Blood Pressure
Lub-dub! Lub-dub! Lub-dub! This sound is made by the rapid contracting and extending of the chamber doors on the inside of the heart. This ventricular contracting injects roughly 70 mL of blood into a vascular system with a given volume at differing pressure. Blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arterial system; and it is typically taken in the brachial artery of the arm because the pressure at different places along the circulatory route is different. Blood pressure is simply the force that the blood exerts in all directions within any given area and is the basis for the movement of blood from the heart, through the body, and back to the heart. This pressure is commonly expressed as a ratio of the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure or “high peak†pressure takes place within the arterial system as ventricles contract and force blood into the arteries. The diastolic pressure or “low peak†pressure takes place within this arterial system just before the next ventricular contraction. An increase in blood pressure can occur if the arterial walls lose some of their elasticity with age or disease.
Which of the following best summarizes the passage about blood pressure?
- A. The heart pumps roughly 70 mL of blood by rapidly contracting and extending the chamber doors of the heart. Disease and age affect the pressure of blood on arterial walls.
- B. The brachial artery of the arm is usually used to take blood pressure, although the pressure is different in different parts of the body.
- C. The measurement of the ratio of systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure is known as blood pressure.
- D. The force that blood exerts on arterial walls is known as blood pressure and is measured as a ratio of the systolic pressure or 'high peak' over the diastolic pressure or 'low peak.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage discusses blood pressure, explaining that it is the force blood exerts on arterial walls, measured as a ratio of systolic pressure (high peak) over diastolic pressure (low peak). It highlights how the heart pumps blood, the role of age and disease in affecting arterial pressure, and the importance of elasticity in arterial walls. Choice D best summarizes these key points, making it the correct answer.
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The most important factor in any highway safety program is the responsible citizen-driver: YOU. Since you are a consumer, drive a car, vote, and pay taxes, you are a power to be considered. Your voice can Influence legislation at the federal, state, and local government levels. You can insist on better roads and safer cars by being a consumer advocate.
Your attitude about driving affects your making safe driving decisions while on the road. Your immediate concern, however, should be to drive safely in a property Inspected car, wear a safety belt, and never mix liquor with driving.
What is the best meaning of the word 'advocate' as used in the fourth sentence of this paragraph?
- A. Supporter
- B. Opponent
- C. Critic
- D. Observer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this context, the word 'advocate' means a supporter. A consumer advocate is someone who actively supports and promotes the interests and rights of consumers. By insisting on better roads and safer cars, a consumer advocate works to improve safety for all drivers. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is A: 'Supporter.'
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 is the definition of 'confluence' as used in the first paragraph?
- A. Influence.
- B. Melding.
- C. Intersection.
- D. Coming Together.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Coming Together.
Explanation: In the context of the paragraph, 'confluence' refers to the merging or coming together of African and European music traditions to form jazz. This term signifies the blending and integration of different musical influences to create a new art form. 'Influence' (choice A) implies one-way impact, 'melding' (choice B) suggests mixing without a distinct merging, and 'intersection' (choice C) indicates a meeting point but not necessarily a merging or fusion, making them all less fitting than 'coming together' in conveying the essence of 'confluence' in this context.
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 was one of Mr. Asimov's greatest fears?
- A. Flying.
- B. Public Speaking.
- C. Conventions.
- D. Writer's Block.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flying. The rationale is based on the information provided in the extract, stating that Asimov was afraid of flying. This fear of flying is explicitly mentioned, making it a direct and clear answer. The other choices, B: Public Speaking, C: Conventions, and D: Writer's Block, are not supported by the text. Asimov is described as an able public speaker who enjoyed speaking at science fiction conventions, indicating that public speaking and conventions were not fears for him. Additionally, there is no mention of writer's block being a fear for Asimov in the text. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer based on the information provided.
Violence: Lately, studies have been done to decide whether a relationship exists between violence on television and mounting violence in the streets of the United States. More and better research is needed to assess fully the effects of exposure to violence on human behavior. However, early results seem to indicate that some people are influenced negatively by what they see on TV, especially young children. Since children born today, on an average, are exposed to seven hours of TV a day, some changes seem needed.
Consultants have advised network officials to reconsider certain policies if they wish to avoid the pitfalls of increased government regulations.
The theme of the article seems to be to
- A. persuade people to support censorship of television.
- B. inform people about the debate over TV violence.
- C. alarm people about the effects of television violence.
- D. persuade people to relax controls over TV programming.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B (inform people about the debate over TV violence)
Rationale:
1. The passage discusses studies on the relationship between TV violence and real-life violence.
2. It mentions the need for more research to fully understand the effects of violence on behavior.
3. It emphasizes the negative influence of TV violence, especially on young children.
4. The passage concludes with a recommendation for network officials to reconsider policies.
5. Therefore, the theme is to inform people about the ongoing debate and concerns regarding TV violence.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: The passage does not explicitly advocate for censorship of television.
C: While the passage discusses negative effects of TV violence, it does not aim to alarm people.
D: The passage does not suggest relaxing controls over TV programming; in fact, it hints at the need for changes.
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and certain bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in sugar molecules. This process is fundamental to life on Earth as it provides the primary source of energy for nearly all organisms. The energy is captured from sunlight by a pigment in the plants called chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color.
During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil react in the presence of light to form sugars and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere, which is crucial for the survival of most life forms on Earth. The sugars produced are used by the plant for energy and growth, storing excess energy as starch.
The process occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. In the light-dependent reactions, energy from sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll and converted into stored chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. The Calvin cycle uses the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
Photosynthesis not only sustains plant life but also maintains the atmospheric oxygen levels and is a key factor in the carbon cycle, helping to regulate Earth's climate.
Which statement best describes the importance of the sugars produced during photosynthesis?
- A. They increase the water content in the air
- B. They are used by plants for energy and growth
- C. They help to cool the plant leaves
- D. They attract insects for pollination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B, 'They are used by plants for energy and growth,' best describes the importance of the sugars produced during photosynthesis. The sugars serve as the primary source of energy for plants, fueling their metabolic processes and providing the necessary building blocks for growth and development. While water content in the air, cooling of plant leaves, and insect attraction are all relevant processes in plants, the primary function of the sugars produced during photosynthesis is to support the plant's energy needs and growth.
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