Study Island
Copyright © 2015 Edmentum - All rights reserved.
Generation Date: 11/19/2015
Generated By: Peter Knepp
Hypermiling, a term coined by efficiency expert Wayne
Gerdes, means improving a car’s gas mileage using
simple methods. A person who practices hypermiling on a
regular basis can achieve a 50 percent or better
improvement in a vehicle’s official fuel economy estimate.
Improving fuel economy through hypermiling can work
for any vehicle. The driver of a 2005 Honda Accord, for
example, went from 24 mpg to 35 mpg after adopting
hypermiling techniques for one year. Gerdes himself set a
world record in 2009 after driving a Ford Fusion Hybrid for
1,445 miles on a single tank of gas. He was able to
achieve a fuel economy of 81 mpg, which is more than
double the EPA estimate for fuel economy in a Fusion.
Most hypermiling techniques are easy to implement.
Driving at lower speeds leads to less fuel consumption.
Be sure to drive the posted speed limit—or even slower—
to save money. Slowing down also benefits drivers by
preventing excessive braking, which reduces gas mileage
by as much as 33 percent. Idling the engine for longer
than a few minutes can also be costly at the gas pump.
Simply by making a few common sense changes,
hypermilers can save money and protect the
environment.
1. What is the main purpose of this passage?
A. to inform the reader about Wayne Gerdes' 2009 victory
B. to persuade readers to adopt hypermiling techniques
C. to warn readers about driving over the speed limit
D. to explain the history of hypermiling in the United States
2. The author mentions the driver of a 2005 Honda Accord in the second paragraph in order to
A. suggest that hypermiling is a propaganda tool to sell hybrid vehicles.
B. show that hypermiling provides only limited benefits to drivers.
C. introduce the idea that hypermiling only works on new cars.
D. provide a real-life example of the benefits of hypermiling.
Woginrich Named Winner of 2010 Quote-a-Thon
On Thursday, one of Sandgate's brightest young residents was named the winner of
the 2010 Sandgate Quote-a-Thon. This event, which is held each year, is open to all
residents of Sandgate, and the $5000 prize is awarded to the person who can
accurately quote the longest passage of literature. Competitors in the past have quoted
passages from Edgar Allan Poe, Homer, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Shakespeare.
"We always look forward to hearing great literature recited passionately," said Quotea-Thon judge Roberta Lampert. Lampert, a lifelong resident of Sandgate, works full-time
as the head librarian of the town's public library. "This year, though, we were amazed at
the wide variety of passages. Sandgate residents really outdid themselves."
The 2010 winner is Bret Woginrich, a senior at Sandgate North High School. He
amazed the judges by reciting the entire contents of Henry David Thoreau's Walden.
Woginrich, who hopes to work for the U.S. Forestry Service after earning a college
degree, plans to put his prize money to good use.
"The $5000 will all be spent on college tuition," Woginrich told reporters after the
competition ended. "Memorizing Walden was no problem for me because it is one of my
favorite books. I hope I can inspire other people to discover Thoreau's work for
themselves." Entry forms for the 2011 Quote-a-Thon are already being accepted by the
Sandgate Chamber of Commerce.
3. The main purpose of the third paragraph is to
A. persuade the reader to purchase a copy of Henry David Thoreau's Walden.
B. explain the criteria used by judges in the 2010 Sandgate Quote-a-Thon.
C. suggest that memorization of classic literature is good preparation for college.
D. give background information about the most recent Quote-a-Thon winner.
4. Which sentence contributes LEAST to the author's main purpose in writing the passage?
A. The 2010 winner is Bret Woginrich, a senior at Sandgate North High School.
B. He amazed the judges by reciting the entire contents of Henry David Thoreau's Walden.
C.
On Thursday, one of Sandgate's brightest young residents was named the winner of the
2010 Sandgate Quote-a-Thon.
D.
Lampert, a lifelong resident of Sandgate, works full-time as the head librarian of the
town's public library.
"How much money do you have left?" Aubergine asked her best friend Deletina as
they wandered through the shopping mall. The bright lights and flashy window displays
dazzled her eyes and made her feel slightly dizzy. Deletina, however, appeared to be
having the time of her life.
"Who cares?" asked Deletina with a wave of her hand. "As long as I can buy
whatever I want, I don't care how light my wallet gets. Why are you worried about
money all of the sudden?"
"I promised to help support the Veryork Food Bank over the Christmas season,"
Aubergine replied. "They are really struggling this year, and I hate the thought that
anyone will go hungry in our community."
"You're so funny," said Deletina. "I remember when we were little kids, and you gave
your birthday present to a complete stranger, which I would never do. You've always
been a sucker for lost causes."
"I like helping people," Aubergine admitted with a smile. "But don't make me out to
be some kind of saint. I also like shopping at the mall with you."
"Well, sure, who doesn't?" Deletina smirked with a swish of her long hair. "Let's go
see if that leather jacket I want is still available." The girls hurried to the clothing store,
and Deletina pulled a dark purple leather jacket off the rack and tried it on.
"It fits!" she cried excitedly. "I am definitely buying it. You should get one too!"
"Uh, no," said Aubergine. "This jacket costs $200. That would completely wipe out
my bank account. I'd have to go back on my promise to the food bank, and I don't think
that is right."
"Don't be a goody two-shoes," Deletina replied in a huff. "It's your money, and you
should spend it however you want."
"I am spending my money on what I want," said Aubergine patiently. "I will get a lot
more enjoyment out of helping others than I would out of this jacket."
"Fine," Deletina grumbled. "I'll just pay for this jacket, and then we can go home so
you can polish your halo." Aubergine rolled her eyes at her friend's dramatic statement
and followed her to the cash register.
The girls walked out of the mall with their arms full of purchases. Deletina, despite
wearing her brand-new jacket, had a sour expression on her face, and Aubergine tried
to cheer her up by telling silly jokes. By the time they reached Aubergine's house,
Deletina had resumed her good humor and had even reluctantly agreed to help her
friend serve soup at the Veryork Food Bank on Christmas Eve.
