Do you want to maintain healthy teeth? Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and acidic drinks, like soda and lemonade. Both sugar and acid can erode protective tooth enamel, paving the way for cavities and increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity. It's best to limit these beverages to special occasions, such as dining out. And when you do indulge, use a drinking straw: research shows that straws can minimize contact between liquids and teeth. Bear in mind that some restaurants intentionally keep their straws out of sight, in the hopes that customers will forget about them—so don't forget! Request a straw from your server, or bring your own straws along whenever you dine out. Your teeth will thank you later.
Select the two details that are included in the text
(2 points)
Responses
Straws are now a regularly dispensed item at many restaurants.
Straws are now a regularly dispensed item at many restaurants.
Staff at some restaurants avoid automatically providing straws to customers.
Staff at some restaurants avoid automatically providing straws to customers.
Using a drinking straw reduced exposure to beverages that hard teeth.
Using a drinking straw reduced exposure to beverages that hard teeth.
Discarded straws present hazards for marine wildlife.
Discarded straws present hazards for marine wildlife.
Question 2
2. Read the following excerpt. It is adapted from a 1921 speech that Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist, delivered at Vassar College.
Now, the special interest of radium is in the intensity of its rays which is several million times greater than the uranium rays. And the effects of the rays make the radium so important. If we take a practical point of view, then the most important property of the rays is the production of physiological effects on the cells of the human organism. These effects may be used for the cure of several diseases. Good results have been obtained in many cases. What is considered particularly important is the treatment of cancer.
But we must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like the radium a benefit for humanity.
Adapted from Marie Curie, "On the Discovery of Radium"
Based on the excerpt, what is the purpose of Marie Curie's speech?
(2 points)
Responses
a. To explain the scientific properties and diverse uses of radium
a. To explain the scientific properties and diverse uses of radium
b. To demonstrate both the benefits and dangers of chemistry.
b. To demonstrate both the benefits and dangers of chemistry.
c. to illustrate the importance of scientific inquiry for its own sake.
c. to illustrate the importance of scientific inquiry for its own sake.
Question 3
3. Read the passage and then answer the question.
The saxophone has been around for about 170 years. While other instruments, such as drums, guitars, and flutes, have existed for thousands of years, the saxophone is a relative newcomer to the world of music. It was invented in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian musician and instrument maker, to address a disparity in tone across sections of the orchestra. Sax had noted that brass instruments frequently overpowered the woodwinds, creating an unevenness in sound and tone.
Sax's solution was to create an instrument that would integrate aspects of the two orchestral sections. Namely, his new instrument, the saxophone, joined a brass-like body with a woodwind-like mouthpiece. It was suitable for both orchestras and military bands, making it a versatile choice for musicians and composers. The saxophone has grown in popularity over time and is now played around the world.
What is the meaning of relative as used in the passage?
(2 points)
Responses
a. additional
a. additional
b. familiar or popular
b. familiar or popular
c. of the same group; similar
c. of the same group; similar
d. in comparison to something else.
d. in comparison to something else.
Question 4
4. Read the text.
Knowing how to read a city map is a valuable skill. First, figure out your location on the map. Check the street signs at the nearest intersection and use clues to help you find that intersection on the map. For example, if you are near a bridge or a park, look for those symbols on the map. The map's legend indicates what the symbols mean.
A map's compass rose reveals where north is. To establish direction, walk a block and revisit your map; compare where you were to where you are. In which direction did you travel? Then locate your destination on the map.
The map's scale indicates distance ratios; for example, an inch may be equal to five hundred feet. Now you know where you are, how to get where you are going, and how far you have to go!
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
(2 points)
Responses
a. to describe to readers the features of different maps
a. to describe to readers the features of different maps
b. to explain to readers how to navigate a city with a map
b. to explain to readers how to navigate a city with a map
Question 5
5. Read the text.
Pier Pressure
If you feel at home on the water, you could consider actually making the water your home. Some people, called liveaboards, live on large motorboats, converted tug boats, or sailboats full time. Life on one of these boats has many advantages. It can save you a lot of money compared to living in a traditional house. It can also be a fun and unique adventure, especially if you travel using your floating home.
To start, the freedom you have when living on a boat is unequaled. You have the choice to moor your boat in different bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. With the right boat, you can explore the world from the comfort of your own home. You'll even get personalized views of new coastlines and cities from your perch at sea.
You also learn an enormous amount from living on a boat. As a liveaboard, you get a hands-on education in boat maintenance. And you can pick up special skills and hobbies like fishing and scuba diving. Your spot on the water also gives you special access to fascinating marine wildlife. People living on boats share stories of close encounters with sea creatures, from starfish in tidal pools to seals popping up next to the boat!
However, you will have to adjust to the special challenges of being a liveaboard. For example, it can be hard to find privacy in such a small space. Additionally, you will need to get used to owning fewer things, since there will be less space to store them. Activities like showering, doing your laundry, and connecting to the internet might happen a lot less frequently than you're used to. Finally, living on a boat presents weather-related challenges. A strong storm could easily damage your boat. Even if the damage is not dangerous, it will still require immediate repair work to keep your home in good shape.
Despite these unique challenges, living on a boat can be an unmatched experience with the right preparation and mindset. If living on a boat sounds interesting but also intimidating, think about the support you may find on your adventure. One of the most-cited benefits of being a liveaboard is the wonderful community of people you will be joining. Liveaboards docked at the same marinas look out for each other and help each other out. One liveaboard notes, "There's a deep feeling of respect and community amongst boaters. For me, it's truly a community where I feel that life is worth living." Living on a boat puts you right in the middle of a connected community of people with similar interests.
What is the author's main claim or argument?
(2 points)
Responses
a. Living on a boat is better than living on land.
a. Living on a boat is better than living on land.
b. Living on a boat can be a great experience.
b. Living on a boat can be a great experience.
c. Living on a boat is sometimes expensive.
1 answer
The correct details included in the text are:
Staff at some restaurants avoid automatically providing straws to customers.
Using a drinking straw reduced exposure to beverages that harm teeth.
The purpose of Marie Curie's speech is:
c. to illustrate the importance of scientific inquiry for its own sake.
The meaning of "relative" as used in the passage is:
d. in comparison to something else.
The author's purpose suggested by the text is:
b. to explain to readers how to navigate a city with a map.
