TEAS Reading: Key Ideas and Details (Quiz 3)

The Longest Voyage : 1. When you think of long voyages, your mind might immediately think back to a tedious transatlantic flight or perhaps even a relaxing cruise journey across vast oceans. Botanists and environmentalists, on the other hand, would probably think about the famous migration pattern of the vanessa cardui, a native sub-Saharan butterfly that makes an exceptional, yearly expedition from West Africa to Scandinavia, totaling just over 8,600 miles each year! Past research has indicated that specific climatic conditions likely need to be present in order for these butterflies to make the long journey and breed around the world successfully. However, evidence has always been lacking — until now. Thanks to a recent study on migration patterns, more light has been shed on climatic conditions that influence the remarkable and the longest seasonal journey of these insects. 2. This well-traveled species goes by a few different names, ranging from its scientific term, vanessa cardui, to the colloquial nickname of the “painted lady”. Unlike similar species, the painted lady breeds constantly throughout the year. Thus, it is one of the most popular butterflies that can thrive in almost any climate and can be found in gardens on every continent, excluding South America and Antarctica. While most are probably not familiar with the scientific details surrounding this butterfly, it has definitely become a household name. According to a psychology study, an astounding number of people picture the painted lady’s classic orange and black wing detail when asked to describe the image of a butterfly. As of now, even more information is known regarding this popular species. 3. To begin the research process on migration patterns, a team from the University of Reading (UK) compared data regarding the presence of the butterfly in Europe. The study included decades worth of information regarding the climate and atmosphere of sub-Saharan Africa. After the initial analysis, scientists discovered that the number of specimens of the vanessa cardui in Europe alone can actually fluctuate up to 100 times from one year to the next. When delving deeper into the reasoning behind the large variation, the research team realized that there are two specific climate conditions that must be fulfilled for a successful intercontinental journey of the painted lady butterfly: wind patterns conducive to speedy flights and an increase in vegetation in North Africa. The number of painted lady butterflies in Europe matched up with the climate data from the past few decades, finally providing enough evidence to solidify past speculation. 4. Regarding vegetation, it has been found that the vanessa cardui caterpillars multiply at a rapid speed when the African savannah’s humidity rate is higher than average. This allows the species to become stronger before crossing the Sahara desert. When it comes to winds, simulations have shown that the stronger the tailwind, the easier it is for the species to reach the necessary altitude of two miles above sea level. This height allows them to attain a desirable flight speed of 6 miles per second. While this information is specific to the long yearly journey of the vanessa cardui, understanding the effect that climatic conditions can have on other insect migrations can lead to a more thorough understanding of the ebbs and flows of the exceptional migration patterns of insects. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 1?

From: Shannon Edler, President To: All Staff Date: September 1 Subject: New Marketing Materials Attachment: Zip File Hello everyone, As you should all be aware, McKensey Enterprises has forged a new partnership with Harris Public Relations. After a year of discussions and shifts in our company’s target markets, we have finally decided on our new brand. It is a fresh take on tradition while still adhering to our company’s values and core mission. Among other things, this change includes different color schemes and an updated company logo. Attached to this email, you will find the most updated changes in a zip File. Please look through the file with utmost attention, as you will find everything you need when updating client material, your personal business cards, and any other business material. A copy of the file will also be uploaded to the company’s employee portal within two business days. Please note that our Marketing team is still in the process of updating our website to reflect these new changes. It will be done within two business days, or in other words, before the weekend. If you have any other questions regarding the recent rebranding, keep an eye out for our in-company newsletter, which will be making its way to you soon. For any other issues, please refer to your direct manager for clarification. Best, Shannon Edler President, McKensey Enterprises When will employees be able to view the company’s new website?

When giving feedback on someone’s performance, do not enumerate all of their shortcomings, which can be discouraging; instead, identify just one or two things to focus on. Which of the following defines “enumerate” in the sentence above?

Which of the answer choices presents a valid inference based on the following information? After hearing a strange noise in the next room, Beth tiptoed slowly to the hallway and scanned the area for potential self-defense weapons. To her relief, she noticed a pile of large books that had fallen after her cat had pushed them off the tall bookshelf.

Which of the answer choices presents a valid inference based on the following information? After a few months of traveling through Italy, I was finally starting to grasp the basics of the beautiful romance language. I could order a gelato and check-in to a hotel with ease, which were things that I had never thought possible with only two years worth of Italian classes from college decades ago.

