Reading Comprehension

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A BIT ABOUT BICYCLES
Today, bicycles are so common that it's hard to believe they haven't always been around. But two hundred years ago, bicycles didn't even exist, and the first bicycle, invented in Germany in 1818, was nothing like our bicycles today. It was made of wood and didn't even have pedals. Since then, however, numerous innovations and improvements in design have made the bicycle one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation around the world. In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, dramatically improved upon the original bicycle design. Macmillan's machine had tires with iron rims to keep them from getting worn down. He also used foot-operated cranks like pedals, so his bicycle could be ridden at a quick pace. It didn't look much like a modern bicycle, though, because its back wheel was substantially larger than its front wheel. In 1861, the French Michaux brothers took the evolution of the bicycle a step further by inventing an improved crank mechanism. Ten years later, James Starley, an English inventor, revolutionized bicycle design. He made the front wheel many times larger than the back wheel, put a gear on the pedals to make the bicycle more efficient, and lightened the wheels by using wire spokes. Although this bicycle was much lighter and less tiring to ride, it was still clumsy, extremely top heavy, and ridden mostly for entertainment. It wasn't until 1874 that the first truly modern bicycle appeared on the scene. (14) Invented by another Englishman, H.J. Lawson, the "safety bicycle" would look familiar to today's cyclists. This bicycle had equal-sized wheels, which made it less prone to toppling over. Lawson also attached a chain to the pedals to drive the rear wheel. With these improvements, the bicycle became extremely popular and useful for transportation. Today they are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world.

After reading this article, the reader learned that:

  • A. Bicycles have changed significantly over the years.
  • B. Modern bicycles are used for both recreation and transportation.
  • C. Bicycling is gaining in popularity all over the world.
  • D. Bicycles are not a recent invention and have a long history.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Bicycling is gaining in popularity all over the world.' The passage discusses the evolution of bicycles from their early designs to modern ones, highlighting how they have become one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation globally. The information provided in the passage indicates that bicycles have undergone significant changes and improvements over the years, making them more popular and widely used. Therefore, the statement that bicycling is gaining popularity worldwide is supported by the passage.

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Glass
I wonder who first discovered glass. This commodity has been a part of civilization from the very beginning. Imagine a world without glass! How dark and dismal it would be. No windows, corrective lenses, telescopes, microscopes, cameras, sparkly drinking containers or mirrors. Life would not be the same without this wonderful discovery. Thank you, whoever found glass!
Glass is not an element, but a combination of several elements. It is a hard, brittle, transparent solid material composed mainly of silica, with additives to change the character of the glass. Common additives are soda, lime, lead, and boron. Each additive changes the properties of the final product. Soda and lime are the most common additives, accounting for about 90% of glass production. Adding lead increases reflectivity, causing the glass to "sparkle." The addition of boron changes the thermal and electrical properties of glass, allowing cookware that can be used in the oven without shattering.

What conclusion can be drawn from the article?

  • A. Glass is an essential part of our lives.
  • B. Glass is rarely utilized in everyday items.
  • C. Glass production is harmful to the environment.
  • D. Glass technology is outdated and ineffective.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Glass is an essential part of our lives.' The passage highlights the significance of glass by mentioning its various uses in everyday items like windows, corrective lenses, telescopes, microscopes, cameras, drinking containers, and mirrors. It emphasizes how life would be different without glass, implying its essential role in modern civilization. The passage also discusses the composition and characteristics of glass, underlining its importance and versatility. Therefore, the statement that best reflects the implied message of the article is that glass is an essential part of our lives.

Select the meaning of the quoted word in the sentence: The child developed a ‘labile’ condition that worried the parents, so they brought the child to the doctor’s office for a checkup.

  • A. Fevered
  • B. Volatile
  • C. Stomach
  • D. Vision
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Volatile.' Labile means liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, which aligns with the meaning of 'volatile.' In the context of the sentence, the child's condition was unstable and fluctuating, causing concern to the parents. 'Fevered' (choice A) relates to having a fever, which is not the exact meaning of labile. 'Stomach' (choice C) and 'Vision' (choice D) are unrelated to the meaning of labile in this sentence.

