Reading

Question 1

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Answer 4

A

Question 5

Answer 5

E

Question 6

Black-and-white camera film, in the old days of film photography, was very sensitive to blue light but not to red light. Blue skies would often show very little detail, because the film couldn’t record all that it was seeing. To compensate, photographers would put a red filter on the lens, darkening the sky enough that the film could record its fluffy clouds.
107. This paragraph best supports the statement that
a. red filters were very popular in the old days of photography.
b. infrared rays are invisible to the naked eye.
c. black-and-white photography used to be very popular.
d. red filters cut out some blue light on black and white film. e. blue filters cut out red light.

Answer 6

D

Question 7

Answer 7

D

Question 8

eality TV shows will have an adverse effect on traditional dramas and comedies. As reality TV increases in popularity, network executives will begin canceling more traditional programs and replacing them with the latest in reality TV.
109. This paragraph best supports the statement that
a. reality TV is low quality.
b. reality TV shows get the highest ratings.
c. more and more people love to watch and participate in reality TV.
d. as reality TV gets more popular, more traditional television shows may be threatened.
e. network executives make hasty and unwise decisions.

Answer 8

D

Question 9

Answer 9

C

Question 10

The best recipes for clam chowder all include onions and a bay leaf. The onions add a sharpness and zest to the blandness of the clams, and also help remove their slimy texture. The bay leaf complements the onion’s strong flavor. 101. This paragraph best supports the statement that
a. onions were once thought to be poisonous.
b. bay leaves are essential in many soups.
c. clam chowder is very nutritious.
d. onions and bay leaves go well with clams.
e. clams should not be overcooked.

Answer 10

D

Question 11

For the following three questions, choose the topic sentence that best fits the paragraph. 111. The term spices is a pleasant one, whether it connotes fine French cuisine or a down-home, cinnamon-flavored apple pie. ____________. In the past, individuals traveled the world seeking exotic spices for profit and, in searching, have changed the course of history. Indeed, to gain control of lands harboring new spices, nations have actually gone to war.
a. The taste and aroma of spices are the main elements that make food such a source of fascination and pleasure.
b. The term might equally bring to mind Indian curry made thousands of miles away and those delicious barbecued ribs sold on the corner.
c. It is exciting to find a good cookbook and experiment with spices from other lands—indeed, it is one way to travel around the globe!
d. The history of spices, however, is another matter altogether, and at times, it can be filled with danger and intrigue.

Answer 11

D

Question 12

choose the topic sentence that best fits the paragraph. 112. It weighs less than three pounds and is hardly more interesting to look at than an overly ripe cauliflower. _______________________. It has created poetry and music, planned and executed horrific wars, and devised intricate scientific theories. It thinks and dreams, plots and schemes, and easily holds more information than all the libraries on Earth.
a. The human brain is made of gelatinous matter and contains no nerve endings.
b. The science of neurology has found a way to map the most important areas of the human brain.
c. Nevertheless, the human brain is the most mysterious and complex object on Earth.
d. However, scientists say that each person uses only 10% of his or her brain over the course of a lifetime!

Answer 12

C

Question 13

choose the topic sentence that best fits the paragraph. 113. ___________________. It rained in April; it rained in May. It rained in the mornings; it rained in the afternoons. It poured, it drizzled, it showered, it misted—but always it rained. But the good news is we won’t have a drought this summer.
a. The rain makes me gloomy.
b. This spring was the rainiest on record.
c. Rain is nice, but I prefer sunshine.
d. Scientists know very little about the global climate.

Answer 13

A

Question 14

a topic sentence is given. Try choosing the sentence that best develops or supports it. 114. A fireplace should be lined with special fire bricks to prevent heat transfer.
a. Normal bricks are not dense enough to withstand excessive heat.
b. Fire codes also require a smoke alarm in every room.
c. Good up-drafts can make a pleasant fire, however.
d. Modern houses don’t use as much lumber as older homes did.

Answer 14

A

Question 15

115. Cosmetic plastic surgery is one of the fastest-growing segments of U.S. medicine.
     a. Cosmetic plastic surgery can have dangerous side effects, some of which can be fatal.
     b. Americans are eager to make their bodies as perfect as possible and to minimize the visible signs of aging. c. The price of cosmetic plastic surgery is also on the rise.
     d. This increase in cosmetic plastic surgery says something quite disturbing about our culture.