The company’s fees were exorbitant, more than twice what their competitors charged. Which of the following defines “exorbitant” in the sentence above?

If the statements listed below are true, which of the answer choices is the logical conclusion? Driving in Europe is not all that it’s cracked up to be, and driving in the middle of the night is never ideal. But I am fresh out of options since the taxi service was unavailable and my transatlantic flight home is leaving in just three hours.

To: Seymour Lewis From: Amber Shield Subject: Additional Materials Requested Dear Mr. Lewis, Thank you for your interest in East Oliver County’s call for submissions in our sustainability campaign. Our team has reviewed your proposal on placing sustainable water fountains throughout the city, and we are quite intrigued. The ideas you put forth in your proposal are both innovative and relevant to East Oliver’s needs at this time. However, we need more information regarding the timeline of the project before we can move forward in our decision-making process. In your proposal, you mentioned that you typically work with a separate engineering and design team, which tends to speed up the process. Could you please submit a more detailed schedule, including estimated start and end times for the project? Once you have submitted your estimated schedule, we would then be interested in discussing the budget and expenses you have proposed as well. Please keep in mind that we are still reviewing other applications at this time, and your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated. In any case, we were very pleased with your ideas and believe that your ideals align quite well with our organization’s goals on making East Oliver a thriving county in southwestern Maryland! Your contact for the application process, Margaret Davis, will be in touch regarding the additional details that we have requested. Please reach out to her should you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your dedication to the project and your commitment to East Oliver County. Best, Amber Shield, Selection Committee Chair After the requested details are submitted, what will be the next step in the selection process?

The unscrupulous manager tried to coerce the employees to skip their lunch breaks by threatening to reduce their hours. A synonym for “coerce” as it is used in the sentence above would be __________.

Recently, a group of 100 professionals aged 25-30 took part in a study that examined the correlation between hours of sleep and cognitive scores. Participants were asked to keep track of the number of hours they slept each night for a total of 7 nights. Each morning, an hour after participants woke up, they were asked to complete a brief cognitive function test online. Based on these results, researchers believe that one’s sleeping hours do have an impact on one’s cognitive scores. It is clear that the more hours one slept, the better the test performance was, but only up until the 9-hour mark. In fact, those who slept an average of 9 hours each night performed the best on the cognitive test, attaining just over 90 points. Interestingly, the trend began to decrease with participants who slept more than 9 hours each night, since they performed worse on the tests. With this trend, participants reported lower scores for each additional hour of sleep. In order to continue studying this correlation, researchers will create a similar experiment for older and younger age groups. Which of the following describes the cognitive score of someone who has slept for 5 hours?

About dogs : 1. Their behavior can tell us a lot about their personalities, but there are some myths that revolve around dogs’ nature. The misconception that large dogs are more aggressive than small ones still exists so does that of believing that it is normal for dogs to have bad breath. Unfortunately, persistent bad breath could be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease. It is also believed that dogs can only see in black and white. However, this is not true, as they are able to distinguish some colors. 2. Among many myths, a true fact is that dogs have played an important role in society throughout history. Dogs are able to track and catch prey during hunting trips without eating it and can help shepherds with their sheep and cows. Nowadays, dogs are often employed to trace illegal drugs and explosives in public places, and during rescue missions, we rely on dogs to find people in danger. Some are trained to become guide dogs to assist people with vision impairment. However, most dogs can be great companions to the elderly and families with young children. What is the main idea of paragraph 2?

4 4 1 1 3 2 3 1 1 3 Using the number string above, replace every 1 with the letter R, every 2 with the letter E, every 3 with the letter F and every 4 with the letter B. Delete the third instance of the letter that appears the most. Change the letter in the exact middle of the string to an X, and replace any vowels with the letter H.

A yarn shop sells exactly seven different types of colored yarn: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Choose five different types of yarn to buy using the following guidelines: If type 4 is chosen, then type 3 cannot be chosen. If type 1 is chosen, then type 4 must be chosen. If type 6 is chosen, then type 1 must be chosen. Which of the following combinations of yarn corresponds with the directions?

