Deck 16: Praxis I Reading

Question 1

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
According to context, the verb "inform", bolded after the (2) in the first paragraph, is farthest in meaning from

A)Familiarize
B)Keep in ignorance
C)Make known
D)None of the above

Answer 1

Keep in ignorance

Question 2

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
According to the passage, which of the following institutions in the U.S. does NOT require the TOEFL?

A)Government agencies
B)Scholarship programs
C)High schools
D)Universities

Answer 2

High schools

Question 3

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
According to the author, what is the different between popular vote and electoral vote?

A)The electoral vote is made by the people and the popular vote is casted by the elector.
B)The electoral vote decides the election of a presidential candidate and the popular vote elects the Vice President.
C)The electoral vote decides the election of the President and Vice President and the popular vote decides the election of the elector
D)None of the above

Answer 3

The electoral vote decides the election of the President and Vice President and the popular vote decides the election of the elector

Question 4

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
The word "advent", bolded after the (3) in paragraph 2, is synonymous with

A)Disappearance
B)Appearance
C)Fading
D)Farewell

Question 5

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
Which of the following is false according to the passage?

A)The TOEIC is less common than the TOEFL in the U.S.
B)The TOEIC is common in Japan.
C)IELTS is required for immigration to Australia.
D)The TOEFL was developed in the U.K.

Question 6

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there. The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
According to the passage, all of the following statements are false EXCEPT:

A)The purpose of the TOEFL is to examine a worker's ability to understand English.
B)The IELTS is not used in the U.S.
C)Japan uses the TOEIC to prepare workers to succeed abroad.
D)Both B and C.

Question 7

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
In paragraph 1, why does the author include the information that "new speakers" have been observed using Galician?

A)To explain why "new speakers" use Galician.
B)To support the claim that Galician is the native language of Galicia.
C)To show that there is little to no research done on "new speakers".
D)To provide evidence that Galician is being spoken more and more.

Question 8

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing abou the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
According to the passage, who is required to cast one vote for both President and Vice President?

A)Congress.
B)The American people.
C)The elector.
D)The presidential candidates.

Question 9

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
Based on the information in the passage, which of the following is a synonym (having the same or nearly same meaning) of the term "constituents", bolded after the (4) in the third paragraph?

A)Members
B)Entities
C)Components
D)All of the above

Question 10

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
Which of following is true according to the passage?

A)Some linguists consider Galician to be more closely related to Portuguese than Spanish.
B)Spanish is the least commonly spoken language in Galicia.
C)Urban youth typically speak Galician.
D)"New speakers" show a rising trend toward the use of Spanish instead of Galician.

Question 11

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there. The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
According to the author, what is the best approach to knowing, which test to take?

A)Take all of the tests and see which one you score better on.
B)When in doubt take the TOEFL.
C)Take the TOEFL if you want to live in Australia.
D)Contact the institution, which you plan to join.

Question 12

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
Based on the information in the passage, how would you best describe the general term "unconstitutional", in bold after the (4) in paragraph 3?

A)Inconsistently constitutional
B)Inconsistent with the constitution
C)In accordance with the constitution
D)In accordance with consistency

Question 13

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
The phrase "instead of", in bold after the (5) in paragraph 3, is closest in meaning to

A)In the place of
B)With respect to
C)Along with
D)Around the time of

Question 14

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
The concept "higher learning", bolded after the (3) in paragraph 2, can best be exemplified by study in following institution(s)

A)A college
B)A university
C)A high school
D)Both A and B

Question 15

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
The phrase "geared toward", bolded after the (5) in the third paragraph, is another way of saying

A)Made for
B)Developed by
C)Made from
D)None of the above

Question 16

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
According to paragraphs 2 and 3, all of the following statements are true of Galician EXCEPT:

A)Galician is the native language of Galicia.
B)Galician is the co-official language of Spain.
C)Galician is mainly employed by rural inhabitants of Galicia.
D)Galician is the minority language of Vigo, Ourense and A Coruña.

Question 17

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
Based on the information in the passage, how would you best describe the generic term "new speakers", in bold after the (1) in the first paragraph?

A)People who were just born.
B)People who grew up speaking a language, but didn't study it in school.
C)People who speak a foreign language that they are learning in school for the first time.
D)People who study/studied their heritage language in school, but didn't grow up speaking it.

Question 18

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
According to the passage, all of the following statements are false EXCEPT:

A)The candidate for elector that wins the most votes becomes President.
B)The District of Columbia is not represented in the Electoral College.
C)In the past urban populations had more of a voting advantage over rural inhabitants.
D)Electors are required to vote along party lines.

