HiSET Language Arts Reading Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new story tellers? Scholars that have interpreted Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories, while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their own truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can. According to the author’s description, which of the following is most likely to be a message from Greek mythology?
- Love is difficult, but it will last if the lovers are meant to be together.
- Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success. (Correct answer)
- It is important to keep track of your personal history.
- Passing down Greek mythology has taken on a new form since oral records faded.
- It is not the fastest, but the longest lasting that wins the race.
Correct answer: Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success.
The passage explicitly states that Greek mythology uses characters and creatures to teach about "dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life," and that protagonists face "creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption." This directly implies that overcoming challenges like temptation is a central theme. Therefore, "resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success" is a message directly supported by the text's emphasis on temptation and redemption.
Question 2: Read the following passage and answer the question Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new story tellers? Scholars that have interpreted Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories, while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their own truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can. Which word best describes the author’s account of Greek mythology?
- idealistic (Correct answer)
- pessimistic
- dubious
- critical
- mysterious
Correct answer: idealistic
The author describes Greek mythology as a "vehicle" for teaching about "dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life," emphasizing "universal values" and the importance of learning from these stories. The tone is consistently positive, highlighting the moral and educational benefits of the myths. This hopeful and value-driven perspective aligns best with the word "idealistic," suggesting a focus on positive potential and high principles.
Question 3: Read the following passage and answer the question Disequilibrium at the interface of water and air is a factor on which the transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends. The air within about a millimeter of the water is almost saturated with water vapor and the temperature of the air is close to that of the surface water. Irrespective of how small these differences might be, they are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content. The turbulence, which takes its energy from the wind mixes the air. As the speed of wind increases, so does the turbulence, and consequently the rate of heat and moisture transfer. We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study. The transfer of momentum from wind to water, which occurs when waves are formed is an interacting-and complicated phenomenon. When waves are made by the wind, it transfers important amounts of energy-energy, which is consequently not available for the production of turbulence. This passage principally intends to:
- resolve a controversy
- attempt a description of a phenomenon (Correct answer)
- sketch a theory
- reinforce certain research findings
- tabulate various observations
Correct answer: attempt a description of a phenomenon
The passage meticulously explains the process of heat and water vapor transfer between the ocean and the air, detailing factors like disequilibrium, air mixing, turbulence, and the role of wind and waves. It describes *how* this natural process works, without presenting a new theory, resolving a debate, or merely listing observations. Therefore, its primary purpose is to describe a scientific phenomenon.
Question 4: Read the following passage and answer the question Disequilibrium at the interface of water and air is a factor on which the transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends. The air within about a millimeter of the water is almost saturated with water vapor and the temperature of the air is close to that of the surface water. Irrespective of how small these differences might be, they are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content. The turbulence, which takes its energy from the wind mixes the air. As the speed of wind increases, so does the turbulence, and consequently the rate of heat and moisture transfer. We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study. The transfer of momentum from wind to water, which occurs when waves are formed is an interacting-and complicated phenomenon. When waves are made by the wind, it transfers important amounts of energy-energy, which is consequently not available for the production of turbulence. The wind over the ocean usually does which of the following according to the given passage? I. Leads to cool, dry air coming in proximity with the ocean surface. II. Maintains a steady rate of heat and moisture transfer between the ocean and the air. III. Results in frequent changes in the ocean surface temperature.
- I only (Correct answer)
- II only
- I and II only
- II and III only
- I, II, and III
Correct answer: I only
The passage states that "disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content," directly supporting statement I. Statement II is incorrect because the passage indicates the rate of transfer *increases* with wind speed, not that it's steady. Statement III is not supported by the text, which focuses on air temperature and moisture, not frequent changes in ocean surface temperature due to wind.
Question 5: Read the following passage and answer the question Swimming has developed from a primal mode of movement to an advanced hobby and competitive sport. Exercising nearly every muscle group, swimming is a rigorous sport and requires intense training. In competitions swimmers typically contend for the fastest time to complete a certain distance by performing a specific swimming stroke. Also, swimmers work to build endurance and an ability to swim over long distances. Because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport, where one wrong technique can disqualify a participant, it is interesting to ponder how the sport will evolve for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement. The structure of this passage could be best described in what way?
