ParaPro Reading 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Use the passage below to help you with your answers: <br> <br> Should a government decide to control emissions, it may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches. One option is direct controls, which set emissions standards for equipment and processes, require households and businesses to use specific types of equipment, or prohibit them from using others. A government could also adopt more indirect, incentive-based approaches, either singly or in combination—for example, by restricting overall quantities of emissions through a system of permits or by raising the price of emissions through fees or taxes. Incentive-based approaches are generally more cost-effective than direct controls as a means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions. <br> <br> What does ""incentive-based"" mean in the context of the passage?
- persuading people to change using rewards. (Correct answer)
- requiring everyone to follow the same rules.
- using research to decide the best course of action.
- giving people an example of what will happen if they don’t comply.
Correct answer: persuading people to change using rewards.
The passage describes incentive-based approaches as using 'permits' or 'fees or taxes' to restrict emissions. These methods work by making undesirable actions (high emissions) more costly or by creating a market for reductions, thereby encouraging desired behavior (lower emissions) through financial motivation. This aligns with the idea of persuading people to change their behavior by offering rewards or imposing penalties, which act as incentives.
Question 2: Should a government decide to control emissions, it may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches. One option is direct controls, which set emissions standards for equipment and processes, require households and businesses to use specific types of equipment, or prohibit them from using others. A government could also adopt more indirect, incentive-based approaches, either singly or in combination—for example, by restricting overall quantities of emissions through a system of permits or by raising the price of emissions through fees or taxes. Incentive-based approaches are generally more cost-effective than direct controls as a means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions. <br> <br> The passage's organizational structure is BEST characterized as?
- A comparison of two opposing ideas.
- An analysis of cause and effect.
- A sequential explanation of how to do something.
- A descriptive list of options. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A descriptive list of options.
The passage introduces the topic by stating a government 'may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches.' It then proceeds to list and describe these different approaches, such as 'direct controls' and 'incentive-based approaches.' This structure primarily serves to present various options and explain what each entails, fitting the description of a descriptive list of options.
Question 3: Answer the following query using the passage: <br> <br> "Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles. Dolphins generally use clicks for the purposes of echolocation and whistles for communication. Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings. Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals. Strong evidence supports the idea that dolphins use signature whistles to identify and call to each other. Researchers have noticed that large packs rely on a highly organized method of communication when responding to predators, such as sharks. When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod." <br> <br> Which of the following passage's statements BEST exemplifies the viewpoint put forward in the following statement? <br> <br> "Researchers study the level of communication among dolphins because communication systems can offer insight into an animal’s intelligence."
- “Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals.”
- “When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod.” (Correct answer)
- "Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles.”
- "Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings.”
Correct answer: “When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod.”
The given statement links communication systems to an animal's intelligence. Option B describes dolphins' 'highly organized method of communication' and their reliance on 'visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod' for coordinated action against predators. This complex and strategic use of communication directly illustrates a sophisticated cognitive ability, thus exemplifying how communication systems can offer insight into their intelligence.
Question 4: "Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles. Dolphins generally use clicks for the purposes of echolocation and whistles for communication. Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings. Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals. Strong evidence supports the idea that dolphins use signature whistles to identify and call to each other. Researchers have noticed that large packs rely on a highly organized method of communication when responding to predators, such as sharks. When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod." <br> <br> What is the passage's major point?
- To inform readers of the different communication strategies dolphins employ. (Correct answer)
- To entertain readers with stories about how dolphins are similar to people.
- To show readers the difference between dolphins and other sea mammals.
- To persuade readers to be sympathetic towards dolphins and want to protect them.
Correct answer: To inform readers of the different communication strategies dolphins employ.
The passage's primary focus is on detailing the different ways dolphins communicate. It describes their two main types of vocalizations (clicks and whistles), their specific uses (echolocation and communication), and how they employ these and other cues for organized communication, especially in group responses to threats. Therefore, the main point is to inform readers about these various communication strategies.
Question 5: "Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles. Dolphins generally use clicks for the purposes of echolocation and whistles for communication. Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings. Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals. Strong evidence supports the idea that dolphins use signature whistles to identify and call to each other. Researchers have noticed that large packs rely on a highly organized method of communication when responding to predators, such as sharks. When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod." <br> <br> It is reasonable to assume that dolphins: based on the passage's information
- are smarter than other cetaceans
- communicate better than their predators
- communicate well with each other (Correct answer)
- are more intelligent than previously thought
Correct answer: communicate well with each other
The passage provides multiple pieces of evidence supporting strong communication among dolphins. It states they use whistles for communication, employ a 'highly organized method of communication when responding to predators,' and 'rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod.' These details collectively indicate that dolphins communicate effectively with each other.
