Name: ___________________
Snow Day Assignment #2
Technical Meanings
Science is the process of discovery. Science is practiced in an attempt to understand and
explain phenomena taking place in the natural world. Scientists want to understand how the world
works, so they observe, identify, and describe events and occurrences happening around them.
The goal is to provide a model of reality that accurately reflects the world around us. Every
imaginable action or circumstance happening right now in the world happens according to a
natural law. Whether it's the process of aging or the formation of a hurricane, all events can be
explained according to a principle of science.
As a whole, science provides a consistent and rational explanation of the world. True scientists
will do so objectively and impartially. They will perform experiments to test their observations. They
will form scientific theories based upon facts and evidence alone. Science is not about supporting
faith and superstition, nor is its purpose to alleviate human fears of the unknown. Rather, science
is concerned only with the discovery of truth.
1. Based on the context of the passage, the term model of reality can
best be interpreted to mean
A. an attempt to imitate nature.
B. the rules of the natural world.
C. the information one collects.
D. an understanding of the world.
2. Based on the context of the passage, what does natural law mean?
A. a
B. a
C. a
D. a
rule that governs the universe
right that people deserve
normal event in the world
law enforced by humanity
3. Based on the context of the passage, what does superstition mean?
A. ideas based on evidence
B. a belief inconsistent with fact
C. an unfounded fear of science
D. ideas believed by the majority
4. Based on the context of the passage, which of the following best
defines scientific theory?
A. a reason for existence
B. a belief based on truth
C. an unbiased observation
Name: ___________________
Snow Day Assignment #2
D. a rational explanation
5. Based on the context of the passage, which of the following would
best define phenomena?
A. unexplainable incidents
B. extraordinary circumstances
C. supernatural experiences
D. observable occurrences
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an alliance between 28 independent countries.
It was created in 1949 after the Second World War. The initial goals were to stop the spread of
Soviet communism and to provide collective security for its members. As part of a union, NATO
members have agreed to assist other members when they are attacked. This happened after
September 11, 2001. NATO responded quickly and assisted the U.S. in the war in Afghanistan.
Since its founding, NATO has conducted several joint operations in regions where serious
conflict has occurred. A relatively recent involvement took place in the Balkans. By the 1990s,
tensions between various ethnic rivalries had grown to the point where the regional peace was
threatened. Full-scale conflict broke out during the War in Bosnia in 1992. In response, NATO
conducted air strikes and bombing campaigns that eventually ended the war.
During the Kosovo War, which began in 1998, NATO conducted a two-year long military
campaign in the area. The objective this time was to protect the Albanian citizens in Kosovo. Some
view the Kosovo War as a humanitarian war because of the crimes committed against the Albanian
people. During this decade, NATO also led several multinational peacekeeping forces in the region.
The goals of these missions included implementing civilian programs and strengthening the central
government.
6. How is the term regional peace defined in the passage?
A. peace
B. peace
C. peace
D. peace
and stability across political boundaries
that is brief and fragile
throughout the world
that results from military action
7. According to the passage, the term military campaign can be
defined as
A. the threat of military force to protect a country.
B. the necessary use of force to stop aggression.
C. a use of military force to defend civilians.
D. a series of military operations to achieve a goal.
Name: ___________________
Snow Day Assignment #2
8. Based on the passage, which of the following best defines joint
operations?
A. the
B. the
C. the
D. the
multiple activities conducted by the military
organized military action by multiple countries
collective decision to wage war on a country
use of military action to bring about peace
9. Which of the following best defines collective security as it is used
in the passage?
A. a plan to secure the freedom of countries where Soviet communism exists
B. the agreement to safeguard the world against the influence of communism
C. an arrangement in which all states cooperate to ensure the safety of each member
D. the guaranteed safety of one country provided by the protection of other countries
10. Based on the context of the passage, the reader can tell that
peacekeeping forces do which of the following?
A. occupy a country without force
B. negotiate treaties
C. use politics to persuade enemies
D. prevent conflict