ELTIS Reading Social Studies Texts Practice Test Flashcards

Read the passage: 'The stock market is a system where people buy and sell shares (small pieces of ownership) in companies. When a company's stock price goes up, shareholders make money. When it goes down, they lose money. The stock market is often seen as an indicator of economic health.' What does buying stock mean?

Answer: Buying a small piece of ownership in a company.

The passage defines shares as 'small pieces of ownership in companies.' When you buy stock, you are purchasing a small ownership stake in that company. If the company does well, your shares increase in value; if it does poorly, they decrease. This is a fundamental concept in economics.

Read the passage: 'NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance formed in 1949. Member countries agree to defend each other if any member is attacked. The alliance was originally created to counter the Soviet threat during the Cold War.' What is NATO's main purpose?

Answer: Mutual defense — members defend each other if attacked.

The passage states NATO members 'agree to defend each other if any member is attacked.' This collective defense principle, known as Article 5, means an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This mutual defense commitment is the core purpose of the alliance.

Read the passage: 'The Industrial Revolution shifted economies from agriculture to manufacturing. Factories mass-produced goods that were previously made by hand. This transformation began in Britain in the late 1700s and spread to other countries.' Where did the Industrial Revolution begin?

Answer: Britain.

The passage states: 'This transformation began in Britain in the late 1700s.' Britain had several advantages that enabled industrialization first, including access to coal and iron, a large labor force, and a stable government. The revolution then spread to other European countries and North America.

Read the passage: 'A sanctuary city is a municipality that limits its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These cities argue that undocumented immigrants should feel safe reporting crimes and accessing public services. Critics argue that sanctuary policies undermine federal immigration law.' What do sanctuary cities limit?

Answer: Cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The passage states a sanctuary city 'limits its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.' This means local law enforcement does not proactively assist federal agencies in enforcing immigration law, though the extent of these policies varies by city.

Read the passage: 'The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948. It outlines 30 fundamental rights that all people should have regardless of nationality, race, or religion. These include the right to life, freedom of expression, and education.' How many rights does the Declaration outline?

Answer: 30.

The passage states the Declaration 'outlines 30 fundamental rights.' These rights are considered universal — they apply to all people everywhere. The Declaration was a landmark document created in the aftermath of World War II to prevent future human rights abuses.

Read the passage: 'Gentrification occurs when wealthier people move into a poorer neighborhood, leading to increased property values and rents. While this can improve infrastructure and reduce crime, it often displaces long-time residents who can no longer afford to live there.' What is a negative effect of gentrification?

Answer: Displacement of long-time residents who cannot afford rising rents.

The passage identifies the negative effect: gentrification 'often displaces long-time residents who can no longer afford to live there.' As property values and rents increase, lower-income residents are forced out of their neighborhoods. This is a complex social issue with both positive and negative consequences.