In the United States, the foreign language requirement for high school graduation is decided at the state level. This means the requirement varies, with some states deciding to forego a foreign language requirement altogether (www.ncssfl.org). It is necessary that these states reconsider their position and amend their requirements to reflect compulsory completion of a course of one or more foreign languages. Studying a foreign language has become increasingly important for the global economy. As technology continues to make international business relations increasing easy, people need to keep up by increasing their communication capabilities. High school graduates with foreign language credits have been shown to have an increased college acceptance rate. In addition, students who have mastered more than one language typically find themselves in greater demand when they reach the job market. Students who did not study a foreign language often find themselves unable to obtain a job at all.
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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Eventually, his son King Charles II would be crowned, and this Charles is believed to have converted secretly to the Catholic Church. Charles II died without a legitimate heir, and his brother James ascended to the throne as King James II. James was recognized to be a practicing Catholic, and his commitment to Catholicism would prove to e his downfall. James's wife Mary Beatrice lost a number of children during their infancy, and when she became pregnant again in 1687 the public became concerned. If James had a son, that son would undoubtedly be raised a Catholic, and the English people would not stand for this. Mary gave birth to a son, but the story quickly circulated that the royal child had died and the child named James's heir was a foundling smuggled in. James, his wife, and his infant son were forced to flee; and James's Protestant daughter Mary was crowned the queen. In spite of a strong resemblance to the king, the young James was generally rejected among the English and the Lowland Scots, who referred to him as "the Pretender." But in the Highlands the Catholic princeling was welcomed. He inspired a group known as Jacobites, to reflect the Latin version of his name. His own son Charles, known affectionately as Bonnie Price Charlie, would eventually raise an army and attempt to recapture what he believed to be his throne. The movement was soundly defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and England and Scotland have remained ostensibly Protestant ever since.
Which of the following best describes the author's intent in the passage?
- A. to persuade
- B. to entertain
- C. to express feelings
- D. to inform
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The author's intent in the passage is to inform the reader about the historical events surrounding King James II, his family, and the succession of the English throne. The passage provides a detailed account of the lineage, religious affiliations, and the political implications of James II and his descendants. It does not aim to persuade, entertain, or express feelings, but rather presents a factual narrative of historical events. Therefore, choice D, 'to inform,' is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the passage is focused on presenting historical information rather than persuading, entertaining, or expressing emotions.
Stories have been a part of the world since the beginning of recorded time. For centuries before the invention of the printing press, stories of the world were passed down to generations through oral tradition. With the invention of the printing press, which made written material available to wide ranges of audiences, books were mass-produced and introduced into grater society. For the last several centuries, books have been at the forefront of education and entertainment. With the invention of the Internet, reliance on books for information quickly changed. Soon, almost everything that anyone needed to known could be accessed through the internet. Large printed volumes of encyclopedias became unnecessary as all of the information was easily available on the Internet. Despite the progression of the Internet, printed media was till very popular in the forms of both fiction and non-fiction books. While waiting for an appointment, enduring a several-hour flight, or relaxing before sleep, books have been a reliable and convenient source of entertainment, and one that society has not been willing to give up. With the progression and extreme convenience of technology, printed books are going to soon become a thing of the past. Inventions such as the iPad from Macintosh and the Kindle have made the need for any kind off printed media unnecessary. With a rechargeable battery, a large screen, and the ability to have several books saved on file, electronic options will soon take over and society will no longer see printed books. Although some people may say that the act of reading is not complete without turning a page, sliding a finger across the screen or pressing a button to read more onto the next page is just as satisfying to the reader. The iPad and Kindle are devices that have qualities similar to a computer and can be sued for so much more than just reading. These devices are therefore better than books because they have multiple uses. In cultural society that is part of the world and due to long-standing tradition, stories will always be an important way to communicate ideas nd provide information and entrainment. Centuries ago, stories could only be remembered and retold through speech. Printed media changed the way the world communicated and was connected, and now, as we move forward with technology, it is only a matter of time before we must say goodbye to the printed pas and welcome the digital and electronic future.
According to the essay, how were stories first communicated and passed down?
- A. oral tradition
- B. printed books
- C. technology
- D. handwriting
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The essay clearly states that before the invention of the printing press, stories were passed down through oral tradition. The extract mentions, 'For centuries before the invention of the printing press, stories of the world were passed down to generations through oral tradition.' This shows that oral tradition was the primary method of communicating stories before the introduction of printed books. Therefore, the correct answer is 'oral tradition.' Printed books (choice B) were introduced later with the invention of the printing press, as mentioned in the extract. 'Handwriting' (choice D) is not the first way stories were communicated, and 'technology' (choice C) is a broad term that does not specifically refer to the initial method of story communication.