Answer 15

B

Question 16

116. If a car suddenly begins to skid on ice, a driver’s instinctive reaction might be the wrong one.
     a. Skids can be a terrifying experience.
     b. Cars can be very unpredictable on ice.
     c. Many people instinctively turn the wheel in the wrong direction, making the skid worse.
     d. New tires can help reduce the risk of skidding on ice.

Answer 16

C

Question 17

117. The “lead” inside the common pencil is actually not lead at all.
     a. Lead is commonly mined in Africa.
     b. Pencils were invented in 1603 by William Ledbelly.
     c. Even when sharpened, a pencil may not write as well as a pen.
     d. The substance used in pencils today is graphite.

Answer 17

D

Question 18

118. The Greek ideal of the hero most closely resembles today’s free-agent superstar.
     a. A superstar is an athlete who commands a great salary based on his individual skills.
     b. The Greek warrior’s focus was on grasping at immortality, and he did this by ensuring that his name would live on, long after he died.
     c. The Greek hero valued self-interest above loyalty to a cause, his king, or to his army, just as the free-agent superstar values his contract salary above any special team, coach, or the game.
     d. The Greek hero was impressive in his performance on the battlefield as well as in the sports arena.

Answer 18

C

Question 19

119. There is no instruction by the old bird in the movements of flight; no conscious imitation by the young.
     a. The most obvious way in which birds differ from humans in behavior is that they can do all that they have to do, without ever being taught.
     b. More extraordinary than the fact that a bird is able to fly untaught, is that it is able to build a nest untaught.
     c. Young birds frequently make their first flights with their parents out of sight.
     d. Young birds brought up in artificial environments will build the proper kind of nest for their species when the time comes.

Answer 19

A

Question 20

120. Parents play an important role in their children’s academic success.
     a. Video games have a negative impact on children’s academic success.
     b. Studies show that children of parents who regularly assist with homework and show an active interest in their child’s studies bring home better grades.
     c. Studies show that watching less television and spending less time playing video games help children get better grades.
     d. Children who are avid readers get much better grades than their peers.

Answer 20

B

Question 21

121. In special cases, needy people who have nowhere else to go are permitted to enter the United States as refugees.
     a. Other people, however, enter the United States illegally.
     b. The total number of newcomers was over one million.
     c. United States immigration laws put limits on the number of people permitted to enter the United States.
     d. As many as 12 million people may be living in the United States illegally.

Answer 21

C

Question 22

122. Most common weed killers work by poisoning the root of the plant.
     a. Weed killer can be dangerous to pets.
     b. Some weeds can grow even during drought.
     c. When using weed killer, always wear gloves.
     d. The poison is absorbed by the leaves and carried down to the roots.

Answer 22

D

Question 23

123. More and more people are eating organically grown fruits and vegetables.
     a. Organic food is usually more expensive than non-organic food.
     b. A wide variety of organic chocolate products are now available in stores.
     c. Raw foods are enjoying increasing popularity, now that people are discovering how a raw-foods diet leaves you feeling and looking great.
     d. Fresh organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes than non-organic produce.

Answer 23

D

Question 24

124. In Oklahoma, a girl is forbidden to take a bite from her date’s hamburger.
     a. It’s illegal for teenagers to take a bath during the winter in Clinton, Indiana.
     b. Youngsters may not spin Yo-Yos on Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee.
     c. It may be hard to believe, but these types of strange laws are still on the books!
     d. It is illegal to parade an elephant down Main Street in Austin, Texas.

Answer 24

C

Question 25

125. A cat’s whiskers are among the most perfect organs of touch.
     a. The hairs themselves are very sensitive.
     b. Whiskers are generally white in color.
     c. Touch is very important to a cat.
     d. Dogs have very sensitive noses.

Answer 25

A

Question 26

126. French explorers probably taught the Inuit Eskimos how to play dominoes.
     a. It was known in 181 a.d. in China.
     b. Also, it was played during the eighteenth century in Italy.
     c. The game of dominoes has been popular for centuries.
     d. From Italy, it was then introduced to the rest of the world.

Answer 26

C

Question 27

127. People are now living longer than ever before for many different reasons.
     a. Some people in the Soviet Union’s Caucasus Mountains live to be over 100 years of age.
     b. No one seems to understand this phenomenon.
     c. Advances in medical science have done wonders for longevity.
     d. The people in this region do not seem to gain anything from medical science.

Answer 27

C

Question 28

128. For 16 years, he spread violence and death throughout the west.
     a. Jesse was gunned down on April 3, 1882.
     b. He left a trail of train and bank robberies.
     c. His crimes were committed during the late 1860s.
     d. Jesse Woodson James was the most legendary of all American outlaws.