5. The dialogue in the fourth paragraph is mainly intended to
A. establish Aubergine as the main antagonist of the story.
B. contrast Deletina's childhood with her friend Aubergine's childhood.
C. reveal background information about the two main characters.
D. suggest that the conflict between the main characters is groundless.
6. Read this sentence from the passage.
Deletina, despite wearing her brand-new jacket, had a sour expression on her face, and
Aubergine tried to cheer her up by telling silly jokes.
How does the inclusion of this sentence support the author's main purpose in writing the
passage?
A. It reinforces the idea that friendship is more important than money.
B. It reveals a completely different aspect of Deletina's personality.
C. It supports the idea that spending money is always a foolish decision.
D. It highlights the contrasting personalities of the two main characters.
From the Editor's Desk
Round Robin Senior High School
Most students think of white sandy beaches and deep blue oceans when they think
of Spring Break. This year, however, my vacation involved sheep, vegetables, and
knee-high work boots. The owner of Nine Bean Farm, located just ten miles north of our
high school, contacted me last month to see if I would be interested in a unique
opportunity. I, ever the intrepid reporter, jumped at the chance to star in my own version
of the old TV show Green Acres.
My farm vacation began at 5 a.m. on Monday morning—which, admittedly, did not
make me very happy. After several cups of farm manager Betty Kinkade's strong coffee,
I was ready to pitch in and make myself useful. I was handed a shovel and pointed in
the direction of the sheep barn. Two hours later, the stalls were free of dirty hay, the
sheep were blissfully resting on fresh straw, and my arms and shoulders were aching. I
chowed down on farm-fresh eggs, piping hot French toast, and crispy hash browns as a
reward for my hard work.
Throughout the week, I learned many valuable lessons about how animals should be
treated and how important small farms are to our environment. Nine Bean Farm
operates entirely without the use of chemicals, growth hormones, or pesticides, and I
have a new appreciation for the intense hard work that organic farming involves. I drove
away from Nine Bean with a new determination to pay more attention to the source of
the food on my plate.
Almost everyone I know, including friends and family, told me that I was crazy for
wanting to spend my Spring Break at a farm. After all, I am a city girl through and
through. Farming will most likely never be a part of my life. So, why spend a week of my
life mucking out stalls, weeding gardens, and shearing sheep? The short answer is—to
experience firsthand the beauty of nature and remind myself that every decision, even
one as simple as what food to eat, impacts the world around me. That's not a bad
lesson to take away from a week's vacation.
7. What is the main purpose of this editorial?
A. to defend the author's decision to become a farmer
B. to persuade readers to purchase only organically grown food
C. to introduce readers to the effect of pesticides on the environment
D. to share the author's personal experience with readers
8. The final paragraph of this editorial primarily serves to
A. defend the author's decision to spend a week working at a farm.
B. condemn the narrow-minded attitudes of the author's friends and family.
C. suggest that "city girls" should not waste their time working on farms.
D. describe the author's decision to purchase only organic food.
Old-time music is a genre of North American folk music that can trace its roots to
England, Ireland, and Scotland. Generally, this music is played using a combination of a
fiddle and one or more plucked string instruments, such as the banjo or the guitar.
Dancing often accompanies old-time music, and the style of dancing differs according to
the region. For example, clogging is more common in Appalachia, and square dancing
is traditional in many Southern states.
In 2000, old-time music experienced a revival in the United States due to the release
of the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which included several old-time songs on its
soundtrack. Folk music schools, such as the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago,
Illinois, began to train students in the old-time musical style. Additionally, many informal
jam sessions began to form across the U.S. to pass on traditional songs and
techniques.
The majority of old-time players learn the traditional songs by ear rather than by
reading sheet music. Although many songs and tunes are played the same way they
have been for centuries, there are numerous regional and local variations to old-time
music. Old-time, just like many other musical styles, encourages improvisation, and this
makes written notation difficult, if not impossible. Regardless of the challenges that exist
in preserving the many versions of old-time songs, the music community is making
every attempt to keep this rich tradition alive for future generations.
9. The first paragraph is primarily intended to
A. explain the significance of the fiddle in old-time music.
B. reveal the author's preference for old-time music.
C. introduce the topic of the old-time music genre.
D. portray old-time music as unoriginal and derivative.
10. The author mentions the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? in the second paragraph
primarily to
A. provide information about the first film to include old-time music.
B. encourage readers to support movies about old-time music.
C. explain an increase in the popularity of old-time music.
D. describe the influence of old-time music on Hollywood.
11. Which sentence contributes LEAST to the author's main purpose in writing the passage?
A.
The majority of old-time players learn the traditional songs by ear rather than by reading
sheet music.
B.
For example, clogging is more common in Appalachia, and square dancing is traditional
in many Southern states.
C.
Old-time music is a genre of North American folk music that can trace its roots to
England, Ireland, and Scotland.
D.
Generally, this music is played using a combination of a fiddle and one or more plucked
string instruments, such as the banjo or the guitar.
Guard Llamas
by J. Robbins
Livestock, such as sheep, cattle, and goats, are vulnerable to many threats, and
predation of valuable livestock costs millions of dollars per year. A guard animal lives
with a herd or flock to protect the livestock and deter predators. Shepherds, farmers,
and ranchers consider the ideal guard animal to be one that is effective, fearless, costeffective, and easy to maintain. Surprisingly, guard llamas have proven to fit the bill in
most circumstances and can be found guarding animals on farms and ranches across
the United States and North America.
Llamas are members of the South American Camelidae family and are used as
beasts of burden in many areas of the world. They are well-socialized to humans and
bond quickly with livestock. Additionally, llamas react aggressively to members of the
Canidae family—including dogs, coyotes, jackals, foxes, and wolves. These attributes
make llamas ideal guard animals for a variety of livestock, although they are most
widely used to guard sheep. Once llamas become attached to their livestock, they
actively protect the animals by chasing, kicking, or spitting at predators and moving the
flock to a safe location.
In a study conducted by Iowa State University in 1990, llamas were rated as effective
guard animals by 80 percent of sheep owners. Many ecologists and wildlife biologists
are also pleased with this practice because it provides a non-lethal way to handle
predators. Llamas are also a sound investment for shepherds, farmers, and ranchers
because they are long-lived (often living up to 20 years), acclimated to a wide variety of
climates, and able to graze on the same land as sheep, goats, and cattle. Although they
are not 100% successful against predators, guard llamas can be an effective, economic,
and ecologically friendly resource to help livestock owners protect their livelihood.
