Which of the following would weaken the author's argument?
- A. a report revealing that the cited study was funded by a company that provides discounted tutoring through schools
- B. a study demonstrating differences in standardized test scores among students at schools in various neighborhoods
- C. a statement signed by local teachers affirming that they do not give preferential treatment in the classroom or during grading
- D. a study indicating that GPA has a weak correlation with success in college
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A weakens the author's argument by highlighting a potential conflict of interest. If the cited study was funded by a company offering discounted tutoring, it could introduce bias and question the credibility of the study's findings. This revelation could cast doubt on the objectivity and reliability of the research, ultimately undermining the argument based on the cited study. Choices B, C, and D do not directly impact the credibility or objectivity of the cited study, so they would not significantly weaken the author's argument.
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What should be done after the soil has been loosened with a tiller or trowel?
- A. Mix fertilizer or compost into loosened soil.
- B. Dig a 4-inch-deep trench.
- C. Cut potatoes into pieces.
- D. Mound soil around the base of the plant.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After the soil has been loosened with a tiller or trowel, the next step should be to mix fertilizer or compost into the loosened soil. This action is crucial as it provides essential nutrients for plant growth, improves soil fertility, and promotes healthy plant development. Digging a trench, cutting potatoes, or mounding soil around the base of the plant are not tasks typically performed immediately after loosening the soil. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it aligns with the standard practice of enhancing soil quality before planting.
Which of the following is a concise summary of the passage?
- A. Babies focus on their caregivers' faces due to their lack of depth perception until 12 months.
- B. Babies recognize their mothers' voices at birth, relying primarily on hearing initially.
- C. Babies have adult-like senses except for vision, which fully develops by 12 months.
- D. Babies' senses undergo significant changes in their first year of life.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D is the most concise summary of the passage as it encapsulates the main idea that the passage focuses on the changes in babies' senses during their first year of life. The passage explains how babies are born with sensory abilities similar to adults but highlights the significant changes that occur during the first year, particularly in vision development. While the other options touch on specific aspects mentioned in the passage, they do not capture the overall essence of the passage, which emphasizes the dynamic and transformative nature of babies' sensory experiences in their first year.
Which of the following best describes the author's purpose?
- A. The author wants to tell customers about the cars available at Carl's Car Depot.
- B. The author wants to encourage other car dealerships to lower their prices.
- C. The author wants to provide new and used cars at affordable prices.
- D. The author wants to attract customers to Carl's Car Depot.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The author's purpose is to attract customers to Carl's Car Depot. The text from the extract clearly emphasizes the one-day-only summer sale event at Carl's Car Depot, highlighting the wide range of cars available at discounted prices with special financing options. The author aims to draw in potential customers by presenting compelling offers and creating a sense of urgency. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary focus is on attracting customers to Carl's Car Depot by showcasing the available cars and the limited-time sale, not solely informing customers about the cars, urging other dealerships to lower prices, or generally providing affordable cars.
Which of the following would be a primary source for an article on the Battle of Gettysburg?
- A. a letter written by a local farmer who witnessed the battle
- B. a documentary about the battle produced by a local TV station
- C. a novelization of the battle written by the great-grandson of a Union soldier
- D. a history textbook for a college-level course in American history
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A letter written by a local farmer who witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg would be a primary source as it provides direct firsthand accounts and observations from someone who was present during the event. This source would offer valuable insights and perspectives for an article on the Battle of Gettysburg. Choice B, a documentary produced by a local TV station, is a secondary source as it interprets and presents information about the battle rather than providing direct firsthand accounts. Choice C, a novelization of the battle written by the great-grandson of a Union soldier, is also a secondary source as it involves interpretation and creative storytelling rather than direct eyewitness information. Choice D, a history textbook for a college-level course in American history, is a tertiary source that compiles information from various primary and secondary sources rather than presenting original firsthand accounts.
Why are italics used in the sentence, 'Although Ben said he supported his coworkers, his actions suggested he did not condone their behavior'?
- A. to show a word is intentionally misspelled
- B. to indicate a word in a foreign language
- C. to emphasize a contrast
- D. to reference a footnote
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Italics are often used in writing to draw attention to specific words or phrases, especially in cases where there is a contrast or emphasis intended. In this sentence, the use of italics on 'supported' and 'condone' helps highlight the contradiction between Ben's words and actions, emphasizing the contrast between what he said and what he actually did. Choice A is incorrect because italics are not used to indicate intentional misspellings in this context. Choice B is incorrect as italics are not used to indicate foreign words in this sentence. Choice D is incorrect as there is no mention of footnotes in the sentence.