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Maria put her face against the cold glass of the bus window. What she saw was unlike anything
she'd seen before. It looked like a medieval landscape of mist and rock. Here and there were sheep,
grazing in the fields. On her right, cliffs gave way to the Atlantic Ocean. On her left, hills rose and
fell, crowned with jagged slabs of rock that looked as if they'd been dropped there by giants. Now
and again the bus slowed to drop off kids, and Maria watched them as they walked up their gravel
driveways.
Once, the bus driver stopped in the middle of the road to chat with a passing motorist: his barber,
as it turned out. They made a haircut appointment for the following day, and then the bus moved on.
Maria spoke with the bus driver and learned that he had lived here, on the Isle of Skye, his entire life.
He had started driving a bus immediately after graduating from high school. Maria thought to herself
that the driver would probably continue driving the bus until he retired. Most likely, he knew the road
so well that he could have driven with his eyes closed.
1. Which sentence from the passage suggests that the bus driver is not in a hurry?
A. "Now and again the bus slowed to drop off kids, and Maria watched them as they
walked up their gravel driveways."
B. "Maria spoke with the bus driver, and learned that he had lived here, on the Isle of
Skye, his entire life."
C. "Once, the bus driver stopped in the middle of the road to chat with a passing
motorist: his barber, as it turned out."
D. "He had started driving a bus immediately after graduating from high school."
2. Which sentence from the passage indicates that Maria has an active imagination?
A. "Most likely, he knew the road so well that he could have driven with his eyes
closed."
B. "Now and again the bus slowed to drop off kids, and Maria watched them as they
walked up their gravel driveways."
C. "On her left, hills rose and fell, crowned with jagged slabs of rock that looked as if
they'd been dropped there by giants."
D. "Maria thought to herself that the driver would probably continue driving the bus until
he retired."
3. Which sentence from the passage indicates that Maria has spent very little time
on the Isle of Skye?
A. "What she saw was unlike anything she'd seen before."
B. "Now and again the bus slowed to drop off kids, and Maria watched them as they
walked up their gravel driveways."
C. "It looked like a medieval landscape of mist and rock. "
D. "On her left, hills rose and fell, crowned with jagged slabs of rock that looked as if
they'd been dropped there by giants."
As the second highest mountain on Earth, K2 has long posed a challenge to daring
mountaineers. Reaching an altitude of 28,251 feet, K2 towers over a desolate area near the border
of China and Pakistan. Its peak cannot be seen by neighboring villages except on especially clear
days, and it is prone to hazardous weather conditions. For every four people who have reached the
summit of the mountain, one has died trying. In fact, it has earned the nickname "The Savage
Mountain."
Between the years of 1902 and 1953, various teams set out to climb K2. In every case,
avalanches, storms, altitude sickness, and the sheer steepness of the mountain made ascent
impossible. In 1939, a team came within 656 feet of the top when four members of their team
disappeared. 14 years later, a team of Americans became trapped for ten days in a high-altitude
storm.
At last, in 1954, an Italian team led by Ardito Desio managed to reach the top of the mountain.
Their success relied in part upon two members of their team who carried extra oxygen for the sick
climbers. As Mount Everest had been successfully climbed the year before, many mountaineers felt
that K2 was the last of Earth's mountains to be conquered.
4. Which sentence from the passage best explains why mountaineers may have
been eager to climb K2?
A. "Reaching an altitude of 28,251 feet, K2 towers over a desolate area near the border
of China and Pakistan."
B. "In 1939, a team came within 656 feet of the top when four members of their team
disappeared."
C. "As Mount Everest had been successfully climbed the year before, many
mountaineers felt that K2 was the last of Earth's mountains to be conquered."
D. "In every case, avalanches, storms, altitude sickness, and the sheer steepness of the
mountain made ascent impossible."
5. Which sentence from the passage best explains the specific difficulties that hikers
of K2 have encountered?
A. "In every case, avalanches, storms, altitude sickness, and the sheer steepness of the
mountain made ascent impossible."
B. "In 1939, a team came within 656 feet of the top when four members of their team
disappeared."
C. "For every four people who have reached the summit of the mountain, one has died
trying."
D. "Its peak cannot be seen by neighboring villages except on especially clear days, and
it is prone to hazardous weather conditions."
6. Which sentence from the passage best explains why climbing K2 is dangerous?
A. "Between the years of 1902 and 1953, various teams set out to climb K2."
B. "As Mount Everest had been successfully climbed the year before, K2 was the last of
Earth's tallest mountains to be conquered."
C. "For every four people who have reached the summit of the mountain, one has died
trying."
D. "In 1939, a team came within 656 feet of the top when four members of their team
disappeared."
Ready If Needed: King Gill, the 12th Man
Some consider it the biggest football game in Texas A&M University history. A small, scrappy
group of Texas A&M players surprised the undefeated powerhouse Centre College, 22 to 14, in the
1922 Dixie Classic. The game featured some of the best players in the country, but it was an unlikely
sophomore that inspired a famous tradition. King Gill didn't make any tackles or even play in the
game, but he became a legend.
Gill was watching the game from the press box that day. He had been a reserve halfback for the
team for most of the season. Gill had not expected to play much, so after the regular season games,
he gave up football to concentrate on basketball. The first half of the game, he acted as a spotter for
the local newspaper. He helped the reporter identify players in the game. Gill was surprised at how
well the team was playing. The Aggies held a slim lead near halftime.
The game was brutal, and the Aggies suffered many injuries. One of the team's quarterbacks got
hurt, and only one healthy substitute was left to play. Dana Bible, the Aggies' head coach, was afraid
he would have to forfeit the game because of injuries. Then, Bible remembered Gill. In fact, Coach
Bible had asked Gill to spot for the newspaper.
Bible sent word to Gill to come down and put on a uniform to be ready to play. Gill had already
turned in his uniform, so he had to borrow one from an injured player. Gill stood on the sidelines in
disbelief, ready to play if called upon.
As it turned out, the team did not need the faithful volunteer after all. In fact, Gill's part in the
game might have been forgotten if not for a student yell leader named Harry Thompson. Thompson
had been sent to the press box to get Gill. After the game, Thompson organized a rally on the steps
of a nearby YMCA. He was so inspired by the team's victory and Gill's willingness to help, he
dubbed Gill the Aggies' 12th man. He challenged the entire student body to demonstrate the same
kind of spirit. From that night on, Aggie students have considered themselves the team's 12th man—
ready to support the 11 players on the field any way they can.
King Gill was one of the finest athletes at Texas A&M. He went on to star in three sports for the
Aggies. His willingness to help his team has come to mean something special for football fans
everywhere. It serves as a reminder that friends are ready and willing to help if needed.
adapted from http://aggietraditions.tamu.edu/12thman.shtml
7. Which quote is evidence that A&M was having a hard time playing?
A. "Dana Bible, the Aggies' head coach, was afraid he would have to forfeit the game
because of injuries."
B. "King Gill didn't make any tackles or even play in the game, but he became a
legend."
C. "Gill had not expected to play much, so after the regular season games, he gave up
football. . . ."
D. "He challenged the entire student body to demonstrate the same kind of spirit."
8. What does the author mean when he says, "A small, scrappy group of Texas A&M
players surprised undefeated powerhouse Centre College, 22 to 14, in the 1922
Dixie Classic"?
