Your FREE Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Practice Test 2026 – 470+ Q&A

Praxis Core Practice Questions

1. The decline of honeybee colonies has alarmed scientists and farmers alike. Bees pollinate roughly a third of the crops humans eat, so their loss threatens the food supply. Researchers point to a combination of pesticides, parasites, and habitat loss as the likely causes. No single factor fully explains the collapse, and solutions will require addressing all of them at once. Which of the following best states the main idea of the passage?
   • Farmers are more concerned about bees than scientists are.
   • Honeybees are the only insects capable of pollinating crops.
   • Pesticides are the sole reason honeybee colonies are collapsing.
   • The decline of honeybee colonies has multiple causes and serious consequences for food production.

   Correct answer: The decline of honeybee colonies has multiple causes and serious consequences for food production.

   The passage repeatedly links the bee decline to several causes and to threats to the food supply, making the multi-cause, high-stakes statement the main idea.

2. The decline of honeybee colonies has alarmed scientists and farmers alike. Bees pollinate roughly a third of the crops humans eat, so their loss threatens the food supply. Researchers point to a combination of pesticides, parasites, and habitat loss as the likely causes. No single factor fully explains the collapse, and solutions will require addressing all of them at once. The passage suggests that solving the honeybee decline will be difficult primarily because
   • Several different factors must be addressed simultaneously
   • Scientists disagree about whether the problem exists
   • Farmers refuse to stop using pesticides
   • Bees are unimportant to agriculture

   Correct answer: Several different factors must be addressed simultaneously

   The final sentence states that no single factor explains the collapse and that solutions require addressing all of them at once, implying difficulty from multiple simultaneous causes.

3. The decline of honeybee colonies has alarmed scientists and farmers alike. Bees pollinate roughly a third of the crops humans eat, so their loss threatens the food supply. Researchers point to a combination of pesticides, parasites, and habitat loss as the likely causes. No single factor fully explains the collapse, and solutions will require addressing all of them at once. As used in the passage, the word 'collapse' most nearly means
   • Emotional exhaustion
   • Sudden financial loss
   • Severe breakdown or failure
   • Physical falling down of a structure

   Correct answer: Severe breakdown or failure

   In context, 'collapse' refers to the failure or breakdown of bee colonies, not a literal structure or finances.

4. The new city library opened last spring after two years of construction. It contains over 90,000 books and a dedicated children's wing. The building's modern glass design is the most beautiful structure downtown. Membership has grown by 40 percent since the opening. Which statement from the passage is best classified as an opinion rather than a fact?
   • The building's modern glass design is the most beautiful structure downtown.
   • The library opened last spring.
   • Membership has grown by 40 percent.
   • It contains over 90,000 books.

   Correct answer: The building's modern glass design is the most beautiful structure downtown.

   'Most beautiful' is a subjective judgment that cannot be verified, marking it as opinion; the other statements are verifiable facts.

5. The new city library opened last spring after two years of construction. It contains over 90,000 books and a dedicated children's wing. The building's modern glass design is the most beautiful structure downtown. Membership has grown by 40 percent since the opening. What can be inferred about the library's reception by the community?
   • The community has largely ignored the new library.
   • The library has been well received, as shown by rising membership.
   • The children's wing has gone unused.
   • Residents prefer the old library building.

   Correct answer: The library has been well received, as shown by rising membership.

   A 40 percent rise in membership since opening implies a positive community response.

6. Many people believe that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, but research does not support this claim. Studies comparing habitual knuckle-crackers to non-crackers have found no difference in arthritis rates. The popping sound comes from gas bubbles bursting in the joint fluid, a harmless process. While the habit may annoy others, it poses no proven danger to the joints. The author's primary purpose in the passage is to
   • Argue that all popular health beliefs are false
   • Describe the anatomy of finger joints in detail
   • Correct a common misconception with evidence
   • Persuade readers to stop cracking their knuckles

   Correct answer: Correct a common misconception with evidence

   The passage states a common belief, then refutes it with research, indicating the purpose is to correct a misconception.

7. Many people believe that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, but research does not support this claim. Studies comparing habitual knuckle-crackers to non-crackers have found no difference in arthritis rates. The popping sound comes from gas bubbles bursting in the joint fluid, a harmless process. While the habit may annoy others, it poses no proven danger to the joints. According to the passage, the popping sound when knuckles crack is caused by
   • Cartilage tearing
   • Gas bubbles bursting in joint fluid
   • Bones grinding together
   • Tendons snapping over bone

   Correct answer: Gas bubbles bursting in joint fluid

   The passage explicitly states the sound comes from gas bubbles bursting in the joint fluid.

8. Many people believe that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, but research does not support this claim. Studies comparing habitual knuckle-crackers to non-crackers have found no difference in arthritis rates. The popping sound comes from gas bubbles bursting in the joint fluid, a harmless process. While the habit may annoy others, it poses no proven danger to the joints. The tone of the passage can best be described as
   • Alarmed and urgent
   • Sarcastic and dismissive
   • Nostalgic and sentimental
   • Reassuring and informative

   Correct answer: Reassuring and informative

   The author calmly reassures readers that the habit is harmless while presenting facts, making the tone reassuring and informative.

9. To make a simple compost pile, first choose a shaded spot in your yard. Next, layer green materials like vegetable scraps with brown materials like dry leaves. Then turn the pile every week to add air. Finally, after several months, the bottom layer will become dark, crumbly soil ready for your garden. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure of the passage?
   • Comparison and contrast
   • Cause and effect
   • Chronological or sequential steps
   • Problem and solution

   Correct answer: Chronological or sequential steps

   The signal words 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' and 'finally' show the passage is organized as a sequence of steps.

10. To make a simple compost pile, first choose a shaded spot in your yard. Next, layer green materials like vegetable scraps with brown materials like dry leaves. Then turn the pile every week to add air. Finally, after several months, the bottom layer will become dark, crumbly soil ready for your garden. According to the passage, what should be done after layering the materials?
    • Remove the brown materials
    • Add the soil to the garden immediately
    • Turn the pile every week
    • Choose a shaded spot

    Correct answer: Turn the pile every week

    The sequence indicates that after layering ('next'), the reader should turn the pile weekly ('then').

11. Passage 1: Social media keeps people glued to screens instead of talking face to face. Friends sit together yet scroll alone, and genuine conversation fades. Author 2: Social media lets families separated by oceans share daily moments. A grandmother can watch her grandchild's first steps from across the world. Two authors write about social media. Author 1 argues it isolates people; Author 2 argues it connects distant friends. The two passages primarily differ in their
    • Choice of subject matter
    • Evaluation of social media's effect on relationships
    • Writing style and vocabulary
    • Intended audience

    Correct answer: Evaluation of social media's effect on relationships

    Both discuss social media, but they reach opposite evaluations of its effect on human relationships.

12. Passage 1: Social media keeps people glued to screens instead of talking face to face. Friends sit together yet scroll alone, and genuine conversation fades. Author 2: Social media lets families separated by oceans share daily moments. A grandmother can watch her grandchild's first steps from across the world. Which point would both authors most likely accept?
    • Social media has a meaningful impact on how people relate to one another.
    • Face-to-face conversation is unnecessary.
    • Social media should be banned for children.
    • Social media has no effect on relationships.

    Correct answer: Social media has a meaningful impact on how people relate to one another.

    Though they disagree about whether the effect is good or bad, both authors treat social media as significantly affecting relationships.

13. A columnist writes: 'Our city must build more bike lanes. They will reduce traffic congestion and make commuting faster for everyone.' An author claims that a city should build more bike lanes because they reduce traffic. Which evidence would most strengthen this argument?
    • An opinion that cars are dangerous
    • A statement that bike lanes look attractive
    • A survey showing most residents own bicycles
    • Data from similar cities showing reduced car traffic after adding bike lanes

    Correct answer: Data from similar cities showing reduced car traffic after adding bike lanes

    Evidence from comparable cities directly showing reduced traffic after adding bike lanes supports the causal claim most effectively.

14. A columnist writes: 'Our city must build more bike lanes. They will reduce traffic congestion and make commuting faster for everyone.' What is the primary weakness in the columnist's argument as written?
    • It provides too much statistical detail.
    • It contradicts itself.
    • It makes a claim without supporting evidence.
    • It discusses an irrelevant topic.

    Correct answer: It makes a claim without supporting evidence.

    The argument asserts that bike lanes will reduce traffic but offers no evidence, which is its main weakness.

15. The chef's novel approach to dessert combined chili peppers with chocolate, surprising every guest at the dinner. As used in the sentence, 'novel' most nearly means
    • A long fictional story
    • Expensive
    • New and original
    • Traditional

    Correct answer: New and original

    In context, 'novel' describes an approach that was new and original, surprising guests.

16. Sea otters were once hunted nearly to extinction for their thick fur. Today, protected populations are recovering along the Pacific coast. Their return has helped restore kelp forests, because otters eat the sea urchins that destroy kelp. Thus a single species can shape an entire ecosystem. Which sentence best summarizes the passage?
    • Sea urchins are destroying kelp forests along the Pacific.
    • Hunting otters was once legal.
    • Sea otters have soft, valuable fur.
    • The recovery of protected sea otters has helped restore kelp forest ecosystems.

    Correct answer: The recovery of protected sea otters has helped restore kelp forest ecosystems.

    The summary captures the otters' recovery and its broad ecological effect, the passage's central point.

17. Sea otters were once hunted nearly to extinction for their thick fur. Today, protected populations are recovering along the Pacific coast. Their return has helped restore kelp forests, because otters eat the sea urchins that destroy kelp. Thus a single species can shape an entire ecosystem. It can be inferred from the passage that without sea otters, kelp forests would likely
    • Decline as sea urchins increase
    • Remain completely unchanged
    • Become home to more otters
    • Grow more densely

    Correct answer: Decline as sea urchins increase

    Since otters eat the urchins that destroy kelp, removing otters would let urchins flourish and kelp decline.

18. Sea otters were once hunted nearly to extinction for their thick fur. Today, protected populations are recovering along the Pacific coast. Their return has helped restore kelp forests, because otters eat the sea urchins that destroy kelp. Thus a single species can shape an entire ecosystem. The phrase 'a single species can shape an entire ecosystem' functions in the passage as
    • A counterargument
    • A specific example
    • A definition of a term
    • A concluding generalization drawn from the example

    Correct answer: A concluding generalization drawn from the example

    Signaled by 'thus,' the final sentence generalizes a broader principle from the otter example.

19. Before you toss that banana peel, consider composting it. Food scraps that rot in landfills release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting at home turns those same scraps into rich soil while cutting emissions. With a small bin and a little effort, anyone can make a difference. What is the author's main purpose in the passage?
    • To explain how landfills are constructed
    • To describe the chemistry of methane
    • To criticize people who waste food
    • To encourage readers to compost food scraps

    Correct answer: To encourage readers to compost food scraps

    The passage opens and closes with calls to compost, making encouragement its main purpose.

20. Before you toss that banana peel, consider composting it. Food scraps that rot in landfills release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting at home turns those same scraps into rich soil while cutting emissions. With a small bin and a little effort, anyone can make a difference. According to the passage, why is composting better than sending food scraps to a landfill?
    • Composting requires no effort at all.
    • Landfills are illegal in most areas.
    • Composting is cheaper than garbage collection.
    • Composting reduces methane emissions and creates useful soil.

    Correct answer: Composting reduces methane emissions and creates useful soil.

    The passage states composting cuts emissions and produces rich soil, the two advantages it names.

21. Before you toss that banana peel, consider composting it. Food scraps that rot in landfills release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting at home turns those same scraps into rich soil while cutting emissions. With a small bin and a little effort, anyone can make a difference. As used in the passage, 'potent' most nearly means
    • Powerful
    • Colorful
    • Weak
    • Odorless

    Correct answer: Powerful

    'Potent' describes the strength of methane as a greenhouse gas, meaning powerful.

22. Year-round schooling does not lengthen the school year; it simply spreads the same days across the calendar with shorter, more frequent breaks. Supporters argue this reduces the learning loss that occurs over long summers. Critics counter that families struggle to plan vacations and that buildings cost more to cool in summer. The debate continues in many districts. Which of the following best states the central claim of the passage?
    • Year-round schooling rearranges the school calendar and prompts ongoing debate.
    • Year-round schooling clearly benefits all students.
    • Summer learning loss is a myth.
    • Schools should never change their schedules.

    Correct answer: Year-round schooling rearranges the school calendar and prompts ongoing debate.

    The passage defines year-round schooling and presents both sides of an unresolved debate, its central focus.

23. Year-round schooling does not lengthen the school year; it simply spreads the same days across the calendar with shorter, more frequent breaks. Supporters argue this reduces the learning loss that occurs over long summers. Critics counter that families struggle to plan vacations and that buildings cost more to cool in summer. The debate continues in many districts. The passage presents its information primarily by
    • Presenting opposing viewpoints on an issue
    • Narrating events in time order
    • Describing a process step by step
    • Comparing two unrelated topics

    Correct answer: Presenting opposing viewpoints on an issue

    After defining the term, the passage lays out supporters' and critics' arguments, a viewpoint-contrast structure.

24. Year-round schooling does not lengthen the school year; it simply spreads the same days across the calendar with shorter, more frequent breaks. Supporters argue this reduces the learning loss that occurs over long summers. Critics counter that families struggle to plan vacations and that buildings cost more to cool in summer. The debate continues in many districts. Which detail from the passage supports the critics' position?
    • Breaks become shorter and more frequent.
    • The same number of school days are used.
    • Learning loss happens over long summers.
    • Families struggle to plan vacations and cooling costs rise.

    Correct answer: Families struggle to plan vacations and cooling costs rise.

    The vacation-planning difficulty and cooling costs are the specific objections raised by critics.

25. The sailors tied the rope to the dock and made the boat fast against the rising tide. Even as the waves grew, the vessel did not drift. As used in the passage, 'fast' most nearly means
    • Colorful
    • Without food
    • Firmly fixed
    • Quick

    Correct answer: Firmly fixed

    Here 'fast' means securely fixed in place, shown by the boat not drifting.

26. Sleep is not merely rest; it is active maintenance for the brain. During deep sleep, the brain clears waste products that build up during waking hours. It also strengthens memories formed that day. Skipping sleep, therefore, harms both mental sharpness and long-term learning. What is the main idea of the passage?
    • Sleep performs active functions essential to brain health.
    • The brain shuts down completely during sleep.
    • Waste products help the brain function.
    • Memories are formed only while awake.

    Correct answer: Sleep performs active functions essential to brain health.

    The passage describes waste clearance and memory strengthening, framing sleep as active maintenance.

27. Sleep is not merely rest; it is active maintenance for the brain. During deep sleep, the brain clears waste products that build up during waking hours. It also strengthens memories formed that day. Skipping sleep, therefore, harms both mental sharpness and long-term learning. It can be inferred that a person who consistently skips sleep will likely experience
    • Faster waste clearance
    • No change at all
    • Reduced mental sharpness
    • Improved memory

    Correct answer: Reduced mental sharpness

    The passage states skipping sleep harms mental sharpness and learning, so reduced sharpness can be inferred.

28. Sleep is not merely rest; it is active maintenance for the brain. During deep sleep, the brain clears waste products that build up during waking hours. It also strengthens memories formed that day. Skipping sleep, therefore, harms both mental sharpness and long-term learning. The word 'merely' in the first sentence emphasizes that the author wants to
    • Challenge the idea that sleep is only passive rest
    • Prove sleep is unnecessary
    • Describe how to fall asleep
    • Downplay the importance of sleep

    Correct answer: Challenge the idea that sleep is only passive rest

    'Not merely rest' signals the author is correcting the view that sleep is only passive.

29. The bridge was closed for repairs. Commuters had to take a longer route across town. Which best describes the relationship between the two sentences: 'The bridge was closed for repairs. Commuters had to take a longer route across town.'
    • The second defines a term in the first.
    • The second states a cause of the first.
    • The two sentences contradict each other.
    • The second states an effect of the first.

    Correct answer: The second states an effect of the first.

    The closed bridge causes commuters to take a longer route, so the second sentence is an effect.

30. Volunteer firefighters make up the majority of fire crews in rural America. They train on nights and weekends while holding regular jobs. When an alarm sounds, they leave work or family to respond. Without them, many small towns would have no fire protection at all. Which of the following is the best summary of the passage?
    • Volunteer firefighters provide essential, often unpaid, protection to rural communities.
    • Firefighting is a dangerous profession.
    • Firefighters train only on weekends.
    • Rural towns rarely have fires.

    Correct answer: Volunteer firefighters provide essential, often unpaid, protection to rural communities.

    The summary captures the volunteers' sacrifice and their essential role for rural towns, the passage's core.

31. Volunteer firefighters make up the majority of fire crews in rural America. They train on nights and weekends while holding regular jobs. When an alarm sounds, they leave work or family to respond. Without them, many small towns would have no fire protection at all. The author most likely includes the final sentence in order to
    • Describe a specific fire
    • Emphasize how vital volunteers are to small towns
    • Criticize volunteer firefighters
    • Explain how to become a firefighter

    Correct answer: Emphasize how vital volunteers are to small towns

    Stating that towns would have no protection without volunteers underscores their importance, the sentence's purpose.

32. Pie chart data — Household budget: Housing 40%, Food 20%, Transportation 15%, Savings 10%, Other 15%. A pie chart shows household budget: Housing 40%, Food 20%, Transportation 15%, Savings 10%, Other 15%. Which category receives the largest share?
    • Housing
    • Savings
    • Food
    • Transportation

    Correct answer: Housing

    Housing at 40% is the largest single category in the chart.

33. Pie chart data — Household budget: Housing 40%, Food 20%, Transportation 15%, Savings 10%, Other 15%. Using the same budget chart, Food and Transportation together account for what percentage?
    • 35%
    • 55%
    • 45%
    • 30%

    Correct answer: 35%

    Food (20%) plus Transportation (15%) equals 35%.

34. Passage 1: Modern zoos protect endangered species and breed them for release into the wild. Passage 2: No enclosure can replace the freedom of a natural habitat, and captivity stresses many animals. Two passages discuss zoos. Passage 1 praises zoos for conservation; Passage 2 criticizes them for confining animals. A reader seeking a balanced view should
    • Consider both the conservation benefits and the welfare concerns
    • Accept only Passage 1
    • Accept only Passage 2
    • Ignore both passages

    Correct answer: Consider both the conservation benefits and the welfare concerns

    A balanced view weighs both the conservation argument and the animal-welfare argument presented.

35. Passage 1: Modern zoos protect endangered species and breed them for release into the wild. Passage 2: No enclosure can replace the freedom of a natural habitat, and captivity stresses many animals. Which assumption underlies Passage 2's argument?
    • Endangered species cannot be bred in captivity.
    • Zoos earn too much money.
    • Zoos never release animals.
    • Animals are better off in their natural habitats than in enclosures.

    Correct answer: Animals are better off in their natural habitats than in enclosures.

    Passage 2 assumes natural habitat freedom is preferable to enclosure, the basis of its criticism.

36. The dam was built to check the river's flow during the rainy season, preventing the floods that once swept through the valley. As used in the passage, 'check' most nearly means
    • To mark with a tick
    • A written order for money
    • To restrain or control
    • To inspect carefully

    Correct answer: To restrain or control

    The dam restrains or controls the river's flow, so 'check' means to restrain.

37. The Dewey Decimal System organizes library books by subject using numbers. Each major field, from philosophy to history, receives a range of numbers. Within those ranges, decimals divide subjects into ever-finer topics. This structure lets readers find related books shelved together. What is the primary purpose of the passage?
    • To compare two library systems
    • To argue that the Dewey system is outdated
    • To explain how the Dewey Decimal System organizes books
    • To teach readers to write decimals

    Correct answer: To explain how the Dewey Decimal System organizes books

    The passage describes how the system works to organize books, making explanation its purpose.

38. The Dewey Decimal System organizes library books by subject using numbers. Each major field, from philosophy to history, receives a range of numbers. Within those ranges, decimals divide subjects into ever-finer topics. This structure lets readers find related books shelved together. According to the passage, what is the benefit of the Dewey Decimal System's structure?
    • It eliminates the need for librarians.
    • It shelves related books together so readers can find them.
    • It sorts books by author name.
    • It makes books cheaper.

    Correct answer: It shelves related books together so readers can find them.

    The final sentence states the structure lets readers find related books shelved together.

39. Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet they support about a quarter of all marine species. Rising sea temperatures cause corals to expel the algae that feed them, turning them white in a process called bleaching. Repeated bleaching can kill a reef. Protecting reefs therefore protects an enormous web of ocean life. Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage?
    • Bleaching makes corals more colorful.
    • Algae are harmful to coral reefs.
    • Despite their small size, coral reefs are vital to marine life and threatened by warming.
    • Coral reefs are large and cover most of the ocean.

    Correct answer: Despite their small size, coral reefs are vital to marine life and threatened by warming.

    The passage stresses the reefs' outsized importance and the threat of bleaching, captured in this main idea.

40. Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet they support about a quarter of all marine species. Rising sea temperatures cause corals to expel the algae that feed them, turning them white in a process called bleaching. Repeated bleaching can kill a reef. Protecting reefs therefore protects an enormous web of ocean life. As used in the passage, 'expel' most nearly means
    • Drive out
    • Welcome
    • Feed
    • Color

    Correct answer: Drive out

    Corals 'expel' the algae, meaning they drive them out, which causes bleaching.

41. Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet they support about a quarter of all marine species. Rising sea temperatures cause corals to expel the algae that feed them, turning them white in a process called bleaching. Repeated bleaching can kill a reef. Protecting reefs therefore protects an enormous web of ocean life. It can be inferred from the passage that the loss of coral reefs would
    • Have little effect on the ocean
    • Cool the surrounding water
    • Threaten a large portion of marine species
    • Increase the number of algae

    Correct answer: Threaten a large portion of marine species

    Since reefs support about a quarter of marine species, losing them would threaten many species.

42. ___ the rain stopped, the game resumed. Which transition word would best fit at the beginning of the sentence: '___ the rain stopped, the game resumed.'
    • Despite
    • Unless
    • Once
    • Although

    Correct answer: Once

    'Once' shows the time relationship: after the rain stopped, the game resumed.

43. Some call space exploration a waste of money, but they overlook its quiet gifts. Satellite technology born from the space program now guides our cars, forecasts our weather, and connects our phones. Every dollar spent reaching outward has returned value here at home. We should fund this work proudly. What is the author's attitude toward space exploration in the passage?
    • Confused and uncertain
    • Supportive and enthusiastic
    • Skeptical and discouraged
    • Neutral and detached

    Correct answer: Supportive and enthusiastic

    The author defends space exploration and urges proud funding, showing a supportive, enthusiastic attitude.

44. Some call space exploration a waste of money, but they overlook its quiet gifts. Satellite technology born from the space program now guides our cars, forecasts our weather, and connects our phones. Every dollar spent reaching outward has returned value here at home. We should fund this work proudly. Which evidence does the author use to support funding space exploration?
    • The number of planets discovered
    • Everyday technologies derived from the space program
    • The opinions of astronauts
    • The cost of building rockets

    Correct answer: Everyday technologies derived from the space program

    The author cites GPS, weather forecasting, and phone connectivity as practical benefits of the space program.

45. Some call space exploration a waste of money, but they overlook its quiet gifts. Satellite technology born from the space program now guides our cars, forecasts our weather, and connects our phones. Every dollar spent reaching outward has returned value here at home. We should fund this work proudly. The phrase 'quiet gifts' in the passage refers to
    • The cost of the program
    • Gifts given to astronauts
    • The unnoticed everyday benefits of space technology
    • The silence of outer space

    Correct answer: The unnoticed everyday benefits of space technology

    'Quiet gifts' refers to the everyday benefits people overlook, like GPS and weather forecasting.

