What is the main idea of this passage?
- A. Studying a foreign language will help graduating students find jobs after high school.
- B. Studying a foreign language should be a mandatory requirement for high school graduation.
- C. Studying a foreign language helps students gain an understanding of other cultures.
- D. Studying a foreign language is essential if a student hopes to get into college.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that studying a foreign language should be a compulsory requirement for high school graduation. This is emphasized due to its increasing importance for the global economy, college acceptance rates, and job market competitiveness. The passage argues for states to amend their requirements to reflect this necessity, highlighting the benefits of studying a foreign language. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions job market competitiveness, the main focus is on the requirement for high school graduation. Choice C is incorrect as while understanding other cultures is a benefit of studying a foreign language, it is not the primary message of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not solely focus on the necessity of studying a foreign language for college acceptance; rather, it advocates for its inclusion as a high school graduation requirement.
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Which of the following is a primary source?
- A. A critic's summary of a book on Abraham Lincoln.
- B. A peer-reviewed scientific journal's table of contents.
- C. A gene splicing study report with data.
- D. A news article quoting research into curing cancer.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A gene splicing study report with data is a primary source because it provides original research findings. In contrast, choice A is a secondary source as it involves a critic's interpretation of a book. Choice B, the table of contents of a peer-reviewed scientific journal, is not a primary source but a tertiary source, providing a summary of articles. Choice D, a news article quoting research, is a secondary source that presents information based on primary sources rather than the original research itself.
What do you predict occurred after Mother Jones's publication about child labor in cotton mills?
- A. More children signed up to work in the factories
- B. Cotton factories in the South closed
- C. Laws were passed to prevent child labor
- D. The pay scale for these children was increased
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After Mother Jones's publication detailing the harsh conditions of child labor in cotton mills, it is likely that public awareness increased, leading to public outcry. This heightened awareness and outrage often result in legislative actions being taken. Therefore, it is reasonable to predict that laws were passed to prevent child labor, as the excerpt vividly describes the unsafe and exploitative working conditions faced by children. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the publication would not have encouraged more children to work in such harsh conditions, led to the closure of cotton factories, or increased the pay scale for child laborers; instead, it would have prompted societal action to protect children from such exploitation.
Given the style of writing for the passage, which of the following magazines would be the best fit for this article?
- A. Scientific Spelunking
- B. Family Fun Days
- C. Adventures for Men
- D. Mud Magazine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The article's style is light-hearted and aimed at families looking for outdoor adventures. It suggests activities suitable for families with children, making Family Fun Days the best fit among the given magazine options. 'Scientific Spelunking' may focus more on the scientific aspects rather than family-friendly fun. 'Adventures for Men' may cater to a male audience rather than families. 'Mud Magazine' seems more focused on mud-related content, which doesn't align with the family-friendly, outdoor adventure theme of the article.
Which of the following sentences contains an opinion on the part of the author?
- A. James was recognized as a practicing Catholic, and his commitment to Catholicism would prove to be his downfall.
- B. James' son King Charles I proved to be less committed to the Protestant Church of England.
- C. The movement was soundly defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and England and Scotland have remained ostensibly Protestant ever since.
- D. Scholars in the 21st century are far too hasty in dismissing the role of religion in political disputes, but religion undoubtedly played a role in the problems that faced England and Scotland.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The sentence in answer choice D expresses the opinion of the author by suggesting that scholars in the 21st century are hasty in dismissing the role of religion in political disputes. This opinion is presented without factual evidence or support within the passage, making it an opinion rather than a statement based on information provided in the text. Choice A simply states facts about James being a practicing Catholic and how it affected him, without expressing any opinion. Choice B also presents a factual statement about King Charles I's commitment to the Protestant Church of England. Choice C provides historical information about the Battle of Culloden and the religious state of England and Scotland, without any opinion from the author.
Using the same reasoning as that in the passage, an automobile with eighteen wheels does what to the following hypothesis: 'All automobiles have only four wheels'?
- A. It proves the hypothesis.
- B. It raises the hypothesis's probability.
- C. It disproves the hypothesis.
- D. It decreases the hypothesis's probability.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An automobile with eighteen wheels contradicts the hypothesis that 'All automobiles have only four wheels.' This contradiction reduces the probability that the hypothesis is true. The hypothesis is not proven by the presence of an eighteen-wheel automobile, nor does it raise the probability of the hypothesis being true. Instead, it directly challenges the hypothesis, leading to a decrease in its probability of being correct.