Answer 28

A

Question 29

choose the sentence that does not support the given topic sentence.

129. In ancient Greece, honor was not just the domain of the warrior.
     a. A great orator [speaker], who could sway the public with his logic and wit, was greatly respected.
     b. A revered poet’s name lived on long after he died.
     c. Great wealth was characteristic of the truly great kings.
     d. A warrior’s quest for the esteem of his peers would bring him great prizes, which would secure a long-lasting reputation.

Answer 29

C

Question 30

choose the sentence that does not support the given topic sentence.

130. In Moby Dick, Herman Melville wrote that the whale men were “enveloped in whale lines,” that each man relied on the others during moments of danger.
     a. The small boats that pursued the whales left the whaling ship far behind; each man in a boat had to depend on the others to stay alive.
     b. Once the whale was harpooned, the whale line unraveled so fast that water had to be poured on it to keep it from smoking.
     c. The whale line was the rope, dozens of yards long, that attached to the harpoon; it was raveled under the seats of all the men metaphorically connecting each man to the next.
     d. One wrong move and the line would snap a man right out of the boat; thus, his life depended on whether the crew would cut the whale loose to save him, or leave him in the ocean during the heat of the hunt.

Answer 30

B

Question 31

In cities throughout the country, there is a new direction in local campaign coverage. Frequently in local elections, journalists are not giving voters enough information to understand the issues and evaluate the candidates. The local news media devotes too much time to scandal and not enough time to policy.
131. This paragraph best supports the statement that the local news media
a. is not doing an adequate job when it comes to covering local campaigns.
b. does not understand either campaign issues or politics.
c. should learn how to cover politics by watching the national news media.
d. has no interest in covering stories about local political events.

Answer 31

A

Question 32

As recently as ten years ago, in order to have pictures of your loved ones, you had little choice but to take your undeveloped film, drop it off at a local store or photo counter to be developed, and pick up your photos later. And if you didn’t like the photos (like your red-eye in that photo with your grandmother, or too much background in that photo of the family), you were basically out of luck. These days, digital photography and photo editing software for your computer, tablet, or phone let you do it all yourself. The red-eye? The extra space that needs to be cropped out? A few swipes on your digital camera or smartphone can fix those—and a few seconds later, you’re able to send that picture to a photo printer on your desk, and are ready to frame it as a gift for grandma. Digital technology has made us more self-sufficient photographers.
132. This paragraph best supports the statement that
a. pictures are a good gift to give your grandparents.
b. cameras have changed significantly in the past century.
c. advances in digital photography have let us take control over a process that used to be more time-consuming and manual.
d. dealing with photos is a burden, and we should go back to the days when photos were handled at a local photo counter.

Answer 32

C

Question 33

The entire low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diet argument is so prevalent that one would think that these are the only two options available for losing weight and staying healthy. Some experts even feel that the low-carb/low-fat debate distracts us from an even more important issue—our culture’s reliance on processed and manufactured foods.
133. The paragraph best supports the statement that
a. experts state that not all fats are equal, so we need not reduce our intake of all fats; just those that contain partially hydrogenated oils.
b. important health concerns get overlooked when we focus exclusively on the low-fat versus low-carb question.
c. low-carbohydrate diets lead to significant and sustained weight loss.
d. processed foods can lead to many adverse health problems including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

Answer 33

B

Question 34

Every year, Americans use more than one billion sharp objects to administer healthcare in their homes. These sharp objects include lancets, needles, and syringes. If not disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they can injure sanitation workers. Sharp objects should be disposed of in hard plastic or metal containers with secure lids. The containers should be clearly marked and be puncture resistant.
134. The paragraph best supports the idea that sanitation workers can be injured if they
a. do not place sharp objects in puncture-resistant containers.
b. come in contact with sharp objects that have not been placed in secure containers.
c. are careless with sharp objects such as lancets, needles, and syringes in their homes.
d. do not mark the containers they pick up with a warning that those containers contain sharp objects.

Answer 34

B

Question 35

Litigation is not always the only or best way to resolve conflicts. Mediation offers an alternative approach and it is one that can be quite efficient and successful. Mediation can be faster, less expensive, and can lead to creative solutions not always possible in a court of law. Additionally, mediation focuses on mutually acceptable solutions, rather than on winning or losing.
135. This paragraph best supports the idea that
a. there is too much reliance on litigation in our society.
b. litigation is expensive, slow, and limited by its reliance on following the letter of the law.
c. mediation is the best way to resolve a crisis.
d. mediation can be an effective way to resolve conflicts.