46. Table data — Recycling rates: City A 25%, City B 50%, City C 35%, City D 60%. A table lists recycling rates: City A 25%, City B 50%, City C 35%, City D 60%. Which city recycles the most?
    • City A
    • City C
    • City B
    • City D

    Correct answer: City D

    City D's 60% is the highest recycling rate in the table.

47. Table data — Recycling rates: City A 25%, City B 50%, City C 35%, City D 60%. Using the same table, how much higher is City B's rate than City A's?
    • 35 percentage points
    • 15 percentage points
    • 25 percentage points
    • 20 percentage points

    Correct answer: 25 percentage points

    City B (50%) minus City A (25%) equals 25 percentage points.

48. The placebo effect shows the surprising power of belief. In studies, patients given sugar pills sometimes report real relief simply because they expect the medicine to work. This does not mean their pain was imaginary; expectation can trigger genuine changes in the body. Doctors must account for this effect when testing new drugs. Which of the following best states the main idea?
    • New drugs never work.
    • Belief and expectation can produce real physical effects, complicating drug testing.
    • Sugar pills cure all diseases.
    • Pain is always imaginary.

    Correct answer: Belief and expectation can produce real physical effects, complicating drug testing.

    The passage explains that expectation produces genuine bodily changes that affect drug testing, the central point.

49. The placebo effect shows the surprising power of belief. In studies, patients given sugar pills sometimes report real relief simply because they expect the medicine to work. This does not mean their pain was imaginary; expectation can trigger genuine changes in the body. Doctors must account for this effect when testing new drugs. As used in the passage, 'trigger' most nearly means
    • A part of a gun
    • To prevent
    • To imagine
    • To cause or set off

    Correct answer: To cause or set off

    Expectation can 'trigger' changes, meaning cause or set them off.

50. The placebo effect shows the surprising power of belief. In studies, patients given sugar pills sometimes report real relief simply because they expect the medicine to work. This does not mean their pain was imaginary; expectation can trigger genuine changes in the body. Doctors must account for this effect when testing new drugs. Why must doctors account for the placebo effect when testing drugs, according to the passage?
    • Because sugar pills are expensive
    • Because patients dislike taking pills
    • Because drugs are always harmful
    • Because expectation alone can produce real effects that mimic a drug's

    Correct answer: Because expectation alone can produce real effects that mimic a drug's

    Since belief can cause genuine improvement, doctors must separate that effect from a drug's true effect.

51. If you have never tried tai chi, this gentle exercise may surprise you. Its slow, flowing movements improve balance and reduce stress without straining the body. People of nearly any age or fitness level can practice it. Give it a try, and your body may thank you. Which sentence best states the author's purpose?
    • To persuade readers to try tai chi
    • To compare tai chi with running
    • To warn readers about tai chi's dangers
    • To explain the history of tai chi

    Correct answer: To persuade readers to try tai chi

    The passage invites readers to try tai chi and praises its benefits, making persuasion its purpose.

52. If you have never tried tai chi, this gentle exercise may surprise you. Its slow, flowing movements improve balance and reduce stress without straining the body. People of nearly any age or fitness level can practice it. Give it a try, and your body may thank you. According to the passage, who can practice tai chi?
    • Only those who already exercise daily
    • Only people with medical training
    • People of nearly any age or fitness level
    • Only young athletes

    Correct answer: People of nearly any age or fitness level

    The passage states people of nearly any age or fitness level can practice tai chi.

53. Maria studied every night for a month. She earned the highest score in her class. The relationship between the two sentences 'Maria studied every night for a month. She earned the highest score in her class.' is best described as
    • Definition
    • Chronological coincidence with no link
    • Cause and effect
    • Contrast

    Correct answer: Cause and effect

    Maria's studying plausibly caused her high score, a cause-and-effect relationship.

54. Bioluminescence, the production of light by living organisms, lights up the deep sea where sunlight never reaches. Some fish use it to lure prey, while others flash it to confuse predators. Certain squid even release glowing clouds to escape. In the darkness of the deep, light becomes a tool for survival. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
    • Sunlight reaches the deepest ocean.
    • Only fish can produce light underwater.
    • The deep sea is completely dark and empty.
    • Deep-sea creatures use self-produced light in various ways to survive.

    Correct answer: Deep-sea creatures use self-produced light in various ways to survive.

    The passage describes multiple survival uses of self-produced light, the central summary.

55. Bioluminescence, the production of light by living organisms, lights up the deep sea where sunlight never reaches. Some fish use it to lure prey, while others flash it to confuse predators. Certain squid even release glowing clouds to escape. In the darkness of the deep, light becomes a tool for survival. As used in the passage, 'lure' most nearly means
    • Blind
    • Feed
    • Frighten away
    • Attract

    Correct answer: Attract

    Fish use light to 'lure' prey, meaning to attract it.

56. Bioluminescence, the production of light by living organisms, lights up the deep sea where sunlight never reaches. Some fish use it to lure prey, while others flash it to confuse predators. Certain squid even release glowing clouds to escape. In the darkness of the deep, light becomes a tool for survival. Which statement is an example of the squid's use of bioluminescence?
    • Lighting the ocean surface
    • Luring prey closer
    • Releasing glowing clouds to escape
    • Flashing to attract mates

    Correct answer: Releasing glowing clouds to escape

    The passage specifically says squid release glowing clouds to escape.

57. Writer 1: After weeks of drought, the storm brought a refreshing summer rain that revived the gardens. Writer 2: The violent downpour flooded streets and knocked out power for hours. Two writers describe the same storm. Writer 1 calls it 'a refreshing summer rain'; Writer 2 calls it 'a violent downpour.' The difference shows that
    • One writer is lying
    • The storm happened twice
    • Word choice can shape how the same event is perceived
    • Both writers dislike rain

    Correct answer: Word choice can shape how the same event is perceived

    The contrasting descriptions of one storm illustrate how word choice shapes perception.

58. Writer 1: After weeks of drought, the storm brought a refreshing summer rain that revived the gardens. Writer 2: The violent downpour flooded streets and knocked out power for hours. Which factor most likely explains the writers' different descriptions?
    • Neither writer saw the storm.
    • They focused on different effects of the same storm.
    • They observed entirely different storms.
    • One writer invented the storm.

    Correct answer: They focused on different effects of the same storm.

    Writer 1 emphasizes the storm's benefit to gardens; Writer 2 emphasizes its damage, different effects of one event.

59. Swimmers were warned to stay near shore because the current could pull them out to sea within minutes. As used in the passage, 'current' most nearly means
    • Present-day
    • Electricity
    • A flow of water
    • Up to date

    Correct answer: A flow of water

    In context, 'current' refers to the flow of water that could pull swimmers out to sea.

60. For centuries, mapmakers left blank spaces where knowledge ended, sometimes labeling them with warnings of monsters. These gaps were honest admissions of ignorance. Today, satellites have mapped nearly every inch of Earth, leaving few blanks. Yet the deep ocean remains less charted than the surface of the Moon. What is the main idea of the passage?
    • The Moon has never been mapped.
    • Sea monsters once roamed the oceans.
    • Although Earth is now thoroughly mapped, the deep ocean remains poorly charted.
    • Old maps were more accurate than modern ones.

    Correct answer: Although Earth is now thoroughly mapped, the deep ocean remains poorly charted.

    The passage contrasts past blank maps with today's thorough mapping while noting the ocean exception, the main idea.

61. For centuries, mapmakers left blank spaces where knowledge ended, sometimes labeling them with warnings of monsters. These gaps were honest admissions of ignorance. Today, satellites have mapped nearly every inch of Earth, leaving few blanks. Yet the deep ocean remains less charted than the surface of the Moon. The final sentence about the deep ocean primarily serves to
    • Describe how satellites work
    • Point out a surprising gap that still remains
    • Praise ancient mapmakers
    • Prove maps are useless

    Correct answer: Point out a surprising gap that still remains

    The surprising comparison highlights a remaining gap in our knowledge, the sentence's purpose.

62. For centuries, mapmakers left blank spaces where knowledge ended, sometimes labeling them with warnings of monsters. These gaps were honest admissions of ignorance. Today, satellites have mapped nearly every inch of Earth, leaving few blanks. Yet the deep ocean remains less charted than the surface of the Moon. It can be inferred that the author finds the state of ocean mapping
    • Surprising or noteworthy
    • Unremarkable
    • Frightening
    • Unimportant

    Correct answer: Surprising or noteworthy

    The 'yet' and the Moon comparison signal the author finds the ocean gap surprising.

63. For centuries, mapmakers left blank spaces where knowledge ended, sometimes labeling them with warnings of monsters. These gaps were honest admissions of ignorance. Today, satellites have mapped nearly every inch of Earth, leaving few blanks. Yet the deep ocean remains less charted than the surface of the Moon. Which best describes the structure of the passage?
    • A contrast between past and present, ending with an exception
    • A single extended definition
    • A persuasive call to action
    • A list of instructions

    Correct answer: A contrast between past and present, ending with an exception

    The passage contrasts historical and modern mapping, then notes the ocean exception.

64. Many assume that yawning means a person is bored or tired. Scientists now believe yawning may help cool the brain. When the brain heats up, a deep yawn draws in cooler air and increases blood flow, lowering its temperature. Boredom may simply be when we notice yawns most. Which of the following best states the central idea?
    • Cool air has no effect on the body.
    • The brain cannot change temperature.
    • Yawning may serve to cool the brain, not merely signal tiredness.
    • Yawning always signals boredom.

    Correct answer: Yawning may serve to cool the brain, not merely signal tiredness.

    The passage challenges the boredom assumption and presents brain-cooling as yawning's likely function.

65. Many assume that yawning means a person is bored or tired. Scientists now believe yawning may help cool the brain. When the brain heats up, a deep yawn draws in cooler air and increases blood flow, lowering its temperature. Boredom may simply be when we notice yawns most. The author's purpose in the passage is mainly to
    • Present a scientific explanation that challenges a common belief
    • Entertain readers with jokes about yawning
    • Describe a personal experience
    • Persuade readers to yawn more often

    Correct answer: Present a scientific explanation that challenges a common belief

    The passage introduces a common belief, then offers a scientific alternative, its main purpose.

66. Many assume that yawning means a person is bored or tired. Scientists now believe yawning may help cool the brain. When the brain heats up, a deep yawn draws in cooler air and increases blood flow, lowering its temperature. Boredom may simply be when we notice yawns most. As used in the passage, 'draws in' most nearly means
    • Pulls inward
    • Closes off
    • Attracts a crowd
    • Sketches a picture of

    Correct answer: Pulls inward

    A yawn 'draws in' cooler air, meaning it pulls the air inward.

67. Many assume that yawning means a person is bored or tired. Scientists now believe yawning may help cool the brain. When the brain heats up, a deep yawn draws in cooler air and increases blood flow, lowering its temperature. Boredom may simply be when we notice yawns most. Which detail supports the idea that yawning cools the brain?
    • Yawns happen mostly at night.
    • A yawn draws in cooler air and increases blood flow, lowering brain temperature.
    • People yawn when they are bored.
    • Yawning is contagious.

    Correct answer: A yawn draws in cooler air and increases blood flow, lowering brain temperature.

    The cooler-air-and-blood-flow mechanism directly supports the brain-cooling claim.

68. The plan looked perfect on paper; ___, it failed in practice. Which word would best complete the sentence to show contrast: 'The plan looked perfect on paper; ___, it failed in practice.'
    • Because
    • Meanwhile
    • However
    • Therefore

    Correct answer: However

    'However' signals the contrast between looking perfect and failing in practice.

69. Public libraries have quietly become community hubs far beyond books. Many now lend tools, musical instruments, and even seeds for gardens. They offer free internet, job-search help, and warm shelter on cold days. The modern library serves the whole person, not just the reader. What is the main idea of the passage?
    • Libraries should stop lending books.
    • Modern libraries offer wide-ranging services beyond books.
    • Libraries are no longer useful.
    • Only readers benefit from libraries.

    Correct answer: Modern libraries offer wide-ranging services beyond books.

    The passage lists many non-book services, supporting the idea that libraries now serve broad community needs.

70. Public libraries have quietly become community hubs far beyond books. Many now lend tools, musical instruments, and even seeds for gardens. They offer free internet, job-search help, and warm shelter on cold days. The modern library serves the whole person, not just the reader. As used in the passage, 'hubs' most nearly means
    • Wheels
    • Computer networks
    • Central gathering places
    • Quiet rooms

    Correct answer: Central gathering places

    'Hubs' here means central gathering places for the community.

71. Public libraries have quietly become community hubs far beyond books. Many now lend tools, musical instruments, and even seeds for gardens. They offer free internet, job-search help, and warm shelter on cold days. The modern library serves the whole person, not just the reader. The last sentence, 'The modern library serves the whole person,' functions as
    • A direct quotation
    • A supporting example
    • A summarizing conclusion
    • A contradiction

    Correct answer: A summarizing conclusion

    The sentence draws together the examples into a concluding generalization.

72. Homework should be assigned sparingly in elementary school. Young children learn best through play and rest, and hours of worksheets crowd out both. Studies find little link between heavy homework and achievement in early grades. Lighter loads would protect childhood without harming learning. Which of the following best states the author's argument?
    • Homework improves achievement at every age.
    • Children should never play.
    • Homework should be eliminated for all students.
    • Elementary students should be given limited homework.

    Correct answer: Elementary students should be given limited homework.

    The author argues for sparing, limited homework in elementary grades, not for all students or none.

73. Homework should be assigned sparingly in elementary school. Young children learn best through play and rest, and hours of worksheets crowd out both. Studies find little link between heavy homework and achievement in early grades. Lighter loads would protect childhood without harming learning. Which piece of evidence does the author use to support the argument?
    • Personal anecdotes about teachers
    • Quotes from famous authors
    • A list of homework assignments
    • Studies finding little link between heavy homework and early achievement

    Correct answer: Studies finding little link between heavy homework and early achievement

    The author cites studies showing little link between heavy homework and early-grade achievement.

74. Homework should be assigned sparingly in elementary school. Young children learn best through play and rest, and hours of worksheets crowd out both. Studies find little link between heavy homework and achievement in early grades. Lighter loads would protect childhood without harming learning. The tone of the passage is best described as
    • Angry and accusatory
    • Uncertain and confused
    • Reasoned and persuasive
    • Humorous and playful

    Correct answer: Reasoned and persuasive

    The author calmly presents reasons and evidence to persuade, a reasoned and persuasive tone.

75. Chart data — Scores before/after tutoring: Student 1: 60 to 80; Student 2: 70 to 75; Student 3: 50 to 85. A chart shows test scores before and after tutoring: Student 1 went from 60 to 80, Student 2 from 70 to 75, Student 3 from 50 to 85. Which student improved the most?
    • Student 1
    • Student 3
    • Student 2
    • They improved equally.

    Correct answer: Student 3

    Student 3 gained 35 points (50 to 85), more than Student 1's 20 or Student 2's 5.

76. Chart data — Scores before/after tutoring: Student 1: 60 to 80; Student 2: 70 to 75; Student 3: 50 to 85. Based on the tutoring chart, which conclusion is best supported?
    • Tutoring lowered every student's score.
    • Only one student improved.
    • Scores stayed the same.
    • All three students improved after tutoring.

    Correct answer: All three students improved after tutoring.

    Each student's after-score is higher than the before-score, so all improved.

77. The engineer declared the old bridge structurally sound, assuring the town it could safely carry traffic for decades. As used in the passage, 'sound' most nearly means
    • A body of water
    • Noise
    • In good condition
    • To measure depth

    Correct answer: In good condition

    A 'structurally sound' bridge is in good, solid condition.

78. The first photographs took hours to expose, so early portraits show stiff, unsmiling faces. People could not hold a grin that long without blurring. As cameras grew faster, smiles slowly appeared in pictures. The serious faces of old photos reflect technology, not gloomy personalities. What is the main idea of the passage?
    • Modern cameras are slower than old ones.
    • Early photo technology, not mood, explains the serious faces in old portraits.
    • People in the past were unhappy.
    • Smiling was forbidden in old photographs.

    Correct answer: Early photo technology, not mood, explains the serious faces in old portraits.

    The passage attributes unsmiling portraits to slow exposure times rather than to people's moods.

79. The first photographs took hours to expose, so early portraits show stiff, unsmiling faces. People could not hold a grin that long without blurring. As cameras grew faster, smiles slowly appeared in pictures. The serious faces of old photos reflect technology, not gloomy personalities. It can be inferred that as camera exposure times decreased, portraits became
    • Darker
    • Blurrier
    • More expensive
    • More likely to show smiles

    Correct answer: More likely to show smiles

    The passage states smiles appeared as cameras grew faster, so shorter exposures led to more smiling portraits.

80. The first photographs took hours to expose, so early portraits show stiff, unsmiling faces. People could not hold a grin that long without blurring. As cameras grew faster, smiles slowly appeared in pictures. The serious faces of old photos reflect technology, not gloomy personalities. The author corrects which misconception in the passage?
    • That portraits were rare
    • That serious faces in old photos mean people were unhappy
    • That smiling causes blurring
    • That old cameras were fast

    Correct answer: That serious faces in old photos mean people were unhappy

    The passage corrects the idea that serious faces reveal gloomy personalities, attributing them to technology.

81. Spiders are often feared, yet they are quiet allies in the home. A single spider can eat hundreds of insects a year, including mosquitoes and flies that spread disease. Most house spiders are harmless to people and avoid human contact. Letting one live in a corner may do more good than harm. Which sentence best states the main idea?
    • Spiders prefer human contact.
    • All spiders are dangerous to humans.
    • Spiders spread disease.
    • House spiders are largely harmless and helpful pest controllers.

    Correct answer: House spiders are largely harmless and helpful pest controllers.

    The passage argues spiders are harmless and beneficial, eating disease-carrying insects, the main idea.

82. Spiders are often feared, yet they are quiet allies in the home. A single spider can eat hundreds of insects a year, including mosquitoes and flies that spread disease. Most house spiders are harmless to people and avoid human contact. Letting one live in a corner may do more good than harm. The author's purpose in the passage is to
    • Explain how spiders build webs
    • Change readers' negative view of house spiders
    • Frighten readers about spiders
    • Argue that all insects are harmful

    Correct answer: Change readers' negative view of house spiders

    The passage counters fear with benefits, aiming to shift readers' negative view of spiders.

83. Spiders are often feared, yet they are quiet allies in the home. A single spider can eat hundreds of insects a year, including mosquitoes and flies that spread disease. Most house spiders are harmless to people and avoid human contact. Letting one live in a corner may do more good than harm. As used in the passage, 'allies' most nearly means
    • Pests
    • Helpful partners
    • Strangers
    • Enemies

    Correct answer: Helpful partners

    Spiders are called 'allies,' meaning helpful partners in controlling pests.

84. Text: The trail climbs steeply for the first mile before leveling off near the lake. Map note: Elevation contour lines are tightly spaced in the first mile, then widely spaced toward the lake. A passage and an accompanying map both describe a hiking trail. The text says 'the trail climbs steeply for the first mile.' The map shows tightly spaced elevation lines near the start. Together they confirm that
    • The trail is dangerous
    • The trail is flat throughout
    • The lake is at the lowest point
    • The beginning of the trail is steep

    Correct answer: The beginning of the trail is steep

    Both the text's 'climbs steeply' and the map's tightly spaced contour lines confirm a steep start.

85. Text: The trail climbs steeply for the first mile before leveling off near the lake. Map note: Elevation contour lines are tightly spaced in the first mile, then widely spaced toward the lake. How does the map note add to the information in the text?
    • It visually confirms and reinforces the text's description of the slope.
    • It adds no relevant information.
    • It describes a different trail.
    • It contradicts the text.

    Correct answer: It visually confirms and reinforces the text's description of the slope.

    The contour spacing visually reinforces the text's account of a steep start that levels off.

86. The teacher praised Leo as a bright student who grasped new concepts faster than anyone in the class. As used in the passage, 'bright' most nearly means
    • Shining with light
    • Intelligent
    • Cheerful in color
    • Loud

    Correct answer: Intelligent

    Describing a student who grasps concepts quickly, 'bright' means intelligent.

87. Trees do more than provide shade and beauty. Their roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion during heavy rains. Their leaves filter pollutants from the air we breathe. A single mature tree can offer benefits worth thousands of dollars over its lifetime. Which of the following best states the main idea?
    • Trees are only valuable for their appearance.
    • Trees provide many practical environmental and economic benefits.
    • Trees cause soil erosion.
    • Trees add pollutants to the air.

    Correct answer: Trees provide many practical environmental and economic benefits.

    The passage lists erosion control, air filtering, and economic value, supporting the broad-benefits main idea.

88. Trees do more than provide shade and beauty. Their roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion during heavy rains. Their leaves filter pollutants from the air we breathe. A single mature tree can offer benefits worth thousands of dollars over its lifetime. According to the passage, how do tree roots help the environment?
    • They provide shade.
    • They produce fruit.
    • They filter air pollutants.
    • They hold soil in place and prevent erosion.

    Correct answer: They hold soil in place and prevent erosion.

    The passage states roots hold soil and prevent erosion during heavy rains.

89. Trees do more than provide shade and beauty. Their roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion during heavy rains. Their leaves filter pollutants from the air we breathe. A single mature tree can offer benefits worth thousands of dollars over its lifetime. The first sentence, 'Trees do more than provide shade and beauty,' serves to
    • Describe a single tree
    • Dismiss the value of trees
    • Compare trees to flowers
    • Introduce that the passage will discuss additional benefits

    Correct answer: Introduce that the passage will discuss additional benefits

    'Do more than' signals that the passage will add benefits beyond the obvious ones.

90. The museum's new dinosaur exhibit is the best attraction in the state. It features a 40-foot fossil skeleton discovered in 2019. The lighting is dramatic and the displays are stunning. Visitors should not miss it. Which statement from the passage is a fact rather than an opinion?
    • It is the best attraction in the state.
    • Visitors should not miss it.
    • It features a 40-foot fossil skeleton discovered in 2019.
    • The displays are stunning.

    Correct answer: It features a 40-foot fossil skeleton discovered in 2019.

    The skeleton's measurable size and discovery date are verifiable facts; the others are opinions.

91. Bees communicate the location of flowers through a 'waggle dance.' By moving in a figure-eight and waggling its body, a returning bee tells others the direction and distance of food. The angle of the dance points toward the sun's position. This silent language guides the hive to nectar. What is the main idea of the passage?
    • Bees cannot find flowers.
    • The sun produces nectar.
    • Bees dance only for fun.
    • Bees use a waggle dance to share the location of food.

    Correct answer: Bees use a waggle dance to share the location of food.

    The passage explains that the waggle dance communicates food location, the central idea.

92. Bees communicate the location of flowers through a 'waggle dance.' By moving in a figure-eight and waggling its body, a returning bee tells others the direction and distance of food. The angle of the dance points toward the sun's position. This silent language guides the hive to nectar. According to the passage, what does the angle of the waggle dance indicate?
    • The direction relative to the sun
    • The temperature of the hive
    • The age of the flowers
    • The number of bees

    Correct answer: The direction relative to the sun

    The passage states the angle of the dance points toward the sun's position, indicating direction.

93. Bees communicate the location of flowers through a 'waggle dance.' By moving in a figure-eight and waggling its body, a returning bee tells others the direction and distance of food. The angle of the dance points toward the sun's position. This silent language guides the hive to nectar. The phrase 'silent language' in the passage refers to
    • Human speech
    • The buzzing of bees
    • The waggle dance as a form of communication
    • The wind in the hive

    Correct answer: The waggle dance as a form of communication

    'Silent language' is a metaphor for the waggle dance, which communicates without sound.

