ELTIS - English Language Test for International Students Reading Science-Based Texts 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?

Accepted Answer

To provide a specific illustration of a process mentioned earlier.

Answer

To introduce a new theory about the formation of igneous rocks.

Answer

To argue that sedimentary rock is the most common rock type.

Answer

To define the geological term 'equilibrium conditions'.

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?

Accepted Answer

Removing extra water from the sides.

Answer

Placing the slide on the microscope stage.

Answer

Adding a drop of pond water to the slide.

Answer

Securing the slide with clips.

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?

Accepted Answer

Plants grow tallest in red light, but may not be the healthiest.

Answer

Blue light is the worst type of light for plant growth.

Answer

White light causes plants to have thin, stretched stems.

Answer

Bean plants cannot grow without a combination of red and blue light.

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?

Accepted Answer

Uniform in composition and appearance throughout.

Answer

Composed of large, visible particles.

Answer

Having a non-uniform and lumpy texture.

Answer

Separated into distinct, visible layers.

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?

Accepted Answer

The overgrazing of vegetation.

Answer

The reintroduction of the gray wolf into the ecosystem.

Answer

A decrease in the available habitat for songbirds.

Answer

An increase in the number of young trees in the forest.

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'?

Accepted Answer

Water vapor cools and forms clouds.

Answer

Water falls from the sky as rain or snow.

Answer

Water on the Earth's surface turns into a gas.

Answer

Water is collected in oceans and lakes.