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What is all this talk of cicadas lately in the United States? You may be wondering why the media has featured it, but in fact, the discussion about Cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the Cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. Let’s get oriented with some background on Cicadas.
What is a Cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that a cicada is a large, loud insect with transparent wings, mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out, with delicate, translucent wings- and not only is the cicada loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is male cicadas that are the noisy ones, to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, which is like the roar od a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident high buzzing by vibrating two membranes on its abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.
Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees whereafter the female deposits the eggs into the bark. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for the most of their lives over 6 feet underground, with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for north American cicadas, especially the Magicicada, or periodical cicadas, which regularly emerge in intervals of 13 or 17 years, depending on the species and the location. This is why talk of cicadas in the media is as predictable as their emergence in the U.S.

After the male cicada calls to the female cicada, which event happens first according to the passage?

  • A. The female makes a clicking sound.
  • B. The female deposits the eggs.
  • C. Nymphs drop to the ground.
  • D. The male and female mate in the trees.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: After the male cicada calls to the female cicada, the first event that happens according to the passage is that the female makes a clicking sound when she is ready to mate. This behavior is mentioned in the text as a response from the female cicada. Following this clicking sound, the female deposits the eggs into the bark. Therefore, choice A, 'The female makes a clicking sound,' is the correct answer as it precedes the other events mentioned in the passage.

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It can be difficult to write sometimes, especially if you are creating something brand new. It is even harder when you must write while following certain rules. Some writers thrive when there are limits, like sonnets or elegies; you can't just throw some words on the page and call it a haiku. On the other hand, some successful poets really enjoy breaking the rules. They will refuse to use the rules, if you can just break them and still so then what good are the rules, if you can just break them and still succeed? That doesn't make sense. I guess that is why I am not a poet.

From where is the author most likely drawing their statements in the passage?

  • A. The writer's own knowledge about writing
  • B. The archive of recorded poetry and literature
  • C. The writer's local university library
  • D. The online Writing Lab at Purdue University
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The author's statements in the passage reflect personal opinions and observations about writing and poetry. The passage does not refer to specific resources or external sources like a poetry archive, a university library, or an online writing lab. The author discusses the challenges and preferences of writers, indicating that the statements are based on the author's own experiences and thoughts. Therefore, the most likely source for the author's statements is their own knowledge about writing.

Ingredients:
1 block extra-firm tofu
1 Tbsp neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or grapeseed
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp cornstarch

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400° F. Remove tofu from package and drain. Gently press tofu between two paper towels to remove excess water. Cut into cubes. Add tofu cubes to a medium mixing bowl. Add oil and soy sauce; stir gently with a rubber spatula to combine. Add cornstarch and mix until tofu cubes are evenly coated. Transfer to a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

What can be inferred about the author's purpose in developing this recipe?

  • A. They believe there is a lack of information available about preparing tofu dishes.
  • B. They wanted to write a fourth cookbook, this time on vegetarian options.
  • C. They recently became vegan and have developed many meatless recipes to share.
  • D. They are knowledgeable about tofu and want to share an enjoyable recipe with others.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the author's purpose in developing this recipe is to share their expertise and passion for cooking with tofu. The detailed instructions and specific ingredients used suggest a high level of knowledge in preparing tofu dishes. The author's focus is on creating an enjoyable recipe to share with others, as indicated by the carefully outlined steps to prepare the tofu. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the information provided in the recipe and the context of the question. The author's intent is to provide a flavorful and well-prepared tofu dish, showcasing their proficiency in tofu-based recipes.

Ingredients:
1 block extra-firm tofu
1 Tbsp neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or grapeseed
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp cornstarch

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400° F. Remove tofu from package and drain. Gently press tofu between two paper towels to remove excess water. Cut into cubes. Add tofu cubes to a medium mixing bowl. Add oil and soy sauce; stir gently with a rubber spatula to combine. Add cornstarch and mix until tofu cubes are evenly coated. Transfer to a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

What could improve the clarity of the recipe instructions provided?

  • A. Differentiating between low-sodium and regular soy sauce
  • B. Suggesting other vegetarian meal choices
  • C. Offering more oil suggestions
  • D. Indicating the approximate size to cut the tofu cubes
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Indicating the approximate size to cut the tofu cubes would enhance the clarity of the recipe instructions as it provides specific guidance for preparing the tofu. This detail helps readers unfamiliar with tofu preparation understand how to cut the tofu for the recipe accurately, contributing to a successful outcome. By knowing the size to cut the tofu cubes, individuals following the recipe will have a better idea of how the tofu should be prepared for the dish, ensuring the desired texture and cooking time.

Letter from the chair of Elkinsville Ecological Society.
Many of you have heard about the proposes northward expansion of the interstate which currently ends just south of Elkinsville. In the recent debate over how this work will go forward, the focus has been on weighing economic costs and benefits. Indeed, many local politicians claim to favor the project because it will bring in the short term and more visitors to Elkinsville in the long run. These politicians also argue that the proposed plan is the least environmentally damaging way to expand the highway farther upstate. This cannot be true, however, since the proposed expansion involves not just the widening of existing roads, but also the construction of more than a dozen miles of new-terrain highway.

Where is it most likely that readers would encounter this text?

  • A. A tenth-grade science textbook at Elkinsville High School.
  • B. A brochure from Elkinsville Chamber of Commerce.
  • C. A flyer on a bulletin board at Elkinsville City Hall.
  • D. The opinion section of the Elkinsville Daily Eagle newspaper.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D - The opinion section of the Elkinsville Daily Eagle newspaper. The text discusses a local issue related to the proposed northward expansion of the interstate near Elkinsville, focusing on economic and environmental aspects. Such local news and opinions are commonly featured in local newspapers. Choices A, B, and C are less likely locations for readers to encounter this text as it is specific to a local debate rather than general science, tourism promotion, or city administration information.

on February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday of Groundhog Day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning. this tradition has been officially observed in the US since the 1800s and is believed to have developed from European folk traditions in which a bear, fox badger or even hedgehog would serve as the symbolic meteorologist, although other cultures and towns observe Groundhog Day ( or something similar) the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania takes special pride in being home to the one true forecasting groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. At the turn of the twentieth century, townspeople formed the Punxsutawney GroundHog Day. Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a ball.
Legend has it that on Groundhog Day official weather forecasting grounding awakens from hibernation and comes out of his burrow to look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are to come, and Punxsutawney Phill takes this as a sign that spring has arrived, and he remains above ground. of course, common sense tells us that February 2 is too early for spring to begin and that while humans might learn, they are unlikely to act on their instincts based on a schedule set by the Gregorian Calendar, nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvania to see Punxsutawney Phil and all of the fun he inspires each year might just provide the touch of hope needed to reach the end of writer.

What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over some years?

  • A. A History Survey of Customs in Pennsylvania
  • B. A record of weather patterns in the last decade
  • C. A memoir from a member of the Groundhog Club
  • D. An encyclopedia entry on mammals in the Northeast U.S
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To evaluate the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over time, the most effective source would be a record of weather patterns in the last decade. By analyzing actual weather data from the past years, one can objectively determine the accuracy and consistency of Phil's forecasts. This factual information would provide concrete evidence regarding whether Phil's predictions align with the subsequent weather outcomes. A historical survey of customs in Pennsylvania or a memoir from a club member would not offer empirical data to assess Phil's predictive abilities. An encyclopedia entry on mammals in the Northeast U.S. would not directly contribute to evaluating the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions. Therefore, examining a record of weather patterns in the last decade is the most relevant and reliable source for evaluating the forecasting track record of Punxsutawney Phil.

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