Eventually, his son King Charles II would be crowned, and this Charles is believed to have converted secretly to the Catholic Church. Charles II died without a legitimate heir, and his brother James ascended to the throne as King James II. James was recognized to be a practicing Catholic, and his commitment to Catholicism would prove to e his downfall. James's wife Mary Beatrice lost a number of children during their infancy, and when she became pregnant again in 1687 the public became concerned. If James had a son, that son would undoubtedly be raised a Catholic, and the English people would not stand for this. Mary gave birth to a son, but the story quickly circulated that the royal child had died and the child named James's heir was a foundling smuggled in. James, his wife, and his infant son were forced to flee; and James's Protestant daughter Mary was crowned the queen. In spite of a strong resemblance to the ing, the young James was generally rejected among the English and the Lowland Scots, who referred to him as "the Pretender." But in the Highlands the Catholic princeling was welcomed. He inspired a group known as Jacobites, to reflect the Latin version of his name. His own son Charles, known affectionately as Bonnie Price Charlie, would eventually raise an army and attempt to recapture what he believed to be his throne. The movement was soundly defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and England and Scotland have remained ostensibly Protestant ever since.
What is the author's likely purpose in writing this passage about Queen Victoria?
- A. To persuade the reader to appreciate the accomplishments of Queen Victoria, especially when placed against the failures of her forebears.
- B. To introduce the historical impact of the Victorian Era by introducing the queen who gave that era its name.
- C. To explain how small events in history led an unlikely princess to become the queen of England.
- D. To indicate the role that King George III's many sons played in changing the history of England.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The author's likely purpose in writing this passage about Queen Victoria is to explain how small events in history led to an unlikely princess becoming the queen of England. The passage details the series of events that changed the course of British succession and highlights Victoria's unexpected path to the throne. It focuses on the historical process that resulted in her becoming queen, rather than persuading the reader to appreciate her accomplishments, introducing the Victorian Era as a whole, or discussing the role of other historical figures like King George III's sons.
An adult skeleton had 206 bones. The skeleton has two major divisions: the axil skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton, which consists of 80 bones including the skull, vertebrae, and rib, is located down the center of the body. The axial skeleton protects vital organs such as the brain and heart. The appendicular skeleton consists of 126 ones of the arms, legs, and the bones that attach these bones to the axial skeleton. The appendicular skeleton includes the scapulae (shoulder blades), clavicles (collarbones), and pelvic (hip) bones.
Which of the following bones is not associated with the leg?
- A. femur
- B. tibia
- C. patella
- D. radius
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, radius. According to the passage, the radius is a bone in the lower arm, not in the leg. The femur, tibia, and patella are bones associated with the leg. The femur is the thigh bone, the tibia is the shin bone, and the patella is the kneecap. Therefore, the radius is the only bone among the options that is not associated with the leg.
Smoking tobacco products is terribly destructive. A single cigarette contains
over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known carcinogens and 400 deadly toxins.
Some of the most dangerous ingredients include tar, carbon monoxide,
formaldehyde, ammonia, arsenic, and DDT. Smoking can cause numerous
types of cancer including throat, mouth, nasal cavity, esophagus, stomach,
pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervical.
Cigarettes contain a drug called nicotine, one of the most addictive substances
known to man. Addiction is defined as a compulsion to seek the substance
despite negative consequences. According to the National Institute of Drug
Abuse, nearly 35 million smokers expressed a desire to quit smoking in 2015;
however, more than 85 percent of those addicts will not achieve their goal.
Almost all smokers regret picking up that first cigarette. You would be wise to
learn from their mistake if you have not yet started smoking.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 16 million
people in the United States presently suffer from a smoking-related condition
and nearly nine million suffer from a serious smoking-related illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco
products cause nearly six million deaths per year. This number is projected to
rise to over eight million deaths by 2030. Smokers, on average, die ten years
earlier than their nonsmoking peers.
In the United States, local, state, and federal governments typically tax
tobacco products, which leads to high prices. Nicotine addicts sometimes pay
more for a pack of cigarettes than for a few gallons of gas. Additionally,
smokers tend to stink. The smell of smoke is all-consuming and creates a
pervasive nastiness. Smokers also risk staining their teeth and fingers with
yellow residue from the tar.
The author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?
- A. Smokers should only quit cold turkey.
- B. Other substances are more addictive than tobacco.
- C. Smokers should quit for any reason that makes them stop.
- D. People who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The author would likely agree that any reason to quit smoking is valid, based on their anti-smoking stance. The provided extract extensively discusses the harmful effects of smoking, the addictive nature of nicotine, and the negative consequences associated with tobacco products. The author emphasizes the health risks, financial burden, and social implications of smoking, promoting the idea that smokers should quit for any reason that helps them stop. Choice A, suggesting that smokers should only quit cold turkey, is too restrictive and doesn't consider individual differences in quitting methods. Choice B, stating that other substances are more addictive than tobacco, is not directly supported by the extract, which highlights the extreme addictiveness of nicotine. Choice D, proposing that people who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes, goes against the anti-smoking stance presented in the extract, which highlights the negative impact of smoking and high tobacco prices.
Nokea