A. Centre College was too small of a university to play football in the Dixie Classic.
B. The Aggies weren't supposed to win, but they beat the favored Centre College 22 to
14.
C. The Aggies were defeated by Centre College in a classic football game.
D. Texas A&M was too small of a university to play football in the Dixie Classic.
9. What is one way that the reader discovers Gill's influence?
A. After showing so much dedication, the university allowed King Gill to graduate.
B. The Aggies' head coach let King Gill play on the team even though he quit.
C. Many Aggie students followed King Gill around, wanting to be just like him.
D. The student body named Gill the first 12th man, a tradition they still keep today.
The Motion Picture Association of America is an organization of movie studios that censors
movies distributed in America. The MPAA is a non-profit, private company with no connection to the
U.S. government. The organization claims this is necessary to ensure the government does not
violate the First Amendment rights of American citizens. It further states that because the studios
police themselves, the government has no need to do so. While this fact may be true, a large
number of past MPAA presidents have been ex-politicians with ties to the U.S. government.
The focus of the MPAA is censorship of films. The organization rates almost all films produced
and distributed by the United States. It then awards those films a rating based on the content. The
MPAA does not specifically instruct film studios which scenes they should cut in order to receive a
particular rating. It instead releases a general opinion as to why the film will receive the rating. The
studio then has the opportunity to cut the film again and resubmit it to the MPAA for another review.
If a studio chooses not to comply with the MPAA rating system for a particular film, then that film will
not receive an MPAA rating. Without an MPAA rating, theater owners will not book the film in U.S.
theaters.
Most critics understand and support the need to protect children from exposure to inappropriate
subject matter. Still, some vocal critics claim that movie studios have made use of the MPAA rating
system to promote particular films. These critics say that features released by the major studios
receive less censorship than features released by independent film studios. Several documentaries
have come out recently that provide evidence to support this argument. The MPAA, on the other
hand, defends its methods by saying its employees review a film based on an objective scale.
Critics also complain that some action movie directors purposefully seek an R-rating for a film.
They do so to attract larger audiences and increase ticket sales. These critics explain that if an
action film has a lot of violence, then more people will go to see it. They further explain that the
MPAA does not censor violence as readily as sexual content or harsh language. These critics state
that if violence is just as objectionable as other adult subject matter, then the MPAA should censor it
just as often. Critics of the MPAA, like film critic Roger Ebert, call for the MPAA to restructure its
process to produce ratings that are more accurate.
10. Read the following sentence from the passage.
"While this fact may be true, a large number of past MPAA presidents have been expoliticians with ties to the US government."
What does the quote from the passage imply?
A. The past MPAA presidents must have been extremely trustworthy individuals because
of their association with the U.S. government.
B. The past presidents of the MPAA must have done something wrong because they
were dismissed for service with the government.
C. The association between the MPAA presidents and the U.S. government means the
organization may be influenced by the government.
D. One can assume that there have been an equal number of MPAA presidents who had
no ties whatsoever with the U.S. government.
11. Which sentence from the article does the author use to support the idea that the
MPAA needs to restructure its rating system?
A. "The organization claims this is necessary to ensure the government does not violate
the First Amendment rights of American citizens."
B. "Critics of the MPAA, like film critic Roger Ebert, call for the MPAA to restructure its
process to produce ratings that are more accurate."
C. "Most critics understand and support the need to protect children from exposure to
inappropriate subject matter."
D. "The MPAA does not specifically instruct film studios which scenes they should cut in
order to receive a particular rating."
12. Read the sentence from the passage.
"Critics also complain that some action movie directors purposefully seek an R-rating for a
film."
Based on this statement, why does the author want the MPAA to reform its
process?
A. The movie studios can easily manipulate the MPAA ratings standards for personal
gain.
B. The MPAA is so strict in its censorship of movies that it robs Americans of their rights.
C. The MPAA rating system creates boring movies with no real artistic value to people.
D. There is no legitimate problem that critics might have because the system does its
job.
The new Blackberry Storm is giving the legendary iPhone a run for its money. From the moment
you lay eyes on the Storm, you know a lot of time has been invested in creating this striking new
device. The Blackberry has earned mythic status as the phone to have in the email and messaging
world. The new "click" technology called SurePress will make keyboard users heave a sigh. Whether
it’s a sigh of relief or distress will only be known on further analysis. Does the Storm truly live up to
its image? Only time will tell.
13. What does the author mean when he or she says, "The new Blackberry Storm is
giving the legendary iPhone a run for its money"?
A. The Blackberry Storm enjoys more legendary status than Apple's iPhone.
B. The new Blackberry Storm is giving Apple's iPhone stiff competition.
C. The Blackberry Storm and Apple's iPhone are both very expensive to buy.
D. The new Blackberry Storm is no comparison for Apple's iPhone.
Smoking Ban in Bhutan
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has banned smoking in public. It is the first country to enact a
nationwide ban on smoking. Smoking bans are nothing new to Bhutan. The kingdom has a history of
smoking bans that stretches back over 350 years. In the 1640s, the founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal, banned smoking in all government buildings. Since then, smoking has failed to
gain popularity in Bhutan. Considering the fact that an estimated 1% of Bhutanese people smoke,
Bhutan should have an easy time ridding itself of smoking. Those who continue to smoke after the
ban have to import their own tobacco. The government requires that they pay a 100% tax on the
tobacco they import and smoke the tobacco only in the privacy of their homes.
14. Why would the government of Bhutan worry about foreigners selling cigarettes to
its citizens?
A. Foreigners could vote to change the law and make smoking legal again.
B. Foreigners could also try to bring illegal drugs into Bhutan.
C. Foreigners may try to get the citizens of Bhutan to move to another country.
D. Foreigners may sell the citizens cigarettes more cheaply than those being taxed.
15. How does the government of Bhutan make smoking in one's home harder?
A. It makes people take drug tests.
B. It has inspectors visit people's homes.
C. It has police monitor people's smoking.
D. It taxes tobacco at 100%.
16. Why will banning smoking in Bhutan most likely be easy to accomplish?
A. It is hard to stop smoking.
B. Tobacco costs more than cars.
C. Only about 1% of the country smokes.
D. No one in the country smokes.
Fins to Arms: The World's First Push-Ups?
When you think of push-ups, fish are probably not the first animals that come to mind. But
scientists have discovered the world's oldest known arm bone-and they say that the arm developed
from a fin.
The 365-million-year-old fossil arm was found in Pennsylvania during road construction. Cutting
through rock, workers uncovered an ancient streambed.
According to many scientists, the Earth's first animals lived in the water. But when animals
evolved arms and legs from fins, scientists say, animals were able to crawl from water to land.
But why did this change happen?
"Think of a shallow stream choked with plants, not an open sea," Neil Shubin of the University of
Chicago said. "At some level, these shallow streams approach a more [land-like] environment in the
ways that animals would move around."
Picture the shallow streams as wading pools. When you're in a wading pool, being able to push
off with your arms helps you move around more easily than swimming does.
"When fish used their fins to prop themselves up on the bottom ... it was a useful invention at that
time," Shubin said.
Scientists say that the new fossil may show how this useful change helped animals move to land.
Scientists hope that they will uncover more fossils in the streambed and that those fossils will
help answer some of the mysteries of ancient life on Earth!
adapted from "Fins to Arms: The World's First Push-Ups?" by Sarah Ives
17. According to the article, what do scientists use to help them answer the
mysteries of ancient life on Earth?