94. The recipe is quick and cheap; ___, it tastes wonderful. Which word best completes the sentence to show addition: 'The recipe is quick and cheap; ___, it tastes wonderful.'
    • However
    • Otherwise
    • Instead
    • Moreover

    Correct answer: Moreover

    'Moreover' adds another positive point to the list of the recipe's virtues.

95. Advertisement: Nine out of ten dentists recommend our toothpaste for healthier teeth. An advertisement claims, 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend our toothpaste.' Which question would best help evaluate this claim?
    • What color is the toothpaste tube?
    • How much does the toothpaste cost?
    • Does the toothpaste taste good?
    • How many dentists were surveyed and how were they chosen?

    Correct answer: How many dentists were surveyed and how were they chosen?

    Knowing the sample size and selection method is essential to judge whether the statistic is meaningful.

96. Advertisement: Nine out of ten dentists recommend our toothpaste for healthier teeth. The advertisement's claim would be weakest if it were revealed that
    • The survey included thousands of dentists
    • Dentists generally favor brushing
    • The toothpaste contains fluoride
    • Only ten dentists, all paid by the company, were asked

    Correct answer: Only ten dentists, all paid by the company, were asked

    A tiny, paid, biased sample would make the impressive-sounding statistic nearly meaningless.

97. Detectives suspected the evidence had been placed there on purpose, a deliberate plant to frame the innocent suspect. As used in the passage, 'plant' most nearly means
    • A factory
    • A leafy organism
    • Something secretly placed to mislead
    • To put seeds in soil

    Correct answer: Something secretly placed to mislead

    In context, a 'plant' is something secretly placed to mislead or frame someone.

98. The invention of the printing press did more than make books cheaper. By spreading ideas quickly across borders, it fueled revolutions in religion, science, and politics. Ordinary people could read for themselves rather than rely on a few authorities. In a real sense, the modern world began with movable type. What is the main idea of the passage?
    • The printing press transformed society by spreading ideas widely.
    • Books were unimportant before the printing press.
    • Only authorities could read after the printing press.
    • The printing press only lowered the cost of books.

    Correct answer: The printing press transformed society by spreading ideas widely.

    The passage credits the press with spreading ideas and transforming society, the central claim.

99. The invention of the printing press did more than make books cheaper. By spreading ideas quickly across borders, it fueled revolutions in religion, science, and politics. Ordinary people could read for themselves rather than rely on a few authorities. In a real sense, the modern world began with movable type. The phrase 'the modern world began with movable type' is an example of
    • A sweeping claim emphasizing the press's importance
    • A precise statistic
    • A definition of printing
    • A direct quotation from an expert

    Correct answer: A sweeping claim emphasizing the press's importance

    The dramatic statement is a sweeping claim underscoring the printing press's significance.

100. The invention of the printing press did more than make books cheaper. By spreading ideas quickly across borders, it fueled revolutions in religion, science, and politics. Ordinary people could read for themselves rather than rely on a few authorities. In a real sense, the modern world began with movable type. It can be inferred that before the printing press, access to written ideas was
     • Completely impossible
     • Limited and controlled by a few authorities
     • Widely available to ordinary people
     • Cheaper than after

     Correct answer: Limited and controlled by a few authorities

     The contrast with people no longer relying on 'a few authorities' implies access was previously limited.

101. Rivers rarely run in straight lines. Over time, water erodes the outer banks of curves and deposits sediment on the inner banks, exaggerating each bend. Eventually a loop may pinch off, leaving a crescent-shaped lake behind. The winding path of a river records this slow, patient work of water. Which of the following best states the main idea?
     • Water cannot move sediment.
     • Rivers naturally develop curves through erosion and deposition over time.
     • Rivers always flow straight.
     • Lakes never form near rivers.

     Correct answer: Rivers naturally develop curves through erosion and deposition over time.

     The passage explains how erosion and deposition create river bends, the central idea.

102. Rivers rarely run in straight lines. Over time, water erodes the outer banks of curves and deposits sediment on the inner banks, exaggerating each bend. Eventually a loop may pinch off, leaving a crescent-shaped lake behind. The winding path of a river records this slow, patient work of water. As used in the passage, 'deposits' most nearly means
     • Leaves behind or lays down
     • Money placed in a bank
     • Removes entirely
     • Measures carefully

     Correct answer: Leaves behind or lays down

     The river 'deposits' sediment, meaning it leaves it behind on the inner banks.

103. Rivers rarely run in straight lines. Over time, water erodes the outer banks of curves and deposits sediment on the inner banks, exaggerating each bend. Eventually a loop may pinch off, leaving a crescent-shaped lake behind. The winding path of a river records this slow, patient work of water. According to the passage, how does a crescent-shaped lake form?
     • When rain fills a valley
     • When sediment is removed
     • When the river runs straight
     • When a river loop pinches off

     Correct answer: When a river loop pinches off

     The passage states a loop may pinch off, leaving a crescent-shaped lake.

104. Rivers rarely run in straight lines. Over time, water erodes the outer banks of curves and deposits sediment on the inner banks, exaggerating each bend. Eventually a loop may pinch off, leaving a crescent-shaped lake behind. The winding path of a river records this slow, patient work of water. The phrase 'slow, patient work of water' suggests the author views the process as
     • Violent and sudden
     • Gradual and steady
     • Random and meaningless
     • Harmful and destructive

     Correct answer: Gradual and steady

     'Slow, patient work' characterizes the process as gradual and steady.

105. Sign languages are full languages with their own grammar, not simply gestured versions of spoken words. American Sign Language differs in structure from British Sign Language, even though both countries speak English. Deaf communities have developed these languages naturally over generations. To dismiss them as mere pantomime misunderstands their richness. Which sentence best summarizes the passage?
     • Only English speakers use sign language.
     • Sign languages are complete, independent languages with their own grammar.
     • All sign languages are identical.
     • Sign languages are simply spoken languages acted out.

     Correct answer: Sign languages are complete, independent languages with their own grammar.

     The passage argues sign languages are full, independent languages, refuting the pantomime view.

106. Sign languages are full languages with their own grammar, not simply gestured versions of spoken words. American Sign Language differs in structure from British Sign Language, even though both countries speak English. Deaf communities have developed these languages naturally over generations. To dismiss them as mere pantomime misunderstands their richness. The author mentions that ASL and British Sign Language differ in order to
     • Explain how to learn ASL
     • Prove that English is difficult
     • Argue British Sign Language is better
     • Show that sign languages are independent of the spoken language around them

     Correct answer: Show that sign languages are independent of the spoken language around them

     That two English-speaking countries have different sign languages shows sign languages are independent.

107. Sign languages are full languages with their own grammar, not simply gestured versions of spoken words. American Sign Language differs in structure from British Sign Language, even though both countries speak English. Deaf communities have developed these languages naturally over generations. To dismiss them as mere pantomime misunderstands their richness. As used in the passage, 'dismiss' most nearly means
     • To reject or treat as unimportant
     • To forgive
     • To send away from a job
     • To end a class

     Correct answer: To reject or treat as unimportant

     To 'dismiss' the languages as pantomime means to reject or undervalue them.

108. Article 1: Employees working from home report finishing more tasks with fewer interruptions. Article 2: Teams that never meet in person lose the spontaneous ideas that spark in shared spaces. Two articles address remote work. Article 1 stresses higher productivity at home; Article 2 stresses lost collaboration. A balanced reader would conclude that remote work
     • Is entirely negative
     • Has no measurable effects
     • Is entirely positive
     • Involves trade-offs between productivity and collaboration

     Correct answer: Involves trade-offs between productivity and collaboration

     Combining both articles shows remote work involves a trade-off between individual productivity and team collaboration.

109. Article 1: Employees working from home report finishing more tasks with fewer interruptions. Article 2: Teams that never meet in person lose the spontaneous ideas that spark in shared spaces. Which of the following, if true, would best reconcile the two articles?
     • Collaboration is impossible remotely.
     • Productivity does not matter.
     • Remote work should be banned.
     • A hybrid schedule could capture both focused work and in-person collaboration.

     Correct answer: A hybrid schedule could capture both focused work and in-person collaboration.

     A hybrid schedule addresses both the productivity benefit and the collaboration concern, reconciling the views.

110. The nurse's tender care comforted the frightened child, who soon stopped crying and fell asleep. As used in the passage, 'tender' most nearly means
     • An offer of payment
     • Painful to the touch
     • Young in age
     • Gentle and caring

     Correct answer: Gentle and caring

     Describing comforting care, 'tender' means gentle and caring.

111. Laughter may be the body's natural medicine. A hearty laugh relaxes muscles, lowers stress hormones, and briefly boosts the immune system. It also strengthens social bonds, drawing people closer. While no cure-all, laughter offers real benefits at no cost. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Laughter isolates people.
     • Laughter offers genuine physical and social benefits.
     • Laughter cures every disease.
     • Laughter weakens the immune system.

     Correct answer: Laughter offers genuine physical and social benefits.

     The passage lists physical and social benefits while noting laughter is no cure-all, the balanced main idea.

112. Laughter may be the body's natural medicine. A hearty laugh relaxes muscles, lowers stress hormones, and briefly boosts the immune system. It also strengthens social bonds, drawing people closer. While no cure-all, laughter offers real benefits at no cost. The qualifier 'While no cure-all' suggests the author wants to
     • Argue laughter is useless
     • Describe a specific illness
     • Exaggerate laughter's power
     • Keep the claim about laughter reasonable and honest

     Correct answer: Keep the claim about laughter reasonable and honest

     The qualifier tempers the claim, keeping it honest rather than overstated.

113. Laughter may be the body's natural medicine. A hearty laugh relaxes muscles, lowers stress hormones, and briefly boosts the immune system. It also strengthens social bonds, drawing people closer. While no cure-all, laughter offers real benefits at no cost. According to the passage, one social benefit of laughter is that it
     • Relaxes muscles
     • Strengthens social bonds
     • Boosts immunity
     • Lowers stress hormones

     Correct answer: Strengthens social bonds

     Strengthening social bonds is the social benefit named; the others are physical benefits.

114. The road was icy; ___, the school delayed its opening. Which transition best completes the sentence to show a result: 'The road was icy; ___, the school delayed its opening.'
     • Nevertheless
     • In contrast
     • Similarly
     • Consequently

     Correct answer: Consequently

     'Consequently' shows the delay resulted from the icy road.

115. Wetlands act like giant sponges. During heavy rains, they soak up floodwater that would otherwise rush into towns. They also filter pollutants, cleaning water before it reaches rivers. Draining wetlands for development removes this free and natural protection. What is the central idea of the passage?
     • Wetlands should always be drained.
     • Rivers clean wetlands.
     • Wetlands provide valuable flood control and water filtering.
     • Wetlands cause floods.

     Correct answer: Wetlands provide valuable flood control and water filtering.

     The passage describes wetlands absorbing floods and filtering water, valuable protective services.

116. Wetlands act like giant sponges. During heavy rains, they soak up floodwater that would otherwise rush into towns. They also filter pollutants, cleaning water before it reaches rivers. Draining wetlands for development removes this free and natural protection. The comparison of wetlands to 'giant sponges' helps readers understand that wetlands
     • Absorb large amounts of water
     • Are dry and useless
     • Float on rivers
     • Are made of foam

     Correct answer: Absorb large amounts of water

     The sponge comparison illustrates how wetlands soak up and hold large amounts of water.

117. Wetlands act like giant sponges. During heavy rains, they soak up floodwater that would otherwise rush into towns. They also filter pollutants, cleaning water before it reaches rivers. Draining wetlands for development removes this free and natural protection. It can be inferred that draining wetlands would likely lead to
     • Cleaner rivers
     • More wetlands forming
     • Less flooding in nearby towns
     • More flooding and dirtier water

     Correct answer: More flooding and dirtier water

     Removing wetlands' flood absorption and filtering would likely increase flooding and pollution.

118. Wetlands act like giant sponges. During heavy rains, they soak up floodwater that would otherwise rush into towns. They also filter pollutants, cleaning water before it reaches rivers. Draining wetlands for development removes this free and natural protection. As used in the passage, 'filter' most nearly means
     • To slow down completely
     • To remove impurities
     • To photograph
     • A camera setting

     Correct answer: To remove impurities

     Wetlands 'filter' pollutants, meaning they remove impurities from the water.

119. A study reports that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests, concluding that breakfast improves test scores. A critic responds that wealthier families are more likely both to provide breakfast and to pay for tutoring. A study claims that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests. A critic notes that wealthier families both serve breakfast and afford tutoring. The critic is pointing out that
     • Another factor may explain the link between breakfast and scores
     • Tests are unfair
     • Breakfast is unhealthy
     • The study used too many students

     Correct answer: Another factor may explain the link between breakfast and scores

     The critic identifies family wealth as a confounding factor that may explain both breakfast and higher scores.

120. A study reports that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests, concluding that breakfast improves test scores. A critic responds that wealthier families are more likely both to provide breakfast and to pay for tutoring. The critic's objection weakens the study's conclusion by suggesting that
     • Breakfast definitely lowers scores
     • The students were too young
     • The study should be repeated daily
     • Correlation may not mean breakfast caused the higher scores

     Correct answer: Correlation may not mean breakfast caused the higher scores

     By offering an alternative cause, the critic shows the correlation may not prove breakfast caused higher scores.

121. The mayor promised to address the housing shortage by approving new construction permits across the city. As used in the passage, 'address' most nearly means
     • To write on an envelope
     • To deal with or tackle
     • A location where someone lives
     • To speak to a crowd

     Correct answer: To deal with or tackle

     To 'address' the housing shortage means to deal with or tackle it.

122. Most people think of deserts as endless sand, but many deserts are rocky or even icy. A desert is defined by how little rain it receives, not by its temperature or surface. By this measure, parts of Antarctica count as deserts. The word describes dryness, not dunes. Which of the following best states the main idea?
     • All deserts are made of sand.
     • Antarctica receives heavy rainfall.
     • A desert is defined by low rainfall, not by sand or heat.
     • Deserts are always hot.

     Correct answer: A desert is defined by low rainfall, not by sand or heat.

     The passage redefines deserts by dryness rather than sand or heat, the central point.

123. Most people think of deserts as endless sand, but many deserts are rocky or even icy. A desert is defined by how little rain it receives, not by its temperature or surface. By this measure, parts of Antarctica count as deserts. The word describes dryness, not dunes. The author includes Antarctica as an example to show that
     • All cold places are deserts
     • Antarctica is very warm
     • Deserts can be cold, since the definition is based on dryness
     • Sand is found in Antarctica

     Correct answer: Deserts can be cold, since the definition is based on dryness

     Antarctica illustrates that a desert can be icy because the defining trait is low rainfall, not heat.

124. Most people think of deserts as endless sand, but many deserts are rocky or even icy. A desert is defined by how little rain it receives, not by its temperature or surface. By this measure, parts of Antarctica count as deserts. The word describes dryness, not dunes. The final sentence, 'The word describes dryness, not dunes,' mainly serves to
     • Contradict the rest of the passage
     • Restate the main point memorably
     • Introduce a new topic
     • Provide a statistic

     Correct answer: Restate the main point memorably

     The alliterative closing restates the passage's main point that dryness, not sand, defines a desert.

125. Timeline data — 1903: first powered flight; 1927: first solo transatlantic flight; 1969: first Moon landing. A timeline shows: 1903 first flight, 1927 first solo Atlantic flight, 1969 Moon landing. Which event occurred first?
     • First solo Atlantic flight
     • Moon landing
     • First powered flight
     • They occurred simultaneously.

     Correct answer: First powered flight

     The first powered flight in 1903 is the earliest date on the timeline.

126. Timeline data — 1903: first powered flight; 1927: first solo transatlantic flight; 1969: first Moon landing. Based on the timeline, how many years passed between the first powered flight and the Moon landing?
     • 56 years
     • 42 years
     • 66 years
     • 76 years

     Correct answer: 66 years

     1969 minus 1903 equals 66 years.

127. The young company needed more capital to expand, so its founders sought investors willing to fund new factories. As used in the passage, 'capital' most nearly means
     • An uppercase letter
     • A city that is a seat of government
     • Excellent or first-rate
     • Wealth or money for investment

     Correct answer: Wealth or money for investment

     The company needs 'capital' to expand, meaning money or wealth for investment.

128. Octopuses are remarkably intelligent for invertebrates. They solve puzzles, open jars, and even use coconut shells as portable shelters. Each of their eight arms can act somewhat independently, lined with sensors that taste and touch. Few animals without backbones show such problem-solving skill. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Octopuses display unusual intelligence and problem-solving ability.
     • Octopuses are simple, unthinking creatures.
     • All invertebrates are highly intelligent.
     • Octopuses have backbones.

     Correct answer: Octopuses display unusual intelligence and problem-solving ability.

     The passage emphasizes the octopus's intelligence and problem-solving, the main idea.

129. Octopuses are remarkably intelligent for invertebrates. They solve puzzles, open jars, and even use coconut shells as portable shelters. Each of their eight arms can act somewhat independently, lined with sensors that taste and touch. Few animals without backbones show such problem-solving skill. Which detail best supports the claim that octopuses are intelligent?
     • They live in the ocean.
     • They solve puzzles and open jars.
     • They lack backbones.
     • They have eight arms.

     Correct answer: They solve puzzles and open jars.

     Solving puzzles and opening jars are direct evidence of problem-solving intelligence.

130. Octopuses are remarkably intelligent for invertebrates. They solve puzzles, open jars, and even use coconut shells as portable shelters. Each of their eight arms can act somewhat independently, lined with sensors that taste and touch. Few animals without backbones show such problem-solving skill. As used in the passage, 'independently' most nearly means
     • Freely without a country's rule
     • Without help paying bills
     • Unhappily
     • On its own, separately

     Correct answer: On its own, separately

     Each arm acts 'independently,' meaning on its own or separately from the others.

131. Octopuses are remarkably intelligent for invertebrates. They solve puzzles, open jars, and even use coconut shells as portable shelters. Each of their eight arms can act somewhat independently, lined with sensors that taste and touch. Few animals without backbones show such problem-solving skill. Which best describes the overall structure of the passage?
     • A chronological story
     • A step-by-step set of instructions
     • A comparison of two animals
     • A claim followed by supporting examples

     Correct answer: A claim followed by supporting examples

     The passage states a claim about octopus intelligence, then supports it with examples.

132. Don't toss those coffee grounds. Sprinkled in a garden, used grounds add nitrogen to the soil and deter slugs. They can also neutralize odors in a refrigerator. With a little creativity, yesterday's coffee can serve a second life. What is the author's primary purpose in the passage?
     • To warn against drinking coffee
     • To suggest practical reuses for coffee grounds
     • To compare coffee brands
     • To explain how coffee is grown

     Correct answer: To suggest practical reuses for coffee grounds

     The passage offers practical ways to reuse coffee grounds, its main purpose.

133. Don't toss those coffee grounds. Sprinkled in a garden, used grounds add nitrogen to the soil and deter slugs. They can also neutralize odors in a refrigerator. With a little creativity, yesterday's coffee can serve a second life. According to the passage, coffee grounds in a garden can
     • Replace water
     • Add nitrogen and deter slugs
     • Kill all plants
     • Attract slugs

     Correct answer: Add nitrogen and deter slugs

     The passage states grounds add nitrogen to the soil and deter slugs.

134. Don't toss those coffee grounds. Sprinkled in a garden, used grounds add nitrogen to the soil and deter slugs. They can also neutralize odors in a refrigerator. With a little creativity, yesterday's coffee can serve a second life. As used in the passage, 'second life' most nearly means
     • Reincarnation
     • A new useful purpose after first use
     • A video game level
     • A longer lifespan for humans

     Correct answer: A new useful purpose after first use

     'Second life' means the grounds find a new useful purpose after being used for coffee.

135. Fingerprints form before birth and never change throughout life. Even identical twins, who share the same DNA, have different fingerprints. The unique ridges arise partly from random conditions in the womb. This is why fingerprints can identify a single individual among billions. Which sentence best states the main idea?
     • DNA determines fingerprints exactly.
     • Fingerprints change as people age.
     • Identical twins have identical fingerprints.
     • Fingerprints are unique to each person and remain unchanged for life.

     Correct answer: Fingerprints are unique to each person and remain unchanged for life.

     The passage stresses that fingerprints are unique and lifelong, the central idea.

136. Fingerprints form before birth and never change throughout life. Even identical twins, who share the same DNA, have different fingerprints. The unique ridges arise partly from random conditions in the womb. This is why fingerprints can identify a single individual among billions. The mention of identical twins supports the point that fingerprints are
     • The same for all people
     • Unique even among people with identical DNA
     • Determined entirely by DNA
     • Changeable over time

     Correct answer: Unique even among people with identical DNA

     That identical twins differ shows fingerprints are unique even when DNA is shared.

137. Fingerprints form before birth and never change throughout life. Even identical twins, who share the same DNA, have different fingerprints. The unique ridges arise partly from random conditions in the womb. This is why fingerprints can identify a single individual among billions. As used in the passage, 'arise' most nearly means
     • To come into being
     • To get out of bed
     • To rebel
     • To lift upward

     Correct answer: To come into being

     The ridges 'arise' from conditions in the womb, meaning they come into being.

138. Passage 1: The new factory would bring hundreds of jobs to a town with high unemployment. Passage 2: The factory's runoff could contaminate the river that supplies the town's drinking water. Two passages discuss a proposed factory. Passage 1 highlights new jobs; Passage 2 highlights pollution risk. A decision-maker reading both should recognize that the issue involves
     • A trade-off between economic gain and environmental risk
     • No real consequences
     • Only economic benefits
     • Only environmental harm

     Correct answer: A trade-off between economic gain and environmental risk

     The two passages together frame the decision as a trade-off between jobs and environmental risk.

139. Passage 1: The new factory would bring hundreds of jobs to a town with high unemployment. Passage 2: The factory's runoff could contaminate the river that supplies the town's drinking water. Which additional information would most help the decision-maker weigh the two passages?
     • The color of the factory building
     • The name of the factory owner
     • The factory's logo design
     • Whether pollution-control technology could limit the runoff

     Correct answer: Whether pollution-control technology could limit the runoff

     Knowing whether pollution controls could reduce the risk directly bears on balancing the jobs against the harm.

140. The doctor's grave expression told the family that the news about the patient was very serious. As used in the passage, 'grave' most nearly means
     • Serious and solemn
     • A burial site
     • To dig
     • Engraved

     Correct answer: Serious and solemn

     A 'grave' expression signaling serious news means serious and solemn.

141. Stretching before exercise has long been considered essential, but recent research questions static stretching. Holding a stretch for a long time before activity may actually weaken muscles briefly. Many trainers now recommend a dynamic warm-up of light movement instead. The advice that once seemed certain is being rethought. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Dynamic warm-ups are dangerous.
     • New research is challenging traditional advice about static stretching before exercise.
     • No one should ever warm up.
     • Stretching is always harmful.

     Correct answer: New research is challenging traditional advice about static stretching before exercise.

     The passage describes research challenging the old static-stretching advice, the central idea.

142. Stretching before exercise has long been considered essential, but recent research questions static stretching. Holding a stretch for a long time before activity may actually weaken muscles briefly. Many trainers now recommend a dynamic warm-up of light movement instead. The advice that once seemed certain is being rethought. According to the passage, what do many trainers now recommend instead of static stretching?
     • Lifting heavy weights first
     • No warm-up at all
     • A dynamic warm-up of light movement
     • Longer static stretches

     Correct answer: A dynamic warm-up of light movement

     The passage states trainers now recommend a dynamic warm-up of light movement.