12. The main purpose of the second paragraph of this passage is to
A. provide information to support the idea that llamas are useful for guarding livestock.
B. condemn the practice of using llamas to protect other animals from dangerous predators.
C. introduce the idea that llamas should be limited to living with and guarding sheep.
compare the traditional practice of using llamas as beasts of burden with modern
D.
practices.
13. Read this sentence from the passage.
Many ecologists and wildlife biologists are also pleased with this practice because it
provides a non-lethal way to handle predators.
The author most likely included this information in the passage to
A.
support the main thesis of the passage by including scientific evidence about guard
llamas.
B. persuade the reader that all lethal options for disposing of predators should be eliminated.
introduce a counterargument to provide a fair and balanced look at the practice of using
C.
guard llamas.
D. explain that the practice of using guard llamas has benefits that extend beyond economics.
14. Which sentence from the passage most strongly supports the author's overall purpose in
writing?
A. A guard animal lives with a herd or flock to protect the livestock and deter predators.
Shepherds, farmers, and ranchers consider the ideal guard animal to be one that is
B.
effective, fearless, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.
C.
Llamas are members of the South American Camelidae family and are used as beasts of
burden in many areas of the world.
D.
In a study conducted by Iowa State University in 1990, llamas were rated as effective
guard animals by 80 percent of sheep owners.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is one of America’s most picturesque cities and has a
fascinating history. The town, originally called Mauch Chunk, was founded by Josiah
White in 1818 and quickly became a central location for railroad and shipping lines.
After the death of Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe in 1953, the town purchased the athlete’s
remains from his widow and erected a monument in his honor. Mauch Chunk was
renamed Jim Thorpe, and the growing city became a renowned tourist spot.
In 2009, Jim Thorpe was listed as one of the top ten coolest small towns in America
by Budget Travel Magazine. Railroading fans travel to the city from all over the world to
see the remains of the Mauch Chunk Switchback Gravity Railroad. There are a wide
variety of extreme sports and outdoor adventures available to tourists as well, including
white-water rafting, hiking, paintball, and mountain biking. The Anthracite Triathlon,
which is open to both amateur and professional athletes, is held in the city each year in
July. Tourists of all ages and interests will find Jim Thorpe to be one of the most
beautiful and interesting destinations in the U.S.
15. Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in writing this selection?
A. The passage is primarily intended to explain the origins of the name Mauch Chunk.
B. The passage is primarily intended to highlight the outdoor sports held in Jim Thorpe, PA.
C. The passage is primarily intended to persuade the reader to visit Jim Thorpe, PA.
D. The passage is primarily intended to describe the picturesque scenery of Jim Thorpe, PA.
Greek fire was an early thermal weapon used by the Byzantine Empire during the
9th and 10th centuries. This incendiary liquid could burn even on water, which made it
ideal for use in naval battles. It was generally pumped out of siphons onto enemy ships
or poured into grenades and thrown by hand.
Tradition holds that the secret of Greek fire was bequeathed to Emperor Constantine
by an angel. The composition of this weapon was a closely guarded military secret, so
modern scientists do not know the exact Byzantine formula. Some of the proposed
ingredients include quicklime, sulfur, niter, and naphtha.
Although Greek fire was a formidable weapon, it did not make the Byzantine Empire
invincible. It had a limited range when deployed either by siphons or grenades.
Byzantine soldiers could not utilize the weapon when seas were rough, or they would
risk their own ships and personnel being destroyed. Despite these drawbacks, Greek
fire was used to great advantage during the Byzantine civil wars and remains an
interesting historical enigma today.
16. Read the following sentence from the passage.
Tradition holds that the secret of Greek fire was bequeathed to Emperor Constantine by
an angel.
The author most likely included this sentence in the passage to
A. explain why it took so long for scientists to uncover the Byzantine recipe for Greek fire.
B. highlight the religious controversy that caused the wars in which Greek fire was used.
C. suggest that Greek fire was a religious myth and not a real weapon used in warfare.
D. reveal an additional reason for the importance of Greek fire to the Byzantines.
17. What is the main purpose of this passage?
A. to persuade modern navies to develop their own Greek fire
B. to describe the Byzantine weapon called Greek fire
C. to explain the main cause of Byzantine civil wars
D. to inform the reader about Byzantine religious mythology
Jackson and Crocker's Drive
In the United States during the early 1900s, most people thought of automobiles as a
passing fad. Automobile enthusiast Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, however, disagreed
with this idea and believed that long-distance road trips were possible for everyone. On
May 18, 1903, he made a $50 wager that he and his mechanic, co-driver, and driving
instructor, Sewall K. Crocker, could drive across the U.S. in a used Winton car named
the Vermont.
Jackson and Crocker began the first trans-U.S. automobile trip on May 23, 1903.
They departed from San Francisco and traveled along the Oregon Trail toward their
final destination of New York City. Their journey was fraught with setbacks. Only 15
miles into their journey, the Vermont lost a tire. Soon after they replaced the tire with
their only spare, their cooking gear fell off the vehicle, and they were led 108 miles off-
course after following poor directions. On June 6th, the car broke down, and a fuel leak
drained their only available gasoline. Three days later, the Vermont's oil ran out.
During their journey, Jackson and Crocker adopted a young bulldog named Bud who
wore thick driving goggles to protect his eyes from the road dust. Bud quickly adapted to
life on the road and became the subject of many newspaper articles. Despite numerous
problems and delays, the Vermont and its three passengers reached New York City on
July 26, 1903. They had become famous due to newspaper coverage, and their
inspiring journey helped to popularize the automobile in the United States. Today, the
Vermont is preserved in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., to honor
Jackson and Crocker for their courage, fortitude, and vision for the future of automobiles
in the U.S.
18. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the second paragraph of this passage?
A.
to acknowledge the problems associated with the first cross-country automobile trip in the
U.S.
B.
to suggest that sabotage of the Vermont led to serious delays for the first trans-U.S.
automobile trip
C.
to suggest that Jackson and Crocker's cross-country automobile trip was poorly planned
and badly executed
D.
to contrast the numerous problems associated with early automobiles with the efficiency
of modern automobiles
19. Read this sentence from the passage.
In the United States during the early 1900s, most people thought of automobiles as a
passing fad.