A. fossils
B. wading pools
C. fins
D. fish
18. According to the article, what is one piece of evidence that scientists point to in
order to show that land animals evolved from sea animals.
A. Scientists have been working on cloning ancient sea animals to prove their point.
B. Scientists have found fossils that show sea animals with arms common to land
animals.
C. Scientists have done carbon dating to prove that the evolution from the sea occurred
365 million years ago.
D. Scientists have constructed a replica of a whale with arms to prove their point.
19. What does the author mean by the following quote, "When you think of pushups, fish are probably not the first animals that come to mind"?
A. Because fish swim, people don't think of them as being able to push themselves up.
B. Working out can be challenging for humans and fish.
C. Fish aren't important enough for people to think about.
D. Fish work out just like humans despite the fact that they have fins.
Groundhog Day: The Adventures of Punxsutawney Phil, Wiarton
Willie, and Pothole Pete
February 2 brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year—and the only one led by a rodent.
Legend has it that on this morning, if a groundhog can see its shadow, there will be six more weeks
of winter. If it cannot see its shadow, spring is on the way.
Why the Groundhog?
Since a groundhog (or woodchuck or "whistle pig") sleeps during the winter, its coming out of the
ground is a sign of spring. In Europe centuries ago, people watched for other sleeping animals,
including badgers, bears, and hedgehogs, as signs of winter's end. Germans who came to
Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s began keeping an eye on the groundhog. The large numbers of the
rodent made it handy for this kind of weather superstition.
And a superstition it is. But there's a bit of truth: the winter days when you can see your shadow
clearly are often especially cold because there are no clouds overhead to warm the earth.
Why Now?
Early February is midway between winter and spring. Throughout history, many holidays have
marked this time. The ancient Romans observed a mid-season festival on February 5, and the
pagan Irish celebrated one around February 1. In many parts of Europe, early February might signal
the start of spring, when crops could be planted.
Punxsutawney Phil and Friends
In the 1880s, some friends in Punxsutawney, Penn., went into the woods to look for groundhogs.
This trip became a tradition, and a local newspaper editor nicknamed the people "the Punxsutawney
Groundhog Club." Starting in 1887, the search became an actual event involving a groundhog called
Punxsutawney Phil. A ceremony still takes place every year.
Today, Punxsutawney Phil lives in a habitat next to the Punxsutawney Library. He is a local
celebrity. And he gained fame in the 1993 movie Groundhog Day. His weather predictions are
recorded in the Congressional Records of our National Archive. So far, Phil has seen his shadow
about 85% of the time.
Canada's Groundhog Day relies on the predictions of an albino groundhog named Wiarton Willie.
Although Punxsutawney Phil gets the most attention, various American cities have their own special
groundhogs; New York City's official groundhog is called "Pothole Pete."
"Groundhog Day" http://www.factmonster.com/spot/groundhogday1.html, as it appeared on August
1, 2007, Fact Monster Database © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Reproduced by permission of
Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Fact Monster from Information Please. All rights reserved.
20. Why do people look to animals like groundhogs, badgers, bears, and hedgehogs
to predict weather?
A. Because of their sleeping habits
B. Because they are close to the ground
C. Because they are never wrong
D. Because weather affects them more than humans
21. Why did the Germans who came to Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s adopt the
groundhog as the creature to follow to predict the weather?
A. The groundhog could be kept as a pet.
B. There were many groundhogs in the area.
C. They brought groundhogs with them from Europe.
D. The groundhog never gave them a wrong prediction.
22. Why is there some truth to the tradition of using a groundhog to predict the
weather?
A. The groundhog never gives a wrong prediction.
B. On warm days, a person's shadow is easier to see.
C. The groundhog's results are noted by the Congressional Records.
D. On cold days, it is easier to see your shadow.
Passage 1
Terrell Owens Says He'll Play on Sunday
By Paul Newberry
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—All-Pro receiver Terrell Owens had a light workout on Monday and said
Tuesday he will play in the Super Bowl, despite injuring his leg just 43 days earlier.
Brushing aside his doctor's advice, Owens returned to practice.
Dr. Mark Myerson operated on Owens' right ankle in December. Just last week, he said he would not
clear the All-Pro receiver to suit up against the Patriots.
But on Monday, he was practicing in uniform at the University of North Florida. While Owens took
part in less than one-third of the team's 30 plays, he got a pass each time he ran a route.
Myerson inserted two screws in Owens' ankle and a plate on the outside of the ankle three days
after he was injured. Owens was told after surgery that he had only an outside chance of returning
for the Super Bowl, which was 6 1/2 weeks away. But he rehabbed vigorously, hoping to help
Philadelphia win its first NFL championship since 1960.
At last week's checkup in Baltimore, Myerson said that he's pleased with Owens' recuperation. The
operation requires a recovery period of 8 to 10 weeks. Myerson added that any attempt to speed up
the rehabilitation process poses the same risk for injury.
Used with permission of the Associated Press © 2007. All rights reserved.
Passage 2
Treating Sports Injuries
Sports Injuries Treatment
All sports injuries should be checked out by a health care professional, either a doctor or a sports
medicine therapist. When the injury has just occurred, the immediate treatments are the same for
most injuries. These treatments are called PRICE: protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Protection: The injured area should be protected from further damage. A removable plastic
cast or an ace bandage is useful during this part of the treatment.
Rest: It is essential to rest from sports. For some injuries, walking should be avoided
because it could cause reinjury. Pain medication may also be given by a doctor.
Ice: Ice packs can be placed on the injured area for twenty minutes at a time every few
hours. The ice packs relieve pain and can help reduce swelling.
Compression: A swollen ankle, knee, elbow, or other body part is a sign of a major sports
injury. Compression, by using a plastic cast or a brace, can help lessen swelling and shorten
the rehabilitation period.
Elevation: Keeping injured areas elevated will keep swelling down. It will also make
rehabilitation easier.
Your doctor may also give you advice to follow at home, such as what position to rest in and
which movements to avoid. Be sure to follow your doctor's advice, and your injury will heal correctly
and more quickly. If you ignore your doctor, you could reinjure yourself. You could even make your
injury worse than it was before.
Post-Injury Play
After you have healed, it is important to protect yourself. Wear protective gear, like braces or
bandages, to keep yourself safe. Braces can provide support to a previously injured body part. Keep
your workouts light at first, to allow your body time to get used to playing sports again. Most
importantly, play safe. Stop if you feel pain, and go back to a doctor if the pain does not stop. Keep
yourself safe, and you will be able to play sports for a long time.
23. What could Terrell Owens have to do before he plays in the game?
A. He could have to have an ultrasound.
B. He could have to go through another surgery.
C. He could have to wear protective gear for his ankle.
D. He could have to wear a special jersey that says he's injured.
24. What is the biggest risk Terrell Owens faces by ignoring his doctor's advice?
A. breathing problems
B. reinjury
C. being kicked off the team
D. death
25. What part of rehabilitation and the doctor's orders did Terrell Owens follow
correctly?
A. He drank plenty of water.
B. He got a lot of sleep.
C. He had a light workout.
D. He trained by running everyday.
Passage 1
Learning About Social Phobia
Have you ever gotten nervous or felt like there were butterflies in your stomach when you had to
answer a question in class or meet a new person. Could you imagine feeling that way every day?
Too much of this kind of fear is known as social phobia.