Question 19

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
Which of the following is true?

A)Until DOMA is overturned, the U.S. government won't recognize gay marriage.
B)Same-sex married couples were left unprotected at the federal level until DOMA was ruled unconstitutional.
C)Since gay marriage isn't recognized by the federal government, gay married couples are unprotected by U.S. law.
D)When DOMA was overturned, gay married couples were angry.

Question 20

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
The word "heritage", in bold after the (2) in the first paragraph, is closest in meaning to

A)Spanish
B)Related to a foreign language
C)Related to cultural history
D)Related to official language

Question 21

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
The word "overwhelming", bolded after the (1) in paragraph 1, can best be described as

A)To overpower in thought or feeling
B)To cover over completely
C)To bring to ruin
D)None of the above

Question 22

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
Which of following statements is false according in the passage?

A)Coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida.
B)There are more than 30 species of corals off the coast of Cuba.
C)70% of coral reefs may cease to exist in some 40 years.
D)The future of coral reefs depends on humans.

Question 23

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
According to the passage, what does TOEIC stand for?

A)Test of English for the International Community
B)Test of English for Interrelations in China
C)Test of English for International Communication
D)None of the above

Question 24

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
According to the passage, further research is needed on the other uses of the Galician language by newer speakers…

A)…Since it is closely related to Spanish and Portuguese.
B)…In so far as it is the co-official language of Galicia.
C)… Because it is understood that there is a lack of anthropological studies on the topic.
D)…Due to the fact that a higher number of inhabitants speak it in rural areas than its counterpart, Spanish.

Question 25

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
Based on the information in the passage, which of the following is a synonym (having the same or nearly same meaning) of the term "prevalent", bolded after the (4) in the third paragraph?

A)Widespread
B)Limited
C)Restricted
D)Both B and C

Question 26

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
The word "urban", bolded after the (4) in paragraph 2, is closest in meaning to

A)Of, or related to, a city
B)Of, or related to, the suburbs of a city
C)Of, or related to, the countryside
D)Of, or related to, a foreign country

Question 27

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
The word "federal", in bold after the (2) in paragraph 2, is closest in meaning to

A)Of, or relating to, the central government of a state
B)Of, or relating to, the government and its laws
C)Of, or relating to, the central government of the country
D)Of, or relating to, a specific law

Question 28

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
The word "inhabitants", in bold after the (3) in paragraph 2, is closest in meaning to

A)People with bad habits
B)People that live in rural areas
C)People that reside in a particular area
D)People that have grown up in urban areas

Question 29

The Galician Language and Its Revitalization Ever since the implementation of Galician as the primary language in the public school of Galicia in the early 1980's, there has been an increase in number of speakers of this language. Observers have seen (1) "new speakers" use Galician, their (2) heritage language, during protests, theatrical skits, and other public events. However, more anthropological research needs to be done on how else the Galician language is being used by these so-called "new speakers".
Galician-or galego(gah-lay-goh)-is the autochthonous, or native, language of the northwestern region of Spain known as Galicia. It is a language closely related to both Spanish and Portuguese-although it has closer linguistic ties to Portuguese when it is observed under the microscope of some linguists-and is spoken mainly by people who live in rural areas of the region. Although Galician is the co-official language of Galicia, Spanish is spoken by a higher number of (3) inhabitants since it is the language of the Spanish nation and the majority language in the (4) urban areas of Galicia, such as Vigo, Ourense, and A Coruña.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Galicia (due to a larger urban rather than rural population), there is a new movement for urban youth toward adopting the language, and in some cases employing it in their every-day conversations (5) instead of Spanish. Because these urban youth typically have spoken mainly Spanish but have come to rely more and more on the use of Galician, they have been termed "new speakers". It is thanks to these "new speakers" that Galician has recently enjoyed a growth in the number of people who choose to employ it in their daily lives rather than Spanish.
What is the main idea of this essay?

A)Galician is the autochthonous, or native, language of Galicia.
B)Galician has seen an increase in its number of speakers.
C)Spanish is being spoken less by some speakers in Galicia.
D)Galicia is a region in northwestern Spain where Galician is spoken.

Question 30

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
Based on the information in the passage, how would you best describe the term "subterranean", bolded after the (4) in the third paragraph?

A)Submarine
B)Aquatic
C)Marine
D)Below the surface

Question 31

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
According to the author, which of the following is a reason that our livelihood depends on coral reefs?

A)They do not protect our coasts from storms.
B)They act as natural barriers to strengthen the force of hurricanes.
C)They protect our beaches from erosion.
D)Their enormous structures expose endangered animals to threat.

