Practice Test (Upper Level: Reading) Flashcards

Except for one, all of the following types of archaeological evidence were discussed. Which is not included:

Answer: carbon dating.

This question requires referring to the specific passage. If the passage discussed archaeological evidence like flint tools, fossils, and remains of extinct animals, but did not mention "carbon dating," then carbon dating is the correct answer. Carbon dating is a scientific method used to determine the age of organic materials, rather than a type of physical evidence itself like the others.

What is the passage's major point?

Answer: Vaccines help the immune system function properly.

The main point of a passage about vaccines would typically focus on their purpose and mechanism. Option C, "Vaccines help the immune system function properly," best encapsulates the primary role of vaccines in preparing the body's defenses against disease. The other options are either too specific, negative, or not the overarching theme of how vaccines work.

Which title best captures the essence of the passage's ideas?

Answer: “Recognizing Colors”

A title should broadly represent the passage's content. If the passage discusses how colors are perceived, interpreted, or vary under different conditions, then "Recognizing Colors" would be the most fitting title. The other options are either too narrow (like specific colors or objects) or suggest a different focus than a general discussion of color perception.

________ is the finest word to define the author's attitude toward dogs.

Answer: reverential

To determine the author's attitude, one must analyze the tone and language used when describing dogs. If the author uses words that convey deep respect, admiration, and almost worship for dogs, then "reverential" accurately describes this highly positive and respectful attitude. The other options suggest negative or conditional feelings.

____________ was a turning point in scientific theories concerning the age of humanity's existence on Earth.

Answer: the discovery in France of the remains of extinct animals and humans together in an unflooded area.

This discovery was a crucial turning point because it provided physical evidence that humans coexisted with animals long thought to be extinct, and in a geological context that challenged the prevailing belief in a recent, catastrophic global flood. This directly contradicted the short biblical chronology of human existence, pushing back the perceived age of humanity significantly.

Which of the following statements is not a fact from the passage?

Answer: The symptoms of disease do not emerge until the body has learned how to fight the microbe.

This statement is generally incorrect in biology and would likely contradict information in a passage about disease and the immune system. Symptoms typically emerge as the body *begins* to fight a microbe, often before the immune system has fully "learned" how to effectively combat it. The other options represent common facts about vaccines and immune responses.

The sky is usually ________ at the zenith.

Answer: violet-blue.

The passage likely explains principles of light scattering in the atmosphere. At the zenith (directly overhead), sunlight travels through the least amount of atmosphere, causing more of the shorter-wavelength blue and violet light to be scattered towards the observer, making the sky appear deepest blue or violet-blue.

The word "encounter" in the second paragraph very certainly means __________

Answer: contact

To "encounter" means to unexpectedly experience or be faced with something, or to meet someone or something. In many contexts, especially when referring to interactions or coming across something, it implies "contact" or a meeting. The other options do not fit the typical usage of "encounter."

Early in the nineteenth century,

Answer: most people believed that humanity's existence was 6,000 to 7,000 years old.

Historically, before significant archaeological and geological discoveries in the 19th century, the dominant belief, largely influenced by biblical interpretations, was that humanity's existence was relatively short, around 6,000 to 7,000 years. The passage would likely set this as the background for later scientific advancements that challenged this view.

What does the word virulent signify when it's used in the third paragraph?

Answer: malicious

"Virulent" can mean extremely severe or harmful in its effects, often used for diseases. However, it can also describe something bitterly hostile or hateful. If the passage uses "virulent" to describe a person's character, intentions, or a non-disease entity, then "malicious" (intending to do harm) would be the most fitting synonym.

According to the author,

Answer: perceived color varies.

If the passage discusses how factors like light, environment, or individual interpretation affect how colors are seen, then the author's main point would be that "perceived color varies." This implies that color is not absolute but subjective and dependent on various conditions, rather than being fixed or universally seen.

The phrase "riches take wings" can be interpreted as ____________.

Answer: a person loses money

The idiom "riches take wings" suggests that wealth or money can disappear quickly and unexpectedly, much like a bird flying away. Therefore, it means that a person loses money, often implying a sudden or unforeseen financial reversal. It conveys the idea of wealth being transient and easily lost.

What's the reason why Wolverines are very scarce?

Answer: they suffer in the survival of the fittest.

If the passage discusses the challenges Wolverines face in their environment, "they suffer in the survival of the fittest" implies that they are struggling to compete for resources, adapt to environmental changes, or withstand pressures from other species or humans. This suggests their scarcity is due to natural selection pressures, where only the most adapted survive.

What is the author's main motivation for writing the essay?

Answer: to inform

If the essay primarily presents facts, explanations, or descriptions about a particular subject without attempting to persuade the reader, evoke strong emotions, or delve into deep critical analysis, then the author's main motivation is "to inform." The goal is to educate the reader about the topic in a straightforward manner.

In the first paragraph, the word zenith most likely refers to ________.

Answer: a point directly overhead.

The "zenith" is an astronomical term that refers to the point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer. Therefore, it means "a point directly overhead." This is its precise and commonly understood definition, often used in discussions of celestial bodies or atmospheric phenomena.

The first paragraph's portrayal of man's duplicity is intended to emphasize ___________.

Answer: the loyalty of dogs

If the passage describes "man's duplicity" (deceitfulness or double-dealing) in contrast to the unwavering nature of dogs, it serves to emphasize the exceptional "loyalty of dogs." By highlighting human flaws, the author makes the dogs' steadfastness appear even more remarkable and admirable, drawing a clear distinction between the two.

This selection's author is most likely a __________.

Answer: conscious naturalist.

If the author demonstrates a deep understanding, keen observation, and appreciation for the natural world, its creatures, and ecological balance, they are most likely a "conscious naturalist." This implies someone who studies and cares deeply about nature, often with an environmental awareness and a desire to share their knowledge.

What is the passage's major point?

Answer: foodborne illnesses

If the passage primarily discusses diseases caused by contaminated food, their symptoms, prevention, or impact, then its major point is "foodborne illnesses." This encompasses the broader topic, while options like "bacteria" or "uncooked food" might be specific causes or aspects within that larger theme, but not the overall main point.

Which title is the best fit for this group?

Answer: “Early Polynesian Navigation”

This question asks for the best title for a group, implying a passage about a specific topic. The correct answer, 'Early Polynesian Navigation,' suggests that the passage details the methods, journeys, and history of navigation used by early Polynesian peoples. This title accurately captures the subject matter by specifying both the group (Polynesian) and the core activity (navigation) in an early historical context.

What is the first five sentences' major point?

Answer: The King is struggling to tell his daughter something when he is abruptly stopped.

To determine the major point, one must analyze the actions and dialogue in the first five sentences. The correct answer indicates that the King is attempting to convey something significant to his daughter but is prevented from doing so. This highlights a moment of interrupted communication and builds narrative tension, setting up a key plot point for the passage.