Answer 35

D

Question 36

One of the missions of the Peace Corps is to help the people of interested countries meet their need for trained men and women. People who work for the Peace Corps do so because they want to, but to keep the agency dynamic with fresh ideas, no staff member can work for the agency for more than five years.
136. The paragraph best supports the statement that Peace Corps employees
a. are highly intelligent people.
b. must train for about five years.
c. are hired for a limited term of employment.
d. have both academic and work experience.

Answer 36

C

Question 37

More and more office workers telecommute from offices in their own homes. The upside of telecommuting is both greater productivity and greater flexibility. Telecommuters produce, on average, 20% more than if they were to work in an office, and their flexible schedule allows them to balance both their family and work responsibilities.
137. The paragraph best supports the statement that telecommuters
a. get more work done in a given time period than workers who travel to the office.
b. produce a better quality work product than workers who travel to the office.
c. are more flexible in their ideas than workers who travel to the office.
d. would do 20% more work if they were to work in an office.

Answer 37

A

Question 38

Sushi, the thousand-year-old Japanese delicacy, started small in the United States, in a handful of restaurants in big cities. Today, sushi consumption in America is 50% greater than it was ten years ago and not just in restaurants. Sushi is also sold at concession stands in sports stadiums, university dining halls, and in supermarkets throughout the country.
138. This paragraph best supports the statement that
a. sushi is now a fast food as popular as hot dogs, burgers, and fries.
b. more sushi is sold in restaurants than in supermarkets.
c. Americans are more adventurous eaters than they were in the past.
d. sushi wasn’t always widely available in the United States.

Answer 38

D

Question 39

Today’s shopping mall has as its antecedents historical marketplaces, such as Greek agoras, European piazzas, and Asian bazaars. The purpose of these sites, as with the shopping mall, is both economic and social. People not only go to buy and sell wares, but also to be seen, catch up on news, and be part of the human drama.
139. The paragraph best supports the statement that
a. modern Americans spend an average of 15 hours a month in shopping malls.
b. shopping malls serve an important purpose in our culture.
c. shopping malls have a social as well as commercial function.
d. there are historical antecedents for almost everything in contemporary society.

Answer 39

C

Question 40

Many animals hibernate during parts of the year, entering a state that is similar to a very deep sleep. But hibernation is more than simply a deep sleep. The animal’s body temperature drops well below its normal range, the animal does not wake up for a long period of time, and its metabolism slows to the point that the animal does not need to eat or relieve itself during that period. In order to prepare for hibernation, the animal must build up its body weight and increase its body fat. This is important, since the animal will be living off its own body fat during the months of hibernation. Of course, once the period of hibernation is over, the animal “wakes up” to find itself slim and trim once again!
140. How does an animal prepare for hibernation?
a. It exercises for two months.
b. It gradually increases its sleeping habits.
c. It grows extra fur.
d. It eats more food than usual.
141. This passage best supports the statement that
a. all animals hibernate to some degree.
b. food is scarce in the winter.
c. hibernation is very different from normal sleep. d. bears hibernate every year.

Answer 40

140 D
141 C

Question 41

Patrick Henry is considered one of the great patriots of America’s early history. history. He was a leader in every protest against British tyranny and in every movement for colonial rights, openly speaking against the unfair taxation and overly burdensome regulations imposed upon the American colonists by the British Parliament. In March 1775, Patrick Henry urged his fellow Virginians to arm themselves in self-defense. He spoke boldly in Richmond, Virginia, during the meeting of the state legislature. He closed that famous speech with the immortal words, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”
142. This passage best supports the statement that
a. Patrick Henry later became a governor of West Virginia.
b. the Virginia legislature was not listening to Henry’s speech.
c. Patrick Henry was willing to lay down his life for his country.
d. People in Colonial times faced harsh living conditions.
143. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for this passage?
a. The Speeches of Patrick Henry
b. Patrick Henry, American Patriot
c. Early American Patriots
d. History of the Virginia Legislature

Answer 41

142 C
143 B

Question 42

Ratatouille is a dish that has grown in popularity over the last few years. It features eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic chopped, mixed, sautéed, and finally, cooked slowly over low heat. As the vegetables cook slowly, they make their own broth, which may be extended with a little tomato paste. The name ratatouille comes from the French word touiller, meaning to stir or mix together.
144. Which of the following is the correct order of steps for making ratatouille?
a. chop vegetables, add tomato paste, stir or mix together
b. mix the vegetables together, sauté them, and add tomato paste
c. cook the vegetables slowly, mix them together, add tomato paste
d. add tomato paste to extend the broth and cook slowly over low heat
145. Ratatouille can best be described as a
a. French pastry.
b. sauce to put over vegetables.
c. pasta dish extended with tomato paste.
d. vegetable stew.