Social phobia is the fear, anxiety, or worry regarding social situations. People with social phobia
often experience sweaty palms, a racing heart, and even stomachaches at the idea of having to
speak to other people. People with severe social phobia often avoid situations that would force them
to be around other people. Some may not leave their houses. Others may only talk to a small
number of close friends and family.
Early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important in dealing with social phobia. See a doctor if
you have a constant anxiety of being in social situations. Therapists can help patients work around
their anxiety. Therapy can include practicing social skills and observing how others handle social
situations. It might also include relaxation exercises, like deep breathing or yoga.
Passage 2
All About Anxiety
Although most people get nervous about something at one point or another, there are some
people who suffer from anxiety disorders that affect their whole lives. Anxiety may be a problem if
someone is anxious about things all the time and has trouble sleeping because of it.
In some situations, anxiety can be good for people. It may push them to study for an upcoming
test or keep them alert if they are in danger. But when a person is anxious all the time, he or she
may suffer from long-lasting fear or worry about things that are irrational.
Anxiety disorders affect about 13 percent of all people in the United States, including kids and
teens. People with anxiety disorders may have trouble sleeping, eating regularly and concentrating.
Phobias of large crowds, open places, heights, elevators, and flying on planes are examples of
anxiety disorders. Sometimes people can avoid the things that trigger their fears, but many phobias
are very difficult to ignore.
Go to see a doctor if anxiety causes symptoms like rapid heartbeat, pains in the chest and
stomach, vomiting, trouble breathing and/or sleeping. These issues can alert doctors of medical
conditions, and possibly, mental illness. If people find that anxiety is beginning to affect their daily
life, they should seek help immediately. He or she could miss out on time with family and friends if
he or she does not take care of the problem. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help.
It may seem like friends or family members don’t understand the disorder because they say
things like, “Stop worrying so much.” Although they may not understand things are not that simple
with anxiety, close friends and family can be a great support system during treatment.
26. According to the passages, what is one thing both authors agree on?
A. Get immediate treatment for social anxiety if it interferes with daily life.
B. Doctors can prescribe medicine to cure people of social anxiety disorders.
C. Ignoring social situations is a good way to get over the fear of public places.
D. Social anxiety disorders only affect teens and younger school-aged children.
27. After reading both passages, what could be the physical symptom of someone
having a long-lasting worry attack?
A. sleeping too much
B. constant exercise
C. low heart rate
D. stomachache
28. If someone were diagnosed with a social phobia, what else could be said about
that person?
A. He or she will always have to see a doctor.
B. He or she will be a terrible student.
C. He or she also has an anxiety disorder.
D. He or she refuses to speak to anyone.
Do Animals Have Personalities?
We don't know whether animals insult their enemies by calling them "human beings," but we call on
quite a few animals to describe other people in uncomplimentary ways. Here are some animals that
seem to embody less desirable human characteristics.
Bats: To call someone “batty” or say a person has “bats in the belfry” is to call the person crazy.
When a ringing church bell disturbs bats who live in a belfry (the tower where a church bell is rung),
they fly around in a frenzied way. The belfry is seen as a person's head; the disordered movements
of the bats are his or her thoughts.
Bird (birdbrain): A stupid person is often called a "birdbrain" since a bird's brain is normally small—
about the size of the bird's eye.
Jellyfish: A person who has a weak character is called a "jellyfish," because jellyfish have no spines
(they can't stand up straight) and are composed of water and a jellylike substance (soft, wobbly, and
insubstantial).
Leech: A person who attaches himself or herself to another and takes without giving anything in
return is often called a "leech," since a leech is a blood-sucking worm.
Lone wolf: Someone who is described as a "lone wolf" is an outsider, one who keeps to himself or
herself. Since, like people, most wolves live in families and travel in packs, a single wolf is unusual
and has either strayed from the pack or been driven away.
Pig: A sloppy or messy person is often called a "pig," for pigs often wallow in the mud or dust in
order to keep cool.
"Do Animals Have Personalities?" http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0768609.html, as it appeared
on August 1, 2007, Fact Monster / Information Please Database © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc.
Reproduced by permission of Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Fact Monster from Information
Please. All rights reserved.
29. According to the article, what does calling someone a leech say about his
character?
A. That person is selfish.
B. That person is sloppy.
C. That person is crazy.
D. That person is lonely.
30. According to the article, what does it mean if someone is called a pig?
A. That person isn’t very smart.
B. That person is messy.
C. That person is weak.
D. That person is a loner.
31. According to this article, what would be the best explanation why someone who
is untrustworthy could be called a jellyfish?
A. Because an untrustworthy person usually tends to be messy
B. Because an untrustworthy person has a weak character
C. Because an untrustworthy person is often times crazy
D. Because an untrustworthy person likes to be alone most of the time
The entry deadline for the talent competition was fast approaching, but Jeremy and Xavier still hadn't
found a third member for their band. With Jeremy on lead guitar and Xavier on drums, they were
sure to be one of the most talented rock bands in the competition. But with only two instruments,
they didn't have the same power and energy the other bands had.
&nbp; "We need a bass guitar player," Jeremy said. "All the great rock bands have a bassist, or at
least a piano player."
Jeremy and Xavier agreed to post an ad in the school newspaper. The ad targeted anyone who
could play either bass guitar or piano. But a whole week passed, and not a single person responded.
Out of desperation, Xavier mentioned his little brother, who was a first-chair saxophonist in the
school band.
"That's ridiculous," Jeremy said. But, despite his protests, Jeremy knew they were running out of
options. After some reluctance, he agreed to let Xavier's brother join them. On the night of the
competition, Jeremy, Xavier, and Xavier's brother took the stage in front of hundreds of people. No
one knew what to expect from such an unconventional trio, but Xavier's brother hit all the right notes.
Despite having had very little practice time together, the three boys performed well.
Later that night, when the winners of the "most talented" awards were announced, the three boys
were disappointed when their band was not mentioned. Jeremy couldn't help but think that a bass
guitar or piano player would have made all the difference. But before he had a chance to point this
out to Xavier, one of the competition judges approached them.
"I wanted to congratulate you," the man said. "Even though you didn't win, I think your
performance really stuck out. Lots of people are playing the guitar these days, but I've never seen a
rock trio with a saxophonist. It takes courage to do something different."
32. Which sentence from the passage suggests that Jeremy is dissatisfied with the
band's performance at the talent competition?
A. "But before he had a chance to point this out to Xavier, one of the competition judges
approached them."
B. "After some reluctance, he agreed to let Xavier's brother join them."
C. "No one knew what to expect from such an unconventional trio, but Xavier's brother
hit all the right notes."
D. "Jeremy couldn't help but think that a bass guitar or piano player would have made
all the difference."
33. Which sentence from the passage best explains why Jeremy and Xavier are
anxious to find a third member for their band?
A. "But with only two instruments, they didn't have the same power and energy the
other bands had."
B. "On the night of the competition, Jeremy, Xavier, and Xavier's brother took the stage
in front of hundreds of people."
C. "Out of desperation, Xavier mentioned his little brother, who was a first-chair
saxophonist in the school band."
D. "With Jeremy on lead guitar and Xavier on drums, they were sure to be one of the
best rock bands in the competition."
34. Which sentence from the passage best explains why Jeremy agrees to allow
Xavier's little brother to join their band?
A. "The ad targeted anyone who could play either bass guitar or piano."
B. "Jeremy couldn't help but think that a bass guitar or piano player would have made
all the difference."