- An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications.
- An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations. (Correct answer)
- A hypothesis tested against certain conditions, developed into a larger thesis.
- An activity and its purposes are explained.
- A supposition regarding the prospect of an activity, analyzed for viability
Correct answer: An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations.
The passage begins by describing swimming's broad origins as a "primal mode of movement," then narrows its focus to its current specific form as an "intricate competitive sport." It then expands to consider its future, pondering how it might "evolve... either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement." These potential future paths represent "deviations" from its current state, making option B the best description of the passage's structure.
Question 6: Read the following passage and answer the question Swimming has developed from a primal mode of movement to an advanced hobby and competitive sport. Exercising nearly every muscle group, swimming is a rigorous sport and requires intense training. In competitions swimmers typically contend for the fastest time to complete a certain distance by performing a specific swimming stroke. Also, swimmers work to build endurance and an ability to swim over long distances. Because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport, where one wrong technique can disqualify a participant, it is interesting to ponder how the sport will evolve for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement. Which of the following situations would fulfill the author’s prophecy for swimming?
- Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space. (Correct answer)
- Swimming remains a competitive Olympic sport.
- Animals, including amphibians, begin to swim instinctively upon birth, as a dominant genetic trait.
- People swim in home and community pools to relax and exercise.
- Fish begin swimming at unprecedented speeds and extend the average life span.
Correct answer: Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space.
The author's prophecy for swimming's future involves it "either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement." Humans using swimming techniques to move through space represents a significant advancement to a new, "progressive purpose" beyond traditional aquatic sport. This scenario aligns with the author's speculation about how swimming might evolve into a fundamentally different application for human movement.
Question 7: Which statement best illustrates how the G.I. Bill's passage in 1944 changed American society?
- It offered limited free housing for veterans.
- It transformed the work force by privileging veterans.
- It dramatically increased retention in the U.S. military.
- It helped create a new middle class in U.S. society. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It helped create a new middle class in U.S. society.
The G.I. Bill of 1944 provided returning World War II veterans with unprecedented benefits, including tuition for college or vocational training, low-cost home loans, and unemployment compensation. These provisions enabled millions of veterans to pursue higher education, purchase homes, and start businesses, which collectively fueled economic growth and significantly expanded the American middle class. This widespread access to education and homeownership fundamentally reshaped the socio-economic landscape of the United States.
Question 8: The Federalist Party was one of the first political parties in the United States. The following factors are the most important in explaining its:
- a failure to organize state political parties.
- its opposition to the War of 1812. (Correct answer)
- its advocacy of a strong central government.
- the enmity of wealthy Americans.
Correct answer: its opposition to the War of 1812.
The Federalist Party's strong opposition to the War of 1812, culminating in the Hartford Convention, was a major factor in its decline. Many Americans viewed their stance as unpatriotic, especially after the war ended with a sense of national pride and victory. This perception severely damaged the party's reputation and led to a significant loss of public support, ultimately contributing to its demise.
Question 9: Johann Gutenberg invented a moveable type printing press in the 15th century. What impact did his invention have on science?
- Only in Germany, where Gutenberg's press was located, did it have an impact on scientific progress.
- By disseminating scientific knowledge throughout Europe, it aided scientific progress. (Correct answer)
- It had no impact on science; while texts containing scientific knowledge were printed, their diffusion was limited.
- It had no impact on science; rather, the printing of Gutenberg Bibles shifted public attention away from science and onto Catholic Church reform.
Correct answer: By disseminating scientific knowledge throughout Europe, it aided scientific progress.
Johann Gutenberg's movable type printing press revolutionized the dissemination of information by making books and texts much cheaper and faster to produce. For science, this meant that scientific discoveries, theories, and observations could be rapidly shared among scholars across Europe, fostering collaboration and accelerating intellectual progress. This widespread access to knowledge was crucial for the scientific revolution and the advancement of various fields.
Question 10: Which of the following best describes the impact of Jonas Salk's 1955 creation of the polio vaccine on American society?
- The vaccine's introduction prompted a controversy between science and the media.
- The vaccine ignited a vigorous search for a cancer vaccine.
- The vaccine caused polio in some people who received the vaccine.