How does this sentence support the author's purpose in writing the passage?
A.
It points out how Jackson and Crocker's attitudes changed during their trans-U.S.
automobile trip.
B.
It condemns the narrow-minded attitudes prevalent in the United States in the early
twentieth century.
C.
It suggests that most U.S. citizens were violently opposed to Jackson and Crocker's road
trip.
D.
It explains why no one had attempted a long-distance automobile trip before Jackson and
Crocker.
20. The author most likely includes information about "Bud" in the third paragraph to
A.
imply that Jackson and Crocker were irresponsible and did not take the automobile trip
seriously.
B.
provide an amusing anecdote to show that the trip had fun moments along with serious
setbacks.
C.
describe the indifferent attitude toward pets that was prevalent in the U.S. during the early
1900s.
D. conclude the passage by describing the most important event that occurred during the trip.
There are many reasons for the obesity epidemic in countries around the world. One
problem is that young people whose parents have bad eating habits do not eat healthy
food at home. Schools once fixed this problem by offering students healthy meals.
Today, most high schools have vending machines, which offer anyone with a few
dollars unhealthy items like fruit punch, soft drinks, cupcakes, and potato chips. A
student who does not use the vending machines can also go through the lunch line and
get a cheeseburger and French fries.
Schools must offer students meals, but there is no reason that schools should offer
unhealthy meals or provide access to vending machines. Many students eat two meals
a day at school. That means that the majority of the food these students eat comes from
their schools. If schools offer healthier choices, they can guarantee that the majority of
the food that these students are eating on weekdays is healthy. This will go a long way
in combating the growing problem of obesity.
21. The author's purpose is to persuade. Which statement from the passage best shows the
author's purpose?
A.
"Today, most high schools have vending machines, which offer anyone with a few dollars
unhealthy items like fruit punch, soft drinks, cupcakes, and potato chips."
B.
"A student who does not use the vending machines can also go through the lunch line and
get a cheeseburger and French fries."
C.
"One problem is that young people whose parents have bad eating habits do not eat
healthy food at home."
D.
"If schools offer healthier choices, they can guarantee that the majority of the food that
these students are eating on weekdays is healthy."
In 1990, the rebel forces of Mohamed Farrah Aidid entered Mogadishu, Somalia, and
began a process of ethnic cleansing against the followers of President Mohamed Siad
Barre. In 1992, President George H. W. Bush ordered a contingent of American marines
to spearhead the landings of the United Nations peacekeeping forces involved in
Operation Restore Hope. The operation was aimed at protecting humanitarian efforts
designed to restore order and feed the population caught in the crossfire of these two
rival factions. By the time Operation Restore Hope had entered Somalia, all public order
and government had collapsed in Mogadishu. The operation was largely unsuccessful,
and public outcry called for it to be scaled down then eventually abandoned.
Following Operation Restore Hope, the United States Marine Corps pulled out of
Mogadishu and was replaced by a task force of Army rangers and Delta Force special
operatives. Italy, Pakistan, and Malaysia also left troops with UN peacekeepers in
Mogadishu in a desperate attempt to restore order. The fighting became so intense
during one operation on October 4, 1993, that 18 U.S. servicemen lost their lives with
another 73 wounded. Two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were shot down in the
engagement. Sergeant First Class Randy Shugart and Master Sergeant Gary Gordon
were both posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their valiant attempts to
protect the life of Chief Warrant Officer Michael Durant, the pilot of one of the downed
helicopters. This unfortunate event marks the first time the medal had been awarded
since the Vietnam Conflict.
In the years following the fighting, different factions and warlords ruled Mogadishu.
In 2006, a group of Islamic businessmen were able to seize power and found the Union
of Islamic Courts. This organization was barely able to restore tenuous order before
their regime collapsed. That same year, troops from Ethiopia invaded Somalia in an
effort to install the internationally recognized government, which had been in exile in
Kenya for the past 14 years. As with the U.N. efforts to restore peace, the Ethiopian
efforts met with the same results, and the bitter fighting continued. In this operation, the
BBC reported that Mogadishu had been abandoned by over half of its remaining
citizens and that hundreds of thousands had perished since 1990.
The violence in Mogadishu continues with no end in sight. Pirates from the coast
of Somalia have begun to attack international shipping in the lanes off the Horn of
Africa. These pirates are protected and financed by the warlords that struggle for control
of the country. Because of the War on Terror, the United States military remains
focused on extremists in the Middle East and Afghanistan despite the fact that many Al
Qaeda operatives received training and financing in Somalia. The world seems to have
moved on and left the Somalis to fend for themselves. Without international intervention,
there is little hope.
Conducting business in Mogadishu presents both extreme benefits and liabilities.
Having no central government means that businesses pay no taxes. There are no
import or export fees. There are no restrictions on trade whatsoever, except for what the
individual warlords charge for "protection." Many businesses that operate in Mogadishu
hire private mercenaries and security forces to defend their facilities and employees.
Kidnap and hostage insurance companies will not insure business personnel in
Somalia. The incredible profits that stand to be made from an environment of absolute
free trade are offset by the high risk a business undertakes to conduct commerce in
Somalia or the waters offshore.
22. Which of the following best describes the purpose of this article?
A. to instruct the reader on how to establish a government
B. to entertain readers with the compelling story of Mogadishu
C. to inform the reader about conflict in Mogadishu, Somalia
D. to persuade readers to avoid visiting Somalia or Mogadishu
Joseph Meets Dr. Acula
Joseph awoke with a toothache one morning, so he drove into the city to find a
dentist. He was in such terrible pain that he stopped at the first dentist’s office he saw.
The front door to this office was dark red. It had an attractive black script that read,
“Dr. Acula, Dentist Extraordinaire.” The name brought a chill down Joseph’s spine, but
he ignored it and stepped inside.
