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 an easy language to learn.
- B. English grammar rules are universal and straightforward.
- C. English is a difficult language to master.
- D. English vocabulary is consistent and predictable.
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 English speakers and learners face with homonyms, words that sound alike but are spelled differently with different meanings. It emphasizes the complexity of mastering English spelling and the presence of homonyms like 'one' and 'won,' 'to, two, too,' 'four, for, fore,' 'there, their, they're,' and 'son, sun.' This complexity is highlighted as a reason why spelling can be challenging to master, leading to the conclusion that English is a difficult language to learn and master.
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The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that defends the body against attacks by foreign invaders. These invaders are primarily microbes—tiny organisms such as bacteria, parasites, and fungi—that can cause infections. Viruses also cause infections, but are too primitive to be classified as living organisms. The human body provides an ideal environment for many microbes. It is the immune system’s job to keep the microbes out or destroy them. The immune system is amazingly complex. It can recognize and remember millions of different enemies, and it can secrete fluids and cells to wipe out nearly all of them. The secret to its success is an elaborate and dynamic communications network. Millions of cells, organized into sets and subsets, gather and transfer information in response to an infection. Once immune cells receive the alarm, they produce powerful chemicals that help to regulate their own growth and behavior, enlist other immune cells, and direct the new recruits to trouble spots. Although scientists have learned much about the immune system, they continue to puzzle over how the body destroys invading microbes, infected cells, and tumors without harming healthy tissues. New technologies for identifying individual immune cells are now allowing scientists to determine quickly which targets are triggering an immune response. Improvements in microscopy are permitting the first-ever observations of living B cells, T cells, and other cells as they interact within lymph nodes and other body tissues. In addition, scientists are rapidly unraveling the genetic blueprints that direct the human immune response, as well as those that dictate the biology of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The combination of new technology with expanded genetic information will no doubt reveal even more about how the body protects itself from disease.
What is the meaning of the word 'ideal' as it is used in the first paragraph?
- A. thoughtful
- B. confined
- C. hostile
- D. perfect
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of the first paragraph, the word 'ideal' is used to describe the human body as a perfect or optimal environment for many microbes. It means that the human body provides a setting that is best suited or most favorable for the growth and survival of these microbes. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: perfect.' The word 'thoughtful' (choice A) does not align with the context of the paragraph, 'confined' (choice B) suggests restricted rather than favorable, and 'hostile' (choice C) is the opposite of what is described in the text.
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.
What is the best meaning of the word 'advocate' as used in the fourth sentence of this paragraph?
- A. Supporter
- B. Opponent
- C. Critic
- D. Observer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this context, the word 'advocate' means a supporter. A consumer advocate is someone who actively supports and promotes the interests and rights of consumers. By insisting on better roads and safer cars, a consumer advocate works to improve safety for all drivers. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is A: 'Supporter.'
Food
Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their
abuse can cause serious physical and metal problem.
Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the
country'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 driver's
contribution to highway death, spousal and child abuse,
are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol
abuse.
The information presented in this extract is?
- A. Against eating and drinking
- B. Against drinking alcohol
- C. Against eating rich foods
- D. Unbiased in its approach
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The passage discusses the necessity and desirability of food and drink but highlights the potential issues that can arise from their abuse. It points out concerns such as overeating leading to health problems, emotional eating, and the negative consequences of alcohol abuse. The passage presents a balanced view by discussing both the benefits and risks associated with food and alcohol consumption, making it unbiased in its approach.
Mr. Rogers' Biography: 'It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood!' This familiar line always began the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood program on PBS.
The amazing Fred Rogers brought a special message to children around the world. He believed that each person is unique and wonderful in his or her own way and we should accept others just the way they are without trying to change or improve them. Mr. Rogers spread his tolerance message far and wide through the daily broadcasts of his television show, his many books, and finally after his retirement through his website specifically designed for children. Through these venues, Mr. Rogers helped children deal with the real- world things that bothered them, such as doctor visits, haircuts, and new siblings.
Fred Rogers left a legacy of kindness, acceptance, and an unending love of learning for all generations.
Why did Fred Rogers design and develop a television show for children?
- A. He wanted to do it for his own children.
- B. He wanted to help children deal with real-world problems.
- C. He wanted to spread cheer throughout his neighborhood.
- D. He wanted to become famous.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: He wanted to help children deal with real-world problems. Fred Rogers designed and developed a television show for children with the intention of providing them with a platform to address real-world issues and challenges they face. This is evident from the excerpt mentioning how he helped children deal with things like doctor visits, haircuts, and new siblings. The show aimed to offer guidance and support to children in navigating these experiences.
Choice A is incorrect because there is no mention in the text that he created the show for his own children specifically. Choice C is incorrect as the primary focus of the show was not just to spread cheer but to provide meaningful support and guidance to children. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication that Fred Rogers' motivation was to become famous; rather, his focus was on helping children and spreading a message of kindness and acceptance.
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 does the word 'penetrates' mean?
- A. To shield
- B. To pierce
- C. To cover
- D. To obscure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The word 'penetrates' means 'to pierce'. In the context provided, it refers to lightning diffusing into the ground by breaking through a surface. The sentence '...defuses as it penetrates the ground' indicates that the lightning breaks through the ground rather than shielding, covering, or obscuring it.
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