Nokea
A Day with Humpbacks
I sit on the headlands of Neah Bay, Washington, and watch a mother humpback and her calf slip through the icy Pacific waters. I recognize this whale by her distinctive tail pattern, as unique to this humpback as my fingerprints are to me. Once, heavy hunting using harpoons extirpated the species from the region, and only a ban on whaling allowed populations of humpbacks to recover.
As this gray female rises to the surface, she exhales, sending up a spout nearly 20 feet high. She rolls on her side and lifts her scalloped-edge flipper in salute, then slaps it on the water. I adjust my lens and take my shot. This is the only type of whale hunting I find acceptable-hunting with a camera.
What is the main idea conveyed in the passage?
- A. Humpback whales are commonly found in the waters near Washington.
- B. Humpback whale populations have rebounded after nearly being eradicated.
- C. The author has never encountered this specific humpback whale before.
- D. Both cameras and harpoons are utilized for hunting humpback whales.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The main idea of the passage revolves around the recovery of humpback whale populations. It highlights the historical decline due to heavy hunting, the recognition of individual whales, and the positive impact of the whaling ban on their recovery. The author's experience observing a mother humpback and her calf serves to emphasize the successful rebound of humpback whale populations. Therefore, option B, 'Humpback whale populations have rebounded after nearly being eradicated,' best encapsulates the central theme of the passage.
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You might think the largest animal on earth is the blue whale, and you would be correct. Blue whales can reach can reach a length of 98 ft long can weigh as much as 198 tons. however, in the blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, there is an organism currently covering an area of 3 square miles and estimated to weigh at least 7 500 tons: the Armillaria Ostayae fungus, Though A. Ostoyae is found in other places, such as Michigan and Germany, only Oregon's fungus has grown to such an enormous size. The humongous fungus is estimated to be anywhere from 2000 to 8000 years old, and it continues to grow by 1 to 3 feet every year.
What is the main purpose of the passage?
- A. To entertain
- B. To inform
- C. To describe
- D. To persuade
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: To inform.' The passage presents factual information about the Armillaria Ostoyae fungus, its characteristics, and its unique features in Oregon. It aims to educate readers about this remarkable organism and its impressive size and age. There is no attempt to entertain, persuade, or solely describe the fungus without providing informative content, making 'to inform' the most suitable purpose of the passage.
Dear Aunt Suzanne,
I have a few minutes before I get on the bus to Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my trip to Ireland is going. We just spent two days in Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We tool a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy.
For an Island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on Inis Mor! After eating stew and vegetable soup and brown bread with butter, we went to the seater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learnt that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The Healy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids, and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example.
The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We saw ancient ruins, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We also climbed down to a mysterious rock formation known as “The Worm Hole,†a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves and looks like it houses a terrible serpent (see attached photo). The Worm Hole was difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Gaelic. Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier time.
I’m excited to see you when I get home. I have lots more pictures to share!
Love, Eva
Which word in the passage indicates Eva's opinion?
- A. Prehistoric
- B. Ancient
- C. Stuck
- D. Gray
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Stuck.' The word 'stuck' indicates Eva's opinion as it suggests a negative feeling or viewpoint about the island being trapped or not advancing in time. In contrast, 'prehistoric' and 'ancient' are more neutral terms describing the age of the ruins and hill fort, while 'gray' simply describes the weather conditions. 'Stuck' reflects Eva's perception or judgment of the situation.
Do words like exhausted, listless, or worn-out describe you?
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Based on the information presented in the advertisement, which of the following is a reasonable inference?
- A. An increase in protein affects energy levels.
- B. Seventy-six percent of customers felt better in 3 weeks.
- C. Pro-10 shakes are affordable.
- D. Pro-10 shakes contribute to a person's overall health.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The advertisement states that 76% of customers surveyed reported having more energy after drinking Pro-10 for just 2 weeks. This indicates a direct relationship between consuming Pro-10 shakes and increased energy levels. Therefore, the reasonable inference is that an increase in protein, as found in Pro-10 shakes, positively affects energy levels.
A student is researching women's roles in literature. To access a list of sources related to this topic, the student should consult which of the following?
- A. an atlas
- B. a thesaurus
- C. a biography
- D. a bibliography
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When conducting research on a specific topic, a bibliography serves as a crucial resource by providing a comprehensive list of sources that have been referenced or consulted. In the context of researching women's roles in literature, consulting a bibliography would assist the student in accessing a wide range of relevant sources. This resource not only aids in identifying key works but also helps in further exploration and understanding of the topic by offering a collection of valuable references.
The Deaf President Now Movement
The Deaf President Now (DPN) movement marked a growing shift in perceptions of deaf people.
Gallaudet University, in Washington D.C., was established as a school for deaf students. The founder convinced Congress to fund the school, and it eventually became an institution for higher learning. In a nod of support, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Gallaudet diplomas. Future presidents continued the tradition, so all Gallaudet graduates receive diplomas signed by the U.S. President.
Gallaudet University grew as a center for deaf education and advocacy. In 1988, Gallaudet University was selecting a new university president. The board of trustees had well-qualified candidates, and all but one was deaf. On a Sunday, the board hastily announced they had selected the sole hearing candidate.
The reaction on campus was outrage. Students congregated to protest. Crowds marched to the meeting location and demanded an explanation. Through the closed-door discussion with protest leaders, a trustee created more discontent. He allegedly stated, "Deaf people are not able to function in a hearing world."
Throughout the week, there were more speeches and rallies. A media blitz spread the news globally. Students did not attend class to express their anger. Protest leaders formalized their demands, including a deaf president, the offending trustee must resign, the board of trustees must have 51% deaf leadership, and no reprisals against participants.
Support flowed in from across the world. The U.S. Vice President wrote, "Gallaudet has a responsibility to set an example and thus to appoint a president who is not only highly qualified, but who is also deaf."
Which of the following is irrelevant information when summarizing the passage?
- A. The board of trustees selected the only hearing candidate.
- B. Students wore buttons that read 3%.
- C. Students protested for just a week.
- D. All the demands of the DPN protest were met.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B, 'Students wore buttons that read 3%', is irrelevant information when summarizing the passage. The main focus should be on significant events like the controversial selection of a hearing candidate, the subsequent protests, and the demands made by the protest leaders. Options A, C, and D are more pertinent as they cover essential aspects of the protest, such as the board's selection process, the duration and intensity of the protests, and the outcomes of the demands made by the protesters.