Eating
Consumption of food is a universal necessity. Different
cultures have developed different methods to accomplish
the task. It is interesting to discover these differences and
learn new ways to do things.
European cultures developed cutlery (knives, forks, and
spoons) to enable people to efficiently eat their food.
Correct use of this toolā€™s changes with the times-what was
polite in 1800 may not be considered proper manners
today.
China developed the chopstick as an efficient tool for
eating. Mastery of the use of chopsticks can be difficult
for the person not raised in the culture. The attempts of a
novice to use chopsticks can be very amusing to the
watcher, but frustrating for the hungry diner.
Space travel has created new challenges for consuming
food. Squeeze bottles and other unique packaging have
enabled space travelers to get their needed nutrition.
Chopsticks and forks do not work well in space.

What statement can be implied from the content of the article?

  • A. Diversity is interesting to learn about.
  • B. Eating in space can be time-consuming.
  • C. The author thinks cutlery is the best tool to use to consume food.
  • D. The author enjoys trying new food.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Diversity is interesting to learn about.' The passage discusses how different cultures have developed various tools for eating, such as cutlery in European cultures and chopsticks in China. It highlights the differences in eating practices and how space travel has introduced new challenges for consuming food. The passage's focus on cultural diversity and unique eating tools makes it clear that the implication is about the interest in learning about diverse eating practices, making choice A the most suitable answer.

Food

Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their abuse can cause serious physical and mental problems. Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the countryā€™s main health problems, since It places a great strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens the individual's life span. To fill an emotional void, people often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.
Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken drivers contribution to highway deaths, spousal and child abuse, are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol abuse.

What is implied by this paragraph?

  • A. Obesity is a more serious problem than alcoholism.
  • B. We need stronger laws to control drunk drivers.
  • C. Alcohol should be banned.
  • D. We should eat and drink in reasonable quantities.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The paragraph discusses the necessary and desirable nature of food and drink while also highlighting the serious issues that arise from their abuse, including overeating and alcohol consumption. The author implies that moderation is important to avoid the negative consequences associated with these behaviors. Therefore, D is the correct answer, as it suggests that we should eat and drink in reasonable quantities.

A Bit About Bicycles: Children begin to taste freedom on bicycles. Historians believe that bicycles began around 3500 B.C. in the Middle East although it took 53 centuries before bicycles were fashioned in the way we know them today.
With over 1500 moving parts, bicycles are complex yet simple machines and amazingly the basic design has not changed since the 1880s. A few tweaks have been added, such as gears and hand-operated brakes, but bicycles remain a steady source of exercise and entertainment for both children and adults. Some forms of bicycling are mountain biking and BMX biking which is similar to cross-country motorcycle racing.
In many countries around the world, bicycles are a necessary part of daily existence. Bicycling in China is imperative if you want to go places, due to the vast population in a relatively small area. Bicycles are coming back in high demand all over the world.

After reading this article, the reader learns that

  • A. bicycles break down because of the moving parts.
  • B. bicycles are only found in China.
  • C. bicycling is gaining in popularity all over the world.
  • D. BMX bicycling is dangerous.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bicycling is gaining in popularity all over the world. This is evident from the article's mention of bicycles being a steady source of exercise and entertainment for both children and adults, as well as the statement that bicycles are coming back in high demand globally. This choice aligns with the information provided in the text, highlighting the increasing popularity of bicycling worldwide.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because the article does not mention that bicycles break down due to their moving parts; rather, it emphasizes that bicycles are complex yet simple machines. Choice B is incorrect as the article clearly states that bicycles are not only found in China, but are a necessary part of daily existence in many countries worldwide. Choice D is incorrect because the article does not explicitly state that BMX bicycling is dangerous; it simply mentions that BMX biking is similar to cross-country motorcycle racing.

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