The platypus is an Australian mammal that is not easily classified. It is one of only two mammals (the other being the echidna) that bears young by laying eggs. In some respects, the platypus resembles a duck; both have webbed feet and bills. The platypus has a tail like a beaver’s and a furry body similar to an otter’s. Its unusual hybrid of body parts makes it well-suited for its largely aquatic life. The platypus uses its webbed feet to paddle through water, and its tail serves as a kind of rudder for steering. While underwater, the platypus uses its bill to scoop up bits of food, such as insects and shellfish, from the water’s bottom. The platypus also scoops up bits of gravel, which grind up the food, as the platypus is toothless. The platypus stores the food and gravel in its cheeks until it reaches the water’s surface. Once the platypus surfaces, it consumes its meal.

Which sentence describes the main idea?

(1 point)
Responses

The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.

The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.
The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.

The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.
The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.

The platypus lives in Australia.

11 answers

The sentence that describes the main idea is:

The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.

This sentence captures the essence of the passage, which focuses on the distinct features and adaptations of the platypus.

Many people believe a European named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. However, Gutenberg’s press was actually building on inventions that appeared centuries earlier in China.

Which statement explains how the author makes a connection between the ideas in these sentences?

(1 point)
Responses

The word "however" is used to highlight a difference between the ideas.
The word "however" is used to highlight a difference between the ideas.

The word "however" is used to show a cause and effect relationship between the ideas.
The word "however" is used to show a cause and effect relationship between the ideas.

The phrase "was actually" is used to show a problem solution relationship between the ideas.
The phrase "was actually" is used to show a problem solution relationship between the ideas.

The phrase "was actually" is used to illustrate a similarity between the ideas.
The phrase "was actually" is used to illustrate a similarity between the ideas.

The correct statement that explains how the author makes a connection between the ideas in the sentences is:

The word "however" is used to highlight a difference between the ideas.

This choice correctly identifies that "however" signals a contrast between the belief about Gutenberg's invention and the reality of earlier inventions in China.

Like real coral reefs, artificial reefs create homes for marine life.

Which connection is made between the ideas in this sentence?

(1 point)
Responses

order of importance
order of importance

cause and effect
cause and effect

comparison
comparison

contrast

The connection made between the ideas in the sentence is:

comparison.

The sentence compares artificial reefs to real coral reefs by highlighting their similar function in creating homes for marine life.

All around the world, millions of people watch hundreds of new movies each year. Most people are aware that these movies have actors and actresses, directors, stunt doubles, and camera operators. But have you ever wondered how the crack of a bat in a baseball scene sounds so authentic even though the camera must be dozens of feet away?

Which word means the same as authentic as it is used in the paragraph?

(1 point)
Responses

distant
distant

fast
fast

real
real

boring

The word that means the same as "authentic" as it is used in the paragraph is:

real.

In this context, "authentic" refers to a sound that is genuine or true to life, which aligns with the meaning of "real."

You may not think earthquakes and volcanoes can go together, but they are unlikely friends, creating sensations under the earth’s surface. Most earthquakes occur because of the movement of tectonic plates previously described. Sometimes earthquakes happen below a volcano. This happens because magma, which is hot molten rock beneath the earth’s surface, pushes on rock until it breaks the rock and seeps into it. Then, the magma builds more pressure until it leaks more magma into the crack. Little earthquakes happen each time the rock breaks and lets in more magma. These little earthquakes are too small to feel. They are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground.

What does the analogy "they are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground" from the paragraph mean?

(1 point)
Responses

The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.
The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.

When little earthquakes occur, they make sounds similar to music.
When little earthquakes occur, they make sounds similar to music.

The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.
The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.

Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.

The correct interpretation of the analogy "they are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground" is:

Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.

This highlights how the tremors occur continuously and may not be immediately noticeable, similar to the way background music plays softly without drawing attention.

Why would a student include an allusion to Albert Einstein, an accomplished scientist with a famously bad memory, in a paper about how people learn?(1 point)
Responses

to show that memorization is important to everyone
to show that memorization is important to everyone

to show that memorization is important when learning something new
to show that memorization is important when learning something new

to show how famous people are remembered
to show how famous people are remembered

to show how remembering something is not as important as understanding it

The most fitting reason for a student to include an allusion to Albert Einstein in a paper about how people learn is:

to show how remembering something is not as important as understanding it.

This allusion illustrates the idea that while memorization can be valuable, deeper comprehension and understanding of concepts may be more significant, as evidenced by Einstein's experiences.

Similar Questions
    1. answers icon 31 answers
  1. Use the paragraph to answer the question.The platypus is an Australian mammal that is not easily classified. It is one of only
    1. answers icon 29 answers
  2. Use the paragraph to answer the question.The platypus is an Australian mammal that is not easily classified. It is one of only
    1. answers icon 1 answer
  3. Use the paragraph to answer the question.The platypus is an Australian mammal that is not easily classified. It is one of only
    1. answers icon 27 answers
more similar questions