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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 increasingly 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.
Which of the following would be a useful source of information to determine the validity of the argument presented in this passage?
- A. A survey of high school students' foreign language preferences
- B. A comparison of the correlation between learning a second language at home and subsequent job placement rates
- C. A survey that asks parents about the foreign language they want their children to study in high school
- D. A comparison of the correlation between high school students' study of a foreign language and subsequent college acceptance rates
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer as it can provide evidence to support the claim made in the passage that high school graduates who studied a foreign language are more likely to be accepted to college. This choice aligns with the argument presented in the passage, making it a useful source. Choices A and C focus on opinions rather than concrete evidence of the impact of studying a foreign language on future success. Choice B is not directly relevant as it talks about learning a second language at home, while the passage specifically discusses the importance of studying a foreign language in high school.
You may also like to solve these questions
As a plunger is depressed, air inside the wide rubber cup is pushed out. This depression action forms a strong, airtight seal around the top of a clogged pipe and the plunger cup is held fast by the air pressure of the user. Continued plunging â€pressing down on the plungerâ€causes an increase in pressure inside the clogged pipe and will usually force out whatever may be causing the clog.
As used in the passage, what does the word 'depressed' most nearly mean?
- A. Very unhappy
- B. Decreased appreciably
- C. Exhaled hard
- D. Pushed down
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this context, 'depressed' means 'pushed down' as it refers to the action of pushing down the plunger to force out the clog in the pipe. The word 'depressed' is used to describe the physical action of pressing down, not to convey emotions like being very unhappy (choice A), to decrease appreciably (choice B), or to exhale hard (choice C), making these choices incorrect.
As little as three years before her birth, few would have thought that the child born
Princess Alexandrina Victoria would eventually become Britain's longest reigning monarch,
Queen Victoria. She was born in 1819, the only child of Edward, Duke of Kent, who was the
fourth son of King George III. Ahead of Edward were three brothers, two of whom became
king but none of whom produced a legitimate, surviving heir. King George's eldest son, who
was eventually crowned King George IV, secretly married a Catholic commoner, Maria
Fitzherbert, in 1783. The marriage was never officially recognized, and in 1795, George was
persuaded to marry a distant cousin, Caroline of Brunswick. The marriage was bitter, and
the two had only one daughter, Princess Charlotte Augusta. She was popular in England
where her eventual reign was welcomed, but in a tragic event that shocked the nation, the
princess and her stillborn son died in childbirth in 1817.
Realizing the precarious position of the British throne, the remaining sons of King
George III were motivated to marry and produce an heir. The first in line was Prince
Frederick, the Duke of York. Frederick married Princess Frederica Charlotte of Prussia, but
the two had no children. After Prince Frederick was Prince William, the Duke of Clarence.
William married Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, and they had two sickly daughters,
neither of whom survived infancy. Finally, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, threw his hat
into the ring with his marriage to Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. The Duke of
Kent died less than a year after his daughter's birth, but the surviving Duchess of Kent was
not unaware of the future possibilities for her daughter. She took every precaution to
ensure that the young Princess Victoria was healthy and safe throughout her childhood.
Princess Victoria's uncle, William, succeeded his brother George IV to become King
William IV. The new king recognized his niece as his future heir, but he did not necessarily
trust her mother. As a result, he was determined to survive until Victoria's eighteenth
birthday to ensure that she could rule in her own right without the regency of the Duchess
of Kent. The king's fervent prayers were answered: he died June 20, 1837, less than one
month after Victoria turned eighteen. Though young and inexperienced, the young queen
recognized the importance of her position and determined to rule fairly and wisely. The
improbable princess who became queen ruled for more than sixty-three years, and her
reign is considered to be one of the most important in British history.
Based on the context of the passage, the reader can infer that this information is likely to appear in which of the following types of works?
- A. A scholarly biography
- B. A mystery novel
- C. A fictional story
- D. A biography
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage provides a detailed historical account of Queen Victoria's lineage, ascension to the throne, and reign, making it suitable for a biography. The passage focuses on presenting factual information about Queen Victoria's life rather than analyzing it, which aligns more with a biography than a scholarly paper. It does not contain elements of mystery or fiction, as it recounts historical events and real-life figures. Therefore, a biography is the most appropriate choice based on the content and style of the passage.
