans of the Chicago Cubs believe in the "Curse of the Billy Goat."
Say it Ain’t So, Joe
(1) In October of 1919, the Chicago White Sox were thought to be the best team in
baseball. They were set to play the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. The White Sox
had a great pitcher, Eddie Cicotte, the best hitter in the game, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson,
and several other great players. Everyone expected the White Sox to easily beat the
Reds. So it was a big surprise when people started betting that the Reds would win.
Everyone suspected that the gamblers knew something that the rest of America did not,
and it turns out they did. The White Sox were planning to “throw” the series. In other
words, they were planning to lose on purpose.
(2)
The simple explanation for why the players chose to throw the series is for
money. The gamblers stood to make plenty of money since they knew whom to bet on.
They arranged to pay the players to perform poorly enough to lose. The players did not
get paid nearly as well in 1919 as they do now, and the White Sox owner, Charles
Comiskey, was famous for being cheap. Popular stories suggest that Comiskey once
forced Eddie Cicotte to sit out games at the end of the season to keep him from earning
a bonus at the end of the year. Needless to say, the White Sox felt that they deserved
some extra money, and they thought that losing might be the only way to get it.
(3)
Everyone knew the series was fixed, and people started calling the team “the
Black Sox.” Eight players were banned for life from baseball. Arnold “Chick” Gandil and
Eddie Cicotte were the main culprits, and most people agree that they deserved their
punishment. However, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and George “Buck” Weaver both played
terrifically during the series. Many baseball historians think that Jackson and Weaver
were unfairly punished for simply refusing to tell on their teammates. Nevertheless,
Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis made sure that no one involved in the
scandal would ever play professional baseball again.
(4)
Baseball had its first commissioner, who had total authority to make decisions for
baseball. Furthermore, betting on baseball became the game’s worst crime. Pete Rose,
the man with the most hits in the history of baseball, was banned for life from baseball in
1989 for betting on baseball games.
(5)
The most important effect of the Black Sox scandal, though, was the impact it
had on the public’s view of baseball. People became doubtful of baseball and thought
that all the players were crooked. If gamblers were going to decide the outcome of the
game, there was no point in paying for a ticket to watch. Eventually, the fans came back
to baseball. For many years, though, baseball fans were left with the scene outside the
courthouse, where legend states that a heartbroken young boy approached "Shoeless"
Joe Jackson and said, “Say it ain’t so, Joe!”
40. Which sentence should be added to the beginning of paragraph 3?
A. The players did not do a very good job of covering up their scandal.
B. For their part in the scandal, the White Sox were hated by generations of baseball fans.
C. Not only did the White Sox throw the series, but they also lied about it.
D. Although the White Sox went through with their plan, they did not get away with it.
(1) When you see a small white sphere with red stitches, you immediately recognize
it as a baseball. You may also have heard someone say, “He hit the cover off the ball!”
But have you ever wondered what would come out from under that cover if that actually
happened? What’s actually under there?
(2) First of all, the core of the baseball is made of cork. The cork is cushioned by two
layers of rubber. The cushioned cork center is then wrapped with yarn. This yarn makes
up most of the baseball. In fact, if you stretched out the yarn into a straight line, it would
be longer than three football fields! Once the yarn is wrapped around the core, a white
leather cover is applied with rubber cement and sewn together. Each ball has 216
stitches of waxed red thread, of which 88 inches, or more than seven feet, are used.
(3) The cover is very hard to remove and must be peeled away from the core. It takes
a lot of time and effort to peel the cover away, so it’s unlikely that anybody will ever hit
the cover completely off the ball. If it ever does happen, the ball was probably defective
in the first place!
41. Which of the following sentences would best introduce paragraph 3?
A. If anyone ever does hit the cover off the ball, odds are that the ball can easily be repaired
as long as the cork center is still intact.
B.
Sometimes, though, a player can actually hit the ball so hard that the cover will really go
flying off.
C.
If you imagined that "hitting the cover off the ball" would cause it to explode, you might
be disappointed to know the truth.
D.
Legend states that some pitchers, such as Gaylord Perry, used to put substances on the ball
to make it move more.
42. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A.
Finally, we should keep in mind that the vote will determine how much money the city
will receive.
B. The plan costs too much to start.
C.
At present time, the council will meet on Thursday to decide if they should put the matter
up for a vote.
D. However, only three members will be in attendance.
(1) For aspiring authors, the goal of writing is to tell a story, to express themselves
artistically, or to simply finish the book. However, readers love to talk about literature
and discuss which books are good or bad. To recognize what they consider to be good
literature, there are several different awards.