About dogs : 1. Their behavior can tell us a lot about their personalities, but there are some myths that revolve around dogs’ nature. The misconception that large dogs are more aggressive than small ones still exists so does that of believing that it is normal for dogs to have bad breath. Unfortunately, persistent bad breath could be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease. It is also believed that dogs can only see in black and white. However, this is not true, as they are able to distinguish some colors. 2. Among many myths, a true fact is that dogs have played an important role in society throughout history. Dogs are able to track and catch prey during hunting trips without eating it and can help shepherds with their sheep and cows. Nowadays, dogs are often employed to trace illegal drugs and explosives in public places, and during rescue missions, we rely on dogs to find people in danger. Some are trained to become guide dogs to assist people with vision impairment. However, most dogs can be great companions to the elderly and families with young children. Which of the sentences from the passage best presents the topic of the passage?

The Longest Voyage : 1. When you think of long voyages, your mind might immediately think back to a tedious transatlantic flight or perhaps even a relaxing cruise journey across vast oceans. Botanists and environmentalists, on the other hand, would probably think about the famous migration pattern of the vanessa cardui, a native sub-Saharan butterfly that makes an exceptional, yearly expedition from West Africa to Scandinavia, totaling just over 8,600 miles each year! Past research has indicated that specific climatic conditions likely need to be present in order for these butterflies to make the long journey and breed around the world successfully. However, evidence has always been lacking — until now. Thanks to a recent study on migration patterns, more light has been shed on climatic conditions that influence the remarkable and the longest seasonal journey of these insects. 2. This well-traveled species goes by a few different names, ranging from its scientific term, vanessa cardui, to the colloquial nickname of the “painted lady”. Unlike similar species, the painted lady breeds constantly throughout the year. Thus, it is one of the most popular butterflies that can thrive in almost any climate and can be found in gardens on every continent, excluding South America and Antarctica. While most are probably not familiar with the scientific details surrounding this butterfly, it has definitely become a household name. According to a psychology study, an astounding number of people picture the painted lady’s classic orange and black wing detail when asked to describe the image of a butterfly. As of now, even more information is known regarding this popular species. 3. To begin the research process on migration patterns, a team from the University of Reading (UK) compared data regarding the presence of the butterfly in Europe. The study included decades worth of information regarding the climate and atmosphere of sub-Saharan Africa. After the initial analysis, scientists discovered that the number of specimens of the vanessa cardui in Europe alone can actually fluctuate up to 100 times from one year to the next. When delving deeper into the reasoning behind the large variation, the research team realized that there are two specific climate conditions that must be fulfilled for a successful intercontinental journey of the painted lady butterfly: wind patterns conducive to speedy flights and an increase in vegetation in North Africa. The number of painted lady butterflies in Europe matched up with the climate data from the past few decades, finally providing enough evidence to solidify past speculation. 4. Regarding vegetation, it has been found that the vanessa cardui caterpillars multiply at a rapid speed when the African savannah’s humidity rate is higher than average. This allows the species to become stronger before crossing the Sahara desert. When it comes to winds, simulations have shown that the stronger the tailwind, the easier it is for the species to reach the necessary altitude of two miles above sea level. This height allows them to attain a desirable flight speed of 6 miles per second. While this information is specific to the long yearly journey of the vanessa cardui, understanding the effect that climatic conditions can have on other insect migrations can lead to a more thorough understanding of the ebbs and flows of the exceptional migration patterns of insects. Which of the following sentences is most representative of a summary sentence for this passage?

From: Shannon Edler, President To: All Staff Date: September 1 Subject: New Marketing Materials Attachment: Zip File Hello everyone, As you should all be aware, McKensey Enterprises has forged a new partnership with Harris Public Relations. After a year of discussions and shifts in our company’s target markets, we have finally decided on our new brand. It is a fresh take on tradition while still adhering to our company’s values and core mission. Among other things, this change includes different color schemes and an updated company logo. Attached to this email, you will find the most updated changes in a zip File. Please look through the file with utmost attention, as you will find everything you need when updating client material, your personal business cards, and any other business material. A copy of the file will also be uploaded to the company’s employee portal within two business days. Please note that our Marketing team is still in the process of updating our website to reflect these new changes. It will be done within two business days, or in other words, before the weekend. If you have any other questions regarding the recent rebranding, keep an eye out for our in-company newsletter, which will be making its way to you soon. For any other issues, please refer to your direct manager for clarification. Best, Shannon Edler President, McKensey Enterprises What is the main point of the printed communication?

