Reading Comprehension

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Electrocardiogram
The rhythmic sounds of "beep... beep... beep..." signify the measurement of the heart muscle's strength. This rhythmic signal varies from person to person and is recorded as an electrocardiogram (ECG). Within the body, a complex array of systemic neural responses generates electric currents that can be detected on the skin's surface. When a person is connected to an amplifier, these impulses are captured by an electrocardiograph. Most of the information gathered pertains to the heart, as it emits electric currents in waves. This "wave of excitation" propagates through the heart wall and is associated with electrical changes. The process occurs in three distinct phases. First, the "wave of excitation," accompanied by an electrical change, lasts for about 1 to 2 seconds following the contraction of the cardiac muscle. These electrical impulses are rhythmically discharged from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker, signaling the atrium to contract. The peak of the ECG reading is attributed to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which triggers the excitation of the ventricles. Finally, as the ventricles relax, any changes in the wave pattern can alert trained medical personnel to potential abnormalities within the heart.

Which statement is not listed as a detail within the passage?

  • A. Changes in the ECG are typically used for diagnosis of abnormal cardiac rhythm.
  • B. The signal has a characteristic record called the electrocardiogram.
  • C. The "wave of excitation" starts at the SA node.
  • D. The "wave of excitation" spreads through the heart wall and is accompanied by electric changes.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage discusses how the electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart, starting with the wave of excitation originating at the SA node, spreading through the heart wall, and leading to the ventricles relaxing. It does not mention that changes in the ECG are typically used for diagnosing abnormal cardiac rhythm. Therefore, option A is not a detail listed within the passage, making it the correct choice. Choices B, C, and D are all supported by the information provided in the passage.

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The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that defends the body against attacks by foreign invaders. These invaders are primarily microbes—tiny organisms such as bacteria, parasites, and fungi—that can cause infections. Viruses also cause infections, but are too primitive to be classified as living organisms. The human body provides an ideal environment for many microbes. It is the immune system’s job to keep the microbes out or destroy them. The immune system is amazingly complex. It can recognize and remember millions of different enemies, and it can secrete fluids and cells to wipe out nearly all of them. The secret to its success is an elaborate and dynamic communications network. Millions of cells, organized into sets and subsets, gather and transfer information in response to an infection. Once immune cells receive the alarm, they produce powerful chemicals that help to regulate their own growth and behavior, enlist other immune cells, and direct the new recruits to trouble spots. Although scientists have learned much about the immune system, they continue to puzzle over how the body destroys invading microbes, infected cells, and tumors without harming healthy tissues. New technologies for identifying individual immune cells are now allowing scientists to determine quickly which targets are triggering an immune response. Improvements in microscopy are permitting the first-ever observations of living B cells, T cells, and other cells as they interact within lymph nodes and other body tissues. In addition, scientists are rapidly unraveling the genetic blueprints that direct the human immune response, as well as those that dictate the biology of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The combination of new technology with expanded genetic information will no doubt reveal even more about how the body protects itself from disease.

What is the meaning of the word enlist as it is used in the second paragraph?

  • A. call into service
  • B. write down
  • C. send away
  • D. put across
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'call into service.' In the context of the paragraph, the word 'enlist' is used to describe the action of recruiting or bringing in other immune cells to trouble spots. This aligns with the meaning of 'call into service,' as it reflects the process of mobilizing additional immune cells to respond to an infection. The other choices, 'write down,' 'send away,' and 'put across,' do not accurately capture the intended meaning of 'enlist' in this context.

Blood Pressure Regulators
The body is composed of systems that have evolved and diversified in order to maintain the natural functions and processes they regulate. One such system that has these regulators is the bodyĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s cardiovascular system. The bodyĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s pump, which regulates the flow of vitally needed oxygen to all cells of the body, as well as the discard of carbon dioxide and other waste products, is the heart.
Because blood pressure varies at different points within the body, differing components are needed to keep the bodyĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s blood pressure regulated. Three of the basic components are baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys.
Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings and are contained along the walls of the arteries near the heart and in other areas of the body as well. Impulses are related to this stretching along the arterial walls, which causes these baroreceptors to send out even more impulses to the heart, arteries, and veins, causing the blood pressure to go either up or down.
Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level, carbon dioxide, and pH. Just think! A fall in oxygen causes receptors to send impulses to raise the blood pressure.
The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water and removing wastes. Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex cause the kidney to keep or let go of any salt and water. This has an influence on blood volume and consequently on blood pressure.

