ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Reading Science-Based Texts Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage from a geology textbook: 'The rock cycle is a fundamental concept that describes the transitions among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its equilibrium conditions. For example, when igneous rock is exposed to weathering, it breaks down into sediment, which can then be compacted to form sedimentary rock. This process illustrates the continuous transformation of Earth's materials.' What is the primary purpose of the third sentence?
- To provide a specific illustration of a process mentioned earlier. (Correct answer)
- To introduce a new theory about the formation of igneous rocks.
- To argue that sedimentary rock is the most common rock type.
- To define the geological term 'equilibrium conditions'.
Correct answer: To provide a specific illustration of a process mentioned earlier.
The correct answer is A because the sentence begins with 'For example,' which signals that it will provide a concrete instance of the general process of rock transformation described in the preceding sentence.
Question 2: A biology lab manual provides the following steps for preparing a microscope slide: 1. Place a single drop of pond water onto the center of a clean slide. 2. Gently lower a coverslip over the drop at a 45-degree angle to avoid air bubbles. 3. Use the corner of a paper towel to absorb any excess water at the edge of the coverslip. 4. Place the slide on the microscope stage and secure it with the clips. According to the procedure, what action is taken immediately after placing the coverslip on the slide?
- Placing the slide on the microscope stage.
- Adding a drop of pond water to the slide.
- Securing the slide with clips.
- Removing extra water from the sides. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Removing extra water from the sides.
The correct answer is D. The instructions are sequential. Step 2 describes lowering the coverslip, and Step 3, the very next step, instructs the user to absorb excess water.
Question 3: Read this description of a science experiment: 'Three identical bean plants were used to test the effect of different light colors on growth. Plant A was exposed to full-spectrum white light, Plant B only to blue light, and Plant C only to red light. All other conditions were kept constant. After four weeks, Plant A had grown 15 cm. Plant B had grown 10 cm and had thick, dark green leaves. Plant C had grown 18 cm, but its stems were thin and stretched.' Which of the following is a reasonable conclusion based on the results?
- Blue light is the worst type of light for plant growth.
- Plants grow tallest in red light, but may not be the healthiest. (Correct answer)
- White light causes plants to have thin, stretched stems.
- Bean plants cannot grow without a combination of red and blue light.
Correct answer: Plants grow tallest in red light, but may not be the healthiest.
The correct answer is B. The passage states Plant C (red light) grew the tallest (18 cm), but also describes its stems as 'thin and stretched,' which suggests less healthy, sturdy growth compared to the other plants.
Question 4: Read the following sentence from a chemistry text: 'When the salt was added to the water, it appeared to vanish, creating a homogeneous solution where the salt particles were evenly distributed throughout the liquid.' In this context, what does the term 'homogeneous' most likely mean?
- Composed of large, visible particles.
- Having a non-uniform and lumpy texture.
- Uniform in composition and appearance throughout. (Correct answer)
- Separated into distinct, visible layers.
Correct answer: Uniform in composition and appearance throughout.
The correct answer is C. The context clue 'evenly distributed throughout the liquid' directly supports the definition of homogeneous as being uniform in composition.
Question 5: Read the following passage about ecology: 'In many forest ecosystems, the removal of a keystone species, such as the gray wolf, can trigger a trophic cascade. Without wolves to prey on deer, the deer population often explodes. This overabundance of deer leads to the overgrazing of young trees, which in turn reduces the habitat for songbirds.' According to the passage, what is the most direct effect of an increase in the deer population?
- The reintroduction of the gray wolf into the ecosystem.
- A decrease in the available habitat for songbirds.
- An increase in the number of young trees in the forest.
- The overgrazing of vegetation. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The overgrazing of vegetation.
The correct answer is D. The passage explicitly states that the 'overabundance of deer leads to the overgrazing of young trees.' This is the immediate consequence of the deer population explosion.
Question 6: Read this description of the water cycle: 'A simplified diagram shows water from oceans turning into vapor and rising into the atmosphere, a process labeled 'Evaporation.' This vapor then cools and clumps together to form clouds, which is labeled 'Condensation.' When the water droplets in the clouds become too heavy, they fall back to Earth as rain or snow, a step labeled 'Precipitation.'' Based on the description, what happens during the stage known as 'Condensation'?
- Water falls from the sky as rain or snow.
- Water on the Earth's surface turns into a gas.
- Water vapor cools and forms clouds. (Correct answer)
- Water is collected in oceans and lakes.
Correct answer: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
The correct answer is C. The passage directly states that during the process labeled 'Condensation,' water vapor 'cools and clumps together to form clouds.'
ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Reading Science-Based Texts Questions and Answers
Read the passage from a geology textbook: 'The rock cycle is a fundamental concept that describes the transitions among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.
Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its equilibrium conditions.
For example, when igneous rock is exposed to weathering, it breaks down into sediment, which can then be compacted to form sedimentary rock.
This process illustrates the continuous transformation of Earth's materials.' What is the primary purpose of the third sentence?