Question 32

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
The term "race", in bold after the (5) in the third paragraph, is closet in meaning to

A)Competition
B)Ethnic background
C)Lineage
D)Fight

Question 33

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean isualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
The word "endangered", bolded after the (3) in the second paragraph, can best be defined as

A)Susceptible to threat
B)Vulnerable to menace
C)Protected
D)Both A and B

Question 34

DOMA and Its Demise any same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
According to the passage, the reason that "spouse" was determined by the Clinton Administration to refer to opposite-sex married couples was...

A)…To protect homosexual married couples under federal law.
B)…To exclude homosexual married couples from laws applicable to heterosexual married couples.
C)…To block opposite-sex married couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.
D)…To leave heterosexual married couples unprotected under federal law.

Question 35

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
In paragraph 4, why does the author mention the different acts of destruction?

A)To explain how water pollution poses problems for divers.
B)To support the claim that coastal construction is profitable for tourism.
C)To provide evidence that coral reefs are in danger.
D)To show that coral needs light to survive.

Question 36

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
The word "absolute", bolded after the (1) in the first paragraph, is closest in meaning to

A)Limited
B)Somewhat
C)Restricted
D)Complete

Question 37

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
Which of the following is false according to the passage?

A)Coral reefs are in danger of disappearance.
B)María la Gorda is a reef found off the coast of Cuba.
C)Coral reefs lack biodiversity.
D)Coral reefs protect the coasts from storms.

Question 38

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
The concept "discriminated against", bolded after the (3) in paragraph 3, is closest in meaning to

A)Treated poorly
B)Treated justly
C)Treated rudely
D)Treated unequally

Question 39

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
According to context, the word "party", bolded after the (2) in the first paragraph, is closest in meaning to

A)Affair
B)Bloc
C)Event
D)None of the above

Question 40

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
The word "excessive", bolded after the (5) in the fourth paragraph, is closest in meaning to

A)Insufficient
B)Proportionate
C)Moderate
D)Too much

Question 41

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
The word "formations", bolded after the (2) in the second paragraph, on the first line of the second paragraph refers to

A)Reefs
B)Subterranean mountain ranges
C)Underwater plants
D)Caves

Question 42

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
In paragraph 2, why does the author include the information that the Clinton Administration sought to block same-sex couples from receiving federal marriage benefits?

A)To explain why DOMA was a federal law.
B)To support the claim that DOMA was unconstitutional.
C)To provide evidence that the federal government didn't support same-sex marriage.
D)To show that DOMA left homosexual married couples unprotected.

Question 43

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
The word "office", bolded after the (5) in the fourth paragraph, is closest in meaning to

A)Service
B)Branch
C)Agency
D)Department

Question 44

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
Which of the following is false according to the passage?

A)Presidential candidates are not elected by popular vote.
B)The Electoral College was established to promote fairness.
C)The President chooses electors from the Electoral College.
D)Both A and B.

Question 45

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal. DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
Which of following is true according to the passage?

A)DOMA was a law enacted by the Obama Administration.
B)The Supreme Court overturned DOMA under the Clinton Administration.
C)The Clinton Administration determined the word "spouse" was to refer to a homosexual married couple.
D)Same-sex married couples share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples now that DOMA is no longer a law.

Question 46

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there. Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
According to the passage, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT:

A)The coral reef of the Cuban coast is a protected area.
B)Coral reefs provide an environment for fish and plants to survive.
C)Coral reefs offer a safe place for many species of animals.
D)The Caribbean coral reefs extend to over 26 thousand square miles.

Question 47

The Electoral College of the U.S.Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too. You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
The word "popular", bolded after the (1) in paragraph 1, can best be described as

A)Enjoying widespread approval
B)Accepted by most people
C)Held by a majority of the people
D)None of the above

Question 48

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
According to the passage, why was the Electoral College established in the first place?

A)To promote fairness for rural citizens who didn't know about candidates.
B)To support Democrat presidential candidates.
C)To vote along party lines.
D)Both A and B.

Question 49

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
According to paragraph 3, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT:

A)Few same-sex couples felt they were treated unfairly under DOMA..
B)In Hawaii and Iowa it is legal to marry someone of the same-sex.
C)Not all the states in the Union treat same-sex marriage as being legal.
D)The Obama Administration considered DOMA to be unconstitutional at one point.

Question 50

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
The word "union", bolded after the (1) in paragraph 1, is closest in meaning to

A)Reunion
B)Mixture
C)Partnership
D)Confederation