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 conclusion can be drawn from the article?
- A. In order to master English, the student must learn about homonyms.
- B. Learning homonyms is optional for mastering English.
- C. Mastering English requires avoiding homonyms.
- D. Homonyms are not important for learning English.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'In order to master English, the student must learn about homonyms.' The article clearly emphasizes the importance of learning about homonyms, which are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Understanding homonyms is crucial for mastering English, as they can significantly impact the meaning of sentences. Therefore, to become proficient in English, one must grasp the distinctions between homonyms to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
In paragraph two, the word penetrates means
- A. To be absorbed by the mind.
- B. To pierce.
- C. Having or showing great insight.
- D. To discover or understand.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To pierce. The word "penetrates" in the context of the passage refers to lightning making its way through the ground as it strikes. Lightning rods provide a low-resistance path for the lightning to follow, allowing it to pierce through the ground safely. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately reflect the meaning of the word "penetrates" in this context. Choice A, "To be absorbed by the mind," does not relate to the physical action of lightning entering the ground. Choice C, "Having or showing great insight," and choice D, "To discover or understand," do not align with the action of lightning piercing through the ground. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer as it directly corresponds to the physical action described in the passage.
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 purpose of lightning rods according to the passage?
- A. Attract lightning to specific locations
- B. Protect buildings by drawing lightning away from them
- C. Increase the frequency of lightning strikes
- D. Store electrical energy from lightning strikes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage explains that lightning rods protect buildings by providing a low resistance path for lightning, diverting it away from the building and safely into the ground. This helps prevent lightning from directly striking and damaging the building, making choice B the correct answer. Lightning rods do not attract lightning to specific locations (choice A), increase the frequency of lightning strikes (choice C), or store electrical energy from lightning strikes (choice D), as their primary function is to protect structures by providing a path for lightning to follow.
Homonyms: 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 'Our'. This word, spelled 'one' means the numeral 1, an amount. If spelled 'won,' it means to be victorious. Now words 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 should be learned by all people.
- B. Spelling is an easy skill to learn.
- C. Spell check' should be used by all computer users.
- D. English is a difficult language to master.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: English is a difficult language to master. The rationale behind this is based on the content of the article, which highlights the challenges of learning English, particularly in relation to homonyms. The article mentions that homonyms, words that sound alike but are spelled differently with different meanings, pose a challenge for English speakers and learners. It emphasizes that mastering words' spelling can be difficult. This indicates that English is not an easy language to learn, as highlighted by the complexities of homonyms and spelling variations.
Choice A is incorrect because the article does not explicitly state that English should be learned by all people. Choice B is incorrect as the article emphasizes that spelling, especially with homonyms, is a difficult skill to master. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not focus on the use of spell check programs but rather on the challenges of spelling and homonyms in English.
One of the best ways to understand a group of people is to know what makes them laugh. Laughter encompasses the limits of the soul and serves social, psychological, and physiological functions. In humor, life is redefined and accepted. Irony and satire provide much keener insights into a group's collective psyche and values than do years of research. It has always been a great disappointment to Native Americans that the humorous side of their life has not been mentioned by experts on native American affairs. Rather, the image of the stern-faced redskin has been presented by the American Westerns.
What is implied by this paragraph?
- A. Native Americans really are as stern and serious as the white men make them out to be.
- B. Humor is the same all over the world.
- C. Native American humor deserves more attention.
- D. The subject has a fear of heights.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The paragraph emphasizes the importance of understanding a group of people through their humor, highlighting the significance of humor in defining and accepting life. It specifically mentions the lack of attention given to Native American humor, suggesting that it deserves more recognition. Therefore, the correct implication from the paragraph is that Native American humor deserves more attention, making choice C the most appropriate.
The most important factor in any highway safety program is the responsible citizen-driver: YOU. Since you are a consumer, drive a car, vote, and pay taxes, you are a power to be considered. Your voice can Influence legislation at the federal, state, and local government levels. You can insist on better roads and safer cars by being a consumer advocate.
Your attitude about driving affects your making safe driving decisions while on the road. Your immediate concern, however, should be to drive safely in a property Inspected car, wear a safety belt, and never mix liquor with driving.
The author seems to think that
- A. All cars should be properly inspected
- B. Car manufacturers are solely responsible for safety
- C. Drivers should rely on their instincts
- D. Safety features in cars are overrated
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The author emphasizes the importance of driving safely in a properly inspected car, wearing a safety belt, and not driving under the influence of alcohol. This suggests that the author believes all cars should be properly inspected to ensure safety. Advocating for consumer rights and safer roads implies that the responsibility for safety also lies with drivers in ensuring their vehicles are in good condition.
Nokea