Answer 42

144 B
145 D

Question 43

The competitive civil-service system is designed to give candidates fair and equal treatment and to ensure that federal applicants are hired based on objective criteria. Hiring has to be based solely on a candidate’s knowledge, knowledge, skills, and abilities (which you’ll sometimes see abbreviated as KSA), and not on external factors such as race, religion, sex, and so on. Whereas employers in the private sector can hire employees for subjective reasons, federal employers must be able to justify their decision with objective evidence that the candidate is qualified.
146. The paragraph best supports the statement that
a. hiring in the private sector is inherently unfair. b. KSA is not as important as test scores to federal employers.
c. federal hiring practices are simpler than those employed by the private sector.
d. the civil service strives to hire on the basis of a candidate’s abilities.
147. The federal government’s practice of hiring on the basis of ksa frequently results in the hiring of employees
a. based on race, religion, sex, and so forth.
b. who are unqualified for the job.
c. who are qualified for the job.
d. on the basis of subjective judgment.

Answer 43

146 D
147 C

Question 44

It is well known that the world urgently needs adequate distribution of food, so that everyone gets enough. Adequate distribution of medicine is just as urgent. Medical expertise and medical supplies need to be redistributed throughout the world so that people in emerging nations will have proper medical care.
148. This paragraph best supports the statement that
a. the majority of the people in the world have no medical care.
b. medical resources in emerging nations have diminished in the past few years.
c. not enough doctors give time and money to those in need of medical care.
d. many people who live in emerging nations are not receiving proper medical care.

Answer 44

D

Question 45

Knitting has made a major comeback. People are knitting on college campuses, in coffee shops, and in small knitting groups throughout the United States. New knitting stores, many with cafes, are popping up all over, and there are more knitting books and magazines being published than ever before. And not all of these knitters are women: As knitting continues to surge in popularity, men are picking up knitting needles in record numbers.
149. The paragraph best supports the statement that
a. joining a knitting group is a great way to make new friends.
b. some people knit because it helps them relax and release stress.
c. today’s knitter is not the stereotypical grandmother in a rocking chair.
d. as is the case with all fads, this new obsession with knitting will fade quickly.

Answer 45

C

Question 46

Everyone is sensitive to extreme weather conditions. But with age, the body may become less able to respond to long exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures. Some older people might develop hypothermia when exposed to cold weather. Hypothermia is a drop in internal body temperature, which can be fatal if not detected and treated.
150. The paragraph best supports the statement that
a. cold weather is more dangerous for older people than warm weather.
b. hypothermia is a condition that only affects older people.
c. older people who live in warm climates
are healthier than older people who live in cold climates.
d. an older person is more susceptible to hypothermia than a younger person.

Answer 46

D

Question 47

Whether you can accomplish a specific goal or meet a specific deadline depends first on how much time you need to get the job done. What should you do when the demands of the job exceed the time you have available? The best approach is to divide the project into smaller pieces. Different goals will have to be divided in different ways, but one seemingly unrealistic goal can often be accomplished by working on several smaller, more reasonable goals.
151. The main idea of the passage is that
a. jobs often remain only partially completed because of lack of time.
b. the best way to complete projects is to make sure your goals are achievable.
c. the best way to tackle a large project is to separate it into smaller parts.
d. the best approach to a demanding job is to delegate responsibility.

Answer 47

C

Question 48

Health clubs have undergone a major transformation that can be described in three words: mind, body, and spirit. Loud, fast, heart-thumping aerobics has been replaced by the hushed tones of yoga and the controlled movements of Pilates. The clubs are responding to the needs of their customers who are increasingly looking for a retreat from their hectic lifestyles and a way to find a healthy balance in their lives by nurturing their whole selves.
152. The main idea of the paragraph is that
a. exercise is less important now than it once was. b. health clubs are much less popular now than they were ten years ago.
c. many health clubs will go out of business because of the decline in traditional exercise.
d. people’s desire to nurture all aspects of themselves has contributed to big changes for health clubs.