What is the meaning of the word 'evolved' in the first paragraph?

  • A. To spread
  • B. To gradually develop
  • C. To revolve
  • D. To shift
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To gradually develop.' In the context of the paragraph, 'evolved' refers to the natural progression and development of the body's systems over time. The word 'evolved' signifies a process of gradual advancement and adaptation, which aligns with the concept of the systems developing to maintain natural functions. The other choices do not accurately reflect the intended meaning of 'evolved' in this context.

What effect does your voice have on others? Does it persuade or irritate, attract or repel? One of
the worst qualities is harshness. If you ever get the feeling that people are uncomfortable when you speak, it may be that your harsh tones are jarring their eardrums. Your voice will sound
unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, to loud, or too nasal. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw. Tension tightens muscles and blocks the relaxed voice tones essential to a pleasing impression. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them
less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates.

The author seems to

  • A. prefer low-pitched tones.
  • B. have no particular reactions to different voices.
  • C. prefer shrill, grating, and brassy voices.
  • D. be an experienced public speaker.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The passage indicates that harsh qualities in voices, such as being shrill, grating, or brassy, are undesirable and that they can lead to discomfort for listeners. The author emphasizes that relaxed voice tones are essential for a pleasing impression, suggesting a preference for lower-pitched tones that are more pleasant to hear. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is A, indicating a preference for low-pitched tones.

The Rainforest

The Amazon River Basin is home to the largest rainforest on Earth. The basin -- roughly the size of the forty-eight contiguous United States -- covers some 40% of the South American continent, and portions of eight countries. The basin is drained by the Amazon River, the world's largest river in terms of discharge, and the second longest river in the world after the Nile.

Since 1970, over 600,000 square kilometers (232,000 square miles) of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. This deforestation is mainly due to land clearing for pastureland by commercial and speculative interests, misguided government policies, and commercial exploitation of forest resources.

Deforestation of the rainforest has long-term implications. The loss of habitat for many creatures ensures their extinction. The loss of vegetation depletes the oxygen in the atmosphere, which some say causes global warming.

According to the article, which statement is true?

  • A. The Amazon is a clear blue during most of its length.
  • B. The Amazon is the longest river in the world.
  • C. The Nile carries the most boat traffic of any river in the world.
  • D. The Nile is the longest river in the world.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The article mentions that the Amazon River is the second longest river in the world after the Nile. Therefore, the correct statement according to the article is D, that the Nile is the longest river in the world. The other options are either incorrect or not discussed in the passage. This question tests the understanding of the information provided in the passage about the Amazon River and its ranking in terms of length compared to the Nile.

What effect does your voice have on others? Does it persuade or irritate, attract or repel? One of
the worst qualities is harshness. If you ever get the feeling that people are uncomfortable when you speak, it may be that your harsh tones are jarring their eardrums. Your voice will sound
unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, to loud, or too nasal. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw. Tension tightens muscles and blocks the relaxed voice tones essential to a pleasing impression. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them
less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates.

What is the main idea presented in this paragraph?

  • A. Some men possess harsh voices.
  • B. Harsh voices are often associated with relaxed individuals.
  • C. Women are perceived as less appealing political candidates due to their shriller voices.
  • D. Not everyone is bothered by a harsh voice.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The paragraph discusses how women tend to have shriller voices than men, making them less desirable as public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates. It explains that harsh voice qualities usually stem from tension in the throat and jaw, more prevalent in higher-pitched voices like those of women. This suggests that women may face challenges in certain professions due to voice characteristics, impacting their perception as political candidates.

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