In the United States, where we have more land than people, it is not at all difficult for persons in good health to make money. In this comparatively new field there are so many avenues of success open, so many vocations which are not crowded, that any person of either sex who is willing, at least for the time being, to engage in any respectable occupation that offers, may find lucrative employment. Those who really desire to attain an independence, have only to set their minds upon it, and adopt the proper means, as they do in regard to any other object which they wish to accomplish, and the thing is easily done. But however easy it may be found to make money, I have no doubt many of my hearers will agree it is the most difficult thing in the world to keep it. The road to wealth is, as Dr. Franklin truly says, 'as plain as the road to the mill.' It consists simply in expending less than we earn; that seems to be a very simple problem. Mr. Micawber, one of those happy creations of the genial Dickens, puts the case in a strong light when he says that to have annual income of twenty pounds, per annum, and spend twenty pounds and sixpence, is to be the most miserable of men; whereas, to have an income of only twenty pounds, and spend but nineteen pounds and sixpence, is to be the happiest of mortals. Many of my hearers may say, 'we understand this; this is economy, and we know economy is wealth; we know we can't eat our cake and keep it also.' Yet I beg to say that perhaps more cases of failure arise from mistakes on this point than almost any other. The fact is, many people think they understand economy when they really do not.
Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage?
- A. Getting a job is easier now than it ever has been before.
- B. Earning money is much less difficult than managing it properly.
- C. Dr. Franklin advocated getting a job in a mill.
- D. Spending money is the greatest temptation in the world.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that while making money may seem easy, managing it wisely is much more challenging. The author emphasizes the importance of spending less than what is earned to achieve financial stability. Choice A is incorrect as the passage focuses on the challenges of managing money, not on the ease of getting a job. Choice C is incorrect as Dr. Franklin is mentioned in the context of a quote about the simplicity of the road to wealth, not advocating getting a job in a mill. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not primarily discuss spending money as the greatest temptation, but rather highlights the difficulty in managing money effectively.
Lisa Grant: 'Schools should make students wear uniforms. Everyone would look the same. Students would be able to respect each other based on their ideas and character because they would no longer be judged by their appearance.'
Vivian Harris: 'Students should not have to wear uniforms. Clothing is an important part of self-expression. Taking away that method of expression is suppressing that student's rights.'
Which of the following statements could NOT provide support for BOTH arguments?
- A. A number of local school districts have recently implemented dress codes.
- B. School administrators have been in talks with parents over the issue of uniforms.
- C. Students have reported that school uniforms are costly and typically ill-fitting.
- D. Several groups of students have been organized to discuss uniform dress codes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement about the cost and fit of uniforms could only support the argument against uniforms, not both arguments. It aligns more with Vivian Harris's stance against uniforms, emphasizing the importance of clothing as a form of self-expression. Choices A, B, and D are more neutral statements that could provide support for both arguments by indicating actions being taken or discussions being held regarding uniforms without leaning towards a specific stance.
In the United States, where we have more land than people, it is not at all difficult for persons in good health to make money. In this comparatively new field there are so many avenues of success open, so many vocations which are not crowded, that any person of either sex who is willing, at least for the time being, to engage in any respectable occupation that offers, may find lucrative employment. Those who really desire to attain an independence, have only to set their minds upon it, and adopt the proper means, as they do in regard to any other object which they wish to accomplish, and the thing is easily done. But however easy it may be found to make money, I have no doubt many of my hearers will agree it is the most difficult thing in the world to keep it. The road to wealth is, as Dr. Franklin truly says, 'as plain as the road to the mill.' It consists simply in expending less than we earn; that seems to be a very simple problem. Mr. Micawber, one of those happy creations of the genial Dickens, puts the case in a strong light when he says that to have annual income of twenty pounds, per annum, and spend twenty pounds and sixpence, is to be the most miserable of men; whereas, to have an income of only twenty pounds, and spend but nineteen pounds and sixpence, is to be the happiest of mortals. Many of my hearers may say, 'we understand this; this is economy, and we know economy is wealth; we know we can't eat our cake and keep it also.' Yet I beg to say that perhaps more cases of failure arise from mistakes on this point than almost any other. The fact is, many people think they understand economy when they really do not.
What word best describes the author's attitude toward those who believe they understand money?
- A. Supportive
- B. Incriminating
- C. Excessive
- D. Patronizing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The author's tone towards those who think they understand money is patronizing, as seen in the statement 'Many of my hearers may say, 'we understand this; this is economy, and we know economy is wealth; we know we can't eat our cake and keep it also.' Yet I beg to say that perhaps more cases of failure arise from mistakes on this point than almost any other.' This conveys a sense of superiority and belittlement, making 'Patronizing' the best word to describe the author's attitude.
- Choice A, 'Supportive,' is incorrect as the author is not expressing support but rather a critical view.
- Choice B, 'Incriminating,' is incorrect as the author is not accusing or blaming those who believe they understand money.
- Choice C, 'Excessive,' is incorrect as it does not capture the author's attitude of looking down on others' understanding of money.