The door immediately slammed shut behind him, extinguishing any trace of sunlight
in the dark and sinister-looking room. Cobwebs covered every corner, and the scent of
dried blood polluted the air. Joseph jokingly wondered if this Dr. Acula was the infamous
vampire featured in stories and movies. He went up to the reception desk to see if there
was any chance he could be seen today, but no one was there. A scroll of parchment
lay open on the desk, so Joseph grabbed a pen to jot down his information. He pressed
the pen to the parchment and gasped as dark crimson ink flowed out. Joseph was so
frightened he didn’t even notice that someone was watching him.
“Who’s next?” a deep cold voice called from the darkness. Joseph turned his body
slowly around, petrified of what he would see. There, in the darkly lit doorway, stood a
man in a black cape. His teeth were bright white with . . . two long fangs! Joseph yelped
and ran out of the office as fast as he could.
When the door slammed, Dr. Acula sighed. He pulled out his false teeth and turned
on the fluorescent lights.
“Looks like another Halloween without any patients,” Dr. Acula said to the empty
waiting room.
23. What was the author's purpose in writing this passage?
A. to entertain the reader with an amusing story
B. to inform the reader about a scary dentist
C. to persuade the reader to avoid the dentist
D. to describe an awful situation to the reader
Dolphin Saves Whales Stuck on New Zealand Beach
by Adrian Bathgate
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - The case of two stranded whales saved by a dolphin off
the coast of New Zealand could be the first such case in the world, a conservation
worker said on Thursday.
Moko the dolphin, a regular visitor to the coast of Mahia on the east Coast of New
Zealand's North Island, became an instant hero after leading two pygmy whales that
had repeatedly stranded into deep water on Monday.
"As far as I know it's the only documented instance of this happening," said local
Department of Conservation officer Malcolm Smith, adding he had checked with whale
stranding specialists who were also unaware of any similar dolphin rescues.
Moko, who had been visiting the beach at Mahia on and off over the summer, arrived
at the beach in the nick of time, Smith said.
The disoriented mother and calf had resisted attempts to herd them out to sea, and
kept restranding on the beach, to the point where Smith said the pair would likely have
to be killed.
Then Moko appeared and came right up to the whales before leading them out to
sea.
"Quite clearly the attitude of the whales changed when the dolphin arrived on the
scene. They responded virtually straight away," Smith said.
"The dolphin managed in a couple of minutes what we had failed to do in an hour
and a half."
Smith said the whales had not been sighted again in the area.
However Moko had returned and was continuing to play with swimmers near the
shore, as she has done for about the past six months.
According to Department of Conservation figures, about 700 whales strand on New
Zealand beaches every year.
The exact reasons why are not known, but theories include sickness and sloping
sandy beaches interfering with whales' sense of direction.
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24. The main purpose of the passage is to
A. inform the audience about a whale rescue.
B. inform the audience about New Zealand.
C. persuade the audience that whales become confused.
D. persuade the audience that dolphins are intelligent.
The Polynesian people are considered to be descendants of the seafaring
Austronesian people who themselves originated in the Malaysian region of Southeast
Asia. Polynesia is a sub-region of Oceania, located just northeast of Australia and New
Zealand. Although Polynesia is composed of over 1,000 islands, the people living on
those islands share a similar culture, language, and ethnicity. Over 6,000 years ago,
sailors and their families took to the seas in search of more lands. They scattered
across the islands of the South Pacific. The process these people used to navigate is
yet unknown to anthropologists. Samoa and Tonga are both American protectorates
located in Polynesia; Hawaii is also located there.
25. Which of these best states the author's purpose?
A. to explain how the U.S. acquired its Pacific islands
B. to persuade the reader take a trip to Polynesia
C. to educate the reader about the Polynesian people
D. to entertain the reader with a Polynesian myth
A Boy with Dreams
by A. Gautam
Willy waited every night
to wake up
and turn into a Batman.
He had the jaw
that looked intimidating
in a cowl,
and the perfect chin
with a hint of toughness—
full lips—an embodiment
of strength.
But he had the eyes of a poet—
searching meaning,
and looking beyond
what is seen.
When he looked at the city
from his balcony,
he was learning
to swim in the world—
growing up to be a man
was tougher than it seemed.
He was a boy with dreams.
He wanted wings.
26. Which statement best describes the purpose of this passage?
A. It's a persuasive selection on how to sleep and dream.
B. It's an entertaining piece about a young boy's dreams.
C. It's an instructive work on how to live and dream big.
D. It's an informative article about a confused dreamer.
Every year, our students slip further and further behind. Teachers must spend one to
two, sometimes three, months helping students get caught up to the academic level
they exhibited before the summer vacation. The loss of academic progress is known as
summer reading loss.
Summer learning loss is a phenomenon that occurs when students lose academic
skills and knowledge they have acquired over the course of the prior school year.
During the months of summer vacation, when students are out of school, their daily
activity does not reinforce the academics they have participated in for the previous year.
Research has shown that, on average, students lose one month of study, but this
average varies depending on the subject matter. Students lose almost three months of
study for math while losses for reading are less. Learning loss is more prevalent in
lower income students so that the achievement gap increases further between these
students and middle to high-income students.
Summer months were granted as vacation, originally, to allow students to focus on
agricultural harvests. The families would need all able-bodied hands to bring in the crop.
As society became more industrialized and less agricultural, the need for students to
assist with the harvest became less significant. With the necessity of summer vacation
gone, the months instead are spent in idleness. Allowing students to attend year round
will increase academic performance because it will eliminate the phenomenon of
summer learning loss.
27. Which choice best describes the author's purpose in writing this passage?
A. to entertain the reader with the history of summer vacations
B. to inform the reader that year-round schooling is not necessary
C. to persuade the audience that year-round schooling is beneficial
D. to explain the concept of year-round schooling to the reader
In any large city, fire safety is important. When buildings stand close together, as
they do in crowded municipalities, one small fire can quickly grow out of control. In
1666, the Great Fire of London devastated the city, consuming over 13,000 homes, 80
churches, and the confines of St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is estimated that 70,000 to 80,000
citizens lost their lives in the blaze. Although the fire spread so rapidly because of poor
building ordinances and nonexistent fire brigades, such devastation is very possible in
the modern world. Fires like the Great Fire of London have been seen following natural
disasters, as in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina or the large-scale brush fires that
have consumed areas of Southern California. With real dangers, modern, responsible
communities should ensure they possess a well-funded and highly trained fire
department. An able fire department can make the difference between a small,
controlled fire and a large, uncontrolled one.