After a long day of test preparation, I called my friend Jonathan and asked if he wanted to see a movie and get a pizza later. Jonathan was up for it, but he asked if we could wait until his girlfriend gets home, since he lost his keys yesterday. So, when his girlfriend gets home, Jonathan will come over to my place. What happens after Jonathan’s girlfriend arrives at home?

Are Electronic Books or Hard Copy Books Better for College Students? College students generally have the option of choosing electronic books or their hardcopies. Which is the better choice? Electronic books are generally a bit less expensive than hard copy books, more so if the books are textbooks as opposed to trade paperbacks. You will need a device on which to read electronic books, however. If you already have a device that you use for other purposes, you may not consider this part of the expense. However, if you purchase a dedicated e-reader, you probably will. Convenience is also a factor, and both types of books are convenient in their own ways. Hundreds of ebooks can be stored on one device, which makes them very portable. E-readers also have lighted screens, so you don’t have to worry about sitting somewhere with good lighting. E-readers do have to be charged, though; you never have to worry about this with a hard copy. Hard copy books are also more aesthetically pleasing. They offer a wide variety of colorful, beautiful covers. Hard copy books also look nice on shelves. They can contribute significantly to your decor. The most significant factor for college students, though, is which type is better for learning. To some degree, this is a matter of personal preference. However, e-books comprise 15-20 percent of trade book sales. This indicates that people still feel that hard copy books offer a valuable reading experience. Research indicates that people feel a greater tactile connection to physical books, and that this might improve reading comprehension. In an e-reader, every book is the same physically; they are all on the same device. Hard copy books, though, have different thicknesses, different paper textures, and different feels. People often remember where something was in a book by how the book felt in their hands when they read the thing. Depending on how far into the book they were, there would be a certain amount of pages on the left side of the book and on the right. This could help recall the memory of where the information was located. Additionally, many people read e-books on devices that can also access the internet. You can do no such thing with a hard copy book. This means fewer distractions, and hence, better learning. Ultimately, therefore, hard copy books are better for college students. Which of the following statements from the passage expresses a fact?

Are Electronic Books or Hard Copy Books Better for College Students? College students generally have the option of choosing electronic books or their hardcopies. Which is the better choice? Electronic books are generally a bit less expensive than hard copy books, more so if the books are textbooks as opposed to trade paperbacks. You will need a device on which to read electronic books, however. If you already have a device that you use for other purposes, you may not consider this part of the expense. However, if you purchase a dedicated e-reader, you probably will. Convenience is also a factor, and both types of books are convenient in their own ways. Hundreds of ebooks can be stored on one device, which makes them very portable. E-readers also have lighted screens, so you don’t have to worry about sitting somewhere with good lighting. E-readers do have to be charged, though; you never have to worry about this with a hard copy. Hard copy books are also more aesthetically pleasing. They offer a wide variety of colorful, beautiful covers. Hard copy books also look nice on shelves. They can contribute significantly to your decor. The most significant factor for college students, though, is which type is better for learning. To some degree, this is a matter of personal preference. However, e-books comprise 15-20 percent of trade book sales. This indicates that people still feel that hard copy books offer a valuable reading experience. Research indicates that people feel a greater tactile connection to physical books, and that this might improve reading comprehension. In an e-reader, every book is the same physically; they are all on the same device. Hard copy books, though, have different thicknesses, different paper textures, and different feels. People often remember where something was in a book by how the book felt in their hands when they read the thing. Depending on how far into the book they were, there would be a certain amount of pages on the left side of the book and on the right. This could help recall the memory of where the information was located. Additionally, many people read e-books on devices that can also access the internet. You can do no such thing with a hard copy book. This means fewer distractions, and hence, better learning. Ultimately, therefore, hard copy books are better for college students. Which of the following statements from the passage expresses the author’s opinion?

