ACT Reading Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new story tellers? Scholars that have interpreted Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories, while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their own truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can. According to the author’s description, which of the following is most likely to be a message from Greek mythology?
- Love is difficult, but it will last if the lovers are meant to be together.
- Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success. (Correct answer)
- It is important to keep track of your personal history.
- Passing down Greek mythology has taken on a new form since oral records faded.
- It is not the fastest, but the longest lasting that wins the race.
Correct answer: Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success.
The passage states that Greek mythology teaches about 'dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life' and involves characters facing 'moral dilemmas' and 'creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption.' This directly points to themes of overcoming challenges and resisting negative influences like temptation to achieve a positive outcome, aligning with the message that resisting temptation leads to ultimate success.
Question 2: Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new story tellers? Scholars that have interpreted Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories, while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their own truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can. Which word best describes the author’s account of Greek mythology?
- idealistic (Correct answer)
- pessimistic
- dubious
- critical
- mysterious
Correct answer: idealistic
The author presents Greek mythology in a highly positive and appreciative light, describing it as a 'vehicle' for teaching about 'universal values' and helping readers 'seek their own truths.' This tone suggests an optimistic belief in the inherent wisdom and beneficial lessons contained within these stories, making 'idealistic' the most fitting description of the author's perspective.
Question 3: Disequilibrium at the interface of water and air is a factor on which the transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends. The air within about a millimeter of the water is almost saturated with water vapor and the temperature of the air is close to that of the surface water. Irrespective of how small these differences might be, they are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content. The turbulence, which takes its energy from the wind mixes the air. As the speed of wind increases, so does the turbulence, and consequently the rate of heat and moisture transfer. We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study. The transfer of momentum from wind to water, which occurs when waves are formed is an interacting-and complicated phenomenon. When waves are made by the wind, it transfers important amounts of energy-energy, which is consequently not available for the production of turbulence. This passage principally intends to:
- resolve a controversy
- attempt a description of a phenomenon (Correct answer)
- sketch a theory
- reinforce certain research findings
- tabulate various observations
Correct answer: attempt a description of a phenomenon
The passage meticulously details the process of heat and water vapor transfer between the ocean and air, explaining the various factors and mechanisms involved. It uses descriptive language to outline how this natural event occurs, such as disequilibrium, air mixing, and turbulence. The concluding sentence, 'We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study,' reinforces that the passage is primarily an attempt to describe a complex natural phenomenon.
Question 4: Disequilibrium at the interface of water and air is a factor on which the transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends. The air within about a millimeter of the water is almost saturated with water vapor and the temperature of the air is close to that of the surface water. Irrespective of how small these differences might be, they are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content. The turbulence, which takes its energy from the wind mixes the air. As the speed of wind increases, so does the turbulence, and consequently the rate of heat and moisture transfer. We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study. The transfer of momentum from wind to water, which occurs when waves are formed is an interacting-and complicated phenomenon. When waves are made by the wind, it transfers important amounts of energy-energy, which is consequently not available for the production of turbulence. The wind over the ocean usually does which of the following according to the given passage? I. Leads to cool, dry air coming in proximity with the ocean surface. II. Maintains a steady rate of heat and moisture transfer between the ocean and the air. III. Results in frequent changes in the ocean surface temperature.
- I only (Correct answer)
- II only
- I and II only
- II and III only
- I, II, and III
Correct answer: I only
The passage states that 'the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content.' This directly supports statement I. The passage also indicates that the rate of heat and moisture transfer *increases* with wind speed, contradicting statement II about a steady rate. Statement III, regarding ocean surface temperature changes, is not supported by the text.
Question 5: Swimming has developed from a primal mode of movement to an advanced hobby and competitive sport. Exercising nearly every muscle group, swimming is a rigorous sport and requires intense training. In competitions swimmers typically contend for the fastest time to complete a certain distance by performing a specific swimming stroke. Also, swimmers work to build endurance and an ability to swim over long distances. Because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport, where one wrong technique can disqualify a participant, it is interesting to ponder how the sport will evolve for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement. The structure of this passage could be best described in what way?
- An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications.
- An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations. (Correct answer)
- A hypothesis tested against certain conditions, developed into a larger thesis.
- An activity and its purposes are explained.
- A supposition regarding the prospect of an activity, analyzed for viability
Correct answer: An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations.
The passage begins by tracing swimming's development from a 'primal mode of movement' to an 'advanced hobby and competitive sport,' narrowing its focus to the intricate details of competitive swimming. It then expands its scope by pondering how the sport 'will evolve for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement,' considering future possibilities or 'deviations' from its current form.
Question 6: Swimming has developed from a primal mode of movement to an advanced hobby and competitive sport. Exercising nearly every muscle group, swimming is a rigorous sport and requires intense training. In competitions swimmers typically contend for the fastest time to complete a certain distance by performing a specific swimming stroke. Also, swimmers work to build endurance and an ability to swim over long distances. Because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport, where one wrong technique can disqualify a participant, it is interesting to ponder how the sport will evolve for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement. Which of the following situations would fulfill the author’s prophecy for swimming?
- Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space. (Correct answer)
- Swimming remains a competitive Olympic sport
- Animals, including amphibians, begin to swim instinctively upon birth, as a dominant genetic trait.
- People swim in home and community pools to relax and exercise.
- Fish begin swimming at unprecedented speeds and extend the average life span.
Correct answer: Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space.
The author's prophecy is that swimming will evolve 'either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement.' Using swimming techniques for movement in a novel environment like space represents a significant 'progressive purpose' or a new adaptation of a 'primal mode of movement' for human function. This scenario directly fulfills the author's speculative outlook on the future evolution of swimming.
ACT Reading Practice Test 2
Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life.
In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality.
The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption.
How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new story tellers? Scholars that have interpreted Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories, while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures.
It is up to each reader to seek their own truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can.
According to the author’s description, which of the following is most likely to be a message from Greek mythology?