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.
Which transitional expression best replaces 'ultimately' in the following sentence: 'Ultimately, condensation happens when water vapor cools'?
- A. While
- B. Furthermore
- C. Since
- D. Moreover
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The word 'ultimately' is used to indicate the final step in a process. 'While' can serve as a transition that suggests a time-based connection, which works well in the context of the water cycle's progression. The other options, such as 'furthermore' and 'moreover,' are used to add information, and 'since' indicates causality, none of which is appropriate in this context.
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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 is the main idea of this passage?
- A. Water is formed from the joining of two hydrogen atoms to one atom of oxygen.
- B. Water is a versatile and important universal solvent.
- C. The different components of the water cycle are precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.
- D. Rain is a trivial part of the life cycle.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is to explain the different components of the water cycle, which include precipitation, evaporation, and condensation. The passage describes how water moves through these stages, highlighting the importance of each step in maintaining life on Earth. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not capture the central theme of the water cycle, and option D is misleading as rain, a form of precipitation, plays a crucial role in the cycle.
Mr. Rogers' Biography
"It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood!" This familiar line always began the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood program on PBS. The amazing Fred Rogers brought a special message to children around the world. He believed that each person is unique and wonderful in his or her own way and we should accept others just the way they are without trying to change or improve them. Mr. Rogers spread his tolerance message far and wide through the daily broadcasts of his television show, his many books, and finally after his retirement through his website specifically designed for children. Through these venues, Mr. Rogers helped children deal with the real world things that bothered them, such as doctor visits, haircuts, and new siblings.
Fred Rogers left a legacy of kindness, acceptance, and an unending love of learning for all generations
What did Fred Rogers believe in, according to the passage?
- A. Uniformity
- B. Conformity
- C. Uniqueness
- D. Obedience
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fred Rogers believed in uniqueness, as mentioned in the passage. He emphasized that each person is unique and wonderful in their own way, advocating for acceptance without the need to change or improve others. This aligns with his message of embracing individuality and diversity, making 'Uniqueness' the correct answer.
Consumption of food is a universal necessity. Different cultures have developed different methods to accomplish the task. It is interesting to discover these differences and learn new ways
to do things.
European cultures developed cutlery (knives, forks, and spoons) to enable people to efficiently
eat their food. Correct use of this toolÄ€™s changes with the times-what was polite in 1800 may not
be considered proper manners today.
China developed the chopstick as an efficient tool for eating. Mastery of the use of chopsticks can be difficult for the person not raised in the culture. The attempts of a novice to use
chopsticks can be very amusing to the watcher, but frustrating for the hungry diner. Space travel has created new challenges for consuming food. Squeeze bottles and other unique
packaging have enabled space travelers to get their needed nutrition. Chopsticks and forks do not work well in space.
What is the best definition of efficient as used in the third paragraph?
- A. Productive without waste
- B. Cost-effective
- C. Performing well with minimal effort
- D. Optimal use of resources
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The term 'efficient' in the context of the third paragraph refers to being 'productive without waste.' When something is efficient, it means it is able to achieve maximum productivity with minimal resources or effort. In this case, the chopstick is described as an efficient tool for eating, implying that it allows individuals to consume food effectively without unnecessary wastage. Hence, option A, 'Productive without waste,' best defines the term 'efficient' in this context.
The federal government regulates dietary supplements through the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The regulations for dietary supplements are not the same as those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In general, the regulations for dietary supplements are less strict. To begin with, a manufacturer does not have to prove the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement before it is marketed. A manufacturer is permitted to say that a dietary supplement addresses a nutrient deficiency, supports health, or is linked to a particular body function (such as immunity) if there is research to support the claim. Such a claim must be followed by the words, “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.†Also, manufacturers are expected to follow certain good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure that dietary supplements are processed consistently and meet quality standards. Requirements for GMPs went into effect in 2008 for large manufacturers and are being phased in for small manufacturers through 2010. Once a dietary supplement is on the market, the FDA monitors safety and product information, such as label claims and package inserts. If it finds a product to be unsafe, it can take action against the manufacturer and/or distributor and may issue a warning or require that the product be removed from the marketplace. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for regulating product advertising; it requires that all information be truthful and not misleading. The federal government has taken legal action against a number of dietary supplement promoters or websites that promote or sell dietary supplements because they have made false or deceptive statements about their products or because marketed products have proven to be unsafe.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'phased in' 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' refers to implementing something gradually or in stages. In the context provided, it means that the requirements for GMPs were gradually introduced for small manufacturers over a period of time. This approach allows for a structured implementation of the regulations, ensuring that small manufacturers have time to comply with the new standards.
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.
Which statement from the selection presents a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness.
- B. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw.
- C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal.
- D. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable as public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it presents a factual statement about the source of harsh voice qualities, attributing them to excessive tension in the throat and jaw. This statement is based on a cause-and-effect relationship and can be objectively verified. In contrast, options A, C, and D involve subjective judgments or generalizations, making them opinions rather than verifiable facts. By identifying the cause of harsh voice qualities, option B stands out as a factual statement that provides a clear explanation for the undesirable voice characteristic, distinguishing it from the subjective nature of the other options in the selection.
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