(2) The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy each year to
the person who makes the greatest contribution to the field of literature. This prize is
international, so it can go to authors from any country. Winners of the award receive a
medal, a cash prize, and, of course, the prestige of winning the Nobel Prize.
(3) Usually called “the Booker,” the Man Booker Prize is a much newer award than
the Nobel Prize. It was first awarded in 1968, and it is a British award, so it can only be
won by a citizen of the Commonwealth of Nations or Ireland. Winning the Booker will
make a book a very big seller, and its author will gain instant respect. For a British,
Indian, or Canadian author, this is one of the greatest accomplishments he or she can
achieve.
(4) In addition to those awards, there is an award for American authors. The Pulitzer
Prize is an award that is given strictly for works in the United States. The Pulitzer was
first awarded in 1917 for reporting. Since then, several categories have been added,
including fiction and music. American authors can strive to win both a Pulitzer and a
Nobel Prize. William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway received both honors.
(5) The reasons why authors write may vary, but they all try to create a great work of
art first. Receiving an award is just a bonus. Regardless, winning the Nobel Prize, the
Man Booker Prize, or the Pulitzer Prize is a sign that an author has written something
truly great.
43. Which of the following should conclude paragraph 1?
A.
The Nobel Prize in Literature, the Man Booker Prize, and the Pulitzer Prize are among the
highest honors that an author can be given.
B.
The Nobel Prize in Literature, the Man Booker Prize, and the Pulitzer Prize are valuable
because they increase book sales for authors.
C.
The Nobel Prize in Literature, the Man Booker Prize, and the Pulitzer Prize are usually just
given to the most popular author instead of the best author.
D.
The Nobel Prize in Literature, the Man Booker Prize, and the Pulitzer Prize all reward
authors for great works, but the Nobel Prize is the greatest of them all.
(1) Every four years, the best soccer players in the world gather to decide which
country has the best soccer team in the world. Each time, a different country hosts the
tournament, in which 32 countries compete.
(2) The players take a break from playing with their regular team so that they can
represent their country in the tournament. Winning the World Cup is considered the
greatest accomplishment that a soccer player can achieve, so the players always give
their maximum effort.
(3) Waving their nation's flag and cheering as loud as possible, fans all across the
world make long trips to watch the games. It is a spectacle like no other in sports.
44. Which of the following sentences would best introduce paragraph 2?
A. Sometimes, the quality of play at the World Cup is disappointing.
B. The World Cup is far better than the other worldwide sporting event, the Olympics.
C. Not every country qualifies to play in the World Cup, but the host country always plays.
D. Only the best players in the world have a chance to play in the World Cup.
(1) Each year, hundreds of drivers run red lights at the corner of Main Street and Fifth
Avenue. Sometimes these cars go through the intersection with no problem. However,
many times these drivers get into car accidents. These accidents cause thousands of
dollars in damages to people’s cars. This is nothing compared to the personal injuries
and loss of life caused by these accidents. The reason why these drivers run the red
light at this intersection is because they believe they will not get a ticket. Therefore, the
city should install a red-light camera to make people stop running the light, prevent
accidents, and generate revenue for the city.
(2) If a red-light camera is set up, every car that runs the red light will receive a ticket.
This will make drivers remember that they will get a ticket if they run the red light.
People will be much more careful around this intersection.
(3) Furthermore, fewer wrecks will happen at that intersection. This intersection
comes after a curve on one end and after a hill on the other end. As a result, people
often cannot see the color of the light until it is too late. This causes them to run the light
because they are going too fast to stop in time. If drivers get tickets, they will drive more
slowly as they approach the light.
(4) Finally, the red-light camera will have the added benefit of generating revenue for
the city. Each driver that runs the light will have to pay a fine, and many more drivers
will be caught by a camera than by police officers. The money from all those fines can
be put to good use for the city repairing roads, improving parks, or giving raises to the
city’s police and fire departments.
(5) A red-light camera at that intersection will save lives, prevent injury and property
damage, and provide financial assistance for the city. If the city does not install the
camera, the intersection will remain dangerous, and people will continue to break the
law. Installing that camera is a smart decision because it will result in a safer and
happier city.
45. Which paragraph should the following sentence introduce?
As I have demonstrated, installing a red-light camera at the intersection of Main Street
and Fifth Avenue will have enormous benefits for the city.
A. paragraph 2
B. paragraph 3
C. paragraph 4
D. paragraph 5
46. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A. In conclusion, it's only through time that we will find a solution.