143. Stretching before exercise has long been considered essential, but recent research questions static stretching. Holding a stretch for a long time before activity may actually weaken muscles briefly. Many trainers now recommend a dynamic warm-up of light movement instead. The advice that once seemed certain is being rethought. The phrase 'once seemed certain' implies that the advice about stretching was
     • Previously widely accepted but now questioned
     • Always doubted
     • Never followed by anyone
     • Proven completely false

     Correct answer: Previously widely accepted but now questioned

     'Once seemed certain' indicates the advice was widely accepted before being questioned.

144. Stretching before exercise has long been considered essential, but recent research questions static stretching. Holding a stretch for a long time before activity may actually weaken muscles briefly. Many trainers now recommend a dynamic warm-up of light movement instead. The advice that once seemed certain is being rethought. As used in the passage, 'static' most nearly means
     • Not moving; held still
     • Full of noise
     • Electrical
     • Random

     Correct answer: Not moving; held still

     'Static' stretching, contrasted with dynamic movement, means held still without motion.

145. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is not a solid island of trash, as many imagine. Instead, it is a vast soup of tiny plastic pieces spread across the water, much of it too small to see. This makes cleanup far harder than scooping up floating bottles. Preventing plastic from entering the ocean may matter more than removing it. Which of the following best states the main idea?
     • The garbage patch is mostly tiny plastic bits, making prevention crucial.
     • All ocean plastic is large and visible.
     • The garbage patch is a solid island that is easy to clean.
     • Cleanup is simple and quick.

     Correct answer: The garbage patch is mostly tiny plastic bits, making prevention crucial.

     The passage corrects the island image and stresses prevention given the tiny, dispersed plastic.

146. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is not a solid island of trash, as many imagine. Instead, it is a vast soup of tiny plastic pieces spread across the water, much of it too small to see. This makes cleanup far harder than scooping up floating bottles. Preventing plastic from entering the ocean may matter more than removing it. The author compares the garbage patch to a 'soup' in order to convey that the plastic is
     • Solid and floating
     • Easy to remove
     • Piled in one spot
     • Small, scattered, and mixed throughout the water

     Correct answer: Small, scattered, and mixed throughout the water

     The 'soup' image conveys tiny plastic pieces dispersed and mixed throughout the water.

147. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is not a solid island of trash, as many imagine. Instead, it is a vast soup of tiny plastic pieces spread across the water, much of it too small to see. This makes cleanup far harder than scooping up floating bottles. Preventing plastic from entering the ocean may matter more than removing it. It can be inferred that the author believes the best response to ocean plastic is to
     • Focus only on cleanup
     • Prevent plastic from entering the ocean in the first place
     • Build a trash island
     • Ignore the problem

     Correct answer: Prevent plastic from entering the ocean in the first place

     The final sentence states prevention may matter more than removal, revealing the author's view.

148. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is not a solid island of trash, as many imagine. Instead, it is a vast soup of tiny plastic pieces spread across the water, much of it too small to see. This makes cleanup far harder than scooping up floating bottles. Preventing plastic from entering the ocean may matter more than removing it. As used in the passage, 'vast' most nearly means
     • Empty
     • Tiny
     • Extremely large
     • Colorful

     Correct answer: Extremely large

     'Vast' describes the enormous extent of the plastic soup, meaning extremely large.

149. Venus and Earth are nearly twins in size, yet their fates could not be more different. A runaway greenhouse effect trapped heat on Venus until its surface grew hot enough to melt lead. Earth, at a slightly greater distance from the Sun, kept a climate that allowed life. Small differences can lead to vastly different worlds. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Venus is cooler than Earth.
     • Despite their similar size, Venus and Earth developed very different conditions.
     • Venus and Earth are identical in every way.
     • Earth is closer to the Sun than Venus.

     Correct answer: Despite their similar size, Venus and Earth developed very different conditions.

     The passage contrasts the similar-sized planets' very different fates, the central idea.

150. Venus and Earth are nearly twins in size, yet their fates could not be more different. A runaway greenhouse effect trapped heat on Venus until its surface grew hot enough to melt lead. Earth, at a slightly greater distance from the Sun, kept a climate that allowed life. Small differences can lead to vastly different worlds. According to the passage, what made Venus so hot?
     • Its lack of an atmosphere
     • A runaway greenhouse effect that trapped heat
     • Its distance from the Sun being greater than Earth's
     • Its great size

     Correct answer: A runaway greenhouse effect that trapped heat

     The passage attributes Venus's extreme heat to a runaway greenhouse effect that trapped heat.

151. Venus and Earth are nearly twins in size, yet their fates could not be more different. A runaway greenhouse effect trapped heat on Venus until its surface grew hot enough to melt lead. Earth, at a slightly greater distance from the Sun, kept a climate that allowed life. Small differences can lead to vastly different worlds. The final sentence, 'Small differences can lead to vastly different worlds,' functions as
     • An unrelated fact
     • A specific scientific measurement
     • A contradiction of the passage
     • A broader lesson drawn from the comparison

     Correct answer: A broader lesson drawn from the comparison

     The closing sentence generalizes a broader lesson from the Venus-Earth comparison.

152. Venus and Earth are nearly twins in size, yet their fates could not be more different. A runaway greenhouse effect trapped heat on Venus until its surface grew hot enough to melt lead. Earth, at a slightly greater distance from the Sun, kept a climate that allowed life. Small differences can lead to vastly different worlds. As used in the passage, 'fates' most nearly means
     • Outcomes or destinies
     • Distances
     • Temperatures
     • Lucky charms

     Correct answer: Outcomes or destinies

     The planets' 'fates' refer to their outcomes or destinies, how each turned out.

153. Reading aloud to children does more than entertain them. It builds vocabulary, sharpens listening skills, and links the warmth of a parent's voice to the pleasure of stories. Children read to often become eager readers themselves. A few minutes of bedtime reading can shape a lifetime habit. Which of the following best states the author's main point?
     • Reading aloud to children offers lasting developmental benefits.
     • Reading aloud only entertains children.
     • Children dislike being read to.
     • Bedtime reading has no effect.

     Correct answer: Reading aloud to children offers lasting developmental benefits.

     The passage lists developmental benefits and lasting effects of reading aloud, the main point.

154. Reading aloud to children does more than entertain them. It builds vocabulary, sharpens listening skills, and links the warmth of a parent's voice to the pleasure of stories. Children read to often become eager readers themselves. A few minutes of bedtime reading can shape a lifetime habit. As used in the passage, 'shape' most nearly means
     • To feel by touch
     • To influence or form
     • A geometric figure
     • To cut into a form

     Correct answer: To influence or form

     Reading can 'shape' a lifetime habit, meaning influence or form it.

155. Reading aloud to children does more than entertain them. It builds vocabulary, sharpens listening skills, and links the warmth of a parent's voice to the pleasure of stories. Children read to often become eager readers themselves. A few minutes of bedtime reading can shape a lifetime habit. The author would most likely agree that
     • Children should only read silently
     • Small daily habits like bedtime reading can have large long-term effects
     • Vocabulary cannot be taught
     • Reading aloud is a waste of time

     Correct answer: Small daily habits like bedtime reading can have large long-term effects

     The closing point about a few minutes shaping a lifetime habit shows the author values small daily habits.

156. Many fruits are rich in vitamin C; ___, oranges and strawberries. Which transition best completes the sentence to show an example: 'Many fruits are rich in vitamin C; ___, oranges and strawberries.'
     • However
     • Nevertheless
     • Therefore
     • For instance

     Correct answer: For instance

     'For instance' introduces examples of vitamin-C-rich fruits.

157. The myth that we use only ten percent of our brains refuses to die. In reality, brain scans show activity across nearly all regions over the course of a day. Different tasks light up different areas, but no large part sits idle. The appealing idea of hidden mental reserves is simply false. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • The brain has large idle regions.
     • Brain scans show no activity.
     • Humans use only ten percent of their brains.
     • The claim that we use only ten percent of our brains is a myth.

     Correct answer: The claim that we use only ten percent of our brains is a myth.

     The passage debunks the ten-percent myth using brain-scan evidence, the central idea.

158. The myth that we use only ten percent of our brains refuses to die. In reality, brain scans show activity across nearly all regions over the course of a day. Different tasks light up different areas, but no large part sits idle. The appealing idea of hidden mental reserves is simply false. Which evidence does the author use to refute the ten-percent myth?
     • A dictionary definition
     • Brain scans showing activity across nearly all regions
     • A personal story
     • A famous person's quote

     Correct answer: Brain scans showing activity across nearly all regions

     The author cites brain scans showing widespread activity to refute the myth.

159. The myth that we use only ten percent of our brains refuses to die. In reality, brain scans show activity across nearly all regions over the course of a day. Different tasks light up different areas, but no large part sits idle. The appealing idea of hidden mental reserves is simply false. The phrase 'refuses to die' suggests that the ten-percent myth is
     • Persistent and hard to eliminate
     • Recently invented
     • Rarely heard
     • Scientifically proven

     Correct answer: Persistent and hard to eliminate

     'Refuses to die' personifies the myth as stubbornly persistent despite being false.

160. Text: At Lincoln Middle School, most students walk to school. Chart: walking 55%, busing 30%, driving 15%. A passage states a fact and a chart provides numbers. The passage says 'most students walk to school,' and a chart shows walking 55%, busing 30%, driving 15%. The chart
     • Contradicts the passage
     • Supports the passage with specific data
     • Shows most students take the bus
     • Is unrelated to the passage

     Correct answer: Supports the passage with specific data

     The chart's 55% walking figure supports the text's claim that most students walk, adding specific data.

161. At first the new app's novelty drew thousands of users, but once the excitement of something new wore off, many drifted away. As used in the passage, 'novelty' most nearly means
     • The quality of being new and fresh
     • A payment
     • A long story
     • A complaint

     Correct answer: The quality of being new and fresh

     The app's 'novelty' that wore off refers to the quality of being new and fresh.

162. Mangrove forests grow where land meets sea, their tangled roots standing in salt water. These roots shield coastlines from storm waves and erosion. They also shelter young fish, serving as nurseries for ocean life. Protecting mangroves protects both people and the sea. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Mangroves grow only inland.
     • Mangroves cannot survive in salt water.
     • Mangroves protect coastlines and shelter marine life.
     • Mangroves harm fish populations.

     Correct answer: Mangroves protect coastlines and shelter marine life.

     The passage describes mangroves shielding coasts and sheltering fish, supporting the dual-protection main idea.

163. Mangrove forests grow where land meets sea, their tangled roots standing in salt water. These roots shield coastlines from storm waves and erosion. They also shelter young fish, serving as nurseries for ocean life. Protecting mangroves protects both people and the sea. According to the passage, mangrove roots serve as 'nurseries' because they
     • Block all ocean water
     • Feed storm waves
     • Shelter young fish as they grow
     • Produce milk for fish

     Correct answer: Shelter young fish as they grow

     The roots shelter young fish, acting like nurseries where ocean life grows.

164. Mangrove forests grow where land meets sea, their tangled roots standing in salt water. These roots shield coastlines from storm waves and erosion. They also shelter young fish, serving as nurseries for ocean life. Protecting mangroves protects both people and the sea. The word 'shield' in the passage is used to mean
     • To protect or defend
     • A police badge
     • A piece of armor
     • To attack

     Correct answer: To protect or defend

     The roots 'shield' coastlines, meaning they protect or defend them from waves.

165. The factory cut its emissions in half. Air quality in the town noticeably improved. Which best describes the relationship between the two sentences: 'The factory cut its emissions in half. Air quality in the town noticeably improved.'
     • The second is a likely effect of the first.
     • The two are unrelated.
     • The second defines the first.
     • The second contradicts the first.

     Correct answer: The second is a likely effect of the first.

     Cutting emissions plausibly caused the improved air quality, a cause-and-effect link.

166. Think twice before pouring grease down the drain. As it cools, grease hardens and clings to pipe walls, trapping food scraps until the pipe clogs. A clogged line can mean costly repairs. Letting grease cool in a can and tossing it in the trash saves money and headaches. What is the author's primary purpose in the passage?
     • To explain how pipes are manufactured
     • To compare different cooking oils
     • To describe a plumber's career
     • To advise readers not to pour grease down drains

     Correct answer: To advise readers not to pour grease down drains

     The passage warns against pouring grease down drains and suggests an alternative, its main purpose.

167. Think twice before pouring grease down the drain. As it cools, grease hardens and clings to pipe walls, trapping food scraps until the pipe clogs. A clogged line can mean costly repairs. Letting grease cool in a can and tossing it in the trash saves money and headaches. According to the passage, why does grease clog pipes?
     • It makes pipes slippery.
     • It hardens and clings to pipe walls, trapping scraps.
     • It evaporates instantly.
     • It dissolves the pipes.

     Correct answer: It hardens and clings to pipe walls, trapping scraps.

     The passage explains grease hardens, clings to walls, and traps scraps until the pipe clogs.

168. Think twice before pouring grease down the drain. As it cools, grease hardens and clings to pipe walls, trapping food scraps until the pipe clogs. A clogged line can mean costly repairs. Letting grease cool in a can and tossing it in the trash saves money and headaches. As used in the passage, 'clings' most nearly means
     • Floats above
     • Slides off
     • Lets go of
     • Sticks tightly to

     Correct answer: Sticks tightly to

     Grease 'clings' to pipe walls, meaning it sticks tightly to them.

169. Saliva does more than moisten food. It begins digestion by breaking down starches, protects teeth by washing away bacteria, and carries dissolved chemicals to taste buds so we can taste. We rarely notice this constant fluid, yet it works all day. The mouth depends on it more than most people realize. Which of the following best states the main idea?
     • Saliva harms the teeth.
     • Saliva only helps us taste food.
     • Saliva has no useful function.
     • Saliva performs several important, often overlooked functions.

     Correct answer: Saliva performs several important, often overlooked functions.

     The passage lists multiple overlooked functions of saliva, the central idea.

170. Saliva does more than moisten food. It begins digestion by breaking down starches, protects teeth by washing away bacteria, and carries dissolved chemicals to taste buds so we can taste. We rarely notice this constant fluid, yet it works all day. The mouth depends on it more than most people realize. According to the passage, how does saliva protect teeth?
     • By carrying chemicals to taste buds
     • By washing away bacteria
     • By moistening food
     • By breaking down starches

     Correct answer: By washing away bacteria

     The passage states saliva protects teeth by washing away bacteria.

171. Saliva does more than moisten food. It begins digestion by breaking down starches, protects teeth by washing away bacteria, and carries dissolved chemicals to taste buds so we can taste. We rarely notice this constant fluid, yet it works all day. The mouth depends on it more than most people realize. The phrase 'this constant fluid' refers to
     • Blood
     • Water we drink
     • Saliva
     • Stomach acid

     Correct answer: Saliva

     'This constant fluid' refers back to saliva, the passage's subject.

172. Nutrition label (per serving): 200 calories, 8g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 5g protein. A nutrition label shows per serving: 200 calories, 8g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 5g protein. If a person eats two servings, how many calories do they consume?
     • 300 calories
     • 400 calories
     • 600 calories
     • 200 calories

     Correct answer: 400 calories

     Two servings at 200 calories each equals 400 calories.

173. Nutrition label (per serving): 200 calories, 8g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 5g protein. Based on the nutrition label, which nutrient is present in the largest amount by weight per serving?
     • Carbohydrates
     • They are equal.
     • Fat
     • Protein

     Correct answer: Carbohydrates

     Carbohydrates at 30g exceed fat (8g) and protein (5g) by weight.

174. After working for hours in the hot sun, the volunteers took a short spell in the shade before returning to the task. As used in the passage, 'spell' most nearly means
     • A period of time
     • A magic charm
     • To relieve someone at work
     • To name the letters of a word

     Correct answer: A period of time

     A 'short spell' in the shade refers to a period of time spent resting.

175. Ancient Roman concrete has survived two thousand years, while much modern concrete crumbles in decades. Scientists discovered that seawater reacting with the Roman mix actually strengthened it over time, forming rare minerals. Modern engineers are now studying this recipe. The past may hold lessons for building a more durable future. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Modern concrete is stronger than Roman concrete.
     • Ancient Roman concrete's durability is teaching modern engineers.
     • Seawater always weakens concrete.
     • Roman concrete crumbles within decades.

     Correct answer: Ancient Roman concrete's durability is teaching modern engineers.

     The passage highlights Roman concrete's surprising durability and its lessons for modern engineers.

176. Ancient Roman concrete has survived two thousand years, while much modern concrete crumbles in decades. Scientists discovered that seawater reacting with the Roman mix actually strengthened it over time, forming rare minerals. Modern engineers are now studying this recipe. The past may hold lessons for building a more durable future. According to the passage, what strengthened ancient Roman concrete over time?
     • Keeping it completely dry
     • Exposure to sunlight
     • Seawater reacting with the mix to form minerals
     • Adding modern chemicals

     Correct answer: Seawater reacting with the mix to form minerals

     The passage states seawater reacting with the mix formed minerals that strengthened it.

177. Ancient Roman concrete has survived two thousand years, while much modern concrete crumbles in decades. Scientists discovered that seawater reacting with the Roman mix actually strengthened it over time, forming rare minerals. Modern engineers are now studying this recipe. The past may hold lessons for building a more durable future. The final sentence suggests the author believes that
     • Roman methods cannot be recovered
     • The past is irrelevant to modern building
     • Modern concrete needs no improvement
     • Studying old techniques can improve modern construction

     Correct answer: Studying old techniques can improve modern construction

     That the past may hold lessons for a durable future shows the author values learning from old techniques.

178. Ancient Roman concrete has survived two thousand years, while much modern concrete crumbles in decades. Scientists discovered that seawater reacting with the Roman mix actually strengthened it over time, forming rare minerals. Modern engineers are now studying this recipe. The past may hold lessons for building a more durable future. As used in the passage, 'recipe' most nearly means
     • A set of cooking instructions for food
     • A formula or method for making something
     • A doctor's prescription
     • A list of ingredients to eat

     Correct answer: A formula or method for making something

     Here 'recipe' is used figuratively to mean the formula or method for making the concrete.

179. Migrating birds can travel thousands of miles without a map, yet they rarely lose their way. They navigate using the sun, the stars, and even the Earth's magnetic field, which some can sense. Young birds inherit part of this ability and refine it through experience. Nature equips them with a remarkable built-in compass. Which of the following best states the central idea?
     • Birds rely only on maps to migrate.
     • Migrating birds navigate vast distances using multiple natural cues.
     • Only old birds can navigate.
     • Migrating birds frequently get lost.

     Correct answer: Migrating birds navigate vast distances using multiple natural cues.

     The passage explains birds use the sun, stars, and magnetic field to navigate, the central idea.

180. Migrating birds can travel thousands of miles without a map, yet they rarely lose their way. They navigate using the sun, the stars, and even the Earth's magnetic field, which some can sense. Young birds inherit part of this ability and refine it through experience. Nature equips them with a remarkable built-in compass. According to the passage, how do young birds develop their navigation ability?
     • Entirely by being taught in flocks
     • By reading maps
     • They cannot navigate until fully grown
     • They inherit part of it and refine it through experience

     Correct answer: They inherit part of it and refine it through experience

     The passage says young birds inherit part of the ability and refine it through experience.

181. Migrating birds can travel thousands of miles without a map, yet they rarely lose their way. They navigate using the sun, the stars, and even the Earth's magnetic field, which some can sense. Young birds inherit part of this ability and refine it through experience. Nature equips them with a remarkable built-in compass. The phrase 'built-in compass' is used to describe
     • A type of nest
     • A physical device birds carry
     • The birds' natural ability to sense direction
     • A man-made tool

     Correct answer: The birds' natural ability to sense direction

     'Built-in compass' is a metaphor for the birds' natural ability to sense direction.

182. Migrating birds can travel thousands of miles without a map, yet they rarely lose their way. They navigate using the sun, the stars, and even the Earth's magnetic field, which some can sense. Young birds inherit part of this ability and refine it through experience. Nature equips them with a remarkable built-in compass. As used in the passage, 'refine' most nearly means
     • To forget
     • To improve through practice
     • To purify metal
     • To copy exactly

     Correct answer: To improve through practice

     Young birds 'refine' their ability through experience, meaning they improve it.

183. Reviewer 1: The plates arrived heaped with food, far more than I could finish, all for a fair price. Reviewer 2: We waited nearly an hour between ordering and eating, and the staff seemed overwhelmed. Two reviewers describe the same restaurant. Reviewer 1 praises the generous portions; Reviewer 2 complains about slow service. These reviews suggest that
     • A single restaurant can have both strengths and weaknesses
     • The restaurant is closed
     • Both reviewers ate different meals
     • The restaurant has no strengths

     Correct answer: A single restaurant can have both strengths and weaknesses

     One praises portions while the other criticizes service, showing a restaurant can have both strengths and weaknesses.

184. Reviewer 1: The plates arrived heaped with food, far more than I could finish, all for a fair price. Reviewer 2: We waited nearly an hour between ordering and eating, and the staff seemed overwhelmed. A diner who values quick meals over portion size would most likely
     • Be most concerned by Reviewer 2's complaint about slow service
     • Ignore both reviews
     • Agree most with Reviewer 1
     • Prefer the restaurant for its speed

     Correct answer: Be most concerned by Reviewer 2's complaint about slow service

     Someone valuing quick meals would be most troubled by Reviewer 2's report of slow service.

185. The coach was firm about the team's curfew, refusing to make exceptions even for star players. As used in the passage, 'firm' most nearly means
     • Strict and unwavering
     • Solid to the touch
     • A place to sit
     • A business company

     Correct answer: Strict and unwavering

     A coach 'firm' about curfew with no exceptions is strict and unwavering.

186. The tongue is often called the strongest muscle in the body, but this is misleading. It is strong for its size and tireless, working all day to help us speak and swallow. Yet by raw force, larger muscles like those in the jaw exert more pressure. The tongue's true strength lies in endurance, not power. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • The tongue is notable for endurance rather than raw power.
     • The tongue is the weakest muscle.
     • The jaw muscles never tire.
     • The tongue is the single strongest muscle by force.

     Correct answer: The tongue is notable for endurance rather than raw power.

     The passage corrects the strongest-muscle claim, attributing the tongue's strength to endurance.

187. The tongue is often called the strongest muscle in the body, but this is misleading. It is strong for its size and tireless, working all day to help us speak and swallow. Yet by raw force, larger muscles like those in the jaw exert more pressure. The tongue's true strength lies in endurance, not power. The author includes the jaw muscles in order to
     • Argue the jaw is the strongest muscle
     • Show that other muscles exert more raw force than the tongue
     • Describe how we chew
     • Prove the tongue is the strongest

     Correct answer: Show that other muscles exert more raw force than the tongue

     The jaw example shows other muscles exceed the tongue in raw force, supporting the correction.

188. The tongue is often called the strongest muscle in the body, but this is misleading. It is strong for its size and tireless, working all day to help us speak and swallow. Yet by raw force, larger muscles like those in the jaw exert more pressure. The tongue's true strength lies in endurance, not power. As used in the passage, 'misleading' most nearly means
     • Completely true
     • Giving a false impression
     • Extremely funny
     • Very clear

     Correct answer: Giving a false impression

     'Misleading' means the claim gives a false impression.

189. Glaciers may seem permanent, but they are rivers of ice in slow motion. Gravity pulls them downhill at a pace of inches or feet per day, grinding rock into fine dust. Over thousands of years, they have carved valleys and lakes across the land. The scenery of many regions is the work of vanished ice. Which sentence best states the main idea?
     • Glaciers slowly move and shape the landscape over time.
     • Glaciers form instantly.
     • Ice cannot affect rock.
     • Glaciers never move.