Next week, Appalosa County will be voting on a referendum to increase funding to
the municipal fire departments of Joshuatown, MacKenzie, and Billingsworth. Though
the proposition calls for a 3% increase to property taxes, the money will be well spent. I
encourage all responsible citizens to vote for Proposition 58.
28. Which of the following best describes the purpose of this article?
A. to warn readers about the risk of large-scale fires
B. to educate readers about the Great Fire of London
C. to persuade voters to vote in favor of Proposition 58
D. to entertain readers with a tale of brave firefighters
Back in the late 1800s, Martin Stone was the most popular young fiddle player in
northeastern Tennessee. In the summertime, Martin liked to take Sunday off and sit up
on a rocky bluff near the top of Stone Mountain. There, he would play his fiddle and
watch the sun come up over the green rolling hills.
One day, Martin was playing a slow, leisurely tune on his fiddle when a rattlesnake
slithered out from under a rock, curled up in the sun, and watched him play. Before
Martin knew it, the surrounding rocks were filled with rattlesnakes. Most people would
have fainted dead away in terror at that point, but Martin was fascinated.
As the sun went down and dark shadows filled the valley, the snakes slithered back
into their nests. Martin packed up his fiddle with a chuckle and made plans to come
back next week—but with a surprise.
The next Sunday, Martin climbed to the rocky overhang and began to play his fiddle.
Again, the rattlesnakes slithered out and listened to him, hypnotized. Martin then put
down his fiddle and picked up a shotgun. He began blasting away at the rattlesnakes,
picking them off one by one.
Every Sunday for the next few weeks, Martin returned to the bluff, played his fiddle
until the snakes came out, and then began shooting. It became a sport to him, and
soon, he became known around the county as the "Fiddlin' Snake Man."
One Sunday toward the end of summer, Martin returned to the bluff like he had done
many times before. As the sun rose, he began to play a soft waltz on his fiddle. Once
again, the rattlesnakes wiggled out from underneath the rocks and listened, swaying
back and forth to the music.
Martin stopped playing, reached for his shotgun—then stopped. Something in the
snakes' eyes caught his attention. The snakes glared at Martin with fiery red eyes,
burning with intense hatred. Martin was hypnotized in their glare—as hard as he tried,
he couldn't reach for his gun.
The snakes surrounded Martin and, one by one, began crawling up inside his pant
legs. Martin was frozen with terror as he felt their scaly bodies wriggle around his legs,
his chest, and his arms. All at once, the snakes started biting. As their icy venom flowed
through his veins, all Martin could do was scream—a horrifying scream that resounded
throughout the valley.
To this day, some Johnson County residents refuse to climb to the rocky overhang at
the top of Stone Mountain, which they now call "Fiddler's Rock." In the lazy summer
months, when the sun rises over the hills, they say you can hear the faint notes of a
fiddle, followed by a high-pitched screeching sound.
adapted by c.safos from the folktale "The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock"
29. Which of the following best explains the author's purpose?
A. to entertain with an eerie tale about snakes
B. to warn against the handling of rattlesnakes
C. to report on a current event about snakes
D. to inform that rattlesnakes are dangerous
Winters in the Country
by A. Gautam
Sixteen pigeons
in our front yard
made our tree house
a happy place.
I watched the white feathers
leave a trail of cold wind,
as they flew by my face—
mesmerized in the balcony.
They would flap their wings
and descend to the big bowl
for a bath
precisely at noon—
when the water warmed up.
They wobbled around
the edge of the shiny bowl,
fluttered, slipped, and flew.
I watched their heads
move
back and forth,
slightly to the side.
Their bellies hugged
the cement floor.
They snuck the grains
I spread out for them—
faster than the blink of an eye.
Sometimes I hear them
cooing in my city dreams.
Countless pigeons in my city
fly over me.
I don't have time
to watch
their falling feathers.
30. Why did the author most likely write this passage?
A. to teach the reader about melancholy winters
B. to inform the reader about a melancholy winter
C. to entertain the reader with a melancholy poem
D. to influence the reader to be melancholy at times
The Partnership for Advanced Technology in Housing (PATH) is an initiative focused
on both the private and public sectors of the economy. The United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manages the program and coordinates the
project’s efforts through the Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R). PD&R
maintains PATH’s budgetary needs, overall strategy, and daily activities. PATH’s aims
are, according to its Web site, to increase “the development, dissemination, and use of
new housing technologies.” PATH works with homebuilders, building code officials,
manufacturers, and other construction professionals to develop research and enact
building upgrades. Homebuilders and commercial property owners are encouraged to
contact the Affordable Housing Research and Technology Division of PATH for
additional information.
31. Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in writing this passage?
A. to persuade low-income families to live in PATH units
B. to explain the importance of government programs
C. to inform about the PATH project sponsored by HUD
D. to criticize builders who do not follow guidelines
Music therapy is a field of scientific research that studies the relationship between
clinical therapy and biomusicology. Biomusicology is the study of the effects of music on
the human physiology. Music therapy is performed by a trained music therapist who
employs music and all of its elements (physical, emotional, and spiritual) to improve the
health of patients. Music therapists assist patients to increase their level of functioning
and quality of life. They sing, play instruments, or discuss the effects of particular pieces
of music with their patients. Music therapy is most commonly employed to treat patients
who have suffered strokes.
Music therapy has existed in its current state in the United States since 1944 when
Michigan State University began offering degrees in music therapy. The American
Music Therapy Association, a professional organization for certified music therapists,
was founded in 1988, and several institutes for the study of music therapy exist within
the country. Music therapy is typically a master's level degree, with the graduate
possessing an undergraduate degree in either music theory or some other associated
degree. Musical therapists are licensed therapists and incorporate music therapy into
other clinical practices like assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, and so
forth. Music therapists in the United States obtain this level of certification through the
Certification Board of Music Therapists, which serves to regulate and control the actions
of its members.
To become a board certified music therapist in the United States, the candidate
must complete course work at an accredited program at a college or university. They
must complete over a thousand hours of a music therapy internship and pass a board
examination. They are required to maintain their education through continuing education
courses called Continuing Music Therapy Education courses. Therapists who fail to
maintain these courses can have their certifications suspended.