B. However, too many people are using our resources.
C. The logging will continue.
D. To begin with, all of the trees in the rainforest are suffering.
Getting The Most out of Your Run
(1) Warming up, stretching properly, and cooling down keeps the muscles loose and
keeps them from becoming injured during the run and from being sore after the run. A
consistent routine of warming up, stretching, and cooling down is the key to being able
to keep up the habit of running, and it makes it much more enjoyable, too.
(2) When people start running without stretching first, their muscles are tight and not
prepared for the activity. Muscles are weakest when they are tight, so stretching helps
prevent injury. However, you should actually warm up the muscles before stretching.
This can be done by simply walking for five minutes before stretching. The stretching
should last ten to fifteen minutes.
(3) After the run is over, you need to cool down. Stopping immediately can make the
muscles tighten up again. Walking again for a few minutes after the run can help get the
muscles to slowly relax. After you have properly cooled down, it is time to stretch again.
This keeps your muscles loose and helps to reduce soreness after the workout.
(4) If you are not in pain, you will enjoy your run more, and you'll be able to run more
often. Taking these precautions can make it easier to work out, and you will be healthier
because of it.
47. Which of the following should be added to the beginning of paragraph 4?
A.
In conclusion, running is one of the most exciting and entertaining ways to exercise
because you get to see different areas of the city as you run through them.
B. To summarize, running is the best way to stay in shape because it keeps your heart rate up.
As I have shown, if you take the time to warm up and stretch before a run and cool down
C.
and stretch after a run, you are more likely to avoid getting hurt.
D. In summary, the best time to stretch is before you go running.
Climbing Mount Everest
(1) Standing at 29,029 feet in the air, Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas
between Nepal and China. For many adventurers, climbing Mount Everest is the
greatest feat that can be achieved in the world. It is a dangerous climb, and many
people have died in the attempt. But for the people who succeed, the chance to actually
stand on top of the world is well worth the risk.
(2) In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people in
recorded history to stand on top of Everest. It took them over two months from the time
they set up base camp, but on May 29, they reached the summit. After they got back,
people wanted to know which one of them had been the first one to the top. They told
people that they both had been the first to reach the top because it had been a team
effort. After a few years, though, Tenzing Norgay said that it was Hillary that had stood
on the top first. He added, “If it is a shame to be the second man on Mount Everest,
then I will have to live with this shame.”
(3) Many others have since followed in the footsteps of Hillary and Norgay. To date,
more than 1,300 climbers have completed the climb. While it is still an amazing feat to
climb Everest, it has become easier due to advancements in climbing equipment and
better knowledge of how to climb it. A 13-year-old American climber reached the top in
2010. In 2008, a 76-year-old man from Nepal reached the summit.
(4) However, Mount Everest has also been the site of much tragedy. On May 10,
1996, eight climbers died on Everest trying to climb down in a blizzard. That year, fifteen
people died on Everest, the most in any year on Mount Everest. People can freeze
outside or suffer from a lack of oxygen.
(5) In the end, Hillary and Norgay spent only about 15 minutes on the summit of
Everest. To some, risking one’s life and spending two months on a mountain is too
great a cost for getting a scenic view for only 15 minutes. Others, however, point to the
fact that Hillary’s and Norgay’s names will live on for centuries and think that is worth
the risk. As Sir Edmund Hillary might tell you, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
48. Which of the following sentences should be added to the beginning of paragraph 1?
A. There are many wonderful attractions to visit in Nepal, but the most popular is Mount
Everest.
B.
Sir Edmund Hillary, from New Zealand, became the first person to climb the summit of
Mount Everest.
C. The highest point of land elevation on Earth is the summit of Mount Everest.
Edmund Hillary was the first person to climb Mount Everest, but he wouldn't have made it
D.
without Tenzing Norgay.
(1) Each year, hundreds of drivers run red lights at the corner of Main Street and Fifth
Avenue. Sometimes these cars go through the intersection with no problem. However,
many times these drivers get into car accidents. These accidents cause thousands of
dollars in damages to people’s cars. This is nothing compared to the personal injuries
and loss of life caused by these accidents. The reason why these drivers run the red
light at this intersection is because they believe they will not get a ticket. Therefore, the
city should install a red-light camera to make people stop running the light, prevent
accidents, and generate revenue for the city.
(2) If a red-light camera is set up, every car that runs the red light will receive a ticket.
This will make drivers remember that they will get a ticket if they run the red light.
