Which of the following statements about a thesis statement is correct?
- A. It is the secondary idea in a piece of writing.
- B. It is the central idea in a piece of writing.
- C. It is the primary idea in a piece of writing.
- D. It is a fact that has been proven by the scientific community.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A thesis statement is the central idea or main point that a writer puts forward in a piece of writing. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the purpose and direction of the text. The thesis statement is crucial in guiding the content and structure of the writing, making option B the correct choice in this context.
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What is the primary purpose of a newspaper editorial supporting education reform?
- A. To entertain readers
- B. To express feelings or ideas
- C. To explain something
- D. To persuade readers
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The main purpose of a newspaper editorial supporting education reform is to persuade readers. Editorials are written to influence public opinion, advocate for a particular viewpoint, and encourage readers to take action or support a specific cause. In this context, the editorial is designed to convince readers of the importance and benefits of education reform, aiming to sway their opinions and potentially mobilize support for the cause.
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.
For thousands of years, several characteristics have been consistent across human societies around the world. Animal husbandry, agriculture, and artistic expression are some of the similarities all societies share. Another similarity is the mustache. So now I mustache a question: why have mustaches had such a notable presence in human history? Humans have been shaving for as long as there has been facial hair to shave. However, it is in the past several centuries that mustaches have undergone a more creative transformation. Now, there are many different types of mustaches. The Handlebar, Pencil, and Walrus are only a few of the many types known today. With just a sharpened razor and some mustache wax, the creativity of people and their mustaches can be endless. Though the popularity of the mustache in different cultures varies over time, it has certainly influenced other creations. In the 1800s and early 1900s, mustaches were so popular that a new style of drinking cup, the mustache cup, was created. The mustache cup had a built-in covering over the top so mustaches would not be touched by the beverage. A more recent example of the mark of mustaches can be seen by the first World Mustache Tournament in 2013. The mustache truly is part of the human experience. Due to its place in the human experience, the mustache is a symbol with varied significance: power, prestige, beauty. When one thinks of mustaches, one may think of a villain from silent films, twisting the ends of his mustache. One may also think of a respected leader with a mustache of prominence. Perhaps one may think of people with famous mustaches: Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, and Charlie Chaplin, to name a few. No matter what one pictures when thinking of mustaches, it is clear that the mustache has a substantial effect on human perception.
Which of the following sources should the reader consult to learn more about popular mustache styles during the 1920s?
- A. Personal letters from Charlie Chaplin to Hollywood friends
- B. Photographs of people at a state fair in 1924
- C. A population census conducted in 1920
- D. A magazine article about the World Mustache Tournament
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Personal letters from Charlie Chaplin to Hollywood friends would be the most suitable source to learn about popular mustache styles during the 1920s. This is because Charlie Chaplin, a prominent figure in the 1920s, was known for his iconic mustache. Personal letters from him could potentially provide direct insights into the mustache styles of that era, as his personal correspondence may mention or depict popular mustache trends among individuals in his social circle or the entertainment industry at that time.
Ellie was the coolest girl you'd ever met. She changed the color of her hair the way you'd change a pair of jeans. Ellie always wore combat boots and a leather jacket: the image of London streets. When Ellie spoke people listened, not because she was loud, but because what she said was important. She could talk anyone into something though she never pushed, just waited for you to come to her. Ellie was a hairdresser, turning people into more colorful versions of themselves.
Which of the following inferences can be drawn about the author's purpose in writing the passage?
- A. The author wants people to speak more loudly if they want to be heard.
- B. The author admires Ellie and wants others to know her.
- C. The author wants to guide you to the coolest hairstyles in London.
- D. The author wants to convince others to become hairstylists like Ellie.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage focuses on Ellie’s unique style, her impactful presence, and her ability to transform others, suggesting the author's admiration for her character and personality. This admiration indicates that the author wants readers to recognize and appreciate Ellie’s influence and individuality.
Alice was not scared. Not at all. Maybe a little bit. But she was determined to confront the ghost in her house. Alice lived in a farmhouse built in 1921. All of the floors and doors were original; the doors even had skeleton key locks. But by far the most terrifying part of the house was the basement. She kept that door locked and ignored the thumps, crashes, and cries that came from below the house. What made Alice determined to confront the ghost today was the especially loud crashes the previous night. She'd gotten no sleep, convinced the ghost was going to break through the door and do something horrible. What, she wasn't sure, but the ghost would do something.
Alice hadn't seen the ghost, but what else could be making loud noises in an old house? The one time she had been down in the basement was after buying the house unseen. Once she saw the shelves with old glass jars, she was a little put off. But what made her keep the door shut and locked was the abrupt end of the concrete floor halfway across the room. Because nothing good ever happened in a basement with a dirt floor. Alice had seen enough horror movies to know that.
Alice stared at the basement door, trying to gather enough confidence to open it and march down the stairs like she owned the place. Because she did-or she would, once she finished paying her mortgage in 30 years. Alice took a deep breath and yanked the door open. She marched down the stairs, only to stop abruptly at the bottom. Because she was face to face with not a ghost at all. It was a calico cat, one who looked utterly unimpressed by her brave journey into the basement.
Which of the following would be relevant evidence to conclude the basement has a ghost?
- A. The previous owners said that they had experienced supernatural events as well
- B. The country cemetery is a mile from Alice's house
- C. Alice's horoscope said that she would have an unexpected encounter
- D. There were cobwebs in the corner of the stair leading to the basement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A, 'The previous owners said that they had experienced supernatural events as well,' would be relevant evidence to conclude the basement has a ghost. This is because the experiences of previous owners can provide historical accounts and credibility to the belief in supernatural occurrences within the house. The fact that previous owners have also experienced supernatural events adds weight to the possibility of a ghost in the basement. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the presence of a ghost in the basement. The proximity of a country cemetery, Alice's horoscope, and cobwebs in the corner of the stair do not provide direct evidence or credibility to support the conclusion that a ghost resides in the basement.
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