Answer 48

D

Question 49

For most judges, sentencing a person who has been convicted of a crime is a difficult decision. In the majority of jurisdictions throughout the country, judges have few sentencing options from which to choose. Generally, their options are confined to a fine, probation, or incarceration. Crimes, however, cover a wide spectrum of criminal behavior and motivation, and a wide variety of sanctions should be available.
153. The main idea of the paragraph is that
a. there should be laws that dictate which sentence a judge should hand down.
b. someone other than a judge should be allowed to sentence a criminal.
c. judges should be given more sentencing options from which to choose.
d. more money should be spent on the criminal justice system.

Answer 49

C

Question 50

Before you begin to compose a professional e-mail, sit down and think about your purpose in writing the e-mail. Do you want to request information, register a complaint, or apply for something? Do some brainstorming and gather information before you begin writing. Always keep your objective in mind.
154. The main idea of the passage is that
a. planning is an important part of writing an e-mail.
b. professional e-mails are frequently complaints. c. brainstorming and writing take approximately equal amounts of time.
d. many people fail to plan ahead when they are writing a business e-mail.

Answer 50

A

Question 51

Keeping busy at important tasks is much more motivating than having too little to do. Today’s employees are not afraid of responsibility. Most people are willing to take on extra responsibility in order to have more variety in their positions. In addition, along with that responsibility should come more authority to independently carry out some important tasks.
155. The main idea of the paragraph is that
a. variety and independence on the job increase employee motivation.
b. to avoid boredom, many people do more work than their jobs require of them.
c. today’s employees are demanding more independence than ever before.
d. office jobs in the past have carried less responsibility.

Answer 51

A

Question 52

Managing job and family is not simple. Both commitments make strong demands on people and are sometimes in direct opposition to each other. Saying yes to one means saying no to the other, and stress can often result. Being realistic and creating a balance in life can help set priorities.
156. The main idea of the paragraph is that
a. most family responsibilities cause stress at home and at work.
b. because it pays the bills, a job must take priority over other commitments.
c. it is important to have a balance between job and family responsibilities.
d. because they are so important, family duties must take priority over the job.

Answer 52

C

Question 53

Women business owners are critically important to the American economy, yet women still face unique obstacles in the business world. The
U.S. Small Business Administration offers a variety of programs and services to help women-owned businesses succeed and to advocate for women entrepreneurs.
157. This paragraph best supports the statement that women business owners
a. have more success in the United States than in other countries.
b. cannot succeed without outside help.
c. may find the Small Business Administration a useful resource.
d. should not make any major decisions without seeking the advice of the Small Business Administration.

Answer 53

C

Question 54

Use of electronic mail (e-mail) has been widespread for more than a decade. E-mail simplifies the flow of ideas, connects people from distant offices, eliminates the need for meetings, and often boosts productivity. However, e-mail should be carefully managed to avoid unclear and inappropriate communication. E-mail messages should be concise and limited to one topic. When complex issues need to be addressed, consider a direct phone call to discuss the matter.
158. The main idea of the paragraph is that e-mail a. is not always the easiest way to connect people from distant offices.
b. has changed considerably since it first began a decade ago.
c. causes people to be unproductive when it is used incorrectly.
d. is effective for certain kinds of messages but only if managed wisely.
159. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for the passage?
a. Appropriate Use of E-Mail
b. E-Mail’s Popularity
c. E-Mail: The Ideal Form of Communication
d. Why Phone Calls Are Better Than E-Mail

Answer 54

158 D
159 A

Question 55

Native American art often incorporates a language of abstract visual symbols. The artist gives a poetic message to the viewer, communicating the beauty of an idea, either by using religious symbols or a design from nature such as rain on leaves or sunshine on water. The idea communicated may even be purely whimsical, in which case the artist might start out with symbols developed from a bird’s tracks or a child’s toy.
160. The main idea of the passage is that Native American art a. is purely poetic and dreamlike.
b. is usually abstract, although it can also be poetic and beautiful.
c. communicates the beauty of ideas through the use of symbols.
d. is sometimes purely whimsical.

Answer 55

C

Question 56

In criminal cases, the availability of readable fingerprints is often critical in establishing evidence of a major crime. It is necessary, therefore, to follow proper procedures when taking fingerprints. In major cases, prints should be obtained from all persons who may have touched areas associated with a crime scene, for elimination purposes.
161. The main idea of the paragraph is that
a. because fingerprints are so important in many cases, it is important to follow the correct course in taking them.
b. all fingerprints found at a crime scene should be taken and thoroughly investigated.
c. if the incorrect procedure is followed in gathering fingerprints, the ones taken may be useless.
d. the first step in investigating fingerprints is to eliminate those of non-suspects.
162. The paragraph best supports the statement that
a. no crimes can be solved without readable fingerprints.
b. all persons who have touched an area in a crime scene are suspects.
c. all fingerprints found at a crime scene are used in court as evidence.
d. all persons who have touched a crime-scene area should be fingerprinted.