     Correct answer: Glaciers slowly move and shape the landscape over time.

     The passage describes glaciers slowly moving and carving the landscape, the central idea.

190. Glaciers may seem permanent, but they are rivers of ice in slow motion. Gravity pulls them downhill at a pace of inches or feet per day, grinding rock into fine dust. Over thousands of years, they have carved valleys and lakes across the land. The scenery of many regions is the work of vanished ice. The phrase 'rivers of ice in slow motion' helps the reader understand that glaciers
     • Melt quickly
     • Flow and move, though very slowly
     • Are made of liquid water
     • Are completely still

     Correct answer: Flow and move, though very slowly

     The 'rivers in slow motion' image conveys that glaciers flow, though very slowly.

191. Glaciers may seem permanent, but they are rivers of ice in slow motion. Gravity pulls them downhill at a pace of inches or feet per day, grinding rock into fine dust. Over thousands of years, they have carved valleys and lakes across the land. The scenery of many regions is the work of vanished ice. It can be inferred from the passage that many valleys and lakes were formed by
     • Sudden floods
     • The slow movement of glaciers over time
     • Volcanic eruptions
     • Strong winds

     Correct answer: The slow movement of glaciers over time

     The passage states glaciers carved valleys and lakes over thousands of years.

192. Glaciers may seem permanent, but they are rivers of ice in slow motion. Gravity pulls them downhill at a pace of inches or feet per day, grinding rock into fine dust. Over thousands of years, they have carved valleys and lakes across the land. The scenery of many regions is the work of vanished ice. As used in the passage, 'grinding' most nearly means
     • Sharpening a blade
     • Crushing into small pieces
     • Dancing
     • Studying very hard

     Correct answer: Crushing into small pieces

     Glaciers 'grinding rock into fine dust' means crushing it into small pieces.

193. Cursive handwriting is fading from schools, and some say good riddance. But forming connected letters by hand engages the brain in ways typing does not, aiding memory and fine motor skills. Reading historical documents also requires the skill. Dropping cursive entirely may cost more than it saves. Which of the following best states the author's argument?
     • Cursive handwriting has benefits that argue against abandoning it.
     • Typing is always superior to handwriting.
     • Cursive should be removed from all schools.
     • Cursive has no connection to memory.

     Correct answer: Cursive handwriting has benefits that argue against abandoning it.

     The author argues cursive's benefits make full abandonment costly, defending its continued teaching.

194. Cursive handwriting is fading from schools, and some say good riddance. But forming connected letters by hand engages the brain in ways typing does not, aiding memory and fine motor skills. Reading historical documents also requires the skill. Dropping cursive entirely may cost more than it saves. Which reason does the author give for keeping cursive?
     • Cursive is required by law.
     • Cursive is faster than typing.
     • It aids memory and fine motor skills and allows reading historical documents.
     • Typing damages the hands.

     Correct answer: It aids memory and fine motor skills and allows reading historical documents.

     The author cites memory, fine motor skills, and reading historical documents as reasons to keep cursive.

195. Cursive handwriting is fading from schools, and some say good riddance. But forming connected letters by hand engages the brain in ways typing does not, aiding memory and fine motor skills. Reading historical documents also requires the skill. Dropping cursive entirely may cost more than it saves. The phrase 'good riddance' indicates that some people view the loss of cursive as
     • A confusing change
     • A welcome relief
     • An illegal act
     • A deep loss

     Correct answer: A welcome relief

     'Good riddance' expresses relief at being rid of something, showing some welcome cursive's decline.

196. The blacksmith would temper the steel blade, heating and cooling it carefully to make it both hard and flexible. As used in the passage, 'temper' most nearly means
     • To lose patience
     • To toughen by heating and cooling
     • A musical key
     • A bad mood

     Correct answer: To toughen by heating and cooling

     To 'temper' steel means to toughen it through controlled heating and cooling.

197. A single tree in a forest is rarely alone. Underground, threads of fungus connect the roots of many trees, forming a network that shares water, nutrients, and even warning signals. A large old tree may feed dozens of smaller ones through these links. The forest behaves less like a crowd of individuals than a connected community. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Fungus harms forest trees.
     • Trees in a forest are linked underground into a cooperative network.
     • Trees in a forest are completely independent.
     • Old trees take resources from young ones.

     Correct answer: Trees in a forest are linked underground into a cooperative network.

     The passage describes an underground fungal network connecting trees into a community, the main idea.

198. A single tree in a forest is rarely alone. Underground, threads of fungus connect the roots of many trees, forming a network that shares water, nutrients, and even warning signals. A large old tree may feed dozens of smaller ones through these links. The forest behaves less like a crowd of individuals than a connected community. According to the passage, what flows through the underground fungal network?
     • Water, nutrients, and warning signals
     • Only water
     • Air and smoke
     • Only sunlight

     Correct answer: Water, nutrients, and warning signals

     The passage states the network shares water, nutrients, and even warning signals.

199. A single tree in a forest is rarely alone. Underground, threads of fungus connect the roots of many trees, forming a network that shares water, nutrients, and even warning signals. A large old tree may feed dozens of smaller ones through these links. The forest behaves less like a crowd of individuals than a connected community. The final sentence contrasts a 'crowd of individuals' with a 'connected community' in order to
     • Emphasize that the forest is interconnected and cooperative
     • Argue trees compete fiercely
     • Describe how people behave in crowds
     • Explain how fungus grows

     Correct answer: Emphasize that the forest is interconnected and cooperative

     The contrast stresses the forest's interconnected, cooperative nature, the passage's theme.

200. A single tree in a forest is rarely alone. Underground, threads of fungus connect the roots of many trees, forming a network that shares water, nutrients, and even warning signals. A large old tree may feed dozens of smaller ones through these links. The forest behaves less like a crowd of individuals than a connected community. As used in the passage, 'network' most nearly means
     • A fishing net
     • A television channel
     • A social media site
     • An interconnected system

     Correct answer: An interconnected system

     Here 'network' means an interconnected system linking the trees' roots.

201. The placebo of a good night's story extends beyond children. Adults who read fiction regularly tend to show greater empathy, perhaps because stories let us inhabit other minds. Following a character's struggles, we practice understanding feelings unlike our own. Fiction, it seems, can be a gym for the heart. Which of the following best states the main idea?
     • Only children benefit from stories.
     • Empathy cannot be developed.
     • Reading fiction may build empathy in adults.
     • Fiction has no effect on emotions.

     Correct answer: Reading fiction may build empathy in adults.

     The passage argues reading fiction builds empathy by letting readers inhabit other minds, the main idea.

202. The placebo of a good night's story extends beyond children. Adults who read fiction regularly tend to show greater empathy, perhaps because stories let us inhabit other minds. Following a character's struggles, we practice understanding feelings unlike our own. Fiction, it seems, can be a gym for the heart. The metaphor 'a gym for the heart' suggests that fiction
     • Weakens emotions
     • Exercises and strengthens our emotional understanding
     • Is a waste of time
     • Is purely for physical exercise

     Correct answer: Exercises and strengthens our emotional understanding

     'A gym for the heart' implies fiction exercises and strengthens emotional understanding, like a workout.

203. The placebo of a good night's story extends beyond children. Adults who read fiction regularly tend to show greater empathy, perhaps because stories let us inhabit other minds. Following a character's struggles, we practice understanding feelings unlike our own. Fiction, it seems, can be a gym for the heart. It can be inferred that the author values fiction for its ability to
     • Improve physical fitness
     • Entertain only
     • Teach scientific facts
     • Help readers understand others' feelings

     Correct answer: Help readers understand others' feelings

     The passage links fiction to greater empathy and understanding others, what the author values.

204. The placebo of a good night's story extends beyond children. Adults who read fiction regularly tend to show greater empathy, perhaps because stories let us inhabit other minds. Following a character's struggles, we practice understanding feelings unlike our own. Fiction, it seems, can be a gym for the heart. As used in the passage, 'inhabit' most nearly means
     • To occupy or enter into
     • To build
     • To destroy
     • To ignore

     Correct answer: To occupy or enter into

     To 'inhabit other minds' means to occupy or enter into them imaginatively.

205. ___ the evidence was strong, the jury hesitated to convict. Which transition best completes the sentence to show concession: '___ the evidence was strong, the jury hesitated to convict.'
     • Although
     • Therefore
     • Because
     • Since

     Correct answer: Although

     'Although' concedes the strong evidence while contrasting it with the jury's hesitation.

206. Bamboo is technically a grass, yet it grows taller than many trees. Some species shoot up nearly a meter in a single day, making bamboo one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Because it regrows so quickly after cutting, it is prized as a renewable material. Strength and speed make it a building block for a greener future. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Bamboo is a fast-growing grass valued as a renewable material.
     • Bamboo is a slow-growing tree.
     • Bamboo grows only in winter.
     • Bamboo cannot be used for building.

     Correct answer: Bamboo is a fast-growing grass valued as a renewable material.

     The passage stresses bamboo's rapid growth and renewability as a material, the central idea.

207. Bamboo is technically a grass, yet it grows taller than many trees. Some species shoot up nearly a meter in a single day, making bamboo one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Because it regrows so quickly after cutting, it is prized as a renewable material. Strength and speed make it a building block for a greener future. Why is bamboo prized as a renewable material, according to the passage?
     • It is the only building material available.
     • It is very rare.
     • It never needs sunlight.
     • It regrows quickly after being cut.

     Correct answer: It regrows quickly after being cut.

     The passage states bamboo is prized because it regrows quickly after cutting.

208. Bamboo is technically a grass, yet it grows taller than many trees. Some species shoot up nearly a meter in a single day, making bamboo one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Because it regrows so quickly after cutting, it is prized as a renewable material. Strength and speed make it a building block for a greener future. The detail that bamboo is 'technically a grass' is included to
     • Prove bamboo is weak
     • Confuse the reader
     • Describe how grass grows
     • Surprise the reader, since bamboo grows so tall

     Correct answer: Surprise the reader, since bamboo grows so tall

     Noting bamboo is a grass yet grows taller than trees creates a surprising contrast for the reader.

209. Bamboo is technically a grass, yet it grows taller than many trees. Some species shoot up nearly a meter in a single day, making bamboo one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Because it regrows so quickly after cutting, it is prized as a renewable material. Strength and speed make it a building block for a greener future. As used in the passage, 'prized' most nearly means
     • Opened with a tool
     • Highly valued
     • Priced cheaply
     • Awarded a trophy

     Correct answer: Highly valued

     Bamboo is 'prized' as a material, meaning it is highly valued.

210. A resident writes: 'Our town should install more streetlights. Better lighting will reduce nighttime traffic accidents.' A passage argues that a town should add streetlights to reduce nighttime accidents. Which evidence would most strengthen the argument?
     • A statement that streetlights look nice
     • The cost of electricity
     • Statistics showing fewer night accidents in similar towns after adding streetlights
     • An opinion that nighttime is dangerous

     Correct answer: Statistics showing fewer night accidents in similar towns after adding streetlights

     Statistics from comparable towns showing reduced night accidents after adding lights directly support the claim.

211. A resident writes: 'Our town should install more streetlights. Better lighting will reduce nighttime traffic accidents.' Which question would best help a reader evaluate the resident's argument?
     • How tall are the poles?
     • Is there evidence that streetlights actually reduce accidents?
     • Who manufactures the lights?
     • What color are the streetlights?

     Correct answer: Is there evidence that streetlights actually reduce accidents?

     Asking whether evidence supports the lighting-accident link is the key to evaluating the argument.

212. The novel was praised for its rich detail, painting each scene so vividly that readers felt they could step inside. As used in the passage, 'rich' most nearly means
     • Deep in color only
     • Fatty in taste
     • Wealthy
     • Abundant and full

     Correct answer: Abundant and full

     'Rich detail' that vividly paints scenes means abundant and full detail.

213. Many assume that goldfish have a memory of only a few seconds, but this is a myth. In experiments, goldfish have learned to push levers for food and to recognize their owners. They can remember tasks for months. The humble goldfish is far smarter than its reputation suggests. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Goldfish have better memories than commonly believed.
     • Goldfish cannot learn tasks.
     • Goldfish forget everything within seconds.
     • Goldfish never recognize people.

     Correct answer: Goldfish have better memories than commonly believed.

     The passage debunks the short-memory myth, showing goldfish remember tasks for months.

214. Many assume that goldfish have a memory of only a few seconds, but this is a myth. In experiments, goldfish have learned to push levers for food and to recognize their owners. They can remember tasks for months. The humble goldfish is far smarter than its reputation suggests. Which evidence does the author use to challenge the goldfish-memory myth?
     • A famous quotation
     • Experiments showing goldfish learn and remember tasks for months
     • A personal story about a pet
     • A dictionary definition of memory

     Correct answer: Experiments showing goldfish learn and remember tasks for months

     The author cites experiments in which goldfish learned levers and remembered tasks for months.

215. Many assume that goldfish have a memory of only a few seconds, but this is a myth. In experiments, goldfish have learned to push levers for food and to recognize their owners. They can remember tasks for months. The humble goldfish is far smarter than its reputation suggests. The phrase 'the humble goldfish' suggests the author regards the goldfish as
     • Enormous
     • Arrogant and proud
     • Dangerous
     • Modest and underestimated

     Correct answer: Modest and underestimated

     'Humble' here suggests the goldfish is modest and underestimated, smarter than its reputation.

216. Many assume that goldfish have a memory of only a few seconds, but this is a myth. In experiments, goldfish have learned to push levers for food and to recognize their owners. They can remember tasks for months. The humble goldfish is far smarter than its reputation suggests. As used in the passage, 'reputation' most nearly means
     • Price
     • Habitat
     • Physical appearance
     • The general opinion held about something

     Correct answer: The general opinion held about something

     The goldfish's 'reputation' is the general opinion people hold about it.

217. Recycling is helpful, but reducing waste in the first place matters more. Recycling still uses energy to collect, sort, and process materials, and not everything can be recycled. Buying less and reusing what we have cut waste at the source. The familiar slogan lists 'reduce' first for a reason. Which of the following best states the central idea?
     • Reusing items is impossible.
     • Recycling is the most important step.
     • Recycling uses no energy.
     • Reducing waste matters more than recycling it.

     Correct answer: Reducing waste matters more than recycling it.

     The passage argues reducing waste outranks recycling, supported by the slogan's order.

218. Recycling is helpful, but reducing waste in the first place matters more. Recycling still uses energy to collect, sort, and process materials, and not everything can be recycled. Buying less and reusing what we have cut waste at the source. The familiar slogan lists 'reduce' first for a reason. The author notes that the slogan 'lists reduce first for a reason' to suggest that
     • Recycling should come first
     • Reducing is meant to be the top priority
     • The slogan is incorrect
     • The order of the slogan is random

     Correct answer: Reducing is meant to be the top priority

     The author implies 'reduce' comes first because it is meant to be the top priority.

219. Recycling is helpful, but reducing waste in the first place matters more. Recycling still uses energy to collect, sort, and process materials, and not everything can be recycled. Buying less and reusing what we have cut waste at the source. The familiar slogan lists 'reduce' first for a reason. According to the passage, one drawback of recycling is that it
     • Still uses energy and cannot handle everything
     • Is more expensive than buying new
     • Creates more trash
     • Is illegal in many places

     Correct answer: Still uses energy and cannot handle everything

     The passage states recycling uses energy and that not everything can be recycled.

220. Recycling is helpful, but reducing waste in the first place matters more. Recycling still uses energy to collect, sort, and process materials, and not everything can be recycled. Buying less and reusing what we have cut waste at the source. The familiar slogan lists 'reduce' first for a reason. As used in the passage, 'source' most nearly means
     • A sauce
     • A river's beginning
     • A reference book
     • The point of origin

     Correct answer: The point of origin

     Cutting waste 'at the source' means at its point of origin, before it is created.

221. Keep a houseplant or two on your desk. Studies suggest that indoor plants can lower stress and sharpen focus during long work hours. They add a touch of life to dull office spaces and may even filter the air slightly. A small green companion could make the workday brighter. What is the author's primary purpose in the passage?
     • To compare office furniture
     • To explain plant biology
     • To encourage readers to keep plants at their desks
     • To warn about the dangers of plants

     Correct answer: To encourage readers to keep plants at their desks

     The passage urges readers to keep desk plants and lists their benefits, its main purpose.

222. Keep a houseplant or two on your desk. Studies suggest that indoor plants can lower stress and sharpen focus during long work hours. They add a touch of life to dull office spaces and may even filter the air slightly. A small green companion could make the workday brighter. According to the passage, what benefit do indoor plants offer during work?
     • They can lower stress and sharpen focus.
     • They increase stress.
     • They make rooms darker.
     • They block computer screens.

     Correct answer: They can lower stress and sharpen focus.

     The passage states indoor plants can lower stress and sharpen focus.

223. Keep a houseplant or two on your desk. Studies suggest that indoor plants can lower stress and sharpen focus during long work hours. They add a touch of life to dull office spaces and may even filter the air slightly. A small green companion could make the workday brighter. The phrase 'a small green companion' refers to
     • A coworker
     • A coffee mug
     • A desk plant
     • A computer

     Correct answer: A desk plant

     'A small green companion' is a friendly way of referring to the desk plant.

224. Passage 1: Practicing skills at home helps lessons stick and prepares students for tests. Passage 2: Hours of nightly assignments leave children stressed and families with little time together. Two passages discuss homework. Passage 1 says homework reinforces learning; Passage 2 says it causes stress and steals family time. A reader weighing both should conclude that homework
     • Has only drawbacks
     • Involves both potential benefits and costs
     • Has only benefits
     • Does not exist

     Correct answer: Involves both potential benefits and costs

     The two passages together show homework has both learning benefits and personal costs.

225. Passage 1: Practicing skills at home helps lessons stick and prepares students for tests. Passage 2: Hours of nightly assignments leave children stressed and families with little time together. Which compromise would best address the concerns in both passages?
     • Assign homework only on weekends with no limit
     • Assign a moderate, focused amount of homework
     • Eliminate all homework
     • Triple the amount of homework

     Correct answer: Assign a moderate, focused amount of homework

     A moderate, focused amount preserves the learning benefit while reducing the stress and time costs.

226. Passage 1: Practicing skills at home helps lessons stick and prepares students for tests. Passage 2: Hours of nightly assignments leave children stressed and families with little time together, stealing hours they might spend together. As used in the passage, 'steals' most nearly means
     • Takes away wrongly
     • Moves quietly
     • Wins a prize
     • Robs a bank

     Correct answer: Takes away wrongly

     Homework 'stealing' family time means it wrongly takes away hours they could share.

227. The color of a flame reveals its temperature. A candle's yellow flame is cooler, while the blue flame of a gas stove burns hotter. Engineers and chemists read these colors to gauge heat without a thermometer. In fire, color is a kind of secret language of energy. What is the main idea of the passage?
     • Blue flames are cooler than yellow ones.
     • Flame color indicates how hot a fire is.
     • Color has nothing to do with heat.
     • All flames are the same temperature.

     Correct answer: Flame color indicates how hot a fire is.

     The passage explains that flame color reveals temperature, the central idea.

228. The color of a flame reveals its temperature. A candle's yellow flame is cooler, while the blue flame of a gas stove burns hotter. Engineers and chemists read these colors to gauge heat without a thermometer. In fire, color is a kind of secret language of energy. According to the passage, which flame is hotter?
     • Both are equal
     • Neither produces heat
     • A gas stove's blue flame
     • A candle's yellow flame

     Correct answer: A gas stove's blue flame

     The passage states the blue flame of a gas stove burns hotter than a candle's yellow flame.

229. The color of a flame reveals its temperature. A candle's yellow flame is cooler, while the blue flame of a gas stove burns hotter. Engineers and chemists read these colors to gauge heat without a thermometer. In fire, color is a kind of secret language of energy. The phrase 'secret language of energy' is used to suggest that flame color
     • Is invisible
     • Communicates information about heat to those who know how to read it
     • Cannot be understood
     • Is meaningless

     Correct answer: Communicates information about heat to those who know how to read it

     The metaphor implies color communicates heat information that informed observers can 'read.'

230. The color of a flame reveals its temperature. A candle's yellow flame is cooler, while the blue flame of a gas stove burns hotter. Engineers and chemists read these colors to gauge heat without a thermometer. In fire, color is a kind of secret language of energy. As used in the passage, 'gauge' most nearly means
     • To paint
     • To ignore
     • To estimate or measure
     • To increase

     Correct answer: To estimate or measure

     To 'gauge heat' means to estimate or measure it.

231. Honey never truly spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient tombs that are still edible after thousands of years. Its low moisture and natural acidity make it nearly impossible for bacteria to grow. Sealed and kept dry, honey can outlast civilizations. Which sentence best states the main idea?
     • Honey spoils within days.
     • Bacteria thrive in honey.
     • Honey can last almost indefinitely because bacteria cannot grow in it.
     • Honey is found only in stores.

     Correct answer: Honey can last almost indefinitely because bacteria cannot grow in it.

     The passage explains honey's near-eternal shelf life due to conditions that prevent bacterial growth.

232. Honey never truly spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient tombs that are still edible after thousands of years. Its low moisture and natural acidity make it nearly impossible for bacteria to grow. Sealed and kept dry, honey can outlast civilizations. According to the passage, why can bacteria not grow in honey?
     • Honey is too sweet to taste
     • It is kept frozen
     • Bacteria avoid sweet foods
     • Its low moisture and natural acidity prevent bacterial growth

     Correct answer: Its low moisture and natural acidity prevent bacterial growth

     The passage attributes honey's preservation to its low moisture and natural acidity.

233. Honey never truly spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient tombs that are still edible after thousands of years. Its low moisture and natural acidity make it nearly impossible for bacteria to grow. Sealed and kept dry, honey can outlast civilizations. The detail about honey found in ancient tombs is included to
     • Compare honey to other foods
     • Provide striking evidence of honey's long shelf life
     • Explain how honey is made
     • Describe ancient burial customs

     Correct answer: Provide striking evidence of honey's long shelf life

     The tomb example gives vivid evidence that honey lasts thousands of years.

234. With a pressing deadline approaching, the team worked through the night to finish the report on time. As used in the passage, 'pressing' most nearly means
     • Ironing clothes
     • Urgent and demanding attention
     • Pushing a button
     • Squeezing tightly

     Correct answer: Urgent and demanding attention

     A 'pressing deadline' is one that is urgent and demands immediate attention.

235. The hummingbird's heart can beat over a thousand times a minute during flight. To fuel this furious pace, the bird must eat almost constantly, visiting hundreds of flowers a day. At night, it slows its body into a deep, sleep-like state to save energy. Survival for a hummingbird is a daily race against starvation. What is the central idea of the passage?
     • Hummingbirds have slow heartbeats.
     • Hummingbirds rarely need to eat.
     • A hummingbird's high energy needs force it to eat constantly and conserve energy at night.
     • Hummingbirds never sleep.

     Correct answer: A hummingbird's high energy needs force it to eat constantly and conserve energy at night.

     The passage describes the hummingbird's intense energy demands and survival strategies, the central idea.

236. The hummingbird's heart can beat over a thousand times a minute during flight. To fuel this furious pace, the bird must eat almost constantly, visiting hundreds of flowers a day. At night, it slows its body into a deep, sleep-like state to save energy. Survival for a hummingbird is a daily race against starvation. According to the passage, how does a hummingbird save energy at night?
     • By eating more flowers
     • By slowing its body into a deep, sleep-like state
     • By flying faster
     • By raising its heart rate

     Correct answer: By slowing its body into a deep, sleep-like state

     The passage states the bird slows its body into a deep, sleep-like state at night to save energy.

