Nokea
Isaac Asimov: Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992) was a very prolific writer, best known for his works of science fiction and for his popular science books. Most of Asimov's popularized science books explain scientific concepts in a historical way, going as far back as possible to a time when the science in question was at its simplest stage.
Asimov is widely considered a master of the science-fiction genre and, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the 'Big Three' science-fiction writers during his lifetime. He also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as a great amount of nonfiction. Asimov wrote the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science-fiction novels using the pen name Paul French.
Asimov was afraid of flying, so he seldom traveled great distances, partly because his aversion to flying complicated the logistics of long-distance travel. He did enjoy traveling on cruise ships, and on several occasions he became part of the cruise's entertainment, giving science-themed talks. Asimov was an able public speaker, and enjoyed speaking to groups, especially at science fiction conventions.
What is the definition of 'prolific' as used in the first paragraph?
- A. Highly productive.
- B. Eccentric.
- C. Literate.
- D. Against war.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Highly productive. In the context of the passage, "prolific" is used to describe Isaac Asimov as being very productive in his writing endeavors. He produced a large number of works in various genres, including science fiction, popular science, mysteries, and fantasy. This term emphasizes his vast output and the sheer volume of his literary contributions.
Choice B (Eccentric) is incorrect because the passage does not mention anything about Asimov being eccentric. Choice C (Literate) is incorrect as well, as the term "prolific" does not refer to being literate but rather to being highly productive. Choice D (Against war) is also incorrect as there is no mention of war or any anti-war sentiment associated with the term "prolific" in the given context.
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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.
From the passage, the reader can conclude that lightning
- A. is always detrimental to the earth.
- B. consists of a main stroke and several smaller strokes.
- C. and thunder are always connected.
- D. is a rare occurrence.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lightning consists of a main stroke and several smaller strokes. From the passage, it is mentioned that 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. This indicates that lightning is not just a single occurrence but a sequence of events involving the main stroke followed by smaller strokes.
Choice A is incorrect as the passage mentions that lightning has positive aspects such as releasing nitrogen into the atmosphere. Choice C is incorrect as the passage states that thunder and lightning are connected only about 50% of the time. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not indicate that lightning is a rare occurrence, in fact, it mentions that lightning causes injuries, deaths, and forest fires each year.
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.
In context, the word 'defective' in the first sentence of the passage means which of the following?
- A. Unusual
- B. Remarkable
- C. Remarkable
- D. Faulty
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Faulty.' In the context of the passage, 'defective' describes a gene that is not functioning correctly, leading to the production of abnormally thick and sticky fluid. The word 'defective' implies that the gene is flawed, imperfect, or faulty, which aligns with the definition of 'Faulty.' Choices A and B, 'Unusual' and 'Remarkable,' do not accurately reflect the negative connotation associated with 'defective' in this context. Therefore, 'Faulty' is the most appropriate interpretation of 'defective' in this sentence.
Croatian-born inventor Nikola Tesla is often called the "forgotten scientist". Although he
invented the alternating current (AC) motor and developed an AC electricity generation system, he never received historical credit for many of his achievements, unlike one of his first employer and eventual nemesis, inventor Thomas Edison
Tesla made the first sketches of his idea for a brushless of his idea for a brushless AC motor while he was a student at the University of Prague in 1882. His interest in electricity generation led him to Paris where he was employed by the Continental Edison Company later that year to repair Edison's direct current (DC) power plants. Two years later, Tesla immigrated to New York City and acquired a job as an engineer at
Thomas Edison's headquarters in Manhattan. Edison was impressed with Tesla's work ethic and
ingenuity. He challenged the young scientist to develop an improved design for his DC
generators for $50,000. Tesla experimented for months, finally presenting Edison with the
solution he needed. Edison reneged on the deal, telling Tesla that he didn't understand American humor. Tesla soon left Edison in order to begin his own electric light company
Tesla filed and was granted more than 30 patents for his inventions in 1887 and 1888. He soon
had financial backing for his ideas from one of Edison' main competitors, Westinghouse. In the
1890's Tesla experimented with x-rays, developed a high-voltage electrical transformer call the
Tesla coil, and demonstrated the propagation of radio waves two years before the "Father of
Radio" Guglielmo Marconi. He was also the first to harness the mammoth potential energy of
Niagara Falls. He worked with General Electric to install AC generators with turbines driven by the falling waters of the Niagara River, creating the first modern power plant although a brilliant scientist, Tesla was not an astute businessman. He created his own obscurity by relinquishing
royalty rights for his inventions to major corporations for the purpose of raising funds for future projects.
What is the meaning of the word 'astute' in the last paragraph?
- A. Unwise
- B. Shrewd
- C. Reckless
- D. Honest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Shrewd.' In the context provided, the word 'astute' describes someone who is clever, perceptive, and shows keen judgment. The text mentions that although Tesla was a brilliant scientist, he was not an astute businessman, indicating that he lacked the shrewdness or sharp business acumen required to navigate the commercial aspects of his inventions successfully. This is further supported by the statement that Tesla relinquished royalty rights for his inventions to major corporations to raise funds for future projects, showcasing a lack of business savvy.
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 bodyÄ€™s cardiovascular system. The bodyÄ€™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 bodyÄ€™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 wall 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: Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors function by sensing changes in the body's blood pressure within the walls of the arteries and sending signals to raise or lower blood pressure accordingly. On the other hand, the kidneys play a role in controlling blood volume by absorbing salts and water and removing wastes. This contrast highlights a major difference between how baroreceptors/chemoreceptors regulate blood pressure and how the kidneys manage blood volume. While the former adjust blood pressure directly, the kidneys affect blood volume, which indirectly influences blood pressure. Therefore, option A correctly distinguishes the roles of baroreceptors/chemoreceptors and kidneys in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.
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.
When taking cover from lightning, you should:
- A. Stand under a tree for protection
- B. Seek shelter in a wooden building
- C. Get into a metal car, or lie flat on the ground
- D. Stay outside and continue your activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a thunder and lightning storm, the safest course of action is to get into a metal car or lie flat on the ground. Standing under a tree is dangerous as trees can attract lightning. Seeking shelter in a wooden building is also risky as wood is a conductor of electricity. Staying outside and continuing activities during a lightning storm is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The metal car or lying flat on the ground provide a path of low resistance for the lightning, reducing the risk of harm.