Question 6: In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies" <br> <br> This paragraph's systematic organization can be best characterized as
- descending order of importance
- chronological (Correct answer)
- spatial
- ascending order of importance
Correct answer: chronological
The paragraph presents events in the order they occurred, starting with 'In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi took charge...' and continuing through his actions, the British response, and his imprisonment 'eventually in 1942.' The use of specific dates and the sequential recounting of events clearly establish a chronological organization.
Question 7: "In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies" <br> <br> Which of the following passage quotes expresses an opinion?
- “…but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British.”
- He gained international attention for his hunger strikes…”
- “…strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives.”
- “…Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies.” (Correct answer)
Correct answer: “…Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies.”
An opinion expresses a personal belief or judgment, rather than a verifiable fact. The phrase 'unfair, discriminatory laws and policies' in option D contains subjective adjectives ('unfair,' 'discriminatory') that reflect a judgment about the laws, making it an opinion. The other options describe actions or outcomes that are presented as factual occurrences.
Question 8: Before the United States entered World War II, they started to impose trade restrictions on the Japanese which made it impossible for them to conduct business abroad. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, a US naval facility in Hawaii, feeling as though they had no other option. This incident served as the final straw in persuading America to formally enter World War II. <br> <br> Students are given a worksheet after reading the passage that instructs them to "arrange the events of the passage in chronological order." One student writes "The United States enters World War II" as the first event; how has this student misunderstood the instructions?
- They picked the event that is first listed, not the first event that occurred chronologicallyrred (Correct answer)
- The listed an event that isn't mentioned in the passage.
- They thought the directions wanted to put the events in order of importance
- They began listing the events in alphabetical order,
Correct answer: They picked the event that is first listed, not the first event that occurred chronologicallyrred
The passage states, 'Before the United States entered World War II, they started to impose trade restrictions...' This clearly indicates that the trade restrictions were the first event chronologically. The student misunderstood by listing 'The United States enters World War II' as the first event because it was the first *mentioned* as a major topic, not the first to *occur* in the sequence of events described.
Question 9: Rosalindo desired to visit the mall in order to buy new gloves. However, she was too busy to fulfill her pledge to knit him some new ones. He was unable to find black gloves; the only color he could find was magenta. He ultimately made the decision to quit. <br> <br> Some of the words in the paragraph have been given definition requests by the teacher. Which of the following pages would the student locate the word "magenta" on after having opened a dictionary to a number of different pages?
- Page 816 (“magnetron-mahogany”)
- Page 813 (“mad-madrigal”)
- Page 814 (“maestro-magma”) (Correct answer)
- Page 815 (“magnanimous-magneton”)
Correct answer: Page 814 (“maestro-magma”)
To locate a word in a dictionary, you use alphabetical order. The word 'magenta' starts with 'mag-'. Among the given page ranges, 'maestro-magma' (Page 814) is the only option where 'magenta' would alphabetically fit. 'Maestro' comes before 'magenta', and 'magma' comes after, placing 'magenta' within that specific range.
Question 10: The finest combatant in the Trojan War, Achilles, was revered as a semi-god. Even Hector and Paris, who were his rivals, looked up to him. His general, Agamemnon, had a different viewpoint. Agamemnon believed that as the general, he was deserving of everyone's attention. As a result, he ordered a muster, at which point all the soldiers gathered to hear what Agamemnon had to say. <br> <br> A student is attempting to create a list that alphabetically arranges all of the characters in the passage. On the list, which name would be the last?
- Achilles
- Paris (Correct answer)
- Agamemnon
- Hector
Correct answer: Paris
To determine the last name in an alphabetical list, you compare the names character by character. The characters mentioned are Achilles, Hector, Agamemnon, and Paris. Arranged alphabetically by their first letter, they would be Agamemnon, Achilles, Hector, Paris. 'Paris' begins with 'P', which comes latest in the alphabet compared to 'A' (Achilles, Agamemnon) and 'H' (Hector).