Recently, a group of 100 professionals aged 25-30 took part in a study that examined the correlation between hours of sleep and cognitive scores. Participants were asked to keep track of the number of hours they slept each night for a total of 7 nights. Each morning, an hour after participants woke up, they were asked to complete a brief cognitive function test online. Based on these results, researchers believe that one’s sleeping hours do have an impact on one’s cognitive scores. It is clear that the more hours one slept, the better the test performance was, but only up until the 9-hour mark. In fact, those who slept an average of 9 hours each night performed the best on the cognitive test, attaining just over 90 points. Interestingly, the trend began to decrease with participants who slept more than 9 hours each night, since they performed worse on the tests. With this trend, participants reported lower scores for each additional hour of sleep. In order to continue studying this correlation, researchers will create a similar experiment for older and younger age groups. Which of the following is a conclusion based on the graph and explanation?

Even though my local post office is small, it has specific reservation requirements for people who need to get passport photos taken. As I was waiting in line early this afternoon, I witnessed countless walk-ins get rejected after not having booked appointments prior to coming in. Luckily, I had remembered to call in and book my spot first thing this morning! I finally have my photos and can send off my application on time. Which event came first in the sequence?

Applying for college can be a complicated process, and it is important to pay attention to deadlines that come up throughout the year. Students will typically have a meeting with their guidance counselors early in the academic year, but not before they pinpoint their future academic interests. Then, they should book college tours and interviews with the respective admission teams before applying to the programs of choice. What happens before the meeting with the guidance counselor?

"A couple, on a budget, is shopping for fruits. At this specific store, they are looking to buy just one piece of fruit. They have a choice between three different types of fruit. The chart shows the prices of more than one piece of each fruit. Which single piece of fruit is the cheapest when bought on its own? Type of Fruit | Price: Banana 2 for $1.12, Apple 4 for $2.50, Nectarine 3 for $1.89"

A perfume shop sells exactly seven different types of perfume: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Choose five different types of perfume to buy using the following guidelines: If type 7 is chosen, then type 1 cannot be chosen. If type 1 is chosen, then type 2 must be chosen. If type 4 is chosen, then type 3 cannot be chosen. Which of the following combinations of flavored sodas corresponds with the directions?

Passage 3 (4 Paragraphs) Losing The Past, Losing The Present 1. The word “biodiversity” is a combination of two words: “biological” and “diversity”. On a basic level, it represents the variety of plant and animal life on Earth. For decades, scientists have been studying biodiversity loss, ranging from insect extinction to the effects of overfishing. From a philosophical standpoint, some would argue that biodiversity is also representative of the vast knowledge humans have acquired through trial and error over millions of years. This information would include understanding how to survive in certain environmental conditions, or knowing how to treat common ailments. This comprehensive view of biodiversity triggered a recent study into the slow disappearance of indigenous languages and its effects on the future of society. Based on the findings, some linguists believe that loss of language can be just as devastating as climate change, if not more so. 2. Of about 7,400 languages spoken around the world, thirty percent are expected to become extinct by the end of the century, many of which are indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are distinct communication methods that are native to a specific region. Typically, they are only spoken by the indigenous people of that area, although some indigenous languages (such as Navajo and Sioux) have become somewhat mainstream and have been studied in-depth. In order to understand the consequences of indigenous language loss, a team of biologists from the University of Zurich analyzed three geographic areas known for their cultural diversity and distinct biological traits: North America, Northwest Amazonia, and New Guinea. Part of the study involved examining nearly 12,000 different medicinal plants that were associated with a specific purpose. An example of this would include using an aloe vera plant specifically for burns and cuts. 3. The study found that over seventy-five percent of the information specific to the medicinal plants is either known or transmitted using indigenous languages. Thus, losing access to these languages would seriously set back the centuries worth of information that has been gathered regarding holistic healing. This lack of information could also have disastrous consequences for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the treatment of diseases. While most medicinal molecules are synthesized in laboratories, the chemicals produced by plants help create new treatments and are necessary to support human health. According to the World Health Organization, the active principle of a quarter of synthetic pharmaceuticals currently on the market is derived from plants. 4. In short, the preservation of linguistic diversity, specifically that of indigenous cultures, is not just about cultural identity. It encompasses more than solely cultural aspects of society. Rather, it branches off into the future of medicine and how we can move forward as a human race. Many scholars hope that plans will be put into place to delay the extinction of languages. The United Nations, for instance, has already taken action against this risk by creating the International Decade of Indigenous Languages initiative, which is set to take place from 2022 to 2032. Perhaps through these efforts, information and experiences from the past will continue to help navigate the present and the future. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 1?

