Electrocardiogram
The rhythmic sounds of "beep... beep... beep..." signify the measurement of the heart muscle's strength. This rhythmic signal varies from person to person and is recorded as an electrocardiogram (ECG). Within the body, a complex array of systemic neural responses generates electric currents that can be detected on the skin's surface. When a person is connected to an amplifier, these impulses are captured by an electrocardiograph. Most of the information gathered pertains to the heart, as it emits electric currents in waves. This "wave of excitation" propagates through the heart wall and is associated with electrical changes. The process occurs in three distinct phases. First, the "wave of excitation," accompanied by an electrical change, lasts for about 1 to 2 seconds following the contraction of the cardiac muscle. These electrical impulses are rhythmically discharged from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker, signaling the atrium to contract. The peak of the ECG reading is attributed to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which triggers the excitation of the ventricles. Finally, as the ventricles relax, any changes in the wave pattern can alert trained medical personnel to potential abnormalities within the heart.
What is the best summary of the passage?
- A. Electric currents within the body are due to electrostatic charges set off by the heart. Medical staff are trained to recognize any abnormalities within the heart.
- B. Every individual has unique electric currents on the surface of the body. The ECG measures and records these electric currents.
- C. The ECG systematically and rather quickly measures the stages at which the "wave of excitation" occurs within the heart and records them. This wave has three distinct steps that spread from the SA node to the AV node.
- D. The ECG measures the electric currents within the body. These currents are detected on the surface of the body when the body is connected to an amplifier.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it accurately summarizes the passage by highlighting that the ECG systematically measures the stages of the 'wave of excitation' within the heart. This wave has three distinct steps that spread from the SA node to the AV node. The other options either focus on general information about electric currents or do not capture the specific details provided in the passage about the ECG and the heart's electrical activity.
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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.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease that is passed down through families. It is caused by a defective gene
that makes the body produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds
up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas. The buildup of mucus results in
life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the
sweat glands and a man's reproductive system. Millions of Americans carry a CF gene, but do
not have symptoms. This is because a person with CF must inherit two defective genes, one from
each parent. About 1 in 29 Caucasian Americans have the CF gene. It is more common among
those of northern or central European descent. Most children with CF are diagnosed by age 2.
For a small number, the disease is not detected until age 18 or older. These children often have a
milder form of the disease.
Which of the following describes the purpose of the passage?
- A. Describing the causes of cystic fibrosis
- B. Explaining how cystic fibrosis is passed down through families
- C. Providing an overview of the causes of CF and how it is carried
- D. Reviewing why some Americans have CF, but others do not
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage serves the purpose of providing an overview of cystic fibrosis, including its causes and how it is inherited. It explains the genetic aspect of the disease and how it is passed down through families, emphasizing the need to inherit two defective genes to develop CF. The passage touches on the prevalence of the CF gene in the population and the age at which most children are diagnosed. Therefore, choice C, 'Providing an overview of the causes of CF and how it is carried,' best encapsulates the purpose of the passage.
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 body’s cardiovascular system. The body’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 body’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.
What is a major difference in the way baroreceptors and chemoreceptors work from the way the kidneys work?
- A. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors both work within the walls of the arteries sending out impulses to raise or lower blood pressure, whereas the kidneys help control blood volume.
- B. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors both work to help maintain blood volume, whereas the kidneys take care of salts, water, and waste removal.
- C. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors must work together to control blood pressure, whereas the kidneys work with the adrenal cortex.
- D. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are both located near the adrenal cortex, whereas the kidneys are located near the heart.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The major difference in the way baroreceptors and chemoreceptors work compared to the kidneys is that baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are involved in regulating blood pressure by sending impulses within the walls of the arteries to adjust blood pressure levels. On the other hand, the kidneys play a role in controlling blood volume by absorbing salts and water and removing wastes. While baroreceptors and chemoreceptors focus on immediate blood pressure adjustments, the kidneys influence blood pressure indirectly through their impact on blood volume. Therefore, option A correctly highlights this key distinction by emphasizing the roles of baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and kidneys in the body's regulatory mechanisms.
Factory
Care In planning and management Is needed if a factory is to run well. Work area should be large. clean, well lighted and airy. Work should move in 3 straight line from one machine to another. This allows materials in different stages of production to advance smoothly. As orders increase, some factories hire consultants to redesign their outdated operation flow and streamline workstations and equipment within the plant. Using 2 factory management system can double production as well as Improve the rate of on-time deliveries. Careful planning and execution can also contribute to harmonious relations between labor and management.
The information presented in this paragraph is
- A. slanted against management.
- B. balanced in its approach.
- C. slanted against labor.
- D. slanted against government regulations.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The paragraph discusses the importance of planning, management, and the physical work environment for the smooth operation of a factory, without favoring either labor or management. It acknowledges the role of both in achieving a well-functioning factory and mentions the benefit of harmonious relations between labor and management. The information in the paragraph is balanced by emphasizing the need for careful planning, execution, and collaboration between labor and management for the efficient functioning of the factory.
The Electoral College: The Electoral College has nothing to do with college and contains no students. The Electoral College consists of votes that each state acquires based on the number of representatives it has in Congress.
Each state has two electoral votes because each state has two senators. The remaining electoral votes are determined by the number of Congressmen, the number of which is based on the population of the state established by the Census taken each decade.
During the presidential election, most states cast all their electoral votes for the candidate who wins the popular vote in that particular state. It’s all very confusing, but the founding fathers knew what they were doing. By having and using the Electoral College, candidates campaign in every state, but just because they win the popular vote across the country
doesn’t mean they will always win the election. Case in point, in election 2000, Al Gore won
the popular vote across the country, but George W. Bush won more electoral votes. Therefore he became our 43rd president.
Which statement from the passage is a fact?
- A. Each state casts their electoral votes during the Presidential election.
- B. Candidates only campaign in states where they think they can win.
- C. The Electoral College is a college in Washington D.C.
- D. The government randomly assigns electoral votes to states.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Each state casts their electoral votes during the Presidential election. This statement is a fact because it accurately describes the process of how each state participates in the Electoral College by casting their electoral votes based on the popular vote within that state.
Rationale:
1. The passage clearly states that during the presidential election, most states cast all their electoral votes for the candidate who wins the popular vote in that particular state. This confirms that each state indeed casts their electoral votes.
2. The Electoral College is a system where states cast their electoral votes, not the candidates. Therefore, the statement accurately reflects the role of states in the process.
Summary:
Choice A is the correct answer as it aligns with the explanation provided in the passage about how each state participates in the Electoral College by casting their electoral votes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the factual information provided in the passage.
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