All That Jazz: Jazz is an American musical art form which originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African-American communities in the Southern United States. It derived from a confluence of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has also incorporated music from 19th and 20th century American popular music. The word jazz began as a West Coast slang term of uncertain derivation and was first used to refer to music in Chicago in about 1915.
Improvisation is one of the key elements of jazz and a fundamental part of the nature of the music. In jazz, the skilled performer will interpret a tune in very individual ways, never playing the same composition exactly the same way twice. Depending upon the performer's mood and personal experience, interactions with fellow musicians, or even members of the audience, a jazz musician/performer may alter melodies, harmonies, or time signatures at will.
What makes jazz a different sort of music?
- A. Improvisation of the theme.
- B. Rhythmic variations by combo members.
- C. Rigid interpretation of the written score.
- D. Interaction with the audience.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Improvisation of the theme. Jazz is distinguished by its emphasis on improvisation, where performers interpret and play a tune in unique ways each time. This constant creativity and spontaneity set jazz apart from other music genres. Rhythmic variations by combo members (B) are related to improvisation but not the defining characteristic of jazz. Rigid interpretation of the written score (C) goes against the essence of jazz, which thrives on freedom and individual expression. While interaction with the audience (D) is common in jazz performances, it is not what fundamentally makes jazz a different sort of music.
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Exams: Subjective exams measure your ability in several areas. Besides recalling information, you must be able to organize content logically and intelligently express yourself in a clearly understood manner. Subjective tests provide a greater opportunity for students to show their broad knowledge of a subject area. Answers may be in the form of paragraphs or lengthy essays.
When you review for an essay exam, concentrate on main ideas rather than details. Since essay tests are limited to a few questions, they are likely to deal with more important ideas of a subject. Prepare a list of questions that you think might be asked. Write an answer to each of your questions. Rather than writing complete sentences, jot down your thoughts in outline form. Doing so will help you organize the information so that you can express yourself clearly.
When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as 'compare,' 'contrast,' 'discuss,' 'explain,' 'justify,' and 'define.' Write your answers on the front or the back of the test page. Make sure you include all the important ideas that are within the limits of the question. In other words, do not give more than is asked for each answer. When you write your answer, keep it specific and as brief as possible. In the introductory sentence, it is often helpful to make a general statement that includes important points addressed in the question. Such a topic sentence serves as a framework for your answer.
Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.
Which paragraph provides the best summary of the passage you just read?
- A. When reviewing for an essay exam, focus on the important ideas...
- B. When reviewing for an essay exam, prepare some sample questions...
- C. When reviewing for an essay exam, focus on main ideas...
- D. When reviewing for an essay exam, prepare an outline from your book...
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it encapsulates the main idea of the passage, emphasizing the importance of focusing on important ideas when reviewing for an essay exam.
1. A: Mentions focusing on important ideas, which aligns with the passage's emphasis on concentrating on main ideas.
2. B: While preparing sample questions is mentioned in the passage, it does not capture the central theme of focusing on main ideas.
3. C: This choice is similar to the correct answer but lacks the specificity of focusing on important ideas rather than just main ideas.
4. D: Creating an outline from the book is mentioned in the passage, but it does not address the key point of concentrating on important ideas.
In summary, choice A best summarizes the passage by highlighting the essential strategy of concentrating on crucial concepts when reviewing for an essay exam, making it the correct answer.
The regulation of dietary supplements falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which applies different standards compared to those governing prescription and over-the-counter medications. In general, the regulations for dietary supplements are less stringent. Manufacturers are not required to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of a dietary supplement prior to its marketing. However, they are allowed to make claims about addressing nutrient deficiencies, supporting health, or being associated with specific bodily functions, provided that research backs these assertions. These claims must be accompanied by a disclaimer stating, “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.†Additionally, manufacturers are expected to adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure consistent processing and quality standards, with requirements that took effect in 2008 for larger manufacturers and are being phased in for smaller ones by 2010. Once a dietary supplement is available on the market, the FDA monitors its safety and product information, including label claims and package inserts. If a product is deemed unsafe, the FDA has the authority to take action against the manufacturer or distributor, which may include issuing warnings or requiring product removal. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees advertising regulations, ensuring that all promotional materials are truthful and not misleading. Consequently, the federal government has pursued legal action against numerous dietary supplement promoters or websites that have made false claims or marketed unsafe products.
What does the phrase 'phased in' mean as it is used in the third paragraph?
- A. stunned into silence
- B. confused
- C. implemented in stages
- D. legalized
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The phrase 'phased in' means implemented in stages. In this context, it refers to the gradual introduction or implementation of requirements for good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for small manufacturers over a period of time. It does not signify being stunned into silence, confused, or legalized, but rather a methodical and gradual approach to enforcing regulations.
About 6% of the earth is covered by rainforests. The largest rainforest in the world is the
Amazon Basin, which stretches over 2.3 million square miles in nine different South American countries. This area is double the length of all the other remaining rainforests in the world. Brazil contains 60%of the Amazonian rainforest, since it lies at the mouth of the river Amazon. This river is the second largest in the world and contains more than one-fifth of the world's fresh water. The Amazon rainforest is a type of wet broadleaf forest. The weather there is very humid and warm as it rains quite a bit. Because of the high rainfall, the forest is very rich and green. The
tree leaves are pointed and narrow so that the raindrops can easily drop off wet plants. This
tropical rainforest has more living species than the entire European continent. There are over 400 types of insects living in one single rain forest tree for a total of 2.5 million species. One square kilometer of rainforest may contain over 75,000 types of trees and approximately 438,000
different kinds of plants, which comes to a total of 90,000 tons of greenery overall. The Amazon rainforest is home to 2,000 birds and mammals, with one in every five birds in the world living there. Local farmers have lived off this rich and diverse land for thousands of years. They have been able to find food and water here without destroying the land. The Kayapo people of Brazil
farm in an environmentally-friendly way. Instead of chemicals, they use burned wood to enrich the soil, and plant banana trees, which attract wasps. These wasps then feed on leafcutter ants and get rid of these harmful insects. The rainforest also offers a lot of tropical fruits, such as bananas and coconuts, as food.
