Reading Science-Based Texts Flashcards

Read the passage from a geology textbook: 'The rock cycle is a fundamental concept that describes the transitions among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its equilibrium conditions. For example, when igneous rock is exposed to weathering, it breaks down into sediment, which can then be compacted to form sedimentary rock. This process illustrates the continuous transformation of Earth's materials.' What is the primary purpose of the third sentence?

Answer: To provide a specific illustration of a process mentioned earlier.

The correct answer is A because the sentence begins with 'For example,' which signals that it will provide a concrete instance of the general process of rock transformation described in the preceding sentence.

A biology lab manual provides the following steps for preparing a microscope slide: 1. Place a single drop of pond water onto the center of a clean slide. 2. Gently lower a coverslip over the drop at a 45-degree angle to avoid air bubbles. 3. Use the corner of a paper towel to absorb any excess water at the edge of the coverslip. 4. Place the slide on the microscope stage and secure it with the clips. According to the procedure, what action is taken immediately after placing the coverslip on the slide?

Answer: Removing extra water from the sides.

The correct answer is D. The instructions are sequential. Step 2 describes lowering the coverslip, and Step 3, the very next step, instructs the user to absorb excess water.

Read this description of a science experiment: 'Three identical bean plants were used to test the effect of different light colors on growth. Plant A was exposed to full-spectrum white light, Plant B only to blue light, and Plant C only to red light. All other conditions were kept constant. After four weeks, Plant A had grown 15 cm. Plant B had grown 10 cm and had thick, dark green leaves. Plant C had grown 18 cm, but its stems were thin and stretched.' Which of the following is a reasonable conclusion based on the results?

Answer: Plants grow tallest in red light, but may not be the healthiest.

The correct answer is B. The passage states Plant C (red light) grew the tallest (18 cm), but also describes its stems as 'thin and stretched,' which suggests less healthy, sturdy growth compared to the other plants.

Read the following sentence from a chemistry text: 'When the salt was added to the water, it appeared to vanish, creating a homogeneous solution where the salt particles were evenly distributed throughout the liquid.' In this context, what does the term 'homogeneous' most likely mean?

Answer: Uniform in composition and appearance throughout.

The correct answer is C. The context clue 'evenly distributed throughout the liquid' directly supports the definition of homogeneous as being uniform in composition.

Read the following passage about ecology: 'In many forest ecosystems, the removal of a keystone species, such as the gray wolf, can trigger a trophic cascade. Without wolves to prey on deer, the deer population often explodes. This overabundance of deer leads to the overgrazing of young trees, which in turn reduces the habitat for songbirds.' According to the passage, what is the most direct effect of an increase in the deer population?

Answer: The overgrazing of vegetation.

The correct answer is D. The passage explicitly states that the 'overabundance of deer leads to the overgrazing of young trees.' This is the immediate consequence of the deer population explosion.

Read this description of the water cycle: 'A simplified diagram shows water from oceans turning into vapor and rising into the atmosphere, a process labeled 'Evaporation.' This vapor then cools and clumps together to form clouds, which is labeled 'Condensation.' When the water droplets in the clouds become too heavy, they fall back to Earth as rain or snow, a step labeled 'Precipitation.'' Based on the description, what happens during the stage known as 'Condensation'?

Answer: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.

The correct answer is C. The passage directly states that during the process labeled 'Condensation,' water vapor 'cools and clumps together to form clouds.'