What is the author's main argument in the passage on the Electoral College?
- A. The Electoral College ensures that all states have a say in elections.
- B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.
- C. The Electoral College should be abolished.
- D. The Electoral College was created to favor larger states.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.' The passage discusses the Electoral College system, highlighting its complexities and the discrepancy between the popular vote and electoral vote outcomes. It mentions the confusion and the case of the 2000 election where the popular vote winner did not become president. The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not focus on ensuring all states have a say but rather on the need for reform. Choice C is not the main argument presented in the passage; while the passage mentions confusion, it does not explicitly call for abolition. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that the Electoral College was created to favor larger states; instead, it discusses the allocation of electoral votes based on Congressional representation and population.
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What is implied about the rainforest's role in global climate?
- A. The rainforest has little impact on the climate.
- B. The rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the climate.
- C. The rainforest is mainly important for biodiversity.
- D. The rainforest's destruction has no global consequences.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. The extract highlights the fact that trees take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. When trees are cut down, the amount of carbon dioxide increases, contributing to global warming. This emphasizes the significant impact of rainforests on the climate. Choice A is incorrect as the extract clearly states the importance of rainforests in absorbing carbon dioxide. Choice C, while true, is not directly related to the implied role of rainforests in regulating the climate. Choice D is also incorrect as the destruction of rainforests does have global consequences, such as contributing to global warming.
What is the main reason the author wrote the passage about the Electoral College?
- A. To criticize the complexity of the Electoral College.
- B. To explain how the Electoral College works.
- C. To advocate for abolishing the Electoral College.
- D. To promote the benefits of the Electoral College.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage primarily aims to explain how the Electoral College functions in U.S. elections. It provides details on how the Electoral College operates, including the allocation of electoral votes based on states' representation in Congress, the role of senators and representatives, and how electoral votes are cast during presidential elections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage does not criticize, advocate for abolishing, or promote the benefits of the Electoral College. Instead, it focuses on clarifying its mechanism.
What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?
- A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
- B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
- C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
- D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.
Which statement from the passage on Voice is a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness.
- B. Harsh voice qualities come from tension in the throat.
- C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill or grating.
- D. Because tension occurs in higher-pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The fact that harsh voice qualities come from tension in the throat is a verifiable statement based on a scientific explanation provided in the passage. This statement is not subject to personal interpretation or judgment. Choice A is an opinion as it categorizes harshness as one of the worst voice qualities, which is subjective. Choice C is also an opinion as it describes how a voice will sound based on subjective terms like 'unpleasant.' Choice D is an opinion as it makes a generalized statement linking higher-pitched voices with shriller voices in women, which can vary widely among individuals.
What is implied about Benjamin Franklin in the passage on Daylight Savings Time?
- A. Benjamin Franklin opposed the idea of Daylight Savings Time.
- B. Benjamin Franklin was the first to implement Daylight Savings Time.
- C. Benjamin Franklin proposed the idea of Daylight Savings Time.
- D. Benjamin Franklin had no role in Daylight Savings Time.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage states that Benjamin Franklin first suggested the introduction of Daylight Savings Time in the 18th century. However, the first serious proposal came in 1907 from William Willet. Franklin's idea was not implemented during his lifetime, but he did propose the concept. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because Franklin did not oppose the idea. Choice B is incorrect because he was not the first to implement it. Choice D is incorrect because he did have a role in proposing the idea.