Question 11: The instructor has assigned the following passage for class reading: <br> <br> The finest combatant in the Trojan War, Achilles, was revered as a semi-god. Even Hector and Paris, who were his rivals, looked up to him. His general, Agamemnon, had a different viewpoint. Agamemnon believed that as the general, he was deserving of everyone's attention. As a result, he ordered a muster, at which point all the soldiers gathered to hear what Agamemnon had to say. <br> <br> Students are assisted by a paraprofessional in understanding words in context. Which word in the aforementioned sentence enables the reader to define the term "muster" the best?
- deserved
- general
- grouped (Correct answer)
- soldiers
Correct answer: grouped
The sentence states, 'As a result, he ordered a muster, at which point all the soldiers gathered to hear what Agamemnon had to say.' The phrase 'all the soldiers gathered' directly explains the action of a 'muster' by providing a synonym in context. Therefore, 'gathered' (or 'grouped,' which is a close synonym) is the best clue to define 'muster' as a gathering or assembly.
Question 12: A group of students are learning pre-reading techniques from a paraprofessional. Of the following, which is not a pre-reading technique?
- Reading the first sentence of each paragraph in a passage
- Analyzing how a theme appears in a text (Correct answer)
- Reviewing the cover of the text
- Taking note of bolded and italicized words
Correct answer: Analyzing how a theme appears in a text
Pre-reading techniques are strategies used *before* engaging with the main text to prepare for reading, such as reviewing the cover, noting bolded words, or skimming the first sentences. Analyzing how a theme appears in a text, however, requires reading and comprehending the content, making it a post-reading or during-reading comprehension activity, not a pre-reading one.
Question 13: To construct pairs of synonyms, the students are collaborating in groups. The following pairings were developed by one group. What pair is accurate?
- Stop and go
- run and ran
- Fly and soar (Correct answer)
- Our and hour
Correct answer: Fly and soar
Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. 'Fly' and 'soar' both describe movement through the air, with 'soar' often implying a more graceful or sustained flight. The other options are either antonyms ('Stop and go'), different tenses of the same verb ('run and ran'), or homophones with distinct meanings ('Our and hour').
Question 14: A teacher introduced root words to his pupils. The term "rephrased" has which of the following roots?
- -ed
- Phrase (Correct answer)
- Phrased
- Re-
Correct answer: Phrase
A root word is the fundamental part of a word that carries its primary meaning. In 'rephrased,' 're-' is a prefix meaning 'again,' and '-ed' is a suffix indicating past tense. The core meaning unit, or root, is 'phrase,' which refers to a group of words or a particular expression.
Question 15: The students is instructed to sound out words collectively. Which of the following doesn't have a lengthy "e" sound?
- We
- Green
- Lean
- Ten (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ten
The question asks to identify the word that does not contain a long 'e' sound. Words like 'We,' 'Green,' and 'Lean' all feature the extended 'e' vowel sound, as heard in 'bee.' In contrast, 'Ten' contains a short 'e' sound, similar to the 'e' in 'bed,' making it the correct answer.
Question 16: An extinct species of enormous ground sloth called the Megatherium lived between two million to, and maybe, 4,400 years ago. The ground-dwelling Megatherium lived in areas of North and South America, but medium-sized sloths still inhabit arboreal habitats in Central and South America. These creatures possessed enormous claws on their feet and were as large as elephants. At about the same time that humans arrived on the continent, the gigantic sloth went extinct. <br> <br> What is the main purpose of the passage?
- To compare and contrast different types of stloths
- To inform readers about the Megatherium (Correct answer)
- To entertain readers with funny anecdotes about the Megatherium
- To persuade readers that the Megatherium is a more interesting animal than medium-sized sloths
Correct answer: To inform readers about the Megatherium
The passage primarily focuses on providing factual information about the Megatherium, an extinct ground sloth. It describes its timeline, habitat, size, and extinction without attempting to entertain, persuade, or extensively compare it to other sloths. Therefore, the main purpose is to inform readers about this specific ancient animal.
ParaPro Reading 1
Use the passage below to help you with your answers:
Should a government decide to control emissions, it may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches.
One option is direct controls, which set emissions standards for equipment and processes, require households and businesses to use specific types of equipment, or prohibit them from using others.
A government could also adopt more indirect, incentive-based approaches, either singly or in combination—for example, by restricting overall quantities of emissions through a system of permits or by raising the price of emissions through fees or taxes.
Incentive-based approaches are generally more cost-effective than direct controls as a means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
What does ""incentive-based"" mean in the context of the passage?