Deck 1: Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)

Question 1

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
Who is most likely the intended audience for this passage?

A)The intended audience consists of California voters who are trying to determine how to vote on Proposition 37.
B)The intended audience consists of food manufacturers who are resistant to adding GMO labeling to their food products.
C)The intended audience consists of those unfamiliar with GMOs or recent legislative efforts in California or other states.
D)The intended audience consists of academic researchers developing research projects on the safety of GMOs.

Answer 1

The intended audience consists of those unfamiliar with GMOs or recent legislative efforts in California or other states.

Question 2

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
Based on the author's tone, how would he or she likely vote on Proposition 37?

A)The author would likely vote NO on proposition 37.
B)The author would likely vote YES on proposition 37.
C)The author would likely abstain from voting on Proposition 37.
D)There is not enough information to answer this question.

Answer 2

The author would likely vote NO on proposition 37.

Question 3

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
Based on this passage, what can one infer about the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms?

A)GMOs pose a significant risk to the safety of consumers.
B)Corporations are attempting to deceive consumers about the potential risks of GMOs.
C)They are not likely dangerous.
D)GMOs are becoming more dangerous.

Answer 3

They are not likely dangerous.

Question 4

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
Based on past efforts to legally require GMO labeling in other states, what can be inferred about the public's concern with GMOs?

A)The public is very concerned with GMOs and is attempting to draw attention to their use in food.
B)The public does not understand the dangers of GMOs and is not making rational decisions about labeling.
C)The public is easily misled by large corporations and is making uninformed choices.
D)The public is not overwhelmingly concerned with GMOs and has not required labeling in any states thus far.

Question 5

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
How many other states have tried to pass GMO labeling laws?

A)California is the first state to try to pass a GMO labeling law.
B)More than a dozen other states have tried to pass GMO labeling laws.
C)Ten states in the United States currently have GMO labeling laws.
D)Records are not maintained regarding what states have initiated GMO labeling laws.

Question 6

What is the equation for the Pythagorean Theorem?

A)A³ + B³ = C³
B)A³ -B³ = C³
C)A² + B² = C²
D)ABC² = A²B²C²

Question 7

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
Why have people initiated the effort to pass Proposition 37 and require genetically modified foods be labeled?

A)Genetically modified foods are much cheaper, and consumers should be aware of the lower cost.
B)Genetically modified foods are completely safe and labeling will point that out.
C)Genetically modified foods are confusing for consumers and labels will add clarity.
D)Some believe genetically modified foods are less safe than convention foods.

Question 8

What is the mean for the following expenditures? $79.84, $278.99, $342.16, $466.25, $111.39, $502.47, $98.12

A)$278.99
B)$268.46
C)$354.22
D)$317.54

Question 9

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
What is the main idea of this passage?

A)There are many studies that show that genetically modified foods are no more dangerous than other foods.
B)California voters will soon decide if foods with genetically modified ingredients must be labeled.
C)Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops.
D)The campaigns on both sides of Proposition 37 are spending millions of dollars.

Question 10

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
If Proposition 37 is passed, what consequence might consumers encounter?

A)Labeling will drive up the cost of food.
B)Labeling will limit the kinds of foods consumers can purchase.
C)To avoid labeling, farmers will grow crops that are not protected and easily destroyed.
D)As a result of food labeling, food will be in short supply.

Question 11

"The California Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act" known as Proposition 37 will require food manufacturers to label food with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). If the bill passes, it will be the first law in the United States that required GMO labeling. Some European countries already mandate GMO labeling, but efforts to pass legislation in the United States have met resistance. Over a dozen other states have failed to pass proposed labeling laws. Food manufacturer argue that the bill is unnecessary because GMO are safe. They believe labeling will drive up food costs and will confuse consumers. Proponents of the legislation assert that consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, the alteration of genetic material through processes not found in nature. Scientists use genetically modified organisms to protect crops. add variety to certain foods. Some people believe that the genetic modification of foods effects safety. Corporations that produce genetically modified foods point to hundreds of studies that show that they are safe. California voters will soon make a choice about GMO foods labels, and both sides are spending millions of dollars to influence their decisions. The result of the ballot initiative will reverberate throughout the nation.
How do proponents of Proposition 37 in California hope their efforts will compare to those of advocates of GMO labeling in other states?

A)California advocates hope they will be as successful as advocates in other states.
B)California advocates hope successes in other states will create momentum for their efforts in California.
C)California advocates hope they will have more money to campaign than their counterparts in other states have had.
D)California advocates hope they will be more successful than advocates in other states.

Question 12

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
What is the main idea of this passage?

A)Because of an increase in harvesting of the ovamel fir tree, the monarch butterfly population in North America has decreased sharply.
B)Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the United States to Mexico, where they spend the winter in a fir-tree forest.
C)In 2008 scientists predicted that monarch butterflies will soon become endangered, then extinct.
D)The economic crisis has caused Mexican land owners to harvest ovamel fir trees for sale, rather than only for personal use.

Question 13

If Elizabeth invests $4,000 for five years and her investment earns 12% interest, compounding annually, what will it be worth at the end of her investment period?

A)$6,000.00
B)$6,400.00
C)$6,943.66
D)$7,049.37

Question 14

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
What is a reasonable inference one could make from the following sentence, "If further efforts are not made, some scientists predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico."

A)Not all scientists studying the area predict the total collapse of the ecosystem.
B)Scientists are demanding further efforts be made to protect the butterflies.
C)The monarch butterflies could become extinct in Mexico, but remain in other countries.
D)The current efforts have been very successful.

Question 15

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
Based on the author's tone, what can the reader conclude about the threat to monarch butterflies?

A)It has developed gradually and is not yet significant.
B)It may have been developing over a long period of time, but scientists did not notice it until recently.
C)It began in 2008
D)The crisis developed quickly over a short period of time and must be addressed immediately.

Question 16

What is the median for the following set of numbers? $3.27, $9.42, $6.15, $5.25, $7.62, $4.86, $2.94, $1.16

A)$6.15
B)$4.07
C)$5.45
D)$5.70

Question 17

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
What assumption does this author make about the reader or audience?

A)The author assumes the reader is familiar with the oyamel tree.
B)The author assumes the reader has seen satellite images of the deforestation in Mexico.
C)The author assumes the reader knows what a butterfly is.
D)The author assumes the reader is Canadian.

Question 18

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
Compare how residents have used oyamel fir trees in the past to how they currently use the trees.

A)In the past, residents used the trees only for personal needs like cooking and heat, but now they sell the wood to others to earn money.
B)In the past residents avoided using the trees in the conservation biosphere, but now they have to use those trees as well.
C)The increase in population has led to residents cutting down more trees than they have in the past.
D)In the past residents earned money by selling wood from the trees, now they are given money by the government and don't cut the trees.

Question 19

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
Why have the ovamel fir tree forests decreased in recent years?

A)Severe drought has led to the death of many trees.
B)There is no conservation plan in place to protect the trees.
C)Scientists were not aware of the need to maintain the forests.
D)Residents have begun selling the trees for profit, rather than only using them for personal needs.

Question 20

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
What research caused officials from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. to develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan?

A)Information about the need for increased income from logging in some parts of Mexico.
B)Observations that there seemed to be fewer butterflies in Mexico during the winteusr months.
C)Satellite images of fir tree forests in Mexico.
D)The announcement that the ecosystem in Mexico had collapsed.