Cinnamon is made from the bark of a rainforest tree. Amazonian Indians use the fruit and stem
of the Buruti plant as a drink, to make bread and to build houses. Many other plants are used as medicine. But the Amazon rainforest is in very big danger of disappearing. 9,169 square miles of
forest have been cut down in 2003 in Brazil alone. An area of the size of a football field is burned down basically every minute, which means that the rain forest may be gone by the year 2030.The dangers related to this type of activity are obvious. Trees take in poisonous carbon
dioxide from the air and give off oxygen. There is more oxygen and less carbon dioxide around a
rainforest. When trees are cut down, however, the amount of carbon dioxide increases, and the
air gets warmer. This leads to global warming, which is extremely harmful to the environment. It
is estimated that the burning of Brazilian rainforests alone produces 200 million metric tons of carbon dioxide ayear. Another danger connected with destroying the rainforest is the disappearance of plants and animals. When trees are cut down, plants and animals have no more
food left and slowly die out. Killing wild animals is illegal in Brazil, but there is plenty of stealing going on. 38 million animals are stolen and sold illegally each year. The most hunted
animals are birds, especially parrots, followed by snakes and the jaguar.
Which of the following statements is true about the Amazon Basin?
- A. It is not much larger than all the other rainforests in the world combined.
- B. It is more than one-fifth the size of all the other rainforests in the world combined.
- C. The tree leaves there have a specific shape to allow raindrops to fall off easily.
- D. It is a habitat for many mammals and birds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Amazon Basin, the largest rainforest in the world, covers over 2.3 million square miles, which is more than one-fifth the size of all the other remaining rainforests in the world combined. This vast rainforest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it a vital ecosystem for biodiversity. The specific shape of the tree leaves in the Amazon Basin is designed to allow raindrops to easily fall off, contributing to the high rainfall and lush greenery of the forest. Additionally, the Amazon Basin is indeed a habitat for over 2,000 birds and mammals, showcasing the rich biodiversity present in this unique ecosystem.
Let's Go to the Circus
Everyone loves a circus! The bright lights, fanciful costumes, and fierce wild animals delight and entertain folks of all ages. The circus calls to the child in each one of us. Ernest Hemingway wrote that it "is the only ageless delight that you can buy for money..."
"Circus" is a magic word inspiring all sorts of exciting, colorful images. It's a theater of mind-boggling feats, elephants thundering around the rings, horses dancing, clowns cavorting and the sequins glittering under the lights.
There are historical references to animal displays and athletic competitions from the earliest days of civilization. The Romans were famous for their extravaganzas in the Coliseum. The shows we see today cannot compare to those great spectacles, but all who go to a circus enjoy the experience. It allows us all to be a child again and watch in awe as the athletes perform on the high wire or control the savage beasts in the center ring.
What information is given in the paragraph?
- A. Ernest Hemingway did not like circuses.
- B. The Romans staged extravaganzas.
- C. "Circus" is an Italian word.
- D. The costumes of the clowns are outrageous.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage directly mentions the historical connection between the Romans and large-scale entertainment spectacles, stating: 'The Romans were famous for their extravaganzas in the Coliseum.' This sentence clearly refers to the Roman tradition of hosting grand and elaborate events, which aligns with the idea of 'staging extravaganzas.' The paragraph does not provide information about Ernest Hemingway's personal opinion on circuses, the linguistic origin of the word 'circus,' or the specific nature of clown costumes.
Have you ever wondered why the whistle of a traveling, distant locomotive predicts its approach several yards before anyone actually sees it? Or why an oncoming ambulanceâìĄ¢s screaming siren is heard momentarily several feet before the ambulance comes into full view, before it passes you, and why its siren is still heard faintly well after the ambulance is out of sight?
What you are witnessing is a scientific phenomenon known as the Doppler Effect. What takes place is truly remarkable. In both of these instances, when the train or ambulance moves toward the sound waves in front of it, the sound waves are pulled closer together and have a higher frequency. In either instance, the listener positioned in front of the moving object hears a higher pitch. The ambulance and locomotive are progressively moving away from the sound waves behind them, causing the waves to be farther apart and to have a lower frequency. These fast-approaching modes of transportation distance themselves past the listener, who hears a lower pitch.
What is the main idea of the passage?
- A. Trains and ambulances emit distinctively loud noises.
- B. Low-frequency waves produce high-pitched sounds.
- C. High-frequency waves result in low-pitched sounds.
- D. The Doppler Effect explains why sound is heard more strongly initially and then faintly after a moving object has passed.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is to explain the phenomena of the Doppler Effect in relation to the sound produced by moving objects like trains and ambulances. The Doppler Effect causes sound waves to be compressed and have a higher frequency as the object approaches, resulting in a higher pitch. Conversely, as the object moves away, the sound waves are stretched, leading to a lower frequency and a lower pitch. This effect clarifies why the sound is heard more loudly when the object is approaching, and then faintly when it has passed. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it summarizes the key concept discussed in the passage.
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