Module I: Reading and Writing

In the mid-1800s, the Maori scholar Tā Apirana Ngata developed a unique script for the Maori language in New Zealand. Because it mirrored the phonetics of spoken Maori perfectly, his script was simple to learn and rapidly achieved ______ usage: by 1870, a substantial majority of the Maori population could read and write it.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

1
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

extensive

meticulous

accidental

occasional

In 1972, the discovery of a new antibiotic-resistant bacterium posed a challenge to modern medicine. This development might cause researchers who previously dismissed such possibilities to _______ their perspectives.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

2
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

corroborate

discredit

reject

reassess

Working on the principles of citizen science, students and academic institutions have been engaging in equal partnership for conducting studies on urban biodiversity. The joint venture between city schools and the University of Chicago ______ this approach: students have been actively involved in setting up methodologies and collecting data.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

3
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

undermines

overrides

constructs

embodies

The following text is adapted from The Murmuring Waters by Arthur Redwood. In this passage, the character Elsie is sculpting a water fountain.

With each chisel strike, the sculpture embraced more detail, refining its raw and untamed form into more distinct shapes and elegance. The principal design was now evident to the casual eye.

As used in the text, what does the word “embraced” most nearly mean?

4
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Hugged

Encased

Adopted

Discarded

The rapid expansion of urban areas has been linked to increased air pollution levels; yet, it is by no means ______ for city planners and residents to mitigate these effects. While the construction of green spaces and the promotion of public transportation can significantly reduce pollutants, the challenge of integrating these solutions into densely populated areas without compromising urban functionality remains. Advances in sustainable architecture and efficient public transit systems continue to evolve in response to these concerns.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?

5
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

detrimental

redundant

beneficial

trivial

In recent years, the escalating issue of climate change has led to a significant rise in average global temperatures, posing considerable environmental challenges. Yet, a seemingly contradictory trend has been observed, with some regions, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, experiencing unusually harsh winters. John Davis, a climate scientist, attempts to explain this apparent anomaly by examining shifts in global atmospheric circulation patterns.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

6
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

It introduces a counter-argument to the claim that global warming is occurring.

It outlines the main conclusion of Davis's research.

It presents a paradox that Davis's research seeks to explain.

It provides a summary of current climate change impacts.

In 1969, environmentalist Rachel Carson published a book that highlighted the dangers of chemical pesticides to the environment, particularly to birds. Her work brought to light how these chemicals, once thought to be safe, were causing harm to wildlife and potentially to humans. Based on her research, Carson advocated for changes in the way pesticides were used and called for more sustainable practices. Her book played a pivotal role in the environmental movement, leading to a nationwide ban on DDT and inspiring an ecological revolution.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

7
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

To outline the contents of Carson's book

To describe the impact of Carson's environmental research

To critique the use of pesticides in agriculture

To recount the events leading to the ban on DDT

The following text is from Edgar Allan Poe’s 1849 poem Annabel Lee.

It was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,

That a maiden there lived whom you may know

By the name of Annabel Lee;

And this maiden she lived with no other thought

Than to love and be loved by me.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

8
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

The speaker introduces a tale from his past, then outlines the central relationship.

The speaker describes a beautiful location, then introduces the people who inhabit it.

The speaker hints at a mystery, then slowly reveals the clues to solve it.

The speaker recounts a tragic story, then explains the lesson he learned from it.

Text 1

William Shakespeare, a seminal figure in English literature, is universally renowned for his plays, which have had an enduring and profound influence on both English drama and global theatre. His tragic works, such as Hamlet and Macbeth, are often considered the pinnacle of his artistic accomplishment, representing some of the finest examples of dramatic literature.

Text 2

While Shakespeare's plays have undoubtedly received extensive global acclaim, his sonnets represent an equally significant and substantial aspect of his literary output. Comprising a collection of 154 sonnets, Shakespeare explored universal themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time, offering an intimate and richly layered glimpse into his artistic depth and mastery.

Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?

9
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

William Shakespeare solely devoted his creative energies to writing plays.

Shakespeare's sonnets surpass his plays in terms of literary significance.

Tragic narratives form the crux of all Shakespeare's works.

Shakespeare's works have profoundly influenced literature around the world.

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is known for its dazzling corals and abundant marine life. However, marine biologists are concerned that it is facing threats due to the global rise in ocean temperatures. The rise in temperatures can result in coral bleaching, causing corals to lose their vibrant colors and eventually die.

According to the text, what is the primary cause of concern for the Great Barrier Reef?

10
Mark for Review

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

It is being destroyed due to fishing activities.

It is suffering from coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures.

It is shrinking due to coastal erosion.

It is losing marine life due to pollution.

Guest