C. "'All the great rock bands have a bassist, or at least a piano player.'"
D. "But, despite his protests, Jeremy knew they were running out of options."
35. Which sentence from the passage best explains why letting Xavier's little brother
join the band may have been a good idea?
A. "But before he had a chance to point this out to Xavier, one of the competition judges
approached them."
B. "'I wanted to congratulate you,' the man said."
C. "On the night of the competition, Jeremy, Xavier, and Xavier's brother took the stage
in front of hundreds of people."
D. "'Even though you didn't win, I think your performance really stuck out.'"
The Inca lived in the mountainous regions of Peru. Despite the rough terrain, the Inca found ways
to thrive. They created a rich, strong empire.
The Inca wanted a unified empire, so they built a network of roads to connect the different areas.
They even made rest stops along the roads for weary travelers. Mountain regions can have many
canyons and rivers. The Inca built suspension bridges so travelers could cross safely from one side
to another. Some of the roads and bridges are still visible today.
The Inca could not easily use carts or wagons on the rough roads. Wheeled transportation was
too hard to use on steep inclines. Instead, people mostly traveled on foot. They used llamas to carry
heavy loads. Llamas are animals related to camels, but llamas do not have a hump on their backs.
Llamas have steady footing and are able to walk many miles over mountain paths without stopping
for water. The Inca respected the hard-working llamas. Llamas gave them more than transportation.
The Inca ate llama meat and used llama hair to make clothes.
36. Which sentence from the article best explains why llamas were important to the
Inca?
A. "They even made rest stops along the roads for weary travelers. Mountain regions
can have many canyons and rivers."
B. "Llamas have steady footing and are able to walk many miles over mountain paths
without stopping for water."
C. "Wheeled transportation was too hard to use on steep inclines. Instead, people
mostly traveled on foot."
D. "The Inca wanted a unified empire, so they built a network of roads to connect the
different areas."
Julius Caesar
It is almost impossible to visit Europe and not see the impact of the Roman civilization. Ruins,
roads, bridges, coliseums, and villas litter the landscape. History, civics, and poetry from the Roman
era have also affected Western culture and language as well. Today, people know of many
influential and famous Romans, but Julius Caesar is by far the most well known among them.
During Caesar’s youth, Rome was in great turmoil. Lucius Cornelius Sulla had conquered the city
of Rome and declared himself dictator for life. His gangs of legionnaires roamed the streets and
murdered his political opponents, many of whom were followers of Caesar’s uncle. Sulla forced
Caesar to go into hiding, so he joined the army and learned the ways of a soldier.
Caesar found no security in the army. Rome was constantly at war with barbarian tribes and
other kingdoms, and Caesar saw his fair share of battle. He served with distinction and won great
honors. When Caesar learned of Sulla’s death, he returned to Rome and began a career in politics.
He used his position to right the wrongs done during Sulla’s reign as dictator, calling to justice many
of the men who profited from Sulla’s corruption.
When Caesar marched his legions north into the area of modern-day France and Belgium, he
catalogued his observations of daily Celtic life. He recorded disputes and stories, histories and
mythology. He commented on Celtic law and government in addition to reports of his battles against
the tribes. Scholars today understand much about that ancient society from Caesar’s writings on
Gaul.
After the Senate elected Caesar ruler for life, he enacted many reforms that benefited the
common people of Rome. He passed laws that redistributed wealth to those in need. At that time,
slaves took most of the jobs, so free Romans had trouble finding work. Caesar changed this. He
ordered that rich Romans employ a certain number of freed men to work on their farms and
factories. Caesar also increased the number of Senators and lowered the level of social class
required for a Roman to become a senator.
On March 15, 44 B.C., a group of senators assassinated Caesar on the floor of the Senate. This
act cast Rome into a civil war between the supporters of Caesar and those of his assassins.
Caesar’s successor Augustus was able to overcome his opponents after many years of war.
Augustus restored Rome to a long period of peace and prosperity.
37. Which sentence from the article offers support for the thesis, "Today, people
know of many influential and famous Romans, but Julius Caesar is by far the
most well known among them"?
A. "Caesar's successor Augustus was able to overcome his opponents after many years
of war."
B. "Scholars today understand much about that ancient society from Caesar's writings
on Gaul."
C. "Lucius Cornelius Sulla had conquered the city of Rome and declared himself dictator
for life."
D. "Sulla forced Caesar to go into hiding, so he joined the army and learned the ways of
a soldier."
The New Deal
In order to combat the economic devastation caused by the Great Depression, Franklin
Roosevelt had Congress pass a series of bills known as the New Deal. Its aim was to put a stop to
the economic downturn and help America recover from years of financial deprivation.
Roosevelt based the ideals of the New Deal on three foundations. First “Relief” was the idea that
those Americans in need would need immediate support. Second, “Reform” was the idea that
American business centers needed to be reformed to ensure the tragedy would not happen again.
Third, “Recovery” was the idea that the New Deal would help the economy recover so that it would
be stronger than before the Great Depression.
The New Deal closed the banks, created government programs that would protect the banks
should they fail in the future, and took the United States off the gold standard. This created a more
elastic economy that allowed financial centers to bounce back if the dollar continued to fail. The New
Deal also called for the federal government to spend billions of dollars putting America to work.
Roosevelt knew that Americans were a proud people. While some might take charity, the president
knew all of them would take honest work. The mobilized workers built dams, railroads, power
stations, highways, canals, and levies against floodplains. It was a new face on an old country. New
buildings sprung up everywhere. The workers built Hoover Dam, one of the largest dams in the
world, in a little less than five years. A network of interstate highways spread from coast to coast and
border to border. Roosevelt’s New Deal gave Americans heart again after having lost so much
during the Great Depression.
The plan was not without its opponents, however. Critics screamed that the New Deal was baldfaced communism while still others called it fascism. Roosevelt denied these opponents’ claims
directly. In one of his Fireside Chats, he said that though some might try to scare Americans by
calling the New Deal communism or fascism, it was the “right” thing to do. He said Americans were
in need, and now they were working to build a better country. Opponents also pointed out that
unemployment had not returned to its lowest point before the Depression. They complained that
Roosevelt could not balance the budget, and the U.S. was slipping further into debt. Roosevelt said
that the increased spending was necessary to stabilize the nation. Most Americans sided with
Roosevelt, as he continued to win elections.
Eventually, the United States entered World War II, and unemployment virtually disappeared.
Factory production skyrocketed, and the U.S. government spent even more money by purchasing
weapons, equipment, and ammunition from American companies. The federal government spent
more money during World War II than it ever did during the years of the New Deal. This catapulted
the American economy into superpower status as early as 1946. A status the country still enjoys
today.
38. Which quote from the article supports the idea that the New Deal was a bad
financial idea?
A. "They complained that Roosevelt could not balance the budget, and the U.S. was
slipping further into debt."
B. "The federal government spent more money during World War II than it ever did
during the years of the New Deal."
C. "This created a more elastic economy that allowed financial centers to bounce back if
the dollar continued to fail."
D. "Its aim was to put a stop to the economic downturn and help America recover from
years of financial deprivation."
39. What does the following quote mean, "Its aim was to put a stop to the economic
downturn and help America recover from the effects of years of financial
deprivation"?
A. The New Deal was supposed to stop the failing economy and help America recover
from years of economic troubles.
B. The New Deal was supposed to cause the economy to fail so that the price of gold
would be worthless in the future.