32. The main purpose of the passage is
A. to inform the reader about the school of music therapy.
B. to persuade the reader to join a school of music therapy.
C. to demonstrate to the reader that music can be important.
D. to entertain the reader with interesting facts and ideas.
“This doesn’t look right at all,” said Judd in dismay. He pulled his Ford Ranger over
to the side of the road and looked at his map. His sister Lizanka sighed deeply.
“You’ve looked at that thing at least five times, Judd,” she told him. “We know we’re
headed in the right direction. Why don’t we just keep going on this road until we find the
airport?”
“This is my first flying lesson, Liz,” Judd replied. “How will it look to my instructor if I
show up late?”
“I can’t believe we both forgot our cell phones,” muttered Lizanka. “I don’t think I’ve
ever been without a phone for this long.”
“Relax,” said Judd. “We’ll drive for ten more minutes, I promise. If we can’t find the
airport, you and your phone will be reunited shortly.” Lizanka shrugged her shoulders in
reply as Judd pulled out onto the road. They both scanned the area eagerly, looking for
any sign of life.
“There it is!” cried Lizanka. “The sign says to turn left here for Dupont’s Air Services.”
“I can’t believe how small the airport is,” Judd remarked as he and his sister exited
the truck and walked toward the hangar. “How are you supposed to land a plane on this
little patch of grass?”
“Very carefully,” replied a voice from the hangar. A tall man in a baseball cap and
aviator sunglasses walked toward them with a friendly smile. “I assume you’re Judd. I’m
Dupont Lively, your new flight instructor.” Judd shook the pilot’s hand and introduced
him to Lizanka.
“Let’s get up in the air,” Dupont told his new student. “Your sister is welcome to come
along with us. The Cessna 172 can fit four people quite easily.”
“Sure, I’ll come along,” agreed Lizanka. “As long as you don’t let Judd navigate!”
She laughed as Judd glared at her behind the pilot’s back.
33. What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A. to describe the process of flying a plane
B. to persuade the audience to take flying lessons
C. to inform the audience about Dupont Lively
D. to entertain the audience with a short story
Many people in the United States have seen the advertisements warning against
movie and music piracy. Hollywood studios are adamant that piracy must stop, and they
are working with law enforcement to put an end to illegal copying and downloading of
movies and music. Hollywood is waging a war against movie pirates. Now, it is time for
Bollywood to join the fight.
Bollywood, the informal name for the movie industry in India, loses millions of dollars
a year from piracy. Copyright laws are not strongly enforced, and the movie audiences
are not educated. These two things must change in order to end the piracy in
Bollywood.
Pirated CDs and DVDs are selling on Indian streets for less than $1. Movie tickets in
India are priced at about $3. Cost-conscious consumers are quick to buy pirated DVDs
over going to the theaters. This means over $400 million dollars in losses for India's
entertainment industry. Bollywood is the world's largest film industry, based on ticket
sales. It is worth over $2.1 billion and is estimated to more than double by 2011.
Dan Glickman is the president of Motion Pictures Association of America (MPAA).
He said, "The industry needs strong laws to support copyright. [The industry needs]
strong enforcement of those laws." He also said that people who break the laws need
stiffer punishments.
The MPAA represents major movie companies in the world. It guesses that copyright
theft cost $1.2 billion in the Asia-Pacific region last year. Worldwide losses are
estimated at $6 billion.
Bollywood films have grown in popularity lately around the world. This has led to a
huge bootlegging increase in Britain, the U.S., and Pakistan.
Some Indian studios have gone after the pirates with police help. But these steps
have not achieved much. Experts say this is due to weak law enforcement and a lack of
awareness. Breaking copyright laws can get a person sent to prison for up to three
years. Most pirates get away with paying a large fee.
Glickman urges Bollywood to move toward enforcing copyright laws more strongly.
He says it is important for people who love movies to understand that buying pirated
movies hurts movie makers. It makes it hard for them to make new films. Movie makers
agree that it is time for Hollywood and Bollywood to join together in the fight against
DVD and CD piracy.
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34. What is the best way to describe the purpose of this passage?
A. The article updates readers on the Bollywood movie scene.
B. The article entertains readers with a narrative on Bollywood.
C. The article informs readers about the fight against piracy.
D. The article instructs readers how to pirate movies legally.
The term "cryptozoology" refers to the search for mythical or hidden animals.
Cryptozoologists, both amateurs and professionals, most often search for animals
whose existence is denied by mainstream biologists. Additionally, their searches
primarily focus on large animals, such as dinosaurs or the creature known as Bigfoot.
The Loch Ness monster is one of the most well-known cryptids, and cryptozoologists
have been seeking proof of Nessie's existence for years.
Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans' book The Great Sea Serpent, written in 1892, is
considered the first scholarly work published on the subject of cryptozoology. However,
the practice has been around almost as long as humans have walked the Earth. Due to
the availability of technology such as GPS and satellite imaging, cryptozoology seems
poised to become a popular new science.
35. Which of these best states the writer's purpose?
A. to describe Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans' search for Bigfoot
B. to narrate the author's search for the Loch Ness monster
C. to inform the reader about the science of cryptozoology
D. to persuade the reader to become a cryptozoologist
The scientific study of amphibians and reptiles is known as herpetology. The name
comes from the Greek root herpeton which means “creeping animal.” Those who study
this field of biology are known as herpetologists, though they prefer to call themselves
“herpers.” Modern herpetologists specialize in a particular field of study, and it is rare to
find one who focuses on general herpetology. They find work in a variety of careers,
such as field research, nature guides, professors, veterinarians, museum curators, and
so on. Few universities offer degrees in herpetology, so it is a highly competitive and
close-knit field.
36. This article was included in a course catalog guide for a university.
What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A. to describe the difference between reptiles and amphibians
B. to inform readers with a summary about the field of herpetology
C. to amuse readers with a brief anecdote about "snake doctors"
D. to persuade readers to take science courses in herpetology
Lost in Corn Country
by Heather Klassen
And I'm sure I've been lost in this corn maze for fifty hours. I didn't even want to go
on this field trip in the first place. Give me an air-conditioned classroom in the city, I
said. Let me eat corn fresh from a freezer.