People will be much more careful around this intersection.
(3) Furthermore, fewer wrecks will happen at that intersection. This intersection
comes after a curve on one end and after a hill on the other end. As a result, people
often cannot see the color of the light until it is too late. This causes them to run the light
because they are going too fast to stop in time. If drivers get tickets, they will drive more
slowly as they approach the light.
(4) Finally, the red-light camera will have the added benefit of generating revenue for
the city. Each driver that runs the light will have to pay a fine, and many more drivers
will be caught by a camera than by police officers. The money from all those fines can
be put to good use for the city repairing roads, improving parks, or giving raises to the
city’s police and fire departments.
(5) A red-light camera at that intersection will save lives, prevent injury and property
damage, and provide financial assistance for the city. If the city does not install the
camera, the intersection will remain dangerous, and people will continue to break the
law. Installing that camera is a smart decision because it will result in a safer and
happier city.
49. Which of the following sentences would best conclude paragraph 4?
A. The extra money will benefit the citizens as well as the city government.
The best use of this money would be to donate it to local charities such as the Salvation
B.
Army.
C.
However, the camera will cost money to operate, so some of the money will be used to
take care of that cost.
D.
There are several potholes on Fifth Avenue that need to be filled in, and the money from
the camera can help.
50. Which of the following is an example of an introductory statement?
A.
Presently, the factory is the only one of its kind that can handle a large population of
people.
B. Therefore, they need better leadership.
C. After all, the boss is really to blame.
D. Afterwards, all of the employees had to find jobs elsewhere.
51. Which of the following sentences should be added to the end of paragraph 3?
A.
Nevertheless, some people will continue to fly through this light, even if they receive a
ticket.
B. However, it will take a while before people learn to stop at the light.
C. If this does not work, then more drastic measures need to be taken to improve the situation.
D. As a result, they will be more able to stop and avoid other cars.
Climbing Mount Everest
(1) Standing at 29,029 feet in the air, Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas
between Nepal and China. For many adventurers, climbing Mount Everest is the
greatest feat that can be achieved in the world. It is a dangerous climb, and many
people have died in the attempt. But for the people who succeed, the chance to actually
stand on top of the world is well worth the risk.
(2) In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people in
recorded history to stand on top of Everest. It took them over two months from the time
they set up base camp, but on May 29, they reached the summit. After they got back,
people wanted to know which one of them had been the first one to the top. They told
people that they both had been the first to reach the top because it had been a team
effort. After a few years, though, Tenzing Norgay said that it was Hillary that had stood
on the top first. He added, “If it is a shame to be the second man on Mount Everest,
then I will have to live with this shame.”
(3) Many others have since followed in the footsteps of Hillary and Norgay. To date,
more than 1,300 climbers have completed the climb. While it is still an amazing feat to
climb Everest, it has become easier due to advancements in climbing equipment and
better knowledge of how to climb it. A 13-year-old American climber reached the top in
2010. In 2008, a 76-year-old man from Nepal reached the summit.
(4) However, Mount Everest has also been the site of much tragedy. On May 10,
1996, eight climbers died on Everest trying to climb down in a blizzard. That year, fifteen
people died on Everest, the most in any year on Mount Everest. People can freeze
outside or suffer from a lack of oxygen.
(5) In the end, Hillary and Norgay spent only about 15 minutes on the summit of
Everest. To some, risking one’s life and spending two months on a mountain is too
great a cost for getting a scenic view for only 15 minutes. Others, however, point to the
fact that Hillary’s and Norgay’s names will live on for centuries and think that is worth
the risk. As Sir Edmund Hillary might tell you, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
52. Which of the following sentences would best conclude paragraph 3?
A.
But, a lot of people claim that K2 is a much more difficult climb than Mount Everest, even
though Everest is taller.
B. However, New Zealand can proudly claim Hillary, the first of anyone to climb Everest.
Some people claimed to have climbed Everest before Hillary and Norgay, but those climbs
C.
were not documented.
D.
Clearly, standing on Everest is a dream for people from every country and every
generation.
Answers
1. C
2. A
3. D
4. C
5. D
6. B
7. B
8. B
9. D
10. B
11. C
12. A
13. B
14. A
15. A
16. A
17. C
18. C
19. B
20. D
21. D
22. C
23. C
24. A
25. C
26. C
27. D
28. B
29. D
30. C
31. A
32. D
33. C
34. C
35. D
36. B
37. B
38. D
39. B
40. D
41. C
42. C
43. A
44. D
45. D
46. D
47. C
48. C
49. A
50. A
51. D
52. D
Explanations
1. "At the moment, the board's definition of hard work is for the people in charge to take time off
while everyone else works" is an introductory clause because it provides a definition.