237. The hummingbird's heart can beat over a thousand times a minute during flight. To fuel this furious pace, the bird must eat almost constantly, visiting hundreds of flowers a day. At night, it slows its body into a deep, sleep-like state to save energy. Survival for a hummingbird is a daily race against starvation. The phrase 'a daily race against starvation' emphasizes that the hummingbird's life is
     • Spent mostly sleeping
     • A constant, urgent struggle for food
     • Free of any danger
     • Relaxed and easy

     Correct answer: A constant, urgent struggle for food

     'A daily race against starvation' stresses the constant, urgent struggle to get enough food.

238. The hummingbird's heart can beat over a thousand times a minute during flight. To fuel this furious pace, the bird must eat almost constantly, visiting hundreds of flowers a day. At night, it slows its body into a deep, sleep-like state to save energy. Survival for a hummingbird is a daily race against starvation. As used in the passage, 'furious' most nearly means
     • Calm
     • Very angry
     • Extremely fast and intense
     • Colorful

     Correct answer: Extremely fast and intense

     A 'furious pace' describes the extremely fast, intense rate of the heartbeat.

239. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Neither the manager nor the employees (A) was (B) willing to accept the new policy without first (C) discussing its (D) potential effects.
     • Was
     • Willing
     • No error
     • Discussing its

     Correct answer: Was

     With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'employees,' which is plural and requires 'were.'

240. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The committee (A) reviewed the proposal (B) careful before (C) deciding to (D) approve it.
     • Deciding to
     • No error
     • Careful
     • Reviewed the proposal

     Correct answer: Careful

     An adverb is needed to modify the verb 'reviewed'; 'careful' should be 'carefully.'

241. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Each of the students (A) were required (B) to submit (C) their essay (D) by Friday.
     • Were required
     • Their essay
     • To submit
     • No error

     Correct answer: Were required

     The subject 'Each' is singular and requires the singular verb 'was required.'

242. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The novel, (A) which was published in 1925, (B) remains (C) more popular than (D) any book of its era.
     • Any book of its era
     • Which was published in 1925,
     • Remains
     • More popular than

     Correct answer: Any book of its era

     Because the novel is part of its era, it should be compared to 'any other book of its era' to avoid comparing the item to itself.

243. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' After (A) running the marathon, (B) the medal was awarded (C) to the exhausted (D) athlete.
     • To the exhausted
     • The medal was awarded
     • No error
     • Running the marathon,

     Correct answer: The medal was awarded

     The introductory phrase 'After running the marathon' dangles; it should modify the athlete, not 'the medal.'

244. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The teacher gave the assignment to (A) Maria and (B) I, expecting (C) us to finish (D) it together.
     • I,
     • It together
     • Us to finish
     • Maria and

     Correct answer: I,

     As the object of the preposition 'to,' the pronoun should be in the objective case: 'Maria and me.'

245. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The reasons for the company's (A) success was (B) careful planning, (C) strong leadership, and (D) loyal customers.
     • Strong leadership,
     • Loyal customers
     • Success
     • Was

     Correct answer: Was

     The subject 'reasons' is plural, so the verb should be 'were,' not 'was.'

246. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' By the time the firefighters (A) arrived, the flames (B) already spread (C) to the roof of (D) the building.
     • Already spread
     • To the roof of
     • Arrived,
     • The building

     Correct answer: Already spread

     The earlier completed action requires the past perfect tense: 'had already spread.'

247. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Everyone on the women's team (A) brought (B) their own (C) equipment to (D) the tournament.
     • Brought
     • Their own
     • The tournament
     • Equipment to

     Correct answer: Their own

     'Everyone' is singular, so the pronoun should be 'her own' to agree with the antecedent.

248. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The principal, (A) along with several teachers, (B) are attending (C) the conference (D) in Chicago.
     • Along with several teachers,
     • The conference
     • Are attending
     • In Chicago

     Correct answer: Are attending

     The phrase 'along with several teachers' is parenthetical; the singular subject 'principal' requires 'is attending.'

249. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' She is one of those people (A) who always (B) arrives early (C) and stays (D) late.
     • Arrives early
     • Who always
     • Late
     • And stays

     Correct answer: Arrives early

     The relative pronoun 'who' refers to the plural 'people,' so the verb should be 'arrive,' not 'arrives.'

250. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The data (A) collected during the study (B) clearly suggests (C) that the treatment (D) is effective.
     • Collected during the study
     • That the treatment
     • Clearly suggests
     • Is effective

     Correct answer: Clearly suggests

     In formal usage 'data' is treated as plural, requiring 'suggest' rather than 'suggests.'

251. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Walking quietly through the museum, (A) the paintings (B) impressed (C) the young (D) students.
     • Impressed
     • Students
     • The young
     • The paintings

     Correct answer: The paintings

     The modifier 'Walking quietly through the museum' should describe the students, not 'the paintings,' which cannot walk.

252. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Between you and (A) I, the proposal (B) seems unlikely (C) to gain (D) the board's approval.
     • To gain
     • The board's approval
     • I,
     • Seems unlikely

     Correct answer: I,

     As the object of the preposition 'between,' the pronoun must be objective: 'between you and me.'

253. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The new policy will effect (A) every department, (B) requiring managers (C) to revise (D) their budgets.
     • Their budgets
     • Requiring managers
     • Effect
     • To revise

     Correct answer: Effect

     The verb meaning 'to influence' is 'affect'; 'effect' is normally a noun here.

254. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Neither the report (A) nor the slides (B) was ready (C) when the meeting (D) began.
     • Was ready
     • When the meeting
     • Began
     • Nor the slides

     Correct answer: Was ready

     With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject 'slides,' which is plural, requiring 'were.'

255. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The professor explained (A) that the experiment (B) had went (C) exactly as (D) predicted.
     • Exactly as
     • That the experiment
     • Predicted
     • Had went

     Correct answer: Had went

     The past participle of 'go' is 'gone,' so the phrase should be 'had gone.'

256. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' If I (A) was you, I (B) would reconsider (C) the offer before (D) signing the contract.
     • Was
     • Would reconsider
     • The offer before
     • Signing the contract

     Correct answer: Was

     A contrary-to-fact condition requires the subjunctive 'were': 'If I were you.'

257. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The students were (A) less interested (B) in the lecture (C) then they (D) were in the discussion.
     • Then they
     • Less interested
     • In the lecture
     • Were in the discussion

     Correct answer: Then they

     A comparison requires 'than,' not the time word 'then.'

258. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The coach told the players (A) that they (B) had ran (C) faster than (D) any rival team.
     • Any rival team
     • That they
     • Faster than
     • Had ran

     Correct answer: Had ran

     The past participle of 'run' is 'run,' so the phrase should be 'had run.'

259. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Of the two candidates, she was clearly the (A) most qualified, (B) having served (C) longer and (D) led more projects.
     • Most qualified,
     • Longer and
     • Led more projects
     • Having served

     Correct answer: Most qualified,

     When comparing only two items, the comparative 'more qualified' is required, not the superlative 'most qualified.'

260. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The number of applicants (A) have increased (B) sharply since (C) the program (D) expanded.
     • Expanded
     • Sharply since
     • The program
     • Have increased

     Correct answer: Have increased

     'The number of' takes a singular verb, so it should be 'has increased.'

261. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Each of the volunteers (A) donated (B) generously, and (C) their efforts (D) raised thousands.
     • Generously,
     • Raised thousands
     • Donated
     • Their efforts

     Correct answer: Their efforts

     'Each' is singular, so a singular pronoun such as 'his or her efforts' is required, not 'their.'

262. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The teacher, as well as the students, (A) were excited (B) about the field trip (C) to the (D) science center.
     • About the field trip
     • To the
     • Science center
     • Were excited

     Correct answer: Were excited

     The phrase 'as well as the students' is parenthetical; the singular subject 'teacher' requires 'was excited.'

263. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The committee will lay (A) the new plan (B) before the board (C) after they (D) have reviewed it.
     • The new plan
     • No error
     • Before the board
     • After they

     Correct answer: No error

     'Lay' (to place something) is correctly used with its object 'the new plan'; the sentence contains no error.

264. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The reason the project failed (A) is because (B) the team (C) lacked sufficient (D) funding.
     • Lacked sufficient
     • Is because
     • The team
     • Funding

     Correct answer: Is because

     'The reason...is because' is redundant; standard usage requires 'the reason...is that.'

265. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Hardly had the bell rung (A) when the students (B) rushed (C) toward (D) the door.
     • No error
     • When the students
     • Rushed
     • Toward

     Correct answer: No error

     'Hardly...when' is the correct correlative pairing, and the sentence is free of errors.

266. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The manager insisted that the report (A) is submitted (B) by noon, (C) regardless of (D) the delays.
     • The delays
     • Regardless of
     • By noon,
     • Is submitted

     Correct answer: Is submitted

     After 'insisted that,' the subjunctive 'be submitted' is required.

267. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Their (A) going to announce (B) the winners (C) at the (D) ceremony tonight.
     • At the
     • Going to announce
     • The winners
     • Their

     Correct answer: Their

     The contraction for 'they are' is 'They're,' not the possessive 'Their.'

268. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The amount of students (A) enrolled in (B) the course (C) exceeded (D) all expectations.
     • The course
     • Enrolled in
     • Exceeded
     • Amount of students

     Correct answer: Amount of students

     For countable nouns, 'number of students' is correct; 'amount' is used for noncount nouns.

269. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' She performed (A) good on (B) the exam, (C) earning (D) the highest score.
     • The highest score
     • Earning
     • The exam,
     • Good on

     Correct answer: Good on

     The adverb 'well' is needed to modify the verb 'performed,' not the adjective 'good.'

270. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Whom (A) do you think (B) will be chosen (C) to lead (D) the new initiative?
     • Whom
     • To lead
     • Do you think
     • Will be chosen

     Correct answer: Whom

     The pronoun is the subject of 'will be chosen,' so it should be 'Who,' not 'Whom.'

271. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The library has (A) less books (B) on that topic (C) than the (D) main branch does.
     • Than the
     • On that topic
     • Less books
     • Main branch does

     Correct answer: Less books

     'Books' are countable, so 'fewer books' is correct; 'less' is used for noncount nouns.

272. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Having studied all night, (A) the test (B) seemed easy (C) to the (D) prepared student.
     • Prepared student
     • To the
     • Seemed easy
     • The test

     Correct answer: The test

     The introductory phrase dangles; the test did not study all night, so the subject should be the student.

273. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The principal awarded the prize to (A) whomever (B) had earned (C) the most (D) points.
     • Whomever
     • Points
     • Had earned
     • The most

     Correct answer: Whomever

     The pronoun is the subject of 'had earned,' so the subjective 'whoever' is required.

274. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Each player and coach (A) were given (B) a medal (C) at the end (D) of the season.
     • A medal
     • Were given
     • Of the season
     • At the end

     Correct answer: Were given

     When two singular subjects are joined by 'and' but preceded by 'each,' the verb is singular: 'was given.'

275. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The teacher praised the students for (A) there (B) excellent work (C) on the (D) group project.
     • Group project
     • There
     • Excellent work
     • On the

     Correct answer: There

     The possessive pronoun 'their' is required, not the adverb of place 'there.'

276. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The scientist's findings (A) was published (B) in a respected journal (C) and cited (D) widely.
     • In a respected journal
     • Was published
     • And cited
     • Widely

     Correct answer: Was published

     The plural subject 'findings' requires the plural verb 'were published.'

277. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' He is the kind of leader (A) that inspires (B) loyalty and (C) who motivates (D) his team.
     • Who motivates
     • That inspires
     • His team
     • Loyalty and

     Correct answer: That inspires

     For consistency with 'who motivates,' the relative pronoun referring to a person should be 'who inspires.'

278. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The instructions said to thoroughly (A) read each (B) section before (C) you begin (D) the test.
     • Section before
     • To thoroughly
     • Read each
     • You begin

     Correct answer: You begin

     The sentence is grammatically correct; the split infinitive is acceptable in standard written English.

279. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Either the students (A) or the teacher (B) are responsible (C) for cleaning (D) the lab.
     • For cleaning
     • The lab
     • Or the teacher
     • Are responsible

     Correct answer: Are responsible

     With 'either...or,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject 'teacher,' which is singular, requiring 'is responsible.'

280. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The jury (A) reached (B) it's verdict (C) after deliberating (D) for hours.
     • Reached
     • It's verdict
     • For hours
     • After deliberating

     Correct answer: It's verdict

     The possessive form is 'its'; 'it's' is the contraction for 'it is.'

281. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The teacher couldn't hardly (A) believe (B) how quickly (C) the students (D) improved.
     • The students
     • How quickly
     • Believe
     • Couldn't hardly

     Correct answer: Couldn't hardly

     'Couldn't hardly' is a double negative; standard usage is 'could hardly.'

282. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Lying (A) on the table, the cat (B) watched (C) the birds (D) outside.
     • Lying
     • Watched
     • No error
     • The birds

     Correct answer: No error

     'Lying' (reclining) is correctly used, and the modifier properly describes the cat; there is no error.

283. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The report compares the city's growth (A) to the (B) other major cities, (C) noting striking (D) similarities.
     • Similarities
     • To the
     • Noting striking
     • Other major cities,

     Correct answer: To the

     The comparison is faulty: the city's growth should be compared to the growth 'of' other cities, not to the cities themselves.

284. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Whose (A) responsible for (B) ensuring that (C) the equipment (D) is returned?
     • Ensuring that
     • Whose
     • Is returned
     • The equipment

     Correct answer: Whose

     The contraction 'Who's' (who is) is required, not the possessive 'Whose.'

285. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The teacher divided the candy (A) between (B) the four (C) children (D) equally.
     • Equally
     • Between
     • The four
     • Children

     Correct answer: Between

     'Between' is used for two; with more than two items, 'among' is required.

286. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The new employees were (A) anxious to (B) prove themselves, (C) eager to take (D) on responsibility.
     • Anxious to
     • Prove themselves,
     • Eager to take
     • No error

     Correct answer: No error

     The sentence is grammatically correct and free of errors in standard written English.

287. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Me and my colleagues (A) presented (B) the findings (C) at the (D) annual conference.
     • The findings
     • Me and my colleagues
     • Presented
     • At the

     Correct answer: Me and my colleagues

     As the subject of the sentence, the pronoun must be subjective: 'My colleagues and I.'

288. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' The bridge was built (A) in 1932, and (B) it has stood (C) firmly (D) ever since.
     • It has stood
     • Firmly
     • No error
     • In 1932, and

     Correct answer: No error

     The sentence is correctly punctuated and uses verb tenses appropriately; there is no error.

289. Choose the underlined portion that contains an error. If there is no error, choose 'No error.' Not only did she finish the race, (A) but also (B) setting (C) a new (D) personal record.
     • A new
     • Personal record
     • But also
     • Setting

     Correct answer: Setting

     Parallelism with 'did she finish' requires 'but also set a new record,' not the participle 'setting.'

290. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Having finished the report, the printer was used by the assistant to make copies.
     • The printer was used by the assistant to make copies
     • The printer, used by the assistant, made copies
     • The assistant used the printer to make copies
     • Copies were made on the printer by the assistant

     Correct answer: The assistant used the printer to make copies

     Only choice C places the assistant (who finished the report) as the subject, correcting the dangling modifier.

291. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The new software is faster, more reliable, and it costs less than the old version.
     • Faster, more reliable, and less expensive
     • Faster, more reliable, and it costs less
     • Faster, reliable more, and costing less
     • Faster and more reliable, also it is cheaper

     Correct answer: Faster, more reliable, and less expensive

     Choice B maintains parallel structure with three adjectives; the original breaks parallelism with a clause.

292. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The committee debated the issue for hours, they could not reach a decision.
     • For hours, they could not
     • For hours they could not
     • For hours, however they could not
     • For hours, but they could not

     Correct answer: For hours, but they could not

     Choice C joins the two independent clauses with a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but,' fixing the comma splice.

293. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Because the weather was poor, therefore the game was postponed until Saturday.
     • Because of the weather was poor, the game
     • The weather was poor, therefore the game, which
     • Because the weather was poor, therefore the game
     • Because the weather was poor, the game

     Correct answer: Because the weather was poor, the game

     Choice B removes the redundant 'therefore,' which is unnecessary after the subordinate clause beginning with 'Because.'

294. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The professor explained the theory clearly, and which the students understood quickly.
     • Clearly; and which the students quickly understood
     • Clearly, the students understood quickly which
     • Clearly, and the students understood it quickly
     • Clearly, and which the students understood quickly

     Correct answer: Clearly, and the students understood it quickly

     Choice B forms a grammatical compound sentence; the original misuses 'and which' without a proper antecedent clause.

295. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. To improve her writing, daily practice was what the author recommended.
     • What the author recommended was daily practice
     • The author recommended daily practice
     • Daily practice was recommended by the author
     • Daily practice was what the author recommended

     Correct answer: The author recommended daily practice

     Choice B places 'the author' (the one improving her writing) as the subject, correcting the dangling modifier.

296. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The store offers discounts to students, seniors, and people who are members.
     • Students, seniors, also members
     • Students, seniors, and people who are members
     • Students, seniors, and members
     • Students, the elderly, and membership

     Correct answer: Students, seniors, and members

     Choice B keeps all three items as parallel nouns, making the list concise and consistent.

297. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The hikers reached the summit exhausted but they were exhilarated by the view.
     • Exhausted but they were exhilarated
     • Exhausted; but they were exhilarated
     • Exhausted but exhilarated
     • Exhausted, but exhilarated

     Correct answer: Exhausted but exhilarated

     Choice C parallels the two adjectives 'exhausted but exhilarated' concisely without an unnecessary clause or comma.

298. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Although she trained for months, but the runner failed to qualify.
     • Although she trained for months, but the runner
     • Although she trained for months; the runner
     • She trained for months, but although the runner
     • Although she trained for months, the runner

     Correct answer: Although she trained for months, the runner

     Choice B removes the redundant 'but'; 'although' and 'but' cannot both join the same clauses.

299. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The report was thorough, detailed, and written with great care by the analyst.
     • Thorough, detailed, and the analyst wrote it carefully
     • Thorough, detailed, and written with great care
     • Thorough and detailed, also careful
     • Thorough, detailed, and careful

     Correct answer: Thorough, detailed, and careful

     Choice B keeps three parallel adjectives describing the report, maintaining concise parallel structure.

300. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Driving through the mountains, the scenery was breathtaking to the travelers.
     • The scenery was breathtaking to the travelers
     • The travelers found the scenery breathtaking
     • Breathtaking scenery was seen by the travelers
     • The scenery, breathtaking, amazed the travelers

     Correct answer: The travelers found the scenery breathtaking

     Choice B makes 'the travelers' the subject, since the scenery cannot drive, correcting the dangling modifier.

301. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The teacher not only assigned the reading but she also a quiz.
     • Assigned the reading, also she gave a quiz
     • Assigned the reading but also gave a quiz
     • Assigned the reading but also a quiz she gave
     • Assigned the reading but she also a quiz

     Correct answer: Assigned the reading but also gave a quiz

     Choice B completes the 'not only...but also' construction with parallel verb phrases: 'assigned...gave.'

302. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The new manager is responsible, hardworking, and she has a lot of experience.
     • Responsible and hardworking, also experienced
     • Responsible, hardworking, and experienced
     • Responsible, hardworking, and she has a lot of experience
     • Responsible, hardworking, having experience

     Correct answer: Responsible, hardworking, and experienced

     Choice B keeps three parallel adjectives, replacing the nonparallel clause for concision.

303. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. We visited the museum, the gallery, and we toured the historic district downtown.
     • The gallery, also touring the historic district
     • The gallery; and the historic district
     • The gallery, and the historic district
     • The gallery, and we toured the historic district

     Correct answer: The gallery, and the historic district

     Choice B parallels three noun objects of 'visited,' removing the inconsistent clause.

304. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Each of the proposals have merit, but only one can be funded this year.
     • Each of the proposals have merits
     • Each of the proposal have merit
     • Each of the proposals have merit
     • Each of the proposals has merit

     Correct answer: Each of the proposals has merit

     The subject 'Each' is singular and requires the singular verb 'has merit.'

305. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The author argues that climate change is real, that action is urgent, and the importance of cooperation.
     • That action is urgent, and that cooperation is important
     • That action is urgent, and the importance of cooperation
     • Action is urgent, and cooperation important
     • That action is urgent, also cooperation matters

     Correct answer: That action is urgent, and that cooperation is important

     Choice B parallels three 'that' clauses, matching the structure of the first two items.

306. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Quickly and with great skill, the surgery was performed by the doctor.
     • The surgery, performed quickly, was the doctor's
     • The surgery was performed by the doctor
     • The doctor performed the surgery
     • Performing the surgery was the doctor

     Correct answer: The doctor performed the surgery

     Choice B places 'the doctor' as the subject, properly modified by the adverbial opener describing how the doctor acted.

307. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The students were told that they should study hard, attend every class, and turning in assignments on time.
     • And turn in assignments on time
     • And they turned in assignments on time
     • And turning in assignments on time
     • Also turning in assignments on time

     Correct answer: And turn in assignments on time

     Choice B uses the base verb 'turn' to parallel 'study' and 'attend.'

308. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The novel was praised by critics, it became a bestseller within weeks.
     • By critics it became
     • By critics; it became
     • By critics, it became, and
     • By critics, it became

     Correct answer: By critics; it became

     Choice B uses a semicolon to correctly join the two closely related independent clauses, fixing the comma splice.

309. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Neither the coach nor the players was satisfied with the outcome of the game.
     • Nor the players was satisfied
     • Nor the players, was satisfied
     • Or the players were satisfied
     • Nor the players were satisfied

     Correct answer: Nor the players were satisfied

     With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject 'players,' which is plural, requiring 'were.'

310. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The teacher gave clear instructions, the students still seemed confused.
     • Clear instructions, the students, still
     • Clear instructions, the students still
     • Clear instructions the students still
     • Clear instructions, but the students still

     Correct answer: Clear instructions, but the students still

     Choice B adds the coordinating conjunction 'but' after the comma to correctly join two independent clauses.

311. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. After reviewing the evidence, a verdict was reached by the jury within an hour.
     • A verdict, reached by the jury,
     • Reaching a verdict, the jury
     • The jury reached a verdict
     • A verdict was reached by the jury

     Correct answer: The jury reached a verdict

     Choice B makes 'the jury' the subject, since the jury reviewed the evidence, correcting the dangling modifier.

312. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The recipe calls for flour, sugar, and you need two eggs as well.
     • Sugar, also two eggs are needed
     • Sugar, and two eggs
     • Sugar; and two eggs
     • Sugar, and you need two eggs as well

     Correct answer: Sugar, and two eggs

     Choice B parallels three nouns in the list, removing the inconsistent independent clause.

313. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The film was both critically acclaimed and it was a commercial success.
     • Both critically acclaimed and it was a commercial success
     • Critically acclaimed both and a commercial success
     • Both critically acclaimed and a commercial success
     • Both critically acclaimed and commercially successful

     Correct answer: Both critically acclaimed and commercially successful

     Choice C parallels two adjectives after 'both...and'; the original mismatches an adjective with a clause.

314. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. To be a successful entrepreneur, taking risks is something you must be willing to do.
     • Taking risks is something you must be willing to do
     • Risks must be willingly taken
     • You must be willing to take risks
     • Taking risks must be your willingness

     Correct answer: You must be willing to take risks

     Choice B makes 'you' the subject, since 'you' must be the entrepreneur, correcting the dangling infinitive phrase.

315. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The lecture covered the causes of the war, its major battles, and how it ended.
     • Its major battles, and the ending of it
     • Its major battles, and its conclusion
     • Major battles, also its end
     • Its major battles, and how it ended

     Correct answer: Its major battles, and its conclusion

     Choice B parallels three noun phrases ('causes,' 'battles,' 'conclusion'), unlike the original clause.

316. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The manager praised the team for working efficiently and that they cooperated well.
     • Working efficiently and cooperating well
     • Efficient work and that they cooperated
     • Working efficiently and that they cooperated well
     • Working efficiently and they cooperated

     Correct answer: Working efficiently and cooperating well

     Choice B parallels two gerund phrases, 'working' and 'cooperating,' for grammatical consistency.

317. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. The bridge, which spans the river, and connecting the two towns, was completed last year.
     • Which spans the river, and connecting the two towns,
     • Which spans the river; connecting the two towns,
     • Spanning the river, and which connects the towns,
     • Which spans the river and connects the two towns,

     Correct answer: Which spans the river and connects the two towns,

     Choice B parallels two verbs in the relative clause, 'spans' and 'connects,' removing the awkward shift to a participle.

318. Select the best version of the underlined portion. Choice A repeats the original. Worried about the deadline, the project was completed early by the team.
     • The project, completed early, worried the team
     • The project was completed early by the team
     • The team completed the project early
     • Completing the project early was the team

     Correct answer: The team completed the project early

     Choice B makes 'the team' the subject, since the team was worried, correcting the dangling modifier.

319. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) Many schools have begun teaching coding to young students. (2) Some educators argue it builds problem-solving skills. (3) Other educators are skeptical, however, some research supports the practice. Which revision best corrects the run-on in sentence 3?
     • Other educators are skeptical, however some research supports the practice.
     • Other educators are skeptical, however; some research supports the practice.
     • Other educators are skeptical however some research supports the practice.
     • Other educators are skeptical; however, some research supports the practice.

     Correct answer: Other educators are skeptical; however, some research supports the practice.

     A semicolon before the conjunctive adverb 'however' and a comma after it correctly join the two independent clauses.

320. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The committee met to discuss the budget. (2) They reviewed each department's request carefully. (3) After much debate, the final decision was put off until next month. Which sentence would best be added after sentence 1 to clarify the passage's purpose?
     • Several members had attended a similar meeting last year.
     • The budget document was printed on recycled paper.
     • The cafeteria served lunch during the long meeting.
     • The goal was to allocate limited funds among competing priorities.

     Correct answer: The goal was to allocate limited funds among competing priorities.

     This sentence states the meeting's purpose, providing focus and context that the other options, which add irrelevant detail, do not.

321. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The city installed new bike lanes downtown. (2) Cyclists praised the improvement. (3) Drivers complained about reduced parking. Which transition word best begins sentence 3 to show contrast?
     • Similarly,
     • Consequently,
     • However,
     • Therefore,

     Correct answer: However,

     'However' signals the contrast between cyclists' praise and drivers' complaints; the other options imply cause or similarity.

322. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) Volunteers planted hundreds of trees in the park. (2) The effort took an entire weekend. (3) The community was very happy about it. Which revision of sentence 3 conveys the idea most precisely?
     • The community was happy about it.
     • People liked the trees a lot.
     • It made the community feel good about things.
     • Residents welcomed the greener, shadier park the project created.

     Correct answer: Residents welcomed the greener, shadier park the project created.

     Choice B uses precise, specific language about the outcome, whereas the others are vague and rely on general words.

323. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The author begins with a startling statistic. (2) She then describes the problem in detail. (3) Finally, she proposes a solution. Which sentence best describes the organizational pattern of the passage?
     • The passage defines a term and gives examples.
     • The passage lists events in reverse chronological order.
     • The passage moves from a problem to a proposed solution.
     • The passage is organized as a comparison of two viewpoints.

     Correct answer: The passage moves from a problem to a proposed solution.

     The passage presents a problem and ends with a proposed solution, matching the problem-solution structure.

324. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The report argues that recycling reduces waste. (2) It cites data from several cities. (3) In conclusion, recycling is good. Which revision of sentence 3 best maintains a formal tone consistent with the rest of the passage?
     • To wrap things up, recycling rocks.
     • In conclusion, recycling is good.
     • In conclusion, these data demonstrate the clear benefits of recycling.
     • In conclusion, recycling is awesome for everyone.

     Correct answer: In conclusion, these data demonstrate the clear benefits of recycling.

     Choice C uses formal, precise language consistent with a report; the others are too casual or vague.

325. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) Sleep is essential for health. (2) Adults need seven to nine hours nightly. (3) Lack of sleep, it can cause many problems. Which revision best corrects sentence 3?
     • Lack of sleep can cause many problems.
     • Lack of sleep, it can cause many problems.
     • Lack of sleep, this causes many problems.
     • Lacking sleep, it causes many problems.

     Correct answer: Lack of sleep can cause many problems.

     Choice B removes the redundant pronoun 'it,' since 'Lack of sleep' is already the subject.

326. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The museum unveiled a new exhibit. (2) It features ancient Egyptian artifacts. (3) Visitors can see jewelry, also pottery and sculptures are displayed. Which revision of sentence 3 is most concise and parallel?
     • Visitors can see jewelry, pottery, and sculptures.
     • Visitors can see jewelry, also pottery and sculptures are displayed.
     • Visitors see jewelry, and there is pottery and sculptures displayed.
     • Visitors can see jewelry; pottery and sculptures too.

     Correct answer: Visitors can see jewelry, pottery, and sculptures.

     Choice B presents a concise, parallel list of three nouns, eliminating the wordy, nonparallel original.

327. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) Online learning has grown rapidly. (2) Students can access courses from anywhere. (3) Critics worry about engagement. (4) Supporters point to increased flexibility. Where should the following sentence be placed: 'Despite these concerns, enrollment continues to rise.'?
     • After sentence 1
     • After sentence 3
     • After sentence 4
     • Before sentence 1

     Correct answer: After sentence 3

     The sentence references 'these concerns,' so it best follows sentence 3, which raises critics' worries.

328. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The garden produces many vegetables. (2) Tomatoes ripen in midsummer. (3) The reason the garden thrives is because the soil is rich. Which revision of sentence 3 is best?
     • The reason why the garden thrives is because of rich soil.
     • The reason the garden thrives is because the soil is rich.
     • The garden thrives, the reason being because of rich soil.
     • The reason the garden thrives is that the soil is rich.

     Correct answer: The reason the garden thrives is that the soil is rich.

     Choice B replaces the redundant 'reason...is because' with the standard 'reason...is that.'

329. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The essay discusses urban planning. (2) It examines traffic, housing, and green space. (3) Each section provides examples. Which sentence would make the strongest concluding statement?
     • Traffic, housing, and green space are words.
     • Urban planning is a topic that exists.
     • Thoughtful planning in all three areas can create more livable cities.
     • The essay has now ended its discussion.

     Correct answer: Thoughtful planning in all three areas can create more livable cities.

     Choice B synthesizes the three areas into a forward-looking conclusion, while the others are vague or unhelpful.

330. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The teacher introduced a new reading strategy. (2) Students practiced it for a week. (3) Their comprehension scores improved significantly. Which sentence best states the main idea?
     • A new reading strategy led to improved comprehension.
     • Comprehension scores are calculated weekly.
     • Students enjoy reading new books each week.
     • Teachers introduce many strategies during the year.

     Correct answer: A new reading strategy led to improved comprehension.

     Choice B captures the cause-and-effect relationship that unifies all three sentences.

331. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) Solar power is becoming more affordable. (2) Many homeowners are installing panels. (3) Utility companies, they are adjusting their pricing models. Which revision of sentence 3 is best?
     • Utility companies; they are adjusting pricing models.
     • Utility companies, they are adjusting their pricing models.
     • Utility companies, adjusting their pricing models.
     • Utility companies are adjusting their pricing models.

     Correct answer: Utility companies are adjusting their pricing models.

     Choice B removes the unnecessary pronoun 'they,' since 'Utility companies' is the subject.

332. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The author opens with a personal anecdote. (2) She connects it to a broader social issue. (3) The anecdote about her grandmother is very emotional and it really makes you feel something deep inside. Which revision of sentence 3 best improves concision and tone?
     • The anecdote about her grandmother is very emotional and it really makes you feel something deep inside.
     • The anecdote about her grandmother evokes strong emotion.
     • Her grandmother anecdote, emotional, makes feelings happen.
     • The grandmother story is super emotional and stuff.

     Correct answer: The anecdote about her grandmother evokes strong emotion.

     Choice B is concise and maintains a formal tone, removing the wordy, informal phrasing of the original.

333. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The school adopted a new attendance policy. (2) Absences now require documentation. (3) As a result, attendance has improved. Which transition best opens sentence 3 to show cause and effect?
     • As a result,
     • For example,
     • Nevertheless,
     • In contrast,

     Correct answer: As a result,

     'As a result' correctly signals that improved attendance follows from the new policy.

334. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The article praises the city's new park. (2) It describes the playground and walking trails. (3) Their are also plans for a community garden. Which revision of sentence 3 corrects the error?
     • Their are also plans for a community garden.
     • There are also plans for a community garden.
     • They're are also plans for a community garden.
     • Their also plans for a community garden.

     Correct answer: There are also plans for a community garden.

     The sentence requires the expletive 'There are,' not the possessive 'Their.'

335. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The study followed 200 participants. (2) Half received the treatment; half did not. (3) The treatment group showed better outcomes. Which sentence best adds relevant supporting detail to sentence 3?
     • Outcomes are interesting things to measure.
     • Specifically, their recovery time was 30 percent shorter.
     • The researchers enjoyed conducting the study.
     • The study was conducted in a large building.

     Correct answer: Specifically, their recovery time was 30 percent shorter.

     Choice B provides a specific, relevant statistic that supports the claim in sentence 3.

336. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) Many factors influence student success. (2) These include motivation, support, and resources. (3) Of these factors, motivation may be the most importantest. Which revision of sentence 3 is correct?
     • Motivation may be the most importantest
     • Motivation may be more importantest
     • Motivation may be the most important
     • Motivation may be the importantest

     Correct answer: Motivation may be the most important

     The superlative of 'important' is 'most important'; 'importantest' is not a standard form.

337. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The company launched a new product. (2) Sales exceeded expectations. (3) Executives credited the marketing team, who worked tirelessly for months on it. Which revision of sentence 3 best tightens the wording while keeping the meaning?
     • Whose tireless work spanned months
     • That worked tirelessly for many months on the thing
     • Who worked tirelessly for months on it
     • Who really worked super hard for a lot of months

     Correct answer: Whose tireless work spanned months

     Choice B is concise and formal; the others are wordy, informal, or use the incorrect relative pronoun.

338. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The author makes a strong argument for renewable energy. (2) She supports it with data and expert testimony. (3) But she ignores the cost concerns that critics raise. Which sentence, if added after sentence 3, would best strengthen the passage's balance?
     • The author has written many other articles.
     • Acknowledging these concerns would make her argument more persuasive.
     • Critics are usually wrong about energy issues.
     • Renewable energy is the best thing ever invented.

     Correct answer: Acknowledging these concerns would make her argument more persuasive.

     Choice B addresses the gap noted in sentence 3 and offers a constructive, balanced point.

339. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The teacher assigned a group project. (2) Each member had a specific role. (3) When the presentation went well, everyone celebrated their success. Which revision of sentence 3 corrects the pronoun agreement issue?
     • Everyone, they celebrated their success
     • Everyone celebrated his success quietly
     • Everyone celebrated their success
     • The members celebrated their success

     Correct answer: The members celebrated their success

     Choice B replaces the singular 'everyone' with the plural 'members,' which agrees with the plural pronoun 'their.'

340. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The biography traces the inventor's life. (2) It covers his childhood, education, and major discoveries. (3) His discoveries changed the world, this made him famous. Which revision of sentence 3 is best?
     • His discoveries changed the world this made him famous.
     • His discoveries changed the world; this made him, famous.
     • His discoveries changed the world, this made him famous.
     • His world-changing discoveries made him famous.

     Correct answer: His world-changing discoveries made him famous.

     Choice B combines the ideas concisely into one clear sentence, fixing the comma splice.

341. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The proposal suggests extending library hours. (2) Students would benefit from more study time. (3) Furthermore, it would reduce overcrowding during peak periods. Which sentence best describes the function of sentence 3?
     • It introduces an unrelated topic.
     • It restates the main idea of sentence 1.
     • It adds a second supporting reason for the proposal.
     • It contradicts the claim in sentence 2.

     Correct answer: It adds a second supporting reason for the proposal.

     The transition 'Furthermore' signals that sentence 3 adds a second supporting reason for the proposal.

342. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) Exercise offers numerous benefits. (2) It strengthens the heart and improves mood. (3) People should exercise because it is beneficial for them in many ways and helps them. Which revision of sentence 3 best eliminates redundancy?
     • People should exercise because exercising helps and benefits them.
     • People should exercise because it is beneficial for them in many ways and helps them.
     • Exercising is something people should do because it helps and benefits.
     • People should exercise regularly to enjoy these benefits.

     Correct answer: People should exercise regularly to enjoy these benefits.

     Choice B is concise and avoids repeating 'beneficial' and 'helps,' which mean the same thing.

343. Read the passage and answer the question. (1) The novel is set during the Great Depression. (2) The protagonist struggles to find work. (3) Despite hardship, he remains hopeful. Which word best replaces 'remains' in sentence 3 to intensify the protagonist's determination?
     • Keeps
     • Continues
     • Stays
     • Perseveres

     Correct answer: Perseveres

     'Perseveres' conveys active determination in the face of hardship, which is stronger than the more neutral alternatives.

344. A student is writing a research paper on the effects of caffeine on memory. Which source would most likely be the most credible and relevant?
     • A social media thread debating favorite energy drinks
     • A peer-reviewed article in a neuroscience journal on caffeine and cognition
     • An advertisement from a coffee company
     • A personal blog post titled 'Why I Love My Morning Coffee'

     Correct answer: A peer-reviewed article in a neuroscience journal on caffeine and cognition

     A peer-reviewed neuroscience article is both credible (vetted by experts) and directly relevant to the research topic.

345. A student researching the history of the printing press finds four sources. Which is most likely to be the most reliable?
     • A discussion forum post by an anonymous user
     • A wiki page that anyone can edit anonymously
     • A satirical website about historical inventions
     • A university press book written by a historian specializing in early printing

     Correct answer: A university press book written by a historian specializing in early printing

     A scholarly book by a subject-matter expert published by a university press is the most authoritative and reliable source.

346. Which of the following elements is NOT typically included in a citation for a scholarly journal article?
     • The author's name
     • The year of publication
     • The reader's personal opinion of the article
     • The title of the article

     Correct answer: The reader's personal opinion of the article

     A citation includes objective bibliographic data such as author, title, and date; the reader's opinion is never part of a citation.

347. A writer wants to use statistics about national unemployment in an argumentative essay. Which source would provide the most authoritative data?
     • A movie that depicts the economy
     • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
     • A friend's estimate based on people they know
     • A clickbait headline shared on social media

     Correct answer: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

     A government statistical agency like the Bureau of Labor Statistics is the most authoritative source for official unemployment data.

348. When integrating a direct quotation from a source into an essay, which practice best avoids plagiarism?
     • Mentioning the idea without naming where it came from
     • Changing one word and presenting it as your own
     • Copying the sentence without any attribution
     • Placing the borrowed words in quotation marks and citing the source

     Correct answer: Placing the borrowed words in quotation marks and citing the source

     Using quotation marks for borrowed wording and crediting the source properly attributes the material and avoids plagiarism.

349. A researcher finds a website with no author listed, no date, and frequent spelling errors. What is the best assessment of this source?
     • It must be accurate because it loads quickly
     • Its credibility is questionable and it should be verified or avoided
     • It is reliable as long as it has many images
     • It is highly credible because it is on the internet

     Correct answer: Its credibility is questionable and it should be verified or avoided

     Missing authorship, no date, and errors are warning signs that undermine credibility, so the source should be verified or avoided.

350. A student is paraphrasing a source. Which approach correctly avoids plagiarism?
     • Copying the sentence and removing the quotation marks
     • Restating the idea in original wording and citing the source
     • Presenting the paraphrase without any citation
     • Substituting synonyms for a few words while keeping the structure

     Correct answer: Restating the idea in original wording and citing the source

     A proper paraphrase fully restates the idea in original wording and still credits the original source.

351. Which research strategy is most appropriate when a writer needs the most current data on a rapidly changing topic such as technology trends?
     • Using a single encyclopedia entry from a decade ago
     • Asking a random group of strangers for their guesses
     • Consulting recent reports from reputable industry and research organizations
     • Relying only on a textbook published twenty years ago

     Correct answer: Consulting recent reports from reputable industry and research organizations

     Recent reports from reputable organizations provide the up-to-date information needed for a fast-changing topic.

352. In an in-text citation, what information most commonly identifies the specific location of a quotation within a source?
     • The number of words in the book
     • The publisher's address
     • The font of the original text
     • The page number

     Correct answer: The page number

     In-text citations commonly include the page number to direct readers to the exact location of the quoted material.

353. A student wants to determine whether a source is biased. Which question is most useful for that assessment?
     • Does the author or publisher have a financial or ideological interest in the topic?
     • Does the source use a large font?
     • Is the source available online?
     • Does the source contain any images?

     Correct answer: Does the author or publisher have a financial or ideological interest in the topic?

     Identifying whether the author has a financial or ideological stake helps reveal potential bias in a source.

354. A writer is comparing two sources on the same event that give conflicting accounts. What is the most appropriate response?
     • Discard both sources and use no evidence at all
     • Choose the one that is easier to read and ignore the other
     • Investigate further to determine which account is better supported by evidence
     • Assume the more recent one is automatically correct

     Correct answer: Investigate further to determine which account is better supported by evidence

     When sources conflict, evaluating which is better supported by evidence is the sound research practice.

355. Which of the following best describes a primary source for a paper on the Civil War?
     • A documentary film made in 2020
     • A letter written by a soldier during the war
     • An encyclopedia article about the war
     • A modern textbook summarizing the war

     Correct answer: A letter written by a soldier during the war

     A primary source is a firsthand, original record; a soldier's wartime letter is a primary source, while the others are secondary.

356. A student includes a quotation but does not provide a citation. What is the most likely consequence?
     • The writing becomes more concise
     • It constitutes plagiarism and undermines the work's credibility
     • It improves the formatting of the paper
     • The reader will assume it is original and praise it fairly

     Correct answer: It constitutes plagiarism and undermines the work's credibility

     Using another's words without citation is plagiarism, which damages the credibility and integrity of the work.

357. Which source would be most relevant for a research question about how a specific new law affects small businesses?
     • A weather report for the region
     • An economic analysis examining the law's impact on small firms
     • A novel set in a small town
     • A cookbook with business-themed recipes

     Correct answer: An economic analysis examining the law's impact on small firms

     An economic analysis of the law's impact on small firms directly addresses the research question.

358. A writer finds a useful idea on a webpage but cannot locate the author's name or the publication date. What is the best next step?
     • Make up an author and date to fill the citation
     • Decide that citation rules do not apply online
     • Quote it without any reference at all
     • Cite it anyway with the information available and seek a more complete source

     Correct answer: Cite it anyway with the information available and seek a more complete source

     The writer should record available details while seeking a more complete, verifiable source; fabricating information is never acceptable.

359. What is the value of $3 + 4 \times 2 - 1$?
     • 13
     • 9
     • 10
     • 14

     Correct answer: 10

     Order of operations: multiply first ($4 \times 2 = 8$), then $3 + 8 - 1 = 10$.

360. Which of the following is equivalent to $0.625$ as a fraction in lowest terms?
     • $\frac{2}{3}$
     • $\frac{5}{8}$
     • $\frac{6}{25}$
     • $\frac{3}{4}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{5}{8}$

     $0.625 = \frac{625}{1000} = \frac{5}{8}$ after dividing numerator and denominator by 125.

361. A shirt costs $40 and is marked down 25%. What is the sale price?
     • $30
     • $32
     • $35
     • $15

     Correct answer: $30

     25% of $40 is $10, so $40 - $10 = $30.

362. What is $\frac{3}{4} + \frac{2}{3}$?
     • $\frac{6}{7}$
     • $\frac{17}{12}$
     • $\frac{5}{12}$
     • $\frac{5}{7}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{17}{12}$

     Common denominator 12: $\frac{9}{12} + \frac{8}{12} = \frac{17}{12}$.

363. If a recipe calls for 2 cups of flour for every 3 cups of sugar, how many cups of flour are needed for 12 cups of sugar?
     • 18
     • 9
     • 6
     • 8

     Correct answer: 8

     The ratio $2:3$ scales by 4 since $3 \times 4 = 12$, so flour is $2 \times 4 = 8$ cups.

364. What is 15% of 80?
     • 15
     • 8
     • 20
     • 12

     Correct answer: 12

     $0.15 \times 80 = 12$.

365. Which number is largest?
     • $0.7$
     • $0.077$
     • $0.0707$
     • $0.07$

     Correct answer: $0.7$

     Comparing place values, $0.7 = 0.7000$ is greater than the others.

366. What is the greatest common factor of 24 and 36?
     • 8
     • 12
     • 6
     • 24

     Correct answer: 12

     $24 = 2^{3} \times 3$, $36 = 2^{2} \times 3^{2}$; shared factors give $2^{2} \times 3 = 12$.

367. What is the least common multiple of 6 and 8?
     • 12
     • 16
     • 48
     • 24

     Correct answer: 24

     Multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24; 24 is the smallest divisible by 6.

368. A car travels 150 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?
     • 45
     • 60
     • 50
     • 30

     Correct answer: 50

     Speed = distance / time = $150 \div 3 = 50$ mph.

369. What is $-8 + 5 - (-3)$?
     • -6
     • -10
     • 0
     • 2

     Correct answer: 0

     $-8 + 5 = -3$, then $-3 - (-3) = -3 + 3 = 0$.

370. Which of the following is a prime number?
     • 21
     • 33
     • 27
     • 29

     Correct answer: 29

     29 has no divisors other than 1 and itself; the others are composite.

371. What is $\frac{2}{5}$ written as a percent?
     • 40%
     • 25%
     • 45%
     • 20%

     Correct answer: 40%

     $\frac{2}{5} = 0.40 = 40\%$.

372. A number rounded to the nearest hundred is 700. Which could be the original number?
     • 645
     • 751
     • 672
     • 760

     Correct answer: 672

     672 rounds to 700; 645 rounds to 600, and 751 and 760 round to 800.

373. What is the value of $5^{2} - 3^{2}$?
     • 16
     • 2
     • 4
     • 34

     Correct answer: 16

     $25 - 9 = 16$.

374. If 8 pencils cost $2.00, what is the cost of 20 pencils at the same rate?
     • $5.00
     • $4.00
     • $2.50
     • $6.00

     Correct answer: $5.00

     Each pencil costs $0.25, so 20 $\times$ $0.25 = $5.00.

375. What is the absolute value of $-12$?
     • 1
     • $-12$
     • 0
     • 12

     Correct answer: 12

     Absolute value is the distance from zero, so $|-12| = 12$.

376. Convert 3.5 kilometers to meters.
     • 350
     • 35000
     • 3500
     • 35

     Correct answer: 3500

     $1 \text{ km} = 1000 \text{ m}$, so $3.5 \times 1000 = 3500 \text{ m}$.

377. What is $\frac{7}{8} - \frac{1}{2}$?
     • $\frac{1}{4}$
     • $\frac{3}{8}$
     • $\frac{6}{6}$
     • $\frac{1}{2}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{8}$

     Common denominator 8: $\frac{7}{8} - \frac{4}{8} = \frac{3}{8}$.

378. A store increases a $50 price by 20%, then decreases the new price by 20%. What is the final price?
     • $40
     • $48
     • $50
     • $52

     Correct answer: $48

     $50 $\times$ 1.2 = $60, then $60 $\times$ 0.8 = $48.