But no, some farmer had to grow a cornfield in the shape of Washington State. He
even carved highways through the cornstalks.
And my teacher, Ms. Barlay, had to decide that the maze would be a great field trip.
To get a better sense of our state, she said. And for fun, she added.
Here comes a preschool group, each kid gripping a knot on a rope, a teacher at
each end. If only our class had a knotted rope, I wouldn't be in this predicament.
"Why is he sitting there?" a preschooler pipes up.
"Maybe he's lost," a teacher ventures. "Can we help you find your way?"
"I'm just resting," I reply. I don't exactly want to be seen following a bunch of threeyear-olds out of this maze at the end of a knotted rope.
I look around and spot the sign that tells me I've at least made it halfway.
I would kiss that sign except that two grandmotherly-looking women step into the
clearing. They look at me. "Are you lost?" one asks.
I'm starting to wonder if I have "lost" printed on my forehead. Right now, I wouldn't
even care. I just want to escape from this maze and never see an ear of corn again.
"Sort of," I admit.
"Lucille and I know the way," the woman says. "Shall we take you?"
"No! No, thanks, I mean." Being led out of the maze by Lucille and her friend would
be almost as bad as showing up at the end of a pre-school rope. "I think I can find it if
you'll point me in the right direction."
"Take two rights," the woman explains, "then veer southwest."
Now I have to veer southwest, I remember. But how in the world do you veer?
What's a "veer" anyway?
Oh, no, there are those preschoolers again!
The preschoolers shuffle by. As the end teacher passes, I slip out and follow, hoping
they're heading for the exit.
When we reach the exit, I'll slip away from this group and slyly join my class . . .
assuming they haven't already left.
When we reach the end, I wish that they had gone. As the preschoolers and I exit, I
realize that the woman aiming a camera at me is Ms. Barlay . . . and that she's taking a
picture of me being led out of the maze by a group of three-year-olds.
I bump into Lucille and her friend as I back away.
"Here's the nice lost boy," Lucille says.
My face burns as my classmates look up at the word "lost." But hey, at least I'm out.
That's all that matters.
Copyright (c) 2001 by Highlights for Children, Inc., Columbus, Ohio.
37. What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A. to instruct the reader on how to navigate a corn maze
B. to persuade the reader never to enter a corn maze
C. to inform the reader that adventure can be dangerous
D. to entertain the reader with a amusing story of adventure
Known in its early years as “Grape Vine Prairie,” Grapevine, Texas, is named for the
wild mustang grapes that grow in the area. Settlement of Grapevine began in the 1840s,
making it one of the oldest settled areas of Texas. The population was slow to rise and
even fell in the period between the two World Wars because of the poor economy.
Grapevine resides on the shores of Grapevine Lake, a man-made lake created by the
Army Corps of Engineers in 1952. Largely a farming village for most of the 19 th century,
it was not until the establishment of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in 1974
that the city was able to grow significantly. Although Grapevine is a fully urbanized
locale, it has several festivals in the fall to celebrate its agricultural roots.
38. What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A. to inform the reader about the city of Grapevine, Texas
B. to persuade the reader to move to Grapevine, Texas
C. to describe to the reader the slow urbanization of rural Texas
D. to entertain the reader with a story about a man-made lake
39.
Lola watched as her father took boards and hardware out of the box. The picture
on the box showed a decorative cabinet with drawers and shelves. Right now, the
cabinet was nothing but pieces lying on the floor.
Lola's father waved a booklet at his daughter. Lola took it and looked at the complex
drawings. She looked at her father with pleading eyes.
"Are you sure I should be the one putting this together," Lola asked. "What if I mess
up? Won't mom be mad of I ruin her cabinet?"
"You need to learn how to do this," Lola's father said. "You won't always live with me.
Before long, you will live on your own, and you will have to figure things out for
yourself."
The thought of living in her own apartment made Lola smile. She liked the idea of
independence, but in that moment she realized how much she still depended on her
father.
"I will be here to watch and help if you get in trouble," Lola's father said. "But the best
way to learn something is to do it."
Lola looked at the picture on the box again. She imagined the completed cabinet
sitting against the wall in the kitchen. She carefully analyzed the drawings of the first
step in the booklet and figured out how to put together the first two pieces. It was easy.
As she put together more pieces, she began to see the shape of the cabinet forming.
She kept working as her father sat across from her and watched.
Which sentence best describes how the reader can tell that the passage above is meant to
entertain the reader?
A. The passage shows someone convincing Lola to do work.
B. The passage shows events that cannot happen in real life.
C. The passage contains a conflict for a fictional character.
D. The passage contains instructions for building a cabinet.
40.
Prada, Dooney & Burke, Louis Vuitton—purses can exemplify high style.
However, their high value can also make them the targets of thieves. Every 30 seconds,
someone steals a woman's purse and all her valuables inside. Sometimes, stealing a
purse is too easy for a thief. Women must be more careful and take safety precautions
when carrying any kind of purse.
Women make themselves targets when they leave purses unattended. Perhaps
there have been times when you have left your purse at your desk at work even though
you left the room. Maybe you have put your purse in a shopping basket while you
turned your back to pick out groceries. You just expect that no one will take your purse
because people are honest. Unfortunately, many women find that all it takes is a minute
for someone to grab the purse and disappear. The safest thing to do is to keep your
purse in your sight at all times.
Sometimes, you cannot prevent from becoming a victim of a crime. A bold purse
thief will forcibly grab a purse right off a woman. Even though you cannot completely
take away all risk, you can lower your risk of being a target if you don't give a thief a
perfect opportunity.
Women should take care of their purses and treat them like the valuable objects they
are. Women need to be more vigilant and keep their purses in their sight at all times.
Which sentence from the passage is evidence that the author is trying to persuade the reader?
A.
"Women should take care of their purses and treat them like the valuable objects they
are."
B. "Prada, Dooney & Burke, Louis Vuitton—purses can exemplify high style."
C.
"Perhaps there have been times when you have left your purse at your desk even though
you left the room."
D. "Every 30 seconds, someone steals a woman's purse and all her valuables inside."