FREE ATDH Reading and Language Usage Questions and Answers
The valleys, on the other hand, present daunting challenges—submerged under oceans, many of these valleys remain elusive to all but a tiny number of daring, highly motivated explorers.
What is the meaning of the word “daunting” as it is used in this sentence?
Explanation:
The word "daunting" means intimidating or challenging, suggesting something that is difficult to overcome. "Formidable" is a synonym that conveys a similar meaning, indicating something that inspires fear or respect due to its size, power, or difficulty. In this context, "daunting challenges" refers to the difficult and intimidating nature of exploring the submerged valleys.
I like biology, but I'm taking cell biology 301 next semester, which looks difficult.
Which option uses correct capitalization?
Explanation:
The word "biology" should be lowercase because it is not at the beginning of the sentence and is not a proper noun in this context. "Cell Biology 301" is the specific name of the course, so it should be capitalized.
The Mariana Trench is the result of an ancient geological confrontation—a collision between two massive plates in the planet’s crust—called a subduction.
What is the author’s purpose for including the phrase: “a collision between two massive plates in the planet’s crust”?
Explanation:
The author's purpose for including the phrase "a collision between two massive plates in the planet’s crust" is to communicate the meaning of a scientific term, specifically, the geological process that led to the formation of the Mariana Trench.
When she was younger. She went to the museum and saw the exhibit of reconstructed blue whale skeletons.
Which option best combines these sentences?
Explanation:
This option combines the two sentences in a clear and grammatically correct manner, providing the necessary context at the beginning of the sentence.
Looking closer, Vescovo concluded that it was that ubiquitous artifact of twenty-first-century life— a plastic bag!
What is the meaning of “ubiquitous” as it is used in this sentence?
Explanation:
"Ubiquitous" means present, appearing, or found everywhere. In this context, it describes the plastic bag as a common and widespread artifact of twenty-first-century life.
Which best describes the main idea of this paragraph:
The first human mission to the bottom of the trench was in 1960, when engineer Jacques Piccard and submariner Don Walsh descended in a deep sea submersible called the Trieste. It was 52 years before the second descent, by Titanic filmmaker James Cameron. In 2019 and 2020, explorer Victor Vescovo and various companions braved the gloomy depths five times. Having previously climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest, Vescovo and his companion Vanessa O’Brien have achieved the remarkable distinction of reaching both the highest and the lowest points on the planet. Another companion has accomplished a different singular feat. Kathy Sullivan is a former astronaut who walked in space in 1984. As an explorer of both oceanic depths and extraterrestrial heights, she has contemplated the earthly sphere from afar and probed its deepest inner recess.
Explanation:
The paragraph highlights the notable achievements and bravery of the individuals who have descended into the Mariana Trench, emphasizing their remarkable distinctions and accomplishments. This aligns with the main idea that these explorers are a daring and accomplished group.
I know the funny story about my sister is true because she told me themselves.
How should the word “themselves” be changed?
Explanation:
The word "herself" is the correct reflexive pronoun to use when referring to a singular female subject, which in this case is "my sister."
Which word completes this sentence?
I hope that you will __________ my congratulations.
Explanation:
The word "accept" means to receive or agree to something, which fits the context of receiving congratulations. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence.
Photographs of planet Earth taken from satellites show an exquisite spherical body with an apparently smooth, clearly defined surface. However, we who dwell on the Earth’s surface have a different perspective: we know that the surface includes both miles-high peaks and miles-deep valleys.
Which transition word could be substituted for the word “however” without changing the meaning of the sentence?
Explanation:
The word "yet" can be used as a synonym for "however" to indicate a contrast between two statements. In this context, "yet" effectively conveys the contrast between the perspective from space and the perspective from the Earth's surface, similar to how "however" does.
Read this excerpt from a letter to a patient.
Your improved cholesterol test results are __________, and we encourage you to maintain a healthy diet and daily exercise regimen to help you sustain those results!
Which option completes the sentence while maintaining the style?
Explanation:
"Commendable" is the most appropriate word choice for a letter to a patient because it conveys a sense of praise and approval for the improved cholesterol test results. It is a formal and respectful term that acknowledges the patient's efforts and achievements in maintaining their health.
The bird watcher saw three cardinals, one male and two females, observing the bird feeder.
Which option best clarifies the relationship between ideas?
Explanation:
This option clarifies that it was the bird watcher who was observing the bird feeder and seeing the cardinals, making the relationship between the observer and the observed clear.