- In the United States, the device significantly lowered the incidence of polio. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: In the United States, the device significantly lowered the incidence of polio.
Jonas Salk's polio vaccine, introduced in 1955, was a monumental medical breakthrough that effectively prevented the highly feared and debilitating disease. Its widespread adoption through mass vaccination campaigns led to a dramatic and rapid decline in polio cases across the United States. This significantly lowered the incidence of polio, saving countless lives and preventing paralysis, fundamentally changing public health and societal well-being.
Question 11: Which statement best illustrates how the Plessy v. Ferguson decision of the United States Supreme Court in 1896 changed American society?
- It provided a legal basis for racial segregation. (Correct answer)
- It determined the legality of railway strikes.
- It reinforced the rights of individual states.
- It legalized poll taxes and similar measures.
Correct answer: It provided a legal basis for racial segregation.
The Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established the "separate but equal" doctrine, ruling that racial segregation was constitutional as long as the separate facilities provided were ostensibly equal. This landmark decision provided the legal justification for Jim Crow laws and institutionalized racial segregation across the Southern United States for over half a century. It codified discrimination and profoundly impacted American society by legally sanctioning racial inequality.
Question 12: Which body has sole authority to declare war under the US Constitution?
- The U.S. Congress (Correct answer)
- The President
- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- The Secretary of Defense
Correct answer: The U.S. Congress
Under the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, the power to declare war is explicitly vested in the U.S. Congress. While the President serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and can deploy troops, a formal declaration of war requires a vote by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This separation of powers ensures that such a grave decision is made by the legislative body representing the people.
Question 13: What was the most significant impact of Eli Whitney's development of the cotton gin in 1793 on the American economy?
- It reduced the U.S. need to import cotton.
- It led to many smaller cotton plantations.
- It elevated cotton as a basis of the Southern economy. (Correct answer)
- It decreased the dependence of plantations on slave labor.
Correct answer: It elevated cotton as a basis of the Southern economy.
Eli Whitney's cotton gin, invented in 1793, revolutionized cotton production by making the process of separating cotton fibers from seeds incredibly efficient. This innovation dramatically increased the profitability of growing cotton, leading to an explosion in cotton cultivation across the Southern United States. Consequently, cotton became the dominant cash crop and the primary driver of the Southern economy, unfortunately also entrenching and expanding the institution of slavery to meet the increased labor demands.
Question 14: Every map projection is distorted to some extent because
- A three-dimensional object, such as a globe, cannot be projected in two dimensions without distortion (Correct answer)
- The globe is naturally distorted
- Map-making is not a precise science
- The technology required to display a map without distortion does not yet exist
Correct answer: A three-dimensional object, such as a globe, cannot be projected in two dimensions without distortion
The Earth is a three-dimensional sphere (or oblate spheroid), while a map is a two-dimensional flat representation. It is mathematically impossible to perfectly flatten a curved surface without stretching, compressing, or tearing it. Therefore, every map projection inherently introduces some degree of distortion in properties like area, shape, distance, or direction, as it attempts to translate the globe's features onto a flat plane.
Question 15: Which branch of the federal government has the power to veto bills?
- The US Senate
- The President (Correct answer)
- The US Supreme Court
- The US House of Representatives
Correct answer: The President
The power to veto bills is a significant executive power held by the President of the United States. After a bill has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is sent to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it. A presidential veto sends the bill back to Congress, where it can still become law if both chambers override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
Question 16: The author's overall attitude toward a subject is called _____.
- mood
- metaphor
- dissonance
- tone (Correct answer)
Correct answer: tone
The author's overall attitude toward a subject is precisely what is defined as "tone." Tone is conveyed through the author's word choice, style, and perspective, indicating their feelings or stance on the topic. In contrast, "mood" refers to the atmosphere or feeling evoked in the reader, and "metaphor" and "dissonance" are literary devices or concepts unrelated to the author's attitude.
HiSET Language Arts Reading Practice Test 2
Read the following passage and answer the question Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life.
In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality.
The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation and redemption.
How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new story tellers? Scholars that have interpreted Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories, while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures.
It is up to each reader to seek their own truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can.
According to the author’s description, which of the following is most likely to be a message from Greek mythology?