Nokea
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.
The author intended the reader to
- A. move to China to ride bicycles.
- B. understand a bit about the history of bicycles.
- C. use a bicycle for mountain biking.
- D. believe that bicycles are the only way to exercise.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: understand a bit about the history of bicycles. In the given text, the author discusses the history of bicycles, mentioning their origins in the Middle East around 3500 B.C. and the evolution of bicycles over centuries. The text also highlights the complexity and simplicity of bicycles, their basic design remaining unchanged since the 1880s, and their significance in daily life worldwide. Therefore, the main intention of the author is to provide information about the history and importance of bicycles, making choice B the most appropriate. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not supported by the content of the text, which focuses on the history and significance of bicycles rather than promoting moving to China, engaging in mountain biking, or suggesting that bicycles are the only way to exercise.
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Homophones
English is a vibrant, changing, dynamic language. It allows people to express their thoughts in diverse ways, as there are many synonyms and antonyms to choose from. The hardest part for the English speaker - or those learning English as a second language - is learning about homonyms. These are words that sound alike but are spelled different ways, with different meanings.
One example is "One". This word, spelled "one" means the numeral 1, an amount. If spelled "won," it means to be victorious. No wonder spelling is a difficult skill to master! Other homonyms encountered by the beginning English speaker are "to, two, too," "four, for, fore," "there, their, they're" and "son, sun" to name just a few. This is one reason that "Spell check" programs on word processing computers cannot be completely accurate, because the way a word is spelled depends on the context of the sentence. Proofreaders will always be in demand.
What inference can be drawn from the article?
- A. English is a straightforward language to learn.
- B. English language rules are consistent and easy to understand.
- C. English is a difficult language to master.
- D. English vocabulary is limited and simple.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct inference that can be drawn from the article is that English is a difficult language to master. The article discusses the challenges of homonyms in English, highlighting how words that sound alike but are spelled differently can create confusion. It emphasizes the complexity of English spelling and the need for proofreaders due to the nuances in word meanings and spellings. This indicates that mastering English, especially for non-native speakers, can be challenging rather than straightforward.
Lightning Strikes
The old wives' tale of "Lightning never strikes twice" has been proven untrue time and time again. Lightning forms from negative and positive charges within clouds and from the earth below. When these charges react with each other, the air between the cloud and the earth ionizes, which produces a lightning flash. Lightning is actually a series of multiple events consisting of a leader stroke of lightning, followed by as many as 40 smaller strokes of lightning. Being just split seconds apart, these strokes of lightning often reflect off the lining of the clouds.
Lightning rods that extend from above the roof to the ground protect buildings by forming a low resistance path for the lightning so that the lightning does not enter the building, but rather defuses as it penetrates the ground.
Some myths about lightning need to be explained. Lightning does strike tall buildings often, and during a particularly violent storm, a tall building may be hit by lightning several times. The safest place during a thunder and lightning storm is in a metal car or lying flat, face down, in the open, not under a tree as the myth suggests.
Many people believe that thunder and lightning are connected; however, this proves to be true only about 50% of the time, so if you're waiting for the clap of thunder, you're missing out on some exciting strokes of lightning!
Lightning causes injuries, deaths, and forest fires each year. However, some scientists reveal the positive aspects of lightning because it releases nitrogen into the atmosphere which the raindrops then deliver to earth to fertilize our soil.
What is the meaning of the word 'penetrates'?
- A. To shield
- B. To pierce
- C. To cover
- D. To obscure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To pierce.' To penetrate means to pass into or through something. In the context provided, the sentence 'defuses as it penetrates the ground' suggests that the lightning dissipates or spreads out as it passes through the ground. Therefore, 'pierce' accurately captures the meaning of 'penetrates' in this context.
Blood Pressure Regulators
The body is composed of systems that have evolved and diversified in order to maintain the natural functions and processes they regulate. One such system that has these regulators is the bodyĆ¢Ä‚¬Ä„¢s cardiovascular system. The bodyĆ¢Ä‚¬Ä„¢s pump, which regulates the flow of vitally needed oxygen to all cells of the body, as well as the discard of carbon dioxide and other waste products, is the heart.
Because blood pressure varies at different points within the body, differing components are needed to keep the bodyĆ¢Ä‚¬Ä„¢s blood pressure regulated. Three of the basic components are baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys.
Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings and are contained along the walls of the arteries near the heart and in other areas of the body as well. Impulses are related to this stretching along the arterial walls, which causes these baroreceptors to send out even more impulses to the heart, arteries, and veins, causing the blood pressure to go either up or down.
Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level, carbon dioxide, and pH. Just think! A fall in oxygen causes receptors to send impulses to raise the blood pressure.
The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water and removing wastes. Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex cause the kidney to keep or let go of any salt and water. This has an influence on blood volume and consequently on blood pressure.
Which statement is not a detail from the passage?
- A. Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings along the arterial walls and send out messages in response to stretching.
- B. Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level, carbon dioxide, and pH.
- C. The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water.
- D. The heart is the body's pump, regulating the flow of oxygen to all cells and removing waste products.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the statement incorrectly describes baroreceptors as rigid and static nerve endings when, in fact, they are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings. The passage clearly states that baroreceptors are stretch receptors along the arterial walls that send messages in response to stretching, not rigid and static. Choices B, C, and D are all accurate details from the passage regarding chemoreceptors, the kidneys' role in regulating blood pressure, and the heart's function in oxygen transport and waste removal, respectively.
Exams: Subjective exams measure your ability in several areas. Besides recalling information, you must be able to organize content logically and intelligently express yourself in a clearly understood manner. Subjective tests provide a greater opportunity for students to show their broad knowledge of a subject area. Answers may be in the form of paragraphs or lengthy essays.
When you review for an essay exam, concentrate on main ideas rather than details. Since essay tests are limited to a few questions, they are likely to deal with more important ideas of a subject. Prepare a list of questions that you think might be asked. Write an answer to each of your questions. Rather than writing complete sentences, jot down your thoughts in outline form. Doing so will help you organize the information so that you can express yourself clearly.
When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as 'compare,' 'contrast,' 'discuss,' 'explain,' 'justify,' and 'define.' Write your answers on the front or the back of the test page. Make sure you include all the important ideas that are within the limits of the question. In other words, do not give more than is asked for each answer. When you write your answer, keep it specific and as brief as possible. In the introductory sentence, it is often helpful to make a general statement that includes important points addressed in the question. Such a topic sentence serves as a framework for your answer.
Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.
When taking a subjective examination, you will find questions like
- A. Definitions.
- B. Matching.
- C. True & False.
- D. Multiple Choice.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Multiple Choice. Subjective examinations typically involve questions that require students to provide detailed, well-thought-out responses, which align more closely with the format of essay questions found in multiple-choice tests. Multiple-choice questions allow for a range of possible answers, requiring students to select the most appropriate response from a set of choices. This format assesses students' understanding of the material, critical thinking skills, and ability to analyze and synthesize information effectively. In contrast, choices A, B, and C are more commonly associated with objective examinations, such as definitions, matching, and true/false questions, which focus on factual recall rather than the comprehensive analysis and interpretation required in subjective exams. Therefore, when taking a subjective examination, students are more likely to encounter questions in the format of multiple-choice to assess their deeper understanding and reasoning abilities.
Linking San Francisco to Marin County in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. The bridge crosses over a narrow strait which connects the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay. Prior to the bridge, people traveled by ferry boat across the strait.
Although most people thought a bridge was necessary to expedite travel, some residents of the
bay area felt the risk of building the bridge was too great. Joseph Strauss believed that nothing was impossible, and dreams would never come to fruition if risks weren't taken. So, he decided to gather the best and brightest builders, architects, and workers to embark on the challenge of
building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait. With safety nets in place, the construction began in 1937. Building the anchorages first, the
builders then move on to the towers on each end, and then to the three-foot thick cables to support the suspension bridge. Lastly, workers labored to complete the roadway which became
the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task. The builders had to keep the bridge
balance, so it wouldn't fall into the bay.
Today, over sixty-five years later, the bridge remains a life-line for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area.
What is the author's reason for writing this piece?
- A. Inform the reader
- B. Teach the reader
- C. Persuade the reader
- D. Entertain the reader
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inform the reader. The passage provides historical information about the Golden Gate Bridge, its construction, and significance. The main purpose of the text is to educate and inform readers about the history and importance of the bridge, rather than to persuade, teach a specific lesson, or entertain. The details shared aim to enlighten readers about the background, challenges, and enduring legacy of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an informative piece.