Passage 3 (4 Paragraphs) Losing The Past, Losing The Present 1. The word “biodiversity” is a combination of two words: “biological” and “diversity”. On a basic level, it represents the variety of plant and animal life on Earth. For decades, scientists have been studying biodiversity loss, ranging from insect extinction to the effects of overfishing. From a philosophical standpoint, some would argue that biodiversity is also representative of the vast knowledge humans have acquired through trial and error over millions of years. This information would include understanding how to survive in certain environmental conditions, or knowing how to treat common ailments. This comprehensive view of biodiversity triggered a recent study into the slow disappearance of indigenous languages and its effects on the future of society. Based on the findings, some linguists believe that loss of language can be just as devastating as climate change, if not more so. 2. Of about 7,400 languages spoken around the world, thirty percent are expected to become extinct by the end of the century, many of which are indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are distinct communication methods that are native to a specific region. Typically, they are only spoken by the indigenous people of that area, although some indigenous languages (such as Navajo and Sioux) have become somewhat mainstream and have been studied in-depth. In order to understand the consequences of indigenous language loss, a team of biologists from the University of Zurich analyzed three geographic areas known for their cultural diversity and distinct biological traits: North America, Northwest Amazonia, and New Guinea. Part of the study involved examining nearly 12,000 different medicinal plants that were associated with a specific purpose. An example of this would include using an aloe vera plant specifically for burns and cuts. 3. The study found that over seventy-five percent of the information specific to the medicinal plants is either known or transmitted using indigenous languages. Thus, losing access to these languages would seriously set back the centuries worth of information that has been gathered regarding holistic healing. This lack of information could also have disastrous consequences for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the treatment of diseases. While most medicinal molecules are synthesized in laboratories, the chemicals produced by plants help create new treatments and are necessary to support human health. According to the World Health Organization, the active principle of a quarter of synthetic pharmaceuticals currently on the market is derived from plants. 4. In short, the preservation of linguistic diversity, specifically that of indigenous cultures, is not just about cultural identity. It encompasses more than solely cultural aspects of society. Rather, it branches off into the future of medicine and how we can move forward as a human race. Many scholars hope that plans will be put into place to delay the extinction of languages. The United Nations, for instance, has already taken action against this risk by creating the International Decade of Indigenous Languages initiative, which is set to take place from 2022 to 2032. Perhaps through these efforts, information and experiences from the past will continue to help navigate the present and the future. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?

Passage 3 (4 Paragraphs) Losing The Past, Losing The Present 1. The word “biodiversity” is a combination of two words: “biological” and “diversity”. On a basic level, it represents the variety of plant and animal life on Earth. For decades, scientists have been studying biodiversity loss, ranging from insect extinction to the effects of overfishing. From a philosophical standpoint, some would argue that biodiversity is also representative of the vast knowledge humans have acquired through trial and error over millions of years. This information would include understanding how to survive in certain environmental conditions, or knowing how to treat common ailments. This comprehensive view of biodiversity triggered a recent study into the slow disappearance of indigenous languages and its effects on the future of society. Based on the findings, some linguists believe that loss of language can be just as devastating as climate change, if not more so. 2. Of about 7,400 languages spoken around the world, thirty percent are expected to become extinct by the end of the century, many of which are indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are distinct communication methods that are native to a specific region. Typically, they are only spoken by the indigenous people of that area, although some indigenous languages (such as Navajo and Sioux) have become somewhat mainstream and have been studied in-depth. In order to understand the consequences of indigenous language loss, a team of biologists from the University of Zurich analyzed three geographic areas known for their cultural diversity and distinct biological traits: North America, Northwest Amazonia, and New Guinea. Part of the study involved examining nearly 12,000 different medicinal plants that were associated with a specific purpose. An example of this would include using an aloe vera plant specifically for burns and cuts. 3. The study found that over seventy-five percent of the information specific to the medicinal plants is either known or transmitted using indigenous languages. Thus, losing access to these languages would seriously set back the centuries worth of information that has been gathered regarding holistic healing. This lack of information could also have disastrous consequences for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the treatment of diseases. While most medicinal molecules are synthesized in laboratories, the chemicals produced by plants help create new treatments and are necessary to support human health. According to the World Health Organization, the active principle of a quarter of synthetic pharmaceuticals currently on the market is derived from plants. 4. In short, the preservation of linguistic diversity, specifically that of indigenous cultures, is not just about cultural identity. It encompasses more than solely cultural aspects of society. Rather, it branches off into the future of medicine and how we can move forward as a human race. Many scholars hope that plans will be put into place to delay the extinction of languages. The United Nations, for instance, has already taken action against this risk by creating the International Decade of Indigenous Languages initiative, which is set to take place from 2022 to 2032. Perhaps through these efforts, information and experiences from the past will continue to help navigate the present and the future. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 4?