379. Which expression equals $6 \times 10^{3}$?
     • 60000
     • 6,000,000
     • 6000
     • 600

     Correct answer: 6000

     $10^{3} = 1000$, so $6 \times 1000 = 6000$.

380. What is the reciprocal of $\frac{3}{7}$?
     • $-\frac{7}{3}$
     • $\frac{7}{3}$
     • $-\frac{3}{7}$
     • $\frac{3}{7}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{7}{3}$

     The reciprocal flips numerator and denominator to $\frac{7}{3}$.

381. What is $0.4 \times 0.05$?
     • $0.45$
     • $0.002$
     • $0.2$
     • $0.02$

     Correct answer: $0.02$

     $4 \times 5 = 20$ and there are 3 decimal places total, giving $0.020 = 0.02$.

382. A team won 18 of 24 games. What percent did they win?
     • 80%
     • 72%
     • 60%
     • 75%

     Correct answer: 75%

     $\frac{18}{24} = 0.75 = 75\%$.

383. What is the value of $(-2)^{3}$?
     • -6
     • -8
     • 8
     • 6

     Correct answer: -8

     $(-2)(-2)(-2) = 4 \times -2 = -8$.

384. If $\frac{3}{5}$ of a class of 30 students are girls, how many are boys?
     • 18
     • 15
     • 10
     • 12

     Correct answer: 12

     Girls = 18, so boys = $30 - 18 = 12$.

385. What is $\sqrt{144}$?
     • 12
     • 14
     • 11
     • 16

     Correct answer: 12

     $12 \times 12 = 144$.

386. Order from least to greatest: $\frac{1}{2}$, $0.4$, $\frac{3}{8}$.
     • $\frac{1}{2}$, $0.4$, $\frac{3}{8}$
     • $0.4$, $\frac{3}{8}$, $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{3}{8}$, $0.4$, $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{3}{8}$, $\frac{1}{2}$, $0.4$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{8}$, $0.4$, $\frac{1}{2}$

     $\frac{3}{8} = 0.375$, $0.4 = 0.4$, $\frac{1}{2} = 0.5$, so the order is $\frac{3}{8}$, $0.4$, $\frac{1}{2}$.

387. A worker earns $15 per hour and gets time-and-a-half for overtime. What is the overtime hourly rate?
     • $20.00
     • $30.00
     • $22.50
     • $17.50

     Correct answer: $22.50

     Time-and-a-half is 1.5 $\times$ $15 = $22.50.

388. What is $\frac{1}{3}$ of $\frac{1}{4}$?
     • $\frac{1}{12}$
     • $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{2}{7}$
     • $\frac{1}{7}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{1}{12}$

     Multiply: $\frac{1}{3} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{12}$.

389. Which is equivalent to the ratio $12:18$?
     • $4:5$
     • $6:8$
     • $3:2$
     • $2:3$

     Correct answer: $2:3$

     Divide both by 6: $12 \div 6 = 2$ and $18 \div 6 = 3$, giving $2:3$.

390. A $250 item is taxed at 8%. What is the total cost?
     • $280
     • $258
     • $262
     • $270

     Correct answer: $270

     Tax = $0.08 \times 250 = 20$ dollars, so total = $270.

391. What is $5 - 2\frac{1}{3}$ as a mixed number?
     • $2\frac{2}{3}$
     • $2\frac{1}{3}$
     • $3\frac{1}{3}$
     • $3\frac{2}{3}$

     Correct answer: $2\frac{2}{3}$

     $5 = 4\frac{3}{3}$, so $4\frac{3}{3} - 2\frac{1}{3} = 2\frac{2}{3}$.

392. How many minutes are in 2.5 hours?
     • 180
     • 250
     • 120
     • 150

     Correct answer: 150

     $2.5 \times 60 = 150$ minutes.

393. What is the value of 100 divided by $0.25$?
     • 40
     • 400
     • 25
     • 250

     Correct answer: 400

     Dividing by $0.25$ is the same as multiplying by 4, so $100 \times 4 = 400$.

394. A map scale is 1 inch = 50 miles. How many miles do 3.5 inches represent?
     • 200
     • 150
     • 175
     • 160

     Correct answer: 175

     $3.5 \times 50 = 175$ miles.

395. What is $2^{4} \times 2^{2}$ written as a single power of 2?
     • $2^{6}$
     • $4^{6}$
     • $2^{2}$
     • $2^{8}$

     Correct answer: $2^{6}$

     Add exponents when multiplying like bases: $2^{4+2} = 2^{6}$.

396. Estimate $49 \times 21$ by rounding to the nearest ten.
     • 1200
     • 800
     • 1000
     • 900

     Correct answer: 1000

     Round to $50 \times 20 = 1000$.

397. What fraction of an hour is 45 minutes?
     • $\frac{2}{3}$
     • $\frac{3}{4}$
     • $\frac{4}{5}$
     • $\frac{1}{2}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{4}$

     $\frac{45}{60}$ simplifies to $\frac{3}{4}$.

398. If a population grows from 200 to 250, what is the percent increase?
     • 20%
     • 50%
     • 25%
     • 30%

     Correct answer: 25%

     Increase is 50; $\frac{50}{200} = 0.25 = 25\%$.

399. Which value is between $\frac{1}{3}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$?
     • $0.55$
     • $0.45$
     • $0.25$
     • $0.30$

     Correct answer: $0.45$

     $\frac{1}{3} = 0.333$ and $\frac{1}{2} = 0.5$, and $0.45$ falls between them.

400. Solve for x: $3x + 7 = 22$.
     • 9
     • 7
     • 5
     • 15

     Correct answer: 5

     Subtract 7: $3x = 15$, then divide by 3 to get $x = 5$.

401. Solve for x: $2(x - 4) = 10$.
     • 6
     • 7
     • 9
     • 3

     Correct answer: 9

     Distribute: $2x - 8 = 10$, so $2x = 18$ and $x = 9$.

402. If $y = 4x - 3$, what is y when $x = 5$?
     • 7
     • 23
     • 20
     • 17

     Correct answer: 17

     $y = 4(5) - 3 = 20 - 3 = 17$.

403. What is the slope of the line passing through $(1, 2)$ and $(3, 8)$?
     • $\frac{1}{3}$
     • 3
     • 2
     • 4

     Correct answer: 3

     Slope = $\frac{8 - 2}{3 - 1} = \frac{6}{2} = 3$.

404. Simplify: $3x + 2x - 4 + 5$.
     • $6x + 1$
     • $5x + 9$
     • $5x + 1$
     • $5x - 1$

     Correct answer: $5x + 1$

     Combine like terms: $3x + 2x = 5x$ and $-4 + 5 = 1$, giving $5x + 1$.

405. Solve for x: $\frac{x}{4} = 9$.
     • 45
     • 13
     • 2.25
     • 36

     Correct answer: 36

     Multiply both sides by 4: $x = 36$.

406. What is the value of $4x^{2}$ when $x = 3$?
     • 36
     • 12
     • 24
     • 144

     Correct answer: 36

     $4 \times 3^{2} = 4 \times 9 = 36$.

407. Solve the inequality: $2x + 3 > 11$.
     • $x < 4$
     • $x > 4$
     • $x > 7$
     • $x > 14$

     Correct answer: $x > 4$

     Subtract 3: $2x > 8$, then divide by 2 to get $x > 4$.

408. Which expression represents 5 less than twice a number n?
     • $5n - 2$
     • $5 - 2n$
     • $2n - 5$
     • $2(n - 5)$

     Correct answer: $2n - 5$

     Twice a number is $2n$, and 5 less than that is $2n - 5$.

409. Factor completely: $x^{2} - 9$.
     • $(x - 3)^{2}$
     • $(x - 3)(x + 3)$
     • $(x + 3)^{2}$
     • $(x - 9)(x + 1)$

     Correct answer: $(x - 3)(x + 3)$

     This is a difference of squares: $x^{2} - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3)$.

410. Solve for x: $5x - 2 = 3x + 8$.
     • 3
     • 2
     • 5
     • 6

     Correct answer: 5

     Subtract $3x$: $2x - 2 = 8$, so $2x = 10$ and $x = 5$.

411. What is the y-intercept of the line $y = 2x - 7$?
     • $-7$
     • 7
     • $-2$
     • 2

     Correct answer: $-7$

     In $y = mx + b$ form, $b = -7$ is the y-intercept.

412. If $f(x) = x^{2} + 1$, what is $f(-3)$?
     • 10
     • -10
     • 7
     • -8

     Correct answer: 10

     $f(-3) = (-3)^{2} + 1 = 9 + 1 = 10$.

413. Simplify: $(2x^{3})(3x^{2})$.
     • $6x^{9}$
     • $6x^{6}$
     • $6x^{5}$
     • $5x^{5}$

     Correct answer: $6x^{5}$

     Multiply coefficients ($2 \times 3 = 6$) and add exponents ($3 + 2 = 5$) to get $6x^{5}$.

414. A taxi charges $3 plus $2 per mile. Which equation gives the cost C for m miles?
     • $C = 2m - 3$
     • $C = 3m + 2$
     • $C = 5m$
     • $C = 2m + 3$

     Correct answer: $C = 2m + 3$

     The flat fee is $3 and the variable cost is $2 per mile, so $C = 2m + 3$.

415. Solve for x: $4(x + 2) = 2x + 14$.
     • 6
     • 3
     • 2
     • 4

     Correct answer: 3

     Distribute: $4x + 8 = 2x + 14$, so $2x = 6$ and $x = 3$.

416. What are the solutions to $x^{2} - 5x + 6 = 0$?
     • $x = -2$ and $x = -3$
     • $x = -1$ and $x = 6$
     • $x = 2$ and $x = 3$
     • $x = 1$ and $x = 6$

     Correct answer: $x = 2$ and $x = 3$

     Factor as $(x - 2)(x - 3) = 0$, giving $x = 2$ and $x = 3$.

417. If 3 consecutive integers sum to 48, what is the smallest?
     • 14
     • 16
     • 15
     • 17

     Correct answer: 15

     Let them be $n$, $n+1$, $n+2$; $3n + 3 = 48$ so $n = 15$.

418. Simplify the expression $6(2x - 1) - 4x$.
     • $8x - 6$
     • $2x - 6$
     • $8x - 1$
     • $12x - 6$

     Correct answer: $8x - 6$

     Distribute: $12x - 6 - 4x = 8x - 6$.

419. What is the value of x in the proportion $\frac{x}{6} = \frac{10}{15}$?
     • 9
     • 3
     • 4
     • 5

     Correct answer: 4

     Cross-multiply: $15x = 60$, so $x = 4$.

420. A line has slope 0. Which describes it?
     • Horizontal line
     • Line with slope 1
     • Line through the origin
     • Vertical line

     Correct answer: Horizontal line

     A slope of 0 means no vertical change, producing a horizontal line.

421. Solve for x: $7 - 2x = 1$.
     • 3
     • 4
     • -3
     • 2

     Correct answer: 3

     Subtract 7: $-2x = -6$, so $x = 3$.

422. If $g(x) = 3x - 4$, for what x does $g(x) = 11$?
     • 3
     • 15
     • 5
     • 7

     Correct answer: 5

     $3x - 4 = 11$ gives $3x = 15$, so $x = 5$.

423. Which point lies on the line $y = -x + 4$?
     • $(3, 3)$
     • $(1, 3)$
     • $(0, -4)$
     • $(2, 4)$

     Correct answer: $(1, 3)$

     At $x = 1$, $y = -1 + 4 = 3$, so $(1, 3)$ is on the line.

424. Evaluate $2a - b^{2}$ when $a = 5$ and $b = 3$.
     • 1
     • 7
     • 19
     • -1

     Correct answer: 1

     $2(5) - 3^{2} = 10 - 9 = 1$.

425. A number increased by 12 equals 30. What is the number?
     • 12
     • 42
     • 24
     • 18

     Correct answer: 18

     $n + 12 = 30$, so $n = 18$.

426. Simplify: $\frac{x^{8}}{x^{3}}$.
     • $x^{24}$
     • $x^{5}$
     • $x^{2}$
     • $x^{11}$

     Correct answer: $x^{5}$

     Subtract exponents when dividing like bases: $x^{8-3} = x^{5}$.

427. What is the solution set of $|x| = 7$?
     • $x = 7$ or $x = -7$
     • $x = 0$
     • $x = 7$ only
     • $x = -7$ only

     Correct answer: $x = 7$ or $x = -7$

     Absolute value equals 7 for both 7 and $-7$.

428. If 5 notebooks cost d dollars, what is the cost of 1 notebook?
     • $d - 5$
     • $\frac{5}{d}$
     • $\frac{d}{5}$
     • $5d$

     Correct answer: $\frac{d}{5}$

     Total cost divided by quantity gives $\frac{d}{5}$ per notebook.

429. Solve for x: $0.5x + 3 = 8$.
     • 11
     • 10
     • 5
     • 2.5

     Correct answer: 10

     Subtract 3: $0.5x = 5$, so $x = 10$.

430. Which equation represents a line parallel to $y = 3x + 1$?
     • $y = -3x + 1$
     • $y = \frac{1}{3}x$
     • $y = 3x - 4$
     • $y = x + 3$

     Correct answer: $y = 3x - 4$

     Parallel lines share the same slope of 3.

431. The sum of two numbers is 20 and one is 4 times the other. What is the larger number?
     • 4
     • 16
     • 12
     • 15

     Correct answer: 16

     $x + 4x = 20$ gives $x = 4$, so the larger is $4x = 16$.

432. Evaluate the expression $(x + 3)(x - 2)$ when $x = 4$.
     • 10
     • 14
     • 20
     • 6

     Correct answer: 14

     $(4 + 3)(4 - 2) = 7 \times 2 = 14$.

433. What is the value of $3x - 2y$ when $x = 4$ and $y = 5$?
     • 22
     • 7
     • 2
     • -2

     Correct answer: 2

     $3(4) - 2(5) = 12 - 10 = 2$.

434. Solve for x: $\frac{2}{3}x = 8$.
     • 6
     • 5.33
     • 12
     • $\frac{16}{3}$

     Correct answer: 12

     Multiply both sides by $\frac{3}{2}$: $x = 8 \times \frac{3}{2} = 12$.

435. A function is defined by $f(x) = 2^{x}$. What is $f(4)$?
     • 6
     • 12
     • 8
     • 16

     Correct answer: 16

     $2^{4} = 16$.

436. What is the perimeter of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm?
     • $40 \text{ cm}$
     • $18 \text{ cm}$
     • $13 \text{ cm}$
     • $26 \text{ cm}$

     Correct answer: $26 \text{ cm}$

     Perimeter = $2(8 + 5) = 2 \times 13 = 26 \text{ cm}$.

437. What is the area of a triangle with base 10 and height 6?
     • 30
     • 36
     • 60
     • 16

     Correct answer: 30

     Area = $\frac{1}{2}(\text{base})(\text{height}) = \frac{1}{2}(10)(6) = 30$.

438. A circle has radius 5. What is its circumference? (Use $\pi = 3.14$)
     • $31.4$
     • $15.7$
     • 25
     • $78.5$

     Correct answer: $31.4$

     Circumference = $2 \pi r = 2 \times 3.14 \times 5 = 31.4$.

439. What is the area of a circle with radius 4? (Use $\pi = 3.14$)
     • $50.24$
     • $25.12$
     • 16
     • $12.56$

     Correct answer: $50.24$

     Area = $\pi r^{2} = 3.14 \times 16 = 50.24$.

440. Two angles of a triangle measure $50^{\circ}$ and $60^{\circ}$. What is the third angle?
     • 60
     • 110
     • 80
     • 70

     Correct answer: 70

     Angles of a triangle sum to $180^{\circ}$, so $180 - 50 - 60 = 70$.

441. What is the volume of a rectangular box that is 3 by 4 by 5?
     • 60
     • 47
     • 12
     • 20

     Correct answer: 60

     Volume = length $\times$ width $\times$ height = $3 \times 4 \times 5 = 60$.

442. A right triangle has legs 3 and 4. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
     • 5
     • 6
     • 12
     • 7

     Correct answer: 5

     By the Pythagorean theorem, $\sqrt{3^{2} + 4^{2}} = \sqrt{25} = 5$.

443. What is the measure of each angle in an equilateral triangle?
     • 30
     • 45
     • 90
     • 60

     Correct answer: 60

     All three equal angles sum to $180^{\circ}$, so each is $60^{\circ}$.

444. A square has area 49 square units. What is the length of one side?
     • $24.5$
     • 7
     • 9
     • 14

     Correct answer: 7

     Side = $\sqrt{49} = 7$.

445. Two angles are supplementary and one measures $130^{\circ}$. What is the other?
     • 50
     • 30
     • 70
     • 230

     Correct answer: 50

     Supplementary angles sum to $180^{\circ}$, so $180 - 130 = 50$.

446. What is the area of a parallelogram with base 12 and height 7?
     • 38
     • 19
     • 84
     • 42

     Correct answer: 84

     Area = base $\times$ height = $12 \times 7 = 84$.

447. A cube has edge length 3. What is its volume?
     • 18
     • 12
     • 9
     • 27

     Correct answer: 27

     Volume = $\text{edge}^{3} = 3^{3} = 27$.

448. What is the perimeter of a square with side length 9?
     • 18
     • 36
     • 27
     • 81

     Correct answer: 36

     Perimeter = $4 \times 9 = 36$.

449. Two complementary angles, one is $35^{\circ}$. What is the other?
     • 145
     • 45
     • 55
     • 65

     Correct answer: 55

     Complementary angles sum to $90^{\circ}$, so $90 - 35 = 55$.

450. A rectangle has area 48 square feet and length 8 feet. What is its width?
     • $12 \text{ feet}$
     • $16 \text{ feet}$
     • $6 \text{ feet}$
     • $40 \text{ feet}$

     Correct answer: $6 \text{ feet}$

     Width = area / length = $48 \div 8 = 6$ feet.

451. What is the sum of the interior angles of a quadrilateral?
     • 270
     • 180
     • 540
     • 360

     Correct answer: 360

     A quadrilateral can be split into two triangles, so $2 \times 180 = 360^{\circ}$.

452. A cylinder has radius 2 and height 5. What is its volume? (Use $\pi = 3.14$)
     • $62.8$
     • $125.6$
     • $31.4$
     • 20

     Correct answer: $62.8$

     Volume = $\pi r^{2} h = 3.14 \times 4 \times 5 = 62.8$.

453. On a coordinate plane, what is the distance between $(0,0)$ and $(6,8)$?
     • 48
     • 10
     • 12
     • 14

     Correct answer: 10

     Distance = $\sqrt{6^{2} + 8^{2}} = \sqrt{100} = 10$.

454. A triangle has angles in the ratio $1:2:3$. What is the largest angle?
     • 90
     • 120
     • 60
     • 30

     Correct answer: 90

     The parts sum to 6, so $180 \div 6 = 30$ per part; the largest is $3 \times 30 = 90$.

455. What is the area of a trapezoid with parallel sides 6 and 10 and height 4?
     • 16
     • 64
     • 40
     • 32

     Correct answer: 32

     Area = $\frac{1}{2}(b_{1} + b_{2})(h) = \frac{1}{2}(16)(4) = 32$.

456. What is the mean of 4, 8, 10, and 14?
     • 36
     • 8
     • 10
     • 9

     Correct answer: 9

     Sum is 36 and there are 4 values, so $36 \div 4 = 9$.

457. What is the median of 3, 7, 9, 12, 15?
     • 12
     • 46
     • 9
     • 7

     Correct answer: 9

     The middle value of the ordered list is 9.

458. What is the mode of 2, 4, 4, 6, 8, 4, 10?
     • 2
     • 4
     • 6
     • 8

     Correct answer: 4

     4 appears most frequently (three times).

459. A bag has 3 red and 5 blue marbles. What is the probability of drawing a red marble?
     • $\frac{3}{5}$
     • $\frac{5}{8}$
     • $\frac{1}{3}$
     • $\frac{3}{8}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{8}$

     There are 3 red out of 8 total, so probability is $\frac{3}{8}$.

460. What is the range of the data set 12, 18, 7, 25, 10?
     • 7
     • 25
     • 32
     • 18

     Correct answer: 18

     Range = maximum $-$ minimum = $25 - 7 = 18$.

461. A fair coin is flipped twice. What is the probability of getting two heads?
     • $\frac{1}{4}$
     • $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{1}{3}$
     • $\frac{3}{4}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{1}{4}$

     Each flip has probability $\frac{1}{2}$, so $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{4}$.

462. What is the median of 6, 2, 9, 4?
     • 6
     • 4
     • 5
     • 21

     Correct answer: 5

     Ordered: 2, 4, 6, 9; the average of the two middle values is $\frac{4 + 6}{2} = 5$.

463. A die is rolled. What is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?
     • $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{1}{6}$
     • $\frac{1}{3}$
     • $\frac{2}{3}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{1}{3}$

     Favorable outcomes are 5 and 6, so $\frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{3}$.

464. The mean of 5 numbers is 12. What is their sum?
     • 17
     • 60
     • 12
     • 24

     Correct answer: 60

     Sum = mean $\times$ count = $12 \times 5 = 60$.

465. A spinner has 4 equal sections numbered 1 to 4. What is the probability of landing on an even number?
     • $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{1}{4}$
     • $\frac{3}{4}$
     • $\frac{1}{3}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{1}{2}$

     Even numbers 2 and 4 give 2 of 4 outcomes, so $\frac{1}{2}$.

466. Test scores are 80, 85, 90, 95, 100. What is the mean?
     • 95
     • 90
     • 85
     • 450

     Correct answer: 90

     Sum is 450 and there are 5 scores, so $450 \div 5 = 90$.

467. If 1 of 20 light bulbs is defective, what percent are defective?
     • 2%
     • 5%
     • 10%
     • 20%

     Correct answer: 5%

     $\frac{1}{20} = 0.05 = 5\%$.

468. A jar has 4 green, 6 yellow, and 10 red candies. What is the probability of drawing a yellow?
     • $\frac{1}{5}$
     • $\frac{3}{10}$
     • $\frac{6}{10}$
     • $\frac{1}{4}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{10}$

     There are 6 yellow out of 20 total, so $\frac{6}{20} = \frac{3}{10}$.

469. Adding the value 30 to the set 10, 20, 30 changes the mean to what?
     • $22.5$
     • 30
     • 25
     • 20

     Correct answer: $22.5$

     New set is 10, 20, 30, 30 with sum 90 over 4 values = $22.5$.

470. A survey shows 60 of 200 people prefer tea. What fraction prefer tea?
     • $\frac{2}{5}$
     • $\frac{1}{4}$
     • $\frac{3}{10}$
     • $\frac{6}{10}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{10}$

     $\frac{60}{200}$ simplifies to $\frac{3}{10}$.

471. What is the probability of NOT rolling a 6 on a single die?
     • $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{2}{3}$
     • $\frac{5}{6}$
     • $\frac{1}{6}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{5}{6}$

     Five of the six outcomes are not a 6, so $\frac{5}{6}$.

472. Data: 2, 4, 6, 8, 100. Which measure is most affected by the outlier 100?
     • Range of the lower four values
     • Mean
     • Median
     • Mode

     Correct answer: Mean

     The mean is pulled upward by the extreme value, while the median stays near the middle.

473. In a class of 25, 15 are girls. What is the ratio of boys to total students?
     • $\frac{25}{10}$
     • $\frac{15}{25}$
     • $\frac{10}{15}$
     • $\frac{10}{25}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{10}{25}$

     Boys = $25 - 15 = 10$, so the ratio of boys to total is $\frac{10}{25}$.