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Cystic fibrosis is a disease that is passed down through families. It is caused by a defective gene
that makes the body produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds
up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas. The buildup of mucus results in
life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the
sweat glands and a man's reproductive system. Millions of Americans carry a CF gene, but do
not have symptoms. This is because a person with CF must inherit two defective genes, one from
each parent. About 1 in 29 Caucasian Americans have the CF gene. It is more common among
those of northern or central European descent. Most children with CF are diagnosed by age 2.
For a small number, the disease is not detected until age 18 or older. These children often have a
milder form of the disease.
In context, the word "defective" in the first sentence of the passage means which of the following?
- A. Unusual
- B. Remarkable
- C. Remarkable
- D. Faulty
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The word "defective" in the context of the passage refers to something that is faulty or not functioning correctly. It describes a gene that is not producing the normal or healthy protein. In this case, the defective gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, leading to health issues associated with cystic fibrosis. Therefore, the correct answer is D: Faulty. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the meaning of "defective" as used in the passage.
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Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 a.m.? Have you kicked the blankets off to the floor from tossing and turning? Many longtime suffers of Insomnia know these situations all too well. As many as 17% of Americans find the restful break of sleep hard to achieve.
Lack of sleep affects intellectual abilities at work or school by causing a deficit in memory, attention, and concentration which in turn creates a feeling of irritation or depression. Chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, a psychiatric condition, or from sleep apnea, a condition where an individual actually stops breathing during sleep. Sleep hygiene, developing good sleep habits, and non- pharmacological therapies such as herbs and spices are some solutions to Insomnia.
How does insomnia affect intellectual abilities?
- A. By developing good sleep habits and using herbs and spices.
- B. To explain the insomnia and propose some solutions for the condition.
- C. Causes a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention.
- D. By watching television before bed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insomnia affects intellectual abilities by causing a deficit in memory, attention, and concentration. Lack of sleep leads to cognitive impairments that can result in difficulties with memory recall, reduced attention span, and decreased ability to concentrate on tasks. These cognitive deficits can contribute to feelings of irritability and even depression. It is important to address insomnia through proper sleep hygiene practices and non-pharmacological therapies to improve overall cognitive function and well-being.
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.
About how long did it take for bicycles to look and feel like they do today?
- A. 500 years
- B. 1,000 years
- C. 53 centuries or 5,300 years
- D. 2,000 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It took approximately 53 centuries or 5,300 years for bicycles to evolve and resemble the bicycles we use today. The question refers to the timeline from the first primitive bicycle in 1818 to the appearance of the first truly modern bicycle in 1874. During this period, various inventors made significant improvements in bicycle design, leading to the development of features like equal-sized wheels, pedals, chains for driving the rear wheel, and enhanced stability. These advancements culminated in the creation of a 'safety bicycle' by H.J. Lawson in 1874, which closely resembles the bicycles we are familiar with today.
Isaac Asimov: Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992) was a very prolific writer, best known for his works of science fiction and for his popular science books. Most of Asimov's popularized science books explain scientific concepts in a historical way, going as far back as possible to a time when the science in question was at its simplest stage.
Asimov is widely considered a master of the science-fiction genre and, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the 'Big Three' science-fiction writers during his lifetime. He also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as a great amount of nonfiction. Asimov wrote the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science-fiction novels using the pen name Paul French.
Asimov was afraid of flying, so he seldom traveled great distances, partly because his aversion to flying complicated the logistics of long-distance travel. He did enjoy traveling on cruise ships, and on several occasions he became part of the cruise's entertainment, giving science-themed talks. Asimov was an able public speaker, and enjoyed speaking to groups, especially at science fiction conventions.
What is the definition of 'prolific' as used in the first paragraph?
- A. Highly productive.
- B. Eccentric.
- C. Literate.
- D. Against war.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Highly productive. In the context of the passage, "prolific" is used to describe Isaac Asimov as being very productive in his writing endeavors. He produced a large number of works in various genres, including science fiction, popular science, mysteries, and fantasy. This term emphasizes his vast output and the sheer volume of his literary contributions.
Choice B (Eccentric) is incorrect because the passage does not mention anything about Asimov being eccentric. Choice C (Literate) is incorrect as well, as the term "prolific" does not refer to being literate but rather to being highly productive. Choice D (Against war) is also incorrect as there is no mention of war or any anti-war sentiment associated with the term "prolific" in the given context.
Electrocardiogram The rhythmic sounds of "beep... beep... beep..." signify the measurement of the heart muscle's strength. This rhythmic signal varies from person to person and is recorded as an electrocardiogram (ECG). Within the body, a complex array of systemic neural responses generates electric currents that can be detected on the skin's surface. When a person is connected to an amplifier, these impulses are captured by an electrocardiograph. Most of the information gathered pertains to the heart, as it emits electric currents in waves. This "wave of excitation" propagates through the heart wall and is associated with electrical changes. The process occurs in three distinct phases. First, the "wave of excitation," accompanied by an electrical change, lasts for about 1 to 2 seconds following the contraction of the cardiac muscle. These electrical impulses are rhythmically discharged from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker, signaling the atrium to contract. The peak of the ECG reading is attributed to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which triggers the excitation of the ventricles. Finally, as the ventricles relax, any changes in the wave pattern can alert trained medical personnel to potential abnormalities within the heart.
What is the meaning of the word 'emitting' as it is used in the second paragraph?
- A. Repelling
- B. Releasing
- C. Closing
- D. Charging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The word 'emitting' in the context of the second paragraph refers to the action of releasing electric currents. The passage
explains how electric currents are emitted in the body and can be detected on the body's surface. Therefore, the correct answer is 'B: Releasing,' as it accurately reflects the process of electric currents being emitted or released.
Facts about the One Dollar Bill
As Americans, we should all know some statistics about our currency.
The one dollar bill is a fascinating document with a varied historical beginning. Consisting of a cotton and linen blend with minute
red and blue silk fibers woven through it, the one dollar bill debuted in 1957. Due to the fact that the bill is constructed of material,
laundering it does not cause any permanent harm. A special blend of ink created from a secret formula is used to write on the dollar bill,
which acts as a deterrent to counterfeiters.
By sharing these important facts with others, a common understanding and appreciation of the one dollar bill is established.
By writing this passage, the author intended to
- A. teach the reader everything there is to know about the one dollar bill.
- B. share some little-known facts about the one dollar bill.
- C. entertain with a story about the development of the one dollar bill.
- D. defend the use of the one dollar bill.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage presents intriguing details such as the material composition, its historical debut in 1957, and the unique ink used, which suggests the author's intent to share interesting and lesser-known information. The focus is on providing facts about the one dollar bill rather than aiming to teach everything about it, entertain with a story, or defend its use.