Question 1

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
Other than deforestation, what other environmental issue could be causing the decline in the monarch butterfly population?
A)Air pollution from expanding population centers.
B)A prolonged drought.
C)An extended growing season brought on by heavy rain.
D)Warmer temperatures throughout the winter months.

Accepted Answer

A prolonged drought, in addition to the significant decline in the ovamel fir forests has likely led to the decrease in the monarch butterfly population. The World Wildlife Foundation has identified both environmental issues as possible causes of the decline. The cause that can be most directly addressed, however, is the increased logging of the fir trees.

Question 2

The World Wildlife Foundation recently reports that the number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has declined drastically. Although extreme drought conditions have dried up nectar plants monarch butterflies rely on for food. The destruction of their overwintering grounds also poses a considerate threat.
When monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico from Canada and the United States, they converge on oyamel fir trees. The trees provide shelter to monarch butterflies they are also essential to the communities that surround the forests. In the past, residents used the wood for cooking and heating, but recently, they have began to sell it in order to support their livelihoods. As a result of logging oyamel fir trees, the habitat of the monarch butterfly population has shrunk.
In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the degradation of oyamel fir forests. Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met to quickly develop a monarch butterfly conservation plan. A key feature of the plan focused on protecting the monarch butterflies' habitat. Mexico agreed to enforce a ban on logging within the Monarch Biosphere Bio Reserve.
Despite various conversation efforts, including paying landowners for logging rights, the monarch butterfly population continues to decline. There was a 28 percent reduction in numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico. If further efforts are not made, some scientist predict the total collapse of the ecosystem that supports monarch butterflies in Mexico.
Why have the ovamel fir tree forests decreased in recent years?
A)Severe drought has led to the death of many trees.
B)There is no conservation plan in place to protect the trees.
C)Scientists were not aware of the need to maintain the forests.
D)Residents have begun selling the trees for profit, rather than only using them for personal needs.

Accepted Answer

In recent years, residents who previously harvested the fir trees for personal use have begun selling the wood as a means of making a livelihood. This increase in harvesting of the fir trees has diminished the winter habitat for the monarch butterfly. Because the habitat is smaller, the population of the butterflies is also decreasing.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Since monarch butterflies overwinter in Mexico, they are in Canada in the spring and summer. This question required an understanding that the butterflies migrate, or move from the U.S. and Canada to Mexico for the winter.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The reader can infer that conservation efforts have been initiated but they have not been effective. Although the Monarch Biosphere Reserve has been established, and a ban on logging has been enforced, the butterfly population continues to decline.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The reader can infer that some, but not all scientists studying the butterflies have predicted the total collapse of the ecosystem. Since the sentence notes that some scientists make this prediction, it is logical that others do not.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The crisis represented by the decline in the population of monarch butterflies in Mexico has been noticed recently and must be addressed immediately. In the first paragraph the author notes that the World Wildlife Foundation recently noticed the decline in butterflies in Mexico. Later in the passage the author points out that satellite imagery from 2008 showed the decline in forests, and finally, in the last paragraph, the author writes that the decline continues and more needs to be done.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The author makes the assumption that the reader knows what a butterfly is. While the author explains the type of tree he or she is referring to, and the results of logging, he or she does not describe what a butterfly is or how it migrates.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

In the past residents used the trees only for their own cooking and heating needs. Now, to earn a living, they cut down the trees and sell the wood. This is a recent change and has led to the destruction of the monarch butterfly habitat.

Question 9

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A.
Her brother a prominent businessman supported her financially.
A)Her brother a prominent businessman
B)Her brother, a prominent businessman,
C)Her brother was a prominent businessman
D)Her brother a prominent businessman, and

Accepted Answer

Commas can be used before and after non-essential phrases. These parenthetical expressions can be set aside and not change the meaning of a sentence. The fact that Rankin's brother was a prominent businessman is not essential to his financial support. Therefore, that phrase can be set off by commas.

Question 10

Which course of action most improves the following sentence?
After the closed-door meeting had ended, a few off-hand remarks inferred that I would be passed over for a promotion.
A)Remove the hyphen from closed-door.
B)Remove the word over.
C)Change inferred to implied.
D)Change the comma to a semicolon.