Answer 56

161 A
162 D

Question 57

The city will be enforcing winter parking rules from December 1 through March 31, according to City Street Manager Joseph Parks. This includes alternate-side parking regulations, as well as tow-away zones and handicap exceptions.
Cars are to be parked on the south and east sides of streets between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight; and on the north and west sides of streets between midnight and 8 a.m. This is to permit snow plows and emergency vehicles access to all neighborhoods, as well as to keep rush-hour traffic to a minimum.
Vehicles that do not follow these guidelines will be towed at the owner’s expense, Parks said, with the exception of those vehicles displaying handicapped parking permits.
163. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Cars should be parked on the street.
b. Snow plows can bury cars under snow.
c. Winter parking regulations will be put into effect.
d. Winter parking regulations are good for the environment.
164. When should cars be parked on the west side of the street?
a. between 8 a.m. and midnight
b. between midnight and 8 a.m. c. between December 1 and March 31
d. not stated
165. Which of the following is NOT a reason for these parking regulations to be followed?
a. They prevent excessive traffic.
b. It’s good for the cars to be moved frequently in cold weather.
c. It allows snow plows to get through.
d. They enable emergency vehicles to gain access to all neighborhoods.

Answer 57

163 C
164 B
165 B

Question 58

Once people wore garlic around their necks to ward off disease. Today, most Americans would scoff at the idea of wearing a necklace of garlic cloves to enhance their well-being. However, you might find a number of Americans willing to ingest capsules of pulverized garlic or other herbal supplements in the name of health. -Complementary and alternative medicine, which includes a range of practices outside of conventional medicine such as herbs, homeopathy, massage therapy, yoga, and acupuncture, hold increasing appeal for Americans. In fact, according to one estimate, 42% of Americans have used alternative therapies. In all age groups, the use of unconventional healthcare practices has steadily increased in the last 30 years, and the trend is likely to continue, although people born before 1945 are the least likely to turn to these therapies. -Why have so many patients turned to alternative therapies? Many are frustrated by the time constraints of managed care and alienated by conventional medicine’s focus on technology. Others feel that a holistic approach to healthcare better reflects their beliefs and values. Others seek therapies that relieve symptoms associated with chronic disease; symptoms that mainstream medicine cannot treat.
-Some alternative therapies have even crossed the line into mainstream medicine, as scientific investigation has confirmed their safety and efficacy. For example, physicians may currently prescribe acupuncture for pain management or to control the nausea associated with chemotherapy. Additionally, many U.S. medical schools teach courses in alternative therapies, and many health insurance companies offer some alternative medicine benefits.
166. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Alternative medicine is now a big business in the United States with more Americans seeking it out than ever before.
b. Today, it is not unusual for mainstream doctors to incorporate alternative therapies into their practice.
c. Over the last few decades, alternative medicine has become more popular, accepted, and practiced in the United States.
d. People are tired of conventional medicine’s focus on technology.
167. According to the passage, which practice would not be defined as alternative medicine?
a. pain management
b. acupuncture
c. taking herbal garlic supplements
d. massage therapy
168. Based on the information given, what kind of person would be least likely to seek out alternative medical treatment?
a. a senior citizen suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea
b. a young woman suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome
c. a 45-year-old man who believes that his body and mind must be treated together.
d. a 25-year-old track star with chronic back pain
169. The passage indicates that alternative treatments are increasingly being used by mainstream medical professionals because
a. more and more Americans are demanding alternative therapies.
b. healthcare insurance companies are now providing some benefits for alternative medical treatments.
c. they are frustrated by the time constraints of managed care.
d. scientific studies are becoming available that prove their effectiveness and safety.

