ELECTORAL COLLEGE
The Electoral College has nothing to do with college and contains no students. It consists of votes that each state acquires based on the number of representatives it has in Congress. Each state has two electoral votes because every state has two senators. The remaining electoral votes are determined by the number of Congressmen, which is based on the population of the state, as established by the Census taken every decade. During the presidential election, most states cast all their electoral votes for the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. Although this system can be confusing, the founding fathers knew what they were doing. The Electoral College encourages candidates to campaign in every state. However, winning the popular vote across the country does not guarantee winning the election. A notable example is the 2000 election, where Al Gore won the popular vote nationwide, but George W. Bush secured more electoral votes, ultimately becoming the 43rd president.
What is the author's reason for writing this piece?
- A. Entertain the reader with anecdotes
- B. Persuade the reader to support a specific candidate
- C. Teach the reader about the Electoral College
- D. Criticize the electoral process
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The author's intent in writing this piece is primarily to educate the reader about the Electoral College. The passage provides a detailed explanation of how the Electoral College works, including its structure and the role it plays in presidential elections. It aims to inform the audience about a complex system in a straightforward manner, rather than entertaining, persuading, or criticizing. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
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The regulation of dietary supplements falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which applies different standards compared to those governing prescription and over-the-counter medications. In general, the regulations for dietary supplements are less stringent. Manufacturers are not required to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of a dietary supplement prior to its marketing. However, they are allowed to make claims about addressing nutrient deficiencies, supporting health, or being associated with specific bodily functions, provided that research backs these assertions. These claims must be accompanied by a disclaimer stating, “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.†Additionally, manufacturers are expected to adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure consistent processing and quality standards, with requirements that took effect in 2008 for larger manufacturers and are being phased in for smaller ones by 2010. Once a dietary supplement is available on the market, the FDA monitors its safety and product information, including label claims and package inserts. If a product is deemed unsafe, the FDA has the authority to take action against the manufacturer or distributor, which may include issuing warnings or requiring product removal. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees advertising regulations, ensuring that all promotional materials are truthful and not misleading. Consequently, the federal government has pursued legal action against numerous dietary supplement promoters or websites that have made false claims or marketed unsafe products.
What does the phrase 'phased in' mean as it is used in the third paragraph?
- A. stunned into silence
- B. confused
- C. implemented in stages
- D. legalized
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The phrase 'phased in' means implemented in stages. In this context, it refers to the gradual introduction or implementation of requirements for good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for small manufacturers over a period of time. It does not signify being stunned into silence, confused, or legalized, but rather a methodical and gradual approach to enforcing regulations.
The Water Cycle
Water is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms.
The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans.
Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants.
Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.
Which of the following words is an antonym for the word 'comprised'?
- A. Incorporate
- B. Encompass
- C. Exclude
- D. Embody
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The term 'comprised' means to include or contain. An antonym would be a word that signifies the opposite of including or containing. The correct answer, 'Exclude,' means to leave out or omit, which is the opposite of comprising.
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 primary purpose of the author in writing the essay?
- A. to persuade
- B. to analyze
- C. to inform
- D. to entertain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'to inform.' The essay provides a comprehensive overview of the immune system, detailing its functions, complexities, and advancements in research. The author's main goal is to educate the readers about the immune system, how it works, and the ongoing discoveries in the field. The essay presents factual information and scientific insights rather than aiming to persuade, analyze, or entertain the audience.
VIOLENCE: Lately, studies have been done to decide whether a relationship exists between violence on television and mounting violence in the streets of the United States. More and better research is needed to assess fully the effects of exposure to violence on human behavior. However, early results seem to indicate that some people are influenced negatively by what they see on TV, especially young children. Since children born today, on an average, are exposed to seven hours of TV daily, some changes seem needed. Consultants have advised network officials to reconsider certain policies if they wish to avoid the pitfalls of increased government regulations.
The author seems to support:
- A. A complete deregulation of television programming.
- B. Violence on television, if it has artistic merit.
- C. Further research into the effects of TV violence.
- D. Public control of TV programming.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Further research into the effects of TV violence.
Rationale:
1. The passage highlights the need for more and better research to fully understand the effects of exposure to violence on human behavior.
2. The author acknowledges that early results suggest some negative influence on people, especially young children, indicating the importance of further investigation.
3. By emphasizing the need for more research, the author is advocating for a more informed approach to addressing the issue of violence on television.
4. The other choices are incorrect:
- A: Complete deregulation of television programming goes against the author's suggestion for changes and avoiding pitfalls.
- B: Supporting violence on television based on artistic merit is not the focus of the passage, which highlights negative influences.
- D: Public control of TV programming is not explicitly supported in the passage; the emphasis is on research to understand the effects of TV violence.
Let's Go to the Circus
Everyone loves a circus! The bright lights, fanciful costumes, and fierce wild animals delight and entertain folks of all ages. The circus calls to the child in each one of us. Ernest Hemingway wrote that it "is the only ageless delight that you can buy for money..."
"Circus" is a magic word inspiring all sorts of exciting, colorful images. It's a theater of mind-boggling feats, elephants thundering around the rings, horses dancing, clowns cavorting and the sequins glittering under the lights.
There are historical references to animal displays and athletic competitions from the earliest days of civilization. The Romans were famous for their extravaganzas in the Coliseum. The shows we see today cannot compare to those great spectacles, but all who go to a circus enjoy the experience. It allows us all to be a child again and watch in awe as the athletes perform on the high wire or control the savage beasts in the center ring.
What sentiment does the author convey about the circus?
- A. Encourages avoiding the experience.
- B. Suggests attending a circus.
- C. States that only children can enjoy the experience.
- D. Believes the experience is too intense for children.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The author expresses a positive sentiment toward the circus, emphasizing its enchanting qualities and ability to captivate individuals of all ages. The text conveys a sense of admiration for the circus experience, as seen in phrases like 'Everyone loves a circus!' and 'It allows us all to be a child again.' These lines indicate the author's fondness for the circus and encourage others to partake in its enjoyable offerings.
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