Passage 3 (4 Paragraphs) Losing The Past, Losing The Present 1. The word “biodiversity” is a combination of two words: “biological” and “diversity”. On a basic level, it represents the variety of plant and animal life on Earth. For decades, scientists have been studying biodiversity loss, ranging from insect extinction to the effects of overfishing. From a philosophical standpoint, some would argue that biodiversity is also representative of the vast knowledge humans have acquired through trial and error over millions of years. This information would include understanding how to survive in certain environmental conditions, or knowing how to treat common ailments. This comprehensive view of biodiversity triggered a recent study into the slow disappearance of indigenous languages and its effects on the future of society. Based on the findings, some linguists believe that loss of language can be just as devastating as climate change, if not more so. 2. Of about 7,400 languages spoken around the world, thirty percent are expected to become extinct by the end of the century, many of which are indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are distinct communication methods that are native to a specific region. Typically, they are only spoken by the indigenous people of that area, although some indigenous languages (such as Navajo and Sioux) have become somewhat mainstream and have been studied in-depth. In order to understand the consequences of indigenous language loss, a team of biologists from the University of Zurich analyzed three geographic areas known for their cultural diversity and distinct biological traits: North America, Northwest Amazonia, and New Guinea. Part of the study involved examining nearly 12,000 different medicinal plants that were associated with a specific purpose. An example of this would include using an aloe vera plant specifically for burns and cuts. 3. The study found that over seventy-five percent of the information specific to the medicinal plants is either known or transmitted using indigenous languages. Thus, losing access to these languages would seriously set back the centuries worth of information that has been gathered regarding holistic healing. This lack of information could also have disastrous consequences for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the treatment of diseases. While most medicinal molecules are synthesized in laboratories, the chemicals produced by plants help create new treatments and are necessary to support human health. According to the World Health Organization, the active principle of a quarter of synthetic pharmaceuticals currently on the market is derived from plants. 4. In short, the preservation of linguistic diversity, specifically that of indigenous cultures, is not just about cultural identity. It encompasses more than solely cultural aspects of society. Rather, it branches off into the future of medicine and how we can move forward as a human race. Many scholars hope that plans will be put into place to delay the extinction of languages. The United Nations, for instance, has already taken action against this risk by creating the International Decade of Indigenous Languages initiative, which is set to take place from 2022 to 2032. Perhaps through these efforts, information and experiences from the past will continue to help navigate the present and the future. Which of the following sentences is most representative of a summary sentence for this passage?