Answer 58

166 C
167 A
168 A
169 D

Question 59

The first murder ever committed in the United States occurred in September 1630, shortly after the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts. John -Billington was the father of two sons, one of the first to settle in the new Plymouth Colony near what is today Boston, and one of the people who signed the Mayflower Compact—and he was also the colony’s first murderer. Billington, in fact, was the first person to commit any crime in the colony, as far as we know today. He was also the first to be executed by the state in the New World. Billington’s crime was to shoot a man named John Newcomen, for reasons which are lost to history. -But Billington’s problems had not begun on the soil of North America. He and his sons had nearly caused a mutiny aboard the Mayflower during the arduous trip across the ocean. One of his sons, in fact, fired his gun aboard the Mayflower—near an open keg of gunpowder! The flash from the gun could easily have ignited the powder, which would probably have sunk the ship.
-Once in Plymouth Colony, Billington’s behavior did not improve. He refused to serve any form of military duty under the leadership of Miles Standish, a duty that was seen by the colonists as part of every man’s responsibilities in the New World. He was later implicated in a plot to overthrow the entire leadership of Plymouth Colony, but a lack of evidence prompted the town’s leaders to let him go free.
-In the end, Billington’s rebellious and angry nature caught up with him. He was found guilty of the murder of John Newcomen, and died in disgrace on the gallows.
170 Based on the info in the passage, which of the following best describes John Billington?
A. Quiet and shy
B. Angry and rebellious
C. Clever and amusing
D. Bold and patriotic
171. Which of the following is NOT true of John Billington, according to the passage ?
A. He had 2 sons.
B. He served in the military under Miles Standish.
C. He tried to lead a mutiny
D. He attempted to overthrow the government
172. The nearest meaning of the underlined word ‘arduous’ as used in the passage, is
A. Difficult
B. Simple.
C. Long
D. Stormy
173. Why didn’t the leaders of Plymouth Colony punish Billington for rebelling against their authority?
A. He was not guilty
B. Billington was Miles Standish’s nephew
C. He had 2 sons who needed him
D. They didn’t have enough evidence
174. A good title for this passage would be
A. A History of Plymouth Colony
B. The Injustices of Miles Standish
C. America’s First Murderer
D. Early American Legal Battles.

Answer 59

170 B
171 B
172 A
173 D
174 C

Question 60

Have you ever heard someone sing, “Happy birthday to you… happy birthday to you…”? If so, you are hardly alone – millions of people sing that song every year, and the tune is one of the most familiar of any song in North America.
Ironically, it is not known who wrote it! The tune was written by two sisters, Patty and Mildred Hill, who were school teachers in late 19th century. But their song had different words; instead of “happy birthday to you,” the song ran “good morning to all.” The two sisters would sing this ditty to their students each morning as school began.
In 1924, the tune was published in a song book, which added the “happy birthday” lyrics as verse two. Today, the second verse of that song has become one of the best known tunes in the world– and nobody knows who wrote the words!
175. According to the passage, who wrote the tune to “Happy Birthday”?
a) 2 priests
b) Irving Berlin
c) Patty & Mildred Hill
d) it is unknown
176. Why is it ironic that the author of the words to “Happy Birthday” is unknown?
a) because almost everyone knows the song
b) because it shows how unjust life can be
c) because of modern copyright laws
d) because it was published in 1924
177. The underlined word “ditty” as used in the passage, most nearly means?
a) silly
b) shoe
c) flower
d) short song
178. What happened in1924 to make “Happy Birthday” famous?
a) Nothing significant happened
b) Hitler came to power in Germany
c) The authors of the tune passed away.
d) The tune was published in a song book with the words as a 2nd verse.

Answer 60

175. c
176. a
     177.d
177. d

Question 61

Dogs and cats should never be permitted to eat chocolate, because chocolate works like a poison in their bodies. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Human bodies are able to process the theobromine without any ill side effects, but dogs and cats cannot.
Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. It would take 20 onces of milk chocolate to kill a 20 lb dog, but only 2 oz of baker’s chocolate or 6 oz of semi-sweet chocolate. The amounts, of course, are much smaller for a cat, whose body weight is typically less than that of a dog.
Most cats are not naturally attracted to eating chocolate, but many dogs are. Dogs by nature will sample nearly anything that they see their masters eating, so pet owners must take care to keep all chocolate products well out of reach of their dogs and cats.
179. According to the passage, why is chocolate poisonous for dogs and cats?
a) it contains caffeine.
b) Chocolate is made from processed cocoa.
c) It gets stuck in their intestines.
d) They cannot process theobromine.
180. How much milk chocolate would be poisonous to a cat, according to the passage?
a) substantially less than 20 oz
b) substantially more than 20 oz
c) approximately one pound
d) half a Hershey bar
181. Why might a dog eat chocolate, according to the passage?
a) Because it tastes good.
b) dogs won’t eat chocolate.
c) They can smell the theobromine.
d) Dogs like to imitate their owners.
182. What best summarizes this passage?
a) Look before you leap.
b) Pet food for pets, people food for people.
c) Monkey see, monkey do.
d) A penny saved is a penny earned.

Answer 61

179. d
180. a
181. d
182. b