C. The New Deal was supposed to turn America into a communist nation and to prepare
for war against Germany.
D. The New Deal was supposed to give money to the poor Americans and take money
from the rich American bankers.
40. Which quote from the article supports the New Deal was a good financial idea?
A. "The New Deal also called for the federal government to spend billions of dollars
putting America to work."
B. "Roosevelt's New Deal gave Americans heart again after having lost so much during
the Great Depression."
C. "Opponents also pointed out that unemployment had not returned to its lowest point
before the Depression."
D. "Critics screamed that the New Deal was bald-faced communism while still others
called it fascism."
Cork Floors, Yes or No?
I have always believed that floors add character and warmth to a home. In today’s world of floors,
there are varied options to choose from. A unique and eco-friendly flooring option, cork has an
exceptionally long lifespan. It reduces the risk of rot and mold and actually helps the quality of air
indoors. It works well to neutralize temperature and absorb sound. Because cork flooring does not
trap allergens, pet dander, or dust, it is also great for allergy sufferers. After reading several reviews
and having used it at home for several years, I highly recommend this option for anyone interested in
eco-friendly flooring. I can vouch for it!
However, there are some pitfalls that keep buyers from investing in cork flooring. For one, it is
expensive! Cork comes from an evergreen tree called the cork oak. These trees are grown in the
region around the Mediterranean Sea, and therefore, the cost of shipping bumps up the sticker price
considerably. Secondly, unlike other floors that last almost a lifetime, cork floors last only five to ten
years and have to be replaced more frequently. Dogs and high heels are a complete no-no around
cork-floored areas. Paws and heels dig through the pliable surface, creating holes. In spite of its
disadvantages, a large number of people today are turning towards this earth-friendly product.
41. Which quote from the selection best demonstrates the author's preference for
cork flooring?
A. "After reading several reviews and having used it at home for several years, I highly
recommend this option for anyone interested in eco-friendly flooring."
B. "These trees are grown in the region around the Mediterranean Sea, and therefore,
the cost of shipping bumps up the sticker price considerably."
C. "Because cork flooring does not trap allergens, pet dander, or dust, it is also great for
allergy sufferers."
D. "However, there are some pitfalls that keep buyers from investing in cork flooring.
For one, it is expensive!"
42. According to the author, what is one downside of cork flooring?
A. its flammable quality
B. its long-lasting durability
C. its ability to keep air clean
D.
its expensive cost
Ancient Healers
by R. Cornelius
While ancient surgical procedures would horrify most modern people, it is amazing to consider
the level of sophistication early healers possessed. Though rudimentary and simple in most
respects, these procedures often worked to some extent. Scholars study old skeletal remains to
detect the results and find that in a majority of cases the remains show signs of healing after a
procedure. This means that the patient did not die under the knife. If the procedures did not cause
the patient to expire, then it might be worth something for medical scholars to analyze them.
Medical historians explain that the basis for most modern medical procedures come from the
works of a Greek physician by the name of Galen. Galen was a Roman citizen, and he lived in an
area of the Mediterranean that is today part of Turkey. Much of Galen’s knowledge helped to create
hospitals in ancient Rome. The Roman military treated battle wounds according to his teachings. In
fact, the medical tools Galen invented are very similar to tools modern doctors use on a daily basis.
Galen even noticed that cleaning a patient’s wounds before and after surgery increased the patient’s
chance of survival.
Much of what Galen learned, he gathered from his time spent as a student in Egypt. He read
ancient works from the Egyptian doctor Imhotep who lived in the second millennia B.C. Galen wrote
on several procedures Imhotep used to treat the broken arms of laborers working on the Great
Pyramids of Giza. Many businesses in ancient Egypt also provided medical insurance and sick leave
for workers. Galen also learned about drugs and chemicals to heal and reduce pain from his study of
Imhotep. Scholars believe that Galen studied Imhotep in particular because the ancient Egyptian
was the first doctor not to rely on prayer to cure illness. In fact, mention of mysticism or magic is
absent from Imhotep’s works. As a result, the old Egyptian's scrolls read much like a textbook.
Though these are only two examples of ancient healers, scholars assume there are many doctors
from ancient times who were lost to history. Scholars make these assumptions because both Galen
and Imhotep did not live in a vacuum. They were real people who worked with others, and taught
others, to heal the sick. From this, it is completely reasonable to conclude that they passed on their
knowledge to other ancient physicians. After all, medical students still study their basic procedures in
class today.
43. Which sentence from the above passage offers a support for the following thesis?
"While ancient surgical procedures would horrify most modern people, it is amazing to
consider the level of sophistication early healers possessed."
A. "He read ancient works from the Egyptian doctor Imhotep who lived in the second
millennia B.C."
B. "In fact, the medical tools Galen invented are very similar to tools modern doctors
use on a daily basis."
C. "Galen was a Roman citizen, and he lived in an area of the Mediterranean that is
today part of Turkey."
D. "Many businesses in ancient Egypt also provided medical insurance and sick leave
for workers."
And we men, the creatures who inhabit this earth, must be to them at least as alien and lowly as
are the monkeys and lemurs to us. The intellectual side of man already admits that life is an
incessant struggle for existence, and it would seem that this too is the belief of the minds upon Mars.
Their world is far gone in its cooling and this world is still crowded with life, but crowded only with
what they regard as inferior animals. To carry warfare sunward is indeed their only escape from the
destruction that generation after generation creeps upon them.
And before we judge of them too harshly we must remember what ruthless and utter destruction
our own species has wrought, not only upon animals such as the vanished bison and the dodo, but
upon its own race. The Tasmanians, in spite of their human likeness, were entirely swept out of
existence in a war of extermination waged by European immigrants in the space of fifty years. Are
we such apostles of mercy as to complain if the Martians warred in the same spirit?
The Martians seem to have calculated their descent with amazing subtlety—their mathematical
learning is evidently far in excess of ours—and to have carried out their preparations with a well-nigh
perfect unanimity. Had our instruments permitted it, we might have seen the gathering trouble far
back in the nineteenth century. Men like Schiaparelli watched the red planet—it is odd, by the way,
that for countless centuries Mars has been the star of war—but failed to interpret the fluctuating
appearances of the markings they mapped so well. All that time the Martians must have been getting
ready.
from The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
44. Which sentence from the excerpt best explains why the Martians are right to
wage war on humans?
A. "And before we judge of them too harshly we must remember what ruthless and
utter destruction our own species has wrought, not only upon animals such as the
vanished bison and the dodo, but upon its own race."
B. "Men like Schiaparelli watched the red planet—it is odd, by the way, that for
countless centuries Mars has been the star of war—but failed to interpret the
fluctuating appearances of the markings they mapped so well."
C. "Had our instruments permitted it, we might have seen the gathering trouble far
back in the nineteenth century."
D. "The Martians seem to have calculated their descent with amazing subtlety—their
mathematical learning is evidently far in excess of ours—and to have carried out
their preparations with a well-nigh perfect unanimity."
Set Maat
by R. Cornelius
Along the shores of the Nile, across from the present-day city of Luxor, rests the ruins of an
ancient Egyptian town known as Set Maat. The workers that lived in Set Maat built the Valley of the
Kings. They constructed over 25 tombs for Egyptian nobles over the course of 500 years. When
archaeologists first discovered these ruins, they found a great treasure. They uncovered tens of
thousands of scrolls that contain information about daily life. The writings paint a detailed portrait that
shows daily life in ancient Egypt to be surprisingly quaint and free.