Passage 4 (4 Paragraphs) Brain Workouts 1. Medical experts have claimed that mental and physical health are equally important for a healthy, balanced life. While exercising can cut back on heart disease, for example, meditating has been proven to counteract stress in a positive way. Although no one is debating the effectiveness of these types of activities, experts are now wondering what we can do to “tone up” our brain in order to properly take care of our neurons. In fact, recent studies suggest that the human brain can continue to produce new nerve cells, even in old age. Neuroscientists believe that positive lifestyle choices can greatly contribute to brain health, slow cognitive decline, and improve our emotional state. However, these lifestyle choices are quite specific, and include other parts of the body that may not seem to be obviously linked to the brain. 2. First off, neuroscientists believe that what goes on in the human intestinal tract can highly impact both short-term and long-term brain function. Further, in recent years, nutritionists and food scientists have made some breakthroughs regarding the relationship between intestinal bacteria and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Although the exact link is not yet known, it has been proven that most of the mood-stabilizing hormone, serotonin, is produced in the intestine, whereas only ten percent of it is produced in the brain. Nutritionists believe that poor eating habits and dehydration are two major triggers to an unbalanced bacterial component. Thus, most would recommend a diet rich in plant-based foods that can nourish the body and provide a healthy environment for good bacteria to thrive. In addition to contributing to overall health, neuroscientists suspect that fewer imbalances in the gut could ward off neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. 3. The next link between health and the brain relies on both the quantity and quality of the food we ingest. When it comes to quantity, evolution has shown us that humans have survived periods in which food was periodically scarce and fasting was mandatory. In these cases, when little food was available, it was normal to switch from burning energy (glucose) to getting energy from the body’s fat storage. Now known as a specific diet called intermittent fasting, some neuroscientists are trying to understand if this process could actually slow cognitive decline. The quantity of the specific food groups that we ingest, on the other hand, has also come a long way over time. When analyzing the Western diet, for instance, it is clear that the intake of polyunsaturated fats has increased over time, which has led to a rise in inflammation. Thus, it is advisable to decrease these aforementioned fats and replace them with more omega-3 fats, which are known to improve brain function. 4. The last aspect regarding brain health is tied in closely with emotional well-being and involves physical activity. Quite simply, neuroscientists believe that introducing more movement into an increasingly sedentary society can perhaps reverse cognitive decline. In fact, it has been proven that thirteen percent of Alzheimer’s cases in the world have been linked to physical inactivity. The mechanism behind this connection lies within movement. Physical activity tends to reduce inflammation, which otherwise inhibits the growth of new brain cells. The end result is neurogenesis, or the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. Although thirty minutes of physical activity each day would be ideal, experts suggest that small steps, such as making a conscious effort to get up and walk around every so often, could make positive changes in brain health. In short, approaching brain health in a similar way to physical workouts might be one way to work towards a healthier future. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 1?

Passage 4 (4 Paragraphs) Brain Workouts 1. Medical experts have claimed that mental and physical health are equally important for a healthy, balanced life. While exercising can cut back on heart disease, for example, meditating has been proven to counteract stress in a positive way. Although no one is debating the effectiveness of these types of activities, experts are now wondering what we can do to “tone up” our brain in order to properly take care of our neurons. In fact, recent studies suggest that the human brain can continue to produce new nerve cells, even in old age. Neuroscientists believe that positive lifestyle choices can greatly contribute to brain health, slow cognitive decline, and improve our emotional state. However, these lifestyle choices are quite specific, and include other parts of the body that may not seem to be obviously linked to the brain. 2. First off, neuroscientists believe that what goes on in the human intestinal tract can highly impact both short-term and long-term brain function. Further, in recent years, nutritionists and food scientists have made some breakthroughs regarding the relationship between intestinal bacteria and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Although the exact link is not yet known, it has been proven that most of the mood-stabilizing hormone, serotonin, is produced in the intestine, whereas only ten percent of it is produced in the brain. Nutritionists believe that poor eating habits and dehydration are two major triggers to an unbalanced bacterial component. Thus, most would recommend a diet rich in plant-based foods that can nourish the body and provide a healthy environment for good bacteria to thrive. In addition to contributing to overall health, neuroscientists suspect that fewer imbalances in the gut could ward off neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. 3. The next link between health and the brain relies on both the quantity and quality of the food we ingest. When it comes to quantity, evolution has shown us that humans have survived periods in which food was periodically scarce and fasting was mandatory. In these cases, when little food was available, it was normal to switch from burning energy (glucose) to getting energy from the body’s fat storage. Now known as a specific diet called intermittent fasting, some neuroscientists are trying to understand if this process could actually slow cognitive decline. The quantity of the specific food groups that we ingest, on the other hand, has also come a long way over time. When analyzing the Western diet, for instance, it is clear that the intake of polyunsaturated fats has increased over time, which has led to a rise in inflammation. Thus, it is advisable to decrease these aforementioned fats and replace them with more omega-3 fats, which are known to improve brain function. 4. The last aspect regarding brain health is tied in closely with emotional well-being and involves physical activity. Quite simply, neuroscientists believe that introducing more movement into an increasingly sedentary society can perhaps reverse cognitive decline. In fact, it has been proven that thirteen percent of Alzheimer’s cases in the world have been linked to physical inactivity. The mechanism behind this connection lies within movement. Physical activity tends to reduce inflammation, which otherwise inhibits the growth of new brain cells. The end result is neurogenesis, or the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. Although thirty minutes of physical activity each day would be ideal, experts suggest that small steps, such as making a conscious effort to get up and walk around every so often, could make positive changes in brain health. In short, approaching brain health in a similar way to physical workouts might be one way to work towards a healthier future. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?