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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 is a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. Homonyms make learning English more challenging.
- B. Homonyms are the most confusing aspect of English.
- C. Homonyms are words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings.
- D. Homonyms should be avoided in formal writing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C, 'Homonyms are words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings,' is a fact rather than an opinion. This statement provides an objective definition of homonyms, highlighting their characteristic of sounding similar but having distinct meanings and spellings. It does not present a subjective viewpoint or evaluation. Choices A and B express opinions about the difficulty and confusion caused by homonyms, making them subjective statements. Choice D presents a recommendation regarding the use of homonyms in formal writing, reflecting a subjective stance rather than a factual statement.
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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 of the following is NOT a product of photosynthesis?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Sugar
- C. Nitrogen
- D. ATP
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Nitrogen.' During photosynthesis, oxygen, sugar, and ATP are all products of the process. Oxygen is released into the atmosphere, sugar is the main product used by the plant for energy and growth, and ATP is a form of stored chemical energy. However, nitrogen is not a direct product of photosynthesis. The process primarily involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen, with nitrogen not being part of the immediate products.
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.
For what type of writing was Mr. Asimov most famous?
- A. Popular Science.
- B. Science Fiction.
- C. Mystery.
- D. Juvenile Fiction.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Science Fiction. Asimov was most famous for his works of science fiction, where he excelled as a master of the genre. This is supported by the information in the extract that mentions Asimov's prolific writing in science fiction, his inclusion in the 'Big Three' science-fiction writers, and his juvenile science-fiction novels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as Asimov's primary fame and recognition come from his contributions to the science fiction genre rather than popular science, mystery, or juvenile fiction.
Food
Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their
abuse can cause serious physical and metal problem.
Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the
country's main health problems, since it places a great
strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens
the individual's life span. To fill an emotional void. People
often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.
Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The
results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social
drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken driver's
contribution to highway death, spousal and child abuse,
are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol
abuse.
As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term "concomitant" means:
- A. Accompanying
- B. Quiet
- C. Separate
- D. Unpredictable
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Accompanying.' In the context provided, 'concomitant' is used to describe problems that occur together with alcohol abuse, such as the consequences of becoming alcoholic, the contribution to highway deaths, and spousal and child abuse. These issues are accompanying or happening alongside alcohol abuse, making 'Accompanying' the most suitable definition for 'concomitant' in this context.
Croatian-born inventor Nikola Tesla is often called the "forgotten scientist". Although he
invented the alternating current (AC) motor and developed an AC electricity generation system, he never received historical credit for many of his achievements, unlike one of his first employer and eventual nemesis, inventor Thomas Edison
Tesla made the first sketches of his idea for a brushless of his idea for a brushless AC motor while he was a student at the University of Prague in 1882. His interest in electricity generation led him to Paris where he was employed by the Continental Edison Company later that year to repair Edison's direct current (DC) power plants. Two years later, Tesla immigrated to New York City and acquired a job as an engineer at
Thomas Edison's headquarters in Manhattan. Edison was impressed with Tesla's work ethic and
ingenuity. He challenged the young scientist to develop an improved design for his DC
generators for $50,000. Tesla experimented for months, finally presenting Edison with the
solution he needed. Edison reneged on the deal, telling Tesla that he didn't understand American humor. Tesla soon left Edison in order to begin his own electric light company
Tesla filed and was granted more than 30 patents for his inventions in 1887 and 1888. He soon
had financial backing for his ideas from one of Edison' main competitors, Westinghouse. In the
1890's Tesla experimented with x-rays, developed a high-voltage electrical transformer call the
Tesla coil, and demonstrated the propagation of radio waves two years before the "Father of
Radio" Guglielmo Marconi. He was also the first to harness the mammoth potential energy of
Niagara Falls. He worked with General Electric to install AC generators with turbines driven by the falling waters of the Niagara River, creating the first modern power plant although a brilliant scientist, Tesla was not an astute businessman. He created his own obscurity by relinquishing
royalty rights for his inventions to major corporations for the purpose of raising funds for future projects.
What word means the same as relinquishing as it is used in the last paragraph?
- A. Maintaining
- B. Retaining
- C. Selling
- D. Surrendering
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The word 'relinquishing' means giving up or surrendering something. In the context provided, Tesla relinquished his royalty rights for his inventions to major corporations. Therefore, the correct synonym for relinquishing in this case is 'Surrendering,' making it the correct answer choice.
Lightning Strikes
The old wives' tale of "Lightning never strikes twice" has been proven untrue time and time again. Lightning forms from negative and positive charges within clouds and from the earth below. When these charges react with each other, the air between the cloud and the earth ionizes, which produces a lightning flash. Lightning is actually a series of multiple events consisting of a leader stroke of lightning, followed by as many as 40 smaller strokes of lightning. Being just split seconds apart, these strokes of lightning often reflect off the lining of the clouds.
Lightning rods that extend from above the roof to the ground protect buildings by forming a low resistance path for the lightning so that the lightning does not enter the building, but rather defuses as it penetrates the ground.
Some myths about lightning need to be explained. Lightning does strike tall buildings often, and during a particularly violent storm, a tall building may be hit by lightning several times. The safest place during a thunder and lightning storm is in a metal car or lying flat, face down, in the open, not under a tree as the myth suggests.
Many people believe that thunder and lightning are connected; however, this proves to be true only about 50% of the time, so if you're waiting for the clap of thunder, you're missing out on some exciting strokes of lightning!
Lightning causes injuries, deaths, and forest fires each year. However, some scientists reveal the positive aspects of lightning because it releases nitrogen into the atmosphere which the raindrops then deliver to earth to fertilize our soil.
The author seems to:
- A. Disapprove of the use of lightning rods
- B. Neutral towards the use of lightning rods
- C. Favor the use of lightning rods
- D. Suggest alternatives to lightning rods
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Favor the use of lightning rods. Throughout the passage, the author discusses how lightning rods protect buildings by providing a low resistance path for lightning to the ground, ensuring it does not enter the building. The author explains the function and benefits of lightning rods, indicating a positive stance on their use to prevent lightning-related damage. Therefore, the author favors the use of lightning rods as a protective measure against lightning strikes.