The laborers who lived in Set Maat were middle class. They enjoyed good salaries, time off from
work, and the freedom to raise families and conduct themselves as they saw fit. A police force
known as the Medjai patrolled the streets and kept order, but the workers could come and go as they
pleased. They could look for work in a different town, worship freely, own property, and inherit
property from their parents. Most were literate, as seen by the vast amount of personal
correspondence in the discovered writings. Women shopped in markets for cloth, vegetables, fruits,
furniture, and many other luxury items. In addition, the Kingdom of Egypt saw to the people’s
medical needs, daily bread, and the education of their children. They were not the slaves that past
scholars believed them to be. Some of the scrolls even explain that workers went on strike when
they were unhappy.
Archaeologists also discovered that the women of Set Maat had remarkable freedoms given that
period in history. Ancient Egyptian men treated women fairly. Adultery was a crime. Women were
educated to read and write and to manage accounts. They could speak their minds in public, own
land and businesses—and many did so. Egyptian law harshly punished crimes against women, and
the Egyptian authorities prided themselves on the understanding that a woman could walk the
streets at night unmolested. The government even paid for nannies and servants to help
homemakers with daily chores. In the event that marriages failed, the courts saw that women were
financially secure in the aftermath of divorce.
The scrolls also show a softer side to life in ancient Egypt. Literature of all genres demonstrates a
highly developed, compassionate culture that sought to live a balanced, humble existence. Some tell
tales of romances and love stories, and others explain morality and justice. They speak of large
families that enjoyed a good life together. A scholar could easily make the comparison between an
Ancient Egyptian gathering of friends and family and a modern American barbecue where adults
chatted about sports and politics, and children played in the yard.
45. Which sentence from the passage offers support for the thesis, "The writings
paint a detailed portrait that shows daily life in ancient Egypt to be surprisingly
quaint and free"?
A. "They constructed over 25 tombs for Egyptian nobles over the course of 500
years."
B. "They uncovered tens of thousands of scrolls that contain information about daily
life."
C. "Some tell tales of romances and love stories, and others explain morality and
justice."
D. "Some of the scrolls even explain that workers went on strike when they were
unhappy."
Answers
1. C
2. C
3. A
4. C
5. A
6. C
7. A
8. B
9. D
10. C
11. B
12. A
13. B
14. D
15. D
16. C
17. A
18. B
19. A
20. A
21. B
22. D
23. C
24. B
25. C
26. A
27. D
28. C
29. A
30. B
31. B
32. D
33. A
34. D
35. D
36. B
37. B
38. A
39. A
40. B
41. A
42. D
43. B
44. A
45. D
Explanations
1. While this passage describes an unusual bus trip, the actions of the bus driver are fairly
typical. However, it is unusual that the bus driver stops to make a haircut appointment.
From this detail, the reader can infer that he is not in a hurry. Thus, the correct choice
is, "Once, the bus driver stopped in the middle of the road to chat with a passing
motorist: his barber, as it turned out."
2. Maria's assumption that the bus driver will continue driving the bus is based on
information obtained from her conversation with the bus driver. However, the idea that
giants dropped rocks onto the hills is fantastical and imaginative. Thus, the correct
choice is, "On her left, hills rose and fell, crowned with jagged slabs of rock that looked
as if they'd been dropped there by giants."
3. The passage describes Maria's fascination with the scenery; however, much of the
description only implies that Maria is unfamiliar with this scenery. Only once does the
author mention the newness of the scenery in more direct terms. The correct choice is,
"What she saw was unlike anything she'd seen before."
4. The reader can infer from the passage that mountaineers are attracted to K2 because it
is especially dangerous to climb. Its status as one of the last mountains to be climbed
would make it especially attractive. Thus, the correct choice is, "As Mount Everest had
been successfully climbed the year before, K2 was the last of Earth's tallest mountains
to be conquered."
5. The writer describes several unsuccessful attempts to climb K2, but the difficulties are
often implied rather than directly specified. A person who is unfamiliar with mountain
climbing would need examples of specific difficulties. The correct choice is, "In every
case, avalanches, storms, altitude sickness, and the sheer steepness of the mountain
made ascent impossible."
6. The writer describes many unsuccessful attempts to reach the summit of K2. However,
a single unsuccessful attempt does not necessarily indicate that the climb is dangerous.
A statistic that describes numerous unsuccessful attempts over a period of many years
is more effective. The correct choice is, "For every four people who have reached the
summit of the mountain, one has died trying."
7. According to the coach, he wasn't sure if there would be enough people left to play the
game since most of his players were getting hurt and injured. This is when the coach
sent word that he wanted Gill to be a substitute, just in case anyone else got hurt.
8. The entire article is about how A&M won a game they weren't supposed to win. Calling
them "small" and "scrappy" is another way of saying that A&M were underdogs and that
they weren't heavily-favored to win.
9. According to the text, Thompson named Gill the 12th man because of the way he was so
dedicated to the team. The article says that the tradition stands today and that football
fans everywhere look to this as a reminder of the dedication people have to their
friends, their team, and their university.
10. This sentence follows a prior sentence that states, "It further states that because the
studios police themselves, the government has no need to do so." From this, the reader
can assume that the statement, "While this fact may be true, a large number of past
MPAA presidents have been ex-politicians with ties to the U.S. government," suggests
the author believes the association between the presidents and the U.S. government
means that the government may influence the MPAA's decisions.
11. According to the passage, "Critics of the MPAA, like film critic Roger Ebert, call for the
MPAA to restructure its process to produce ratings that are more accurate." The author
makes an ethical appeal by stating that respected professionals in the film industry,
such as Roger Ebert, think it would be a good idea if the MPAA restructured.
12. The author writes in the next sentence, "They do so to attract larger audiences and
increase ticket sales." The author goes on to make a point that the MPAA should
restructure its procedures in an effort to prevent this sort of abuse.
13. To give someone a run for his or her money means to challenge his or her supremacy.
Therefore, when the reviewer says, "The new Blackberry Storm is giving the legendary
iPhone a run for its money," he or she means the Blackberry Storm is challenging the
iPhone's supremacy.
14. The biggest problem the government of Bhutan could have with foreigners bringing
cigarettes into the country is that they could attempt to sell them to the Bhutan citizens
for less than what they are used to paying. The citizens who smoke would probably like
to buy cigarettes from foreigners since the cigarettes in their own country are being
taxed so high.
15. According to the passage, "The government requires [people] to pay a 100% tax on the
tobacco they import." This means that the taxes on tobacco cost as much as the tobacco
itself. This makes smoking harder financially on Bhutan's citizens.
16. According to the article, since only about 1% of the country is affected by this new law,
it won't affect that many people. And since people are still allowed to smoke inside of
their homes, the government believes this to be a fair law.
17. According to the text, “Scientists hope that they will uncover more fossils in the
streambed and that those fossils will help answer some of the mysteries of ancient life
on Earth!”
18. The text states, "Picture the shallow streams as wading pools. When you're in a wading
pool, being able to push off with your arms helps you move around more easily than
swimming does. 'When fish used their fins to prop themselves up on the bottom ... it
was a useful invention at that time,' Shubin said."
19. This quote sets the rest of the article into motion since the entire article is about how
fish evolved and began using arms to push themselves out of the water and onto land.
