Crossover Aptitude Test Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

Read the passage: 'The Great Barrier Reef, spanning over 2,300 kilometers off Australia's coast, is the world's largest coral reef system. Rising ocean temperatures have caused widespread coral bleaching, with 50% of the reef's coral cover lost since 1995. Scientists warn that without drastic reductions in carbon emissions, the reef could be functionally extinct by 2050.' Which of the following is NOT stated or implied in the passage?

Accepted Answer

Australia's government has already implemented carbon reduction policies

Answer

The passage mentions scientists' warnings about carbon emissions but says nothing about Australia's government implementing policies, making option C unsupported.

Question 2

Read the passage: 'Urban heat islands occur when cities experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Studies show urban cores can be 5–10°F warmer than nearby countryside. Tree planting campaigns and reflective roofing materials have been shown to reduce these effects.' What is the primary cause of urban heat islands according to the passage?

Accepted Answer

Heat-absorbing surfaces such as asphalt and concrete

Answer

The passage explicitly states that urban heat islands are caused by 'heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt and concrete.'

Question 3

Read the passage: 'A new study found that teenagers who limit social media use to 30 minutes per day show significantly lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to those who use it for 3 or more hours. Researchers caution, however, that the relationship may be bidirectional — teenagers who are already depressed may be more likely to spend excessive time on social media.' What do the researchers caution about the study's findings?

Accepted Answer

Depression may cause increased social media use, not just the reverse

Answer

Researchers caution that the relationship may be bidirectional — depression could cause more social media use, meaning social media may not be the sole cause of depression.

Question 4

Read the passage: 'Minimalism is a lifestyle philosophy centered on intentional ownership — keeping only possessions that serve a clear purpose or bring genuine joy. Proponents argue it reduces financial stress by curbing unnecessary spending and frees mental energy previously spent managing clutter. Critics counter that minimalism is a privilege accessible mainly to affluent individuals.' The word 'intentional' as used in the passage most closely means:

Accepted Answer

Deliberate and purposeful

Answer

'Intentional ownership' in context means deliberate and purposeful ownership — choosing items consciously rather than accumulating them by default.

Question 5

Read the passage: 'The Dust Bowl of the 1930s devastated agricultural production across the Great Plains when severe drought combined with poor farming practices stripped topsoil from millions of acres. Over 3.5 million people were displaced. The crisis prompted the U.S. government to establish soil conservation programs that remain in place today.' Which factor does the passage identify as contributing to the Dust Bowl?

Accepted Answer

A combination of drought and unsustainable farming practices

Answer

The passage explicitly states that the Dust Bowl resulted from 'severe drought combined with poor farming practices,' making option B correct.

Crossover Aptitude Test Practice Test

Crossover Aptitude Test Practice Test

Crossover Aptitude Test Reading Comprehension 2