2. The second paragraph gives a detailed description of all of the materials used to make a
baseball. The best way to conclude the paragraph would be to say that the materials make the
ball durable. This provides a transition into the conclusion.
3. "To start with, all of the lifeguards are too young to be employed" is an introductory clause
because it presents an argument for the first time.
4. Paragraph 3 is about the positive impact that Babe Ruth had for the Yankees, so the
concluding sentence should summarize that topic. The other choices introduce new information
that does not have anything to do with paragraph 3.
5. Paragraph 1 introduces the entire essay, which is about Americans traveling to Europe. The
last sentence of paragraph 1 should relate to the topic of the essay.
6. "Right now, conserving water is our only hope to keep the costs down" is an introductory
clause because it states an opinion for the first time. The other sentences use transition words and
statements that signal a continuation of more information or statements that can be used to sum
up information.
7. The best way to conclude this paragraph is to summarize the topic of the paragraph by
restating it. The other choices offer new information and are not effective ways to conclude a
paragraph.
8. Paragraph 4 tells about the Pulitzer Prize and how it is a great achievement to win both the
Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize. The correct answer reinforces the main idea of the paragraph.
9. A good conclusion ties together events from the passage and brings everything to a natural
end. In this case, Esi learns that she is able to walk in the forest by herself if she follows what her
brother has taught her. This conclusion brings the events of the passage to a close.
10. "As I have demonstrated" draws the audience's attention back to the original argument. It
restates it, and that makes for a good conclusion.
11. The best way to wrap up paragraph 3 is to explain the benefits of cooling down and
stretching again. Bringing up new information should be done at the start of a new paragraph.
12. Paragraph 5 is about preventing negative consequences of traveling. Since it is a very
different idea from that of paragraph 4, using "however" helps ease the reader into the different
idea. Also, the introductory sentence should state the topic of the new paragraph.
13. A good conclusion ties together events from the passage and brings everything to a natural
end. In this case, the narrator watches the old lady leave his store and wishes he could have more
moments like that. This conclusion brings the events of the passage to a close.
14. Paragraph 3 gives a basic explanation of what the Man Booker Prize is. The best choice is the
one that gives a basic introduction to the Man Booker Prize.
15. Since this essay is about the Curse of the Bambino, not the life of Babe Ruth, the best
sentence to begin the body is one that introduces him as a player for the Red Sox.
16. Paragraph 4 is about how dangerous it is to attempt to climb Mount Everest. The sentence
that talks about how great achievements have great risks sums up the point made in paragraph 4.
The other paragraphs talk about specific people who have climbed Mount Everest or about the
mountain itself.
17. The word "meanwhile" gives a smooth change from talking about the success of the Yankees
in paragraph 3 to talking about the failure of the Red Sox in paragraph 4. "At least the Red Sox
were still a good team for many of those years," conveys the opposite idea of the rest of
paragraph 4.
18. "In the beginning, the policy of the committee was to listen to the people in attendance" is an
introductory clause because it provides background information on the policy of the committee.
19. "In the end" is the clue that shows a conclusion. It helps in showing the recommended action.
20. "In short" is a clue that the argument is concluding, and it offers a prediction to the problem.
This is a technique usually reserved for concluding statements.
21. This paragraph is about the food in Europe as another reason for people to take a vacation
there. The best concluding sentence states that idea.
22. The topic of the essay is the worldwide popularity of the World Cup, so the correct answer is
the sentence that mentions that topic.
23. The second paragraph is about the reasons why the White Sox agreed to lose the World
Series on purpose. The correct answer gives the reader a clue that the paragraph will go into
reasons for throwing the series.
24. The best introduction is the sentence that talks about fan participation in the World Cup
because that is the subject of the rest of the paragraph.
25. A good conclusion ties together events from the passage and brings everything to a natural
end. In this case, Andrew receives his prize and learns that he didn't have to worry about his
project's appearance in the end. This conclusion brings the events of the passage to a close.
26. Posing a question is a good way to get the reader interested in the essay. The essay is about
warming up, stretching, and cooling down to avoid injury and soreness in running, so the
opening sentence should say something about that to give the reader an idea of what the essay
will be about.
27. The paragraph is about how the monster in the novel Frankenstein is often incorrectly called
Frankenstein. The correct answer is the most appropriate concluding sentence because it
reinforces the main idea of the paragraph.
