Homophones
English is a vibrant, changing, dynamic language. It allows people to express their thoughts in diverse ways, as there are many synonyms and antonyms to choose from. The hardest part for the English speaker - or those learning English as a second language - is learning about homonyms. These are words that sound alike but are spelled different ways, with different meanings. One example is "One". This word, spelled "one" means the numeral 1, an amount. If spelled "won," it means to be victorious. No wonder spelling is a difficult skill to master! Other homonyms encountered by the beginning English speaker are "to, two, too," "four, for, fore," "there, their, they're" and "son, sun" to name just a few. This is one reason that "Spell check" programs on word processing computers cannot be completely accurate, because the way a word is spelled depends on the context of the sentence. Proofreaders will always be in demand.
Which statement accurately describes homonyms?
- A. Words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings.
- B. Words that sound the same, are spelled the same, but have different meanings.
- C. Words that sound different, are spelled differently, but have the same meaning.
- D. Words that sound different, are spelled the same, and have the same meaning.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Homonyms are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Examples include 'two' and 'too,' 'there' and 'their,' and 'son' and 'sun.' Understanding homonyms is essential for mastering the English language, as they can lead to confusion in writing and communication. Spell check programs may not always catch errors related to homonyms because the correct spelling depends on the context of the sentence. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between homonyms to effectively convey meaning in written and spoken language.
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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.
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 implied by this paragraph?
- A. Government action will not help if individuals do not change their driving behavior
- B. Government regulations are unnecessary for automobile safety
- C. Individual driving behavior has no impact on automobile safety
- D. Technological advancements alone can ensure automobile safety
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The paragraph emphasizes the importance of responsible citizen-drivers in highway safety programs. It suggests that individual actions, such as driving safely, advocating for better roads, and safer cars, can influence legislation and overall safety. The statement implies that government action alone may not be sufficient if individuals do not change their driving behavior, making choice A the correct answer.
Not only the students but also the professor___ stunned by the test results.
- A. Was
- B. Were
- C. Are
- D. Be
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Was.' In this sentence, 'Not only the students but also the professor' is a compound subject. When there are two subjects joined by 'not only...but also,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. In this case, 'professor' is singular, so the correct verb form is 'was.' Therefore, the sentence should read, 'Not only the students but also the professor was stunned by the test results.'
The Water Cycle
Water is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms.
The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans.
Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants.
Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.
What can the reader conclude from this passage about ponds and lakes?
- A. They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.
- B. They are not important in the collection of runoff.
- C. They do not play a role in water collection.
- D. They consist of only water collected through precipitation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ponds and lakes are mentioned in the passage as part of the water cycle. The text states that runoff water collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans. Since ponds and lakes are water bodies that collect and store runoff, they can be considered as examples of groundwater reservoirs. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.' Ponds and lakes play a significant role in the collection and storage of water within the water cycle, contrary to options B and C, which incorrectly suggest they are not important or do not play a role. Option D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the water sources for ponds and lakes by stating they consist solely of water collected through precipitation.
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.
How does photosynthesis contribute to the carbon cycle?
- A. By converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into sugars
- B. By increasing carbon dioxide absorption by animals
- C. By producing carbon monoxide
- D. By releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Photosynthesis contributes to the carbon cycle by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into sugars. During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil to produce sugars. This process helps in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing its levels. The sugars produced are utilized by the plant for energy and growth, with excess energy stored as starch. Ultimately, this conversion of carbon dioxide into sugars is a crucial step in the carbon cycle, as it plays a significant role in regulating the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and maintaining the balance of gases essential for life on Earth.
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