Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The intended audience for this passage is likely those unfamiliar with GMOs or recent legislative efforts in California or other states. Since the author explains and defines GMOs, it is obvious he or she is not writing for readers who understand the technology. Since the author explains the legislation in California and results in other states, it is also unlikely that the passage is written for California voters or food manufacturers.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Based on the author's tone, one could determine the author would likely vote no on Proposition 37. The author has noted that other states have failed to pass the legislation. The author has also listed very specific reasons why the legislation would be a negative influence, including raising food prices and confusing consumers. Finally, the author has noted that hundreds of studies point to the safety of GMOs.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Based on this passage, one can infer that GMOs are not likely dangerous. The passage notes that hundreds of studies have shown that GMOs are safe. There are those, however, who believe they are not safe.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Based on past efforts to require GMO labeling, one can infer that the public is not overwhelmingly concerned with GMOs. Since efforts to require labeling have failed in more than a dozen states, despite money spent campaigning on both sides, one can logically assume that there is not wide-spread concern about this issue.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

More than a dozen other states have tried to pass GMO labeling laws. If Proposition 37 passes, California will be the first state to pass a GMO labeling law. The concerns about GMO are widespread, but no successful legislation has been passed to alert consumers of genetically modified ingredients in the food.

Question 6

What is the equation for the Pythagorean Theorem?

Accepted Answer

The equation for the Pythagorean Theorem is A² + B² = C². The theorem states that in any right-angled triangle, the area of the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle: C) is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares of the 2legs (the 2sides that meet at a right angle: A & B).

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Some people who believe genetically modified foods are less safe than conventional foods have initiated an effort to pass Proposition 37 requiring genetically modified foods be labeled. Food corporations have countered with studies that indicate no danger in these foods. The campaigns on both sides have cost millions of dollars.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The mean for the data set above is $268.46. The median or middle number when the numbers are in ascending order ($79.84, $98.12, $111.39, $278.99, $342.16, $466.25, $502.47) is $278.99.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The main idea of the passage is that California voters will soon decide if genetically modified foods must be labeled GMO in stores and markets. While the passage does explain genetic modifications to food, and notes that there are many studies that prove the safety of these modifications, the passage begins and ends with information about the vote.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Food manufacturers believe that labeling GMO foods will drive up food costs. There is no indication that labeling will limit the food produced in any way, or that there will be any food shortages.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

California advocates for GMO labeling hope they will be more successful in their efforts than advocates in other states have been. Since legislation to require GMO labeling has failed in over a dozen states, those who support labeling in CA would hope to be more successful. Success in CA would likely lead to new legislation around the country.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The main idea of this passage is that an increase in logging of the ovamel fir tree has diminished the winter habitat for monarch butterflies, and, consequently, decreased the population of the butterfly. Monarch butterflies do migrate from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico, and increased logging has been brought on by economic need. However, the point of the passage is to make the connection between this increased logging and the decrease in butterfly population.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

A $4,000 investment that earns 12% interest compounded annually would be worth $7,049.37 at the end of a five-year investment period. The equation for compound interest is A = P(1 + r/n)nt in which A is the amount including interest, P is the principle investment, r is the interest rate expressed in decimal form (0.12), n is the number of times interest is added per year, and t is the number of years for which the principal is invested. A = $4000(1+.12/1)5. = $7,049.37.

Question 14

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

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 15

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

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 16

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

Accepted Answer

The median or the middle number when the numbers are in ascending order ($1.16, $2.94, $3.27, $4.86, $5.25, $6.15, $7.62, $9.42) for the set above is $5.70. Whenever there is an even number of entries in a set, putting two numbers in the middle of the ordered entries, those two numbers are averaged to find the median. The mean is about $4.07. There is no mode because each number occurs only one time in the set.

Question 17

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

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 18

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

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 19

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

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 20

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

Accepted Answer

In 2008, scientists used satellite imagery to illustrate the decline of the ovamel fir forests in Mexico. Following the release of these images, officials from the three countries met to discuss a conservation plan for the monarch butterfly.

Quiz 1: Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)

What is the equation for the Pythagorean Theorem?

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

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

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