28. The sentence restates the idea that the Black Sox scandal had long-term effects for baseball.
Paragraph 4 is the best choice because it talks about that topic.
29. "Currently, how can the company continue to pollute the environment" is an introductory
clause because it poses a question.
30. Paragraph 2 talks about what you should do before you go for a run, and paragraph 3 talks
about what you should do after you run, so the best conclusion to paragraph 2 helps the essay
transition from paragraph 2 to paragraph 3.
31. "To sum up" helps to ease into the quote, which is a nice way to end an argument.
32. This paragraph is about the first time anyone climbed Mount Everest. The best sentence to
conclude the paragraph is the one that talks about what a great achievement it was. The other
answer choices are details about that climb. They could be included in the middle of the
paragraph, but they would not be the best way to wrap up the paragraph.
33. "In conclusion" is the clue that tells you the end of an argument is approaching.
34. The first sentence of the paragraph should preview the argument that the paragraph will
make. The argument of paragraph 2 is that a camera will make people stop at the light, so the
best choice states this argument.
35. "Finally" is the key word that shows why it is a concluding statement. It shows a natural end
to an argument.
36. The phrase "to summarize" helps to repeat your main points from earlier, and it helps to
cushion the argument.
37. The introductory sentence should preview what the rest of the paragraph is about. The essay
is about awards for authors, and paragraph 2 is about the Nobel Prize in Literature. The
paragraph gives an overview of the Nobel Prize in Literature, so the best way to start is by
introducing the award.
38. Paragraph 4 is about planning a trip according to interests, so the first sentence of the
paragraph should state this topic.
39. By saying that that day would have an impact on the history of baseball, the last sentence
makes the change from the introduction to the body of the essay smoother. The essay is about the
impact of that day on baseball history. The introduction should mention the topic of the essay.
40. The paragraph is about what happened to the players once they got caught. More than one
answer choice talks about them getting caught, so you have to decide which one is the best
choice. You can eliminate the choice that says the players were hated because the paragraph tells
you that two players were seen as being unfairly punished. Also, the paragraph does not talk
about the players lying or trying to cover up the scandal, so you can eliminate those answer
choices as well.
41. The conclusion of this passage talks about how hitting the cover off the ball is nearly
impossible. The sentence that recalls the saying "hitting the cover off the ball" while also
showing that it is nearly impossible is the best way to introduce the final paragraph. The
information in the rest of that paragraph gives reasons why it is nearly impossible.
42. "At present time, the council will meet on Thursday to decide if they should put the matter up
for a vote" is an introductory clause because it provides new background information.
43. The last sentence of paragraph 1 should tell you what the passage is going to be about. The
rest of the passage talks about all three awards as great honors. It does not argue about which
award is better or if the people who get the awards deserve them. The best choice, therefore, is
the one that shows them all as great awards.
44. Paragraph 2 is about the high level of play at the World Cup, so the topic sentence that gives
the reason for that quality of play should introduce the paragraph. "Only the best players in the
world have a chance to play in the World Cup" is the best choice to introduce this paragraph.
45. "As I have demonstrated" shows that what follows will be a summary of the argument of the
essay. Therefore, the most appropriate place for the sentence would be in the last paragraph, after
the argument has already been presented.
46. The transitional phrase "to begin with" offers a clue that it is an introductory statement.
47. Paragraph 4 is the last paragraph of the essay, so it should summarize the topics to wrap up
the essay. The other answer choices contain new information, which should be in the body of the
essay.
48. The essay is about people climbing Mount Everest. Stating that Mount Everest is the highest
point on Earth helps to establish why climbing Everest is a great accomplishment. The other
sentences would be good introductory sentences if the essay were about Edmund Hillary,
Tenzing Norgay, or Mount Everest as a tourist attraction.
49. The best concluding statement should follow and support what the paragraph says. Paragraph
4 is about the benefits that the money from the red-light camera will provide; therefore, this is
the best conclusion to the paragraph.
50. "Presently, the factory is the only one of its kind that can handle a large population of
people" is an introductory clause because it states an opinion for the first time.
51. From the rest of paragraph 3, you can draw the conclusion that the author believes that the
red-light camera will make people slow down and stop at the intersection. Therefore, this
sentence is the best choice because it supports and wraps up what the rest of the paragraph says.
52. Paragraph 3 is about the many people who have climbed Mount Everest since Hillary and
Norgay's climb. The correct answer is the best conclusion for the paragraph because it
summarizes the topic of the paragraph.