20. According to the passage, "Since a groundhog (or woodchuck or "whistle pig") sleeps
during the winter, its coming out of the ground is a sign of spring. In Europe centuries
ago, people watched for other sleeping animals, including badgers, bears, and
hedgehogs, as signs of winter's end." People believe that since these animals hibernate
during the winter and wake during the spring that they have a better idea of when
spring will arrive.
21. According to the text, "In Europe centuries ago, people watched for other sleeping
animals, including badgers, bears, and hedgehogs, as signs of winter's end." The main
reason Germans who came to Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s started to use the
groundhog for weather prediction was because there were so many in the area.
22. If you read the passage, you'll notice it states, "And a superstition it is. But there's a bit
of truth: the winter days when you can see your shadow clearly are often especially cold
because there are no clouds overhead to warm the earth."
23. At the end of the second passage, it says that protective gear will keep a person safe
when the person returns to play. It recommends wearing braces or bandages to help
support the previously injured body part. The doctors would not operate on him right
before he was about to play because it would take time for him to recover. Neither
passage mentions anything about a special jersey.
24. According to both articles, when a person chooses to ignore his or her doctor's advice
and rush through rehab, he or she runs the risk of reinjury. The first article states, "any
attempt to speed up the rehabilitation process poses the same risk for injury." Also, the
second article states, "If you ignore your doctor, you could reinjure yourself. You could
even make your injury worse than it was before."
25. According to the second article, the advice is, "Keep your workouts light at first, to allow
your body time to get used to playing sports again." This was the one piece of advice he
managed to follow because in the first passage, it states, "All-Pro receiver Terrell Owens
had a light workout on Monday. . . ."
26. If you read both passages carefully, you'll notice that one talks about anxiety, and the
other talks about a specific anxiety. Even though they are slightly different, they both
agree that if anxiety keeps you from living a normal life, it's best to get treatment.
Neither passage mentions the other choices.
27. In both passages, the authors mention that people who suffer from anxiety disorders
can have physical pain, such as fast heart beat, chest pain, stomachaches, vomiting,
shortness of breath, or sleeping problems.
28. If you read both passages, you'll see that much of the information that is applied to one
passage is applied to the other passage. Now, when you read over the first passage,
you'll notice that it states, "Social phobia is the fear, anxiety, or worry regarding social
situations." By saying "This kind of anxiety is known as social phobia" the author is
conveying that a social phobia is a kind of anxiety disorder.
29. If you read the passage carefully, you’ll see that people who are called leeches are
associated with the same qualities a leech has. A person who attaches himself or herself
to another and takes without giving anything in return is often called a leech, since a
leech is a blood-sucking worm. It would make sense if a person who I called a leech is
selfish.
30. If you read the passage carefully, you’ll see that people who are called pigs are
associated with the same qualities a pig has. A sloppy or messy person is often called a
pig, for pigs often wallow in the mud or dust in order to keep cool.
31. The best way to associate a jellyfish with an untrustworthy person is to consider their
qualities. A person who has a weak character is called a jellyfish, because jellyfish have
no spines (they can't stand up straight) and are composed of water and a jellylike
substance (soft, wobbly, and insubstantial).
32. The author states that Jeremy is reluctant to invite Xavier's little brother to join the
band. The author also states that following the competition, the boys were disappointed.
However, only one sentence implies that Jeremy feels regret. The correct choice is,
"Jeremy couldn't help but think that a bass guitar or piano player would have made all
the difference."
33. The author states that the entry deadline for the talent competition is fast approaching.
However, because Jeremy and Xavier are "sure to be one of the most talented rock
bands in the competition," an approaching deadline should not be a problem. The
passage contains only one sentence that indicates why Jeremy and Xavier's band is
lacking something. The correct choice is, "But with only two instruments, they didn't
have the same power and energy the other bands had."
34. In response to the idea that Xavier's little brother should join the band, Jeremy says,
"That is ridiculous." However, the author states that the entry deadline for the talent
competition is approaching. Also, the author states that no one responds to Jeremy and
Xavier's ad for a whole week. Thus, the correct choice is, "But, despite his protests,
Jeremy knew they were running out of options."
35. Because the band does not win an award in the competition, the reader could infer that
Jeremy and Xavier should not have invited Xavier's little brother to join the band.
However, the judge states otherwise. The correct choice is, "'Even though you didn't
win, I think your performance really stuck out.'"
36. In the third paragraph of the article, the author talks about the ways that the Inca used
llamas. Llamas were especially important to the Inca because they could carry heavy
loads on the mountains without losing the load or needing to stop often. The sentence in
the passage that explains why llamas were important to the Inca describes how the
llamas are able to steadily move on the rough mountain roads and carry heavy loads
without stopping.
37. Most articles contain a main argument supported by details. Supporting details give
background information, specifics, and reasons to explain the main argument. They are
essential for good writing. In the article, the writer's main point is Julius Caesar is the
most influential and famous Roman politician. Therefore, a supporting detail would be a
sentence that gives a reason for this belief, such as, "Scholars today understand much
about that ancient society from Caesar's writings on Gaul."
38. In the passage, the fourth paragraph gives the reasons why the opponents believed the
New Deal was not a good idea. According to this paragraph, "They complained that
Roosevelt could not balance the budget, and the U.S. was slipping further into debt."
39. This sentence reflects the main idea of the article. According to this sentence, the main
goal of the New Deal was to stop the economic problems in the United States and to
help those hurt by the Great Depression recover.
40. The article points out that many Americans were suffering because of economic
hardship. The quote, "Roosevelt's New Deal gave Americans heart again after having
lost so much during the Great Depression," shows that the New Deal worked to restore
Americans' faith in America.
41. Although the author talks about the pros and cons of installing cork flooring, the reader
can tell that the author prefers cork flooring. This is evident from the last sentences of
the first paragraph. The author has cork flooring in his or her home and highly
recommends it.
42. The second half of the article talks about the disadvantages of cork flooring. The second
paragraph says, "For one, it is expensive!"
43. Most types of articles and stories contain several main arguments that are supported by
details. Supporting details give background information, specifics, and examples of the
main argument. They are essential to good writing. In the passage, the author's main
point is that the level of sophistication early healers possessed was more advanced than
people might think, at first. Therefore, a supporting detail would be a sentence that
gives an example of this level of sophistication, such as "In fact, the medical tools Galen
invented are very similar to tools modern doctors use on a daily basis."
44. Most types of stories contain a main argument that is supported by details. Supporting
details give background information, specifics, and reasons for the main argument. They
are essential to good writing. In the story excerpt above, the writer's main point is that
the Martian are just in waging war against humans. Therefore, a supporting detail would
be a sentence that gives a reason for this belief: "And before we judge of them too
harshly we must remember what ruthless and utter destruction our own species has
wrought, not only upon animals such as the vanished bison and the dodo, but upon its
own race." Basically, he's saying humans get what they deserve. What do you think?
45. Most articles contain a main argument supported by details. Supporting details give
background information, specific examples, and reasons that explain the main
argument. They are essential in effective writing. In the passage, one of the writer's
arguments is that daily life in ancient Egypt was surprisingly free and normal. Therefore,
a supporting detail would be a sentence that gives specific examples of some of those
freedoms. For example, the sentence, "Some of the scrolls even explain that workers
went on strike when they were unhappy," shows that the workers enjoyed the freedom
to express their displeasure through work stoppage.
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