Accepted Answer

The sentence is most improved by changing inferred to implied. To infer is to arrive at a conclusion from limited information. To imply is to suggest something without saying it explicitly. The speaker may have inferred, but the remarks implied.

Question 11

Which course of action most improves the following sentence?
The passage was read aloud by the student in case some of the class had fallen behind in the reading.
A)Fix the tense shift.
B)Fix subject/verb agreement
C)Change to active voice.
D)Change had fallen to fell.

Accepted Answer

The sentence is most improved by changing the sentence to active voice. Active voice uses fewer words than passive voice and moves the reader along more quickly. Passive voice should only be used when the object of a sentence requires particular emphasis.The active equivalent of the above question would be, "The student read the passage aloud in case some of the class had fallen behind in the reading."

Question 12

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A.
Egypt is located in the Northeast Corner of the African continent.
A)Northeast Corner
B)Northeast corner
C)northeast Corner
D)northeast corner

Accepted Answer

Capitalize words such as "northern" when they refer to a specific region. In this sentence, "northeast" refers to a general geographic area. Therefore, "northeast corner" reflects the best choice because there are no capitalization issues.

Question 13

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A.
When dining in the Congo hands should be washed before and after eating.
A)When dining in the Congo hands should be
B)When dining in the Congo hand should be
C)When dining in the Congo, hands should be
D)When dining in the Congo; hands should be

Accepted Answer

The comma is required to separate the dependent (introductory) clause from the independent clause. The plural form of "hands" is appropriate. A semicolon is inappropriate in this sentence.

Question 14

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A.
The nicer a person look, the more respect he or she will receive.
A)a person look, the more respect he or she will receive
B)a person looks, the more respect he or she will receive
C)a person looked; the more respect he or she will receive
D)a person will look, the more respect he or she will receive

Accepted Answer

The verb should agree with the subject. The singular noun "person" agrees with "looks" The past tense and future tense forms of the verb are inappropriate with this sentence.

Question 15

Which section of the following passage needs to be edited for incorrect spelling, incorrect grammar, inappropriate word choice or wordiness?
A)"I'm not always sure
B)what I'm suppose to do next,"
C)the confused math student
D)told his teacher.

Accepted Answer

Suppose needs to be changed to supposed. The final -ed is often dropped in colloquial speech, but this is incorrect in formal writing.

Question 16

Which section of the following passage needs to be edited for incorrect spelling, incorrect grammar, inappropriate word choice or wordiness?
A)He found it difficult
B)to write a satisfying end to the story
C)because he had not written
D)a deeply-engrossing beginning.

Accepted Answer

The hyphen in deeply-engrossing needs to be removed.Deeply engrossing is not a compound adjective because deeply is an adverb modifying engrossing. The -ly suffix is a dead giveaway that the hyphen is unnecessary.

Question 17

Which section of the following passage needs to be edited for incorrect spelling, incorrect grammar, inappropriate word choice or wordiness?
A)"Its not going to
B)clean up its own mess,"
C)the man said,
D)pointing at his neighbor's dog.

Accepted Answer

In English 's can signify possession (e.g. the girl's doll) or contraction of is (e.g. Marcia's coming over later). To resolve this ambiguity, it's means it is, and its is the possessive form.

Quiz 1: Accuplacer Esl

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A. Her brother a prominent businessman supported her financially.

Which course of action most improves the following sentence? After the closed-door meeting had ended, a few off-hand remarks inferred that I would be passed over for a promotion.

Which course of action most improves the following sentence? The passage was read aloud by the student in case some of the class had fallen behind in the reading.

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A. Egypt is located in the Northeast Corner of the African continent.

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A. When dining in the Congo hands should be washed before and after eating.

Choose the answer which best rewords the italicized portion. If you think the original wording is best, choose option A. The nicer a person look, the more respect he or she will receive.

Which section of the following passage needs to be edited for incorrect spelling, incorrect grammar, inappropriate word choice or wordiness?

Which section of the following passage needs to be edited for incorrect spelling, incorrect grammar, inappropriate word choice or wordiness?

Which section of the following passage needs to be edited for incorrect spelling, incorrect grammar, inappropriate word choice or wordiness?