PARCC Reading Comprehension Practice Test story 9

Question 1

40. The idea of flying an aircraft was ______ to some people.

Accepted Answer

distasteful

Answer

In the early days of aviation, the concept of human flight was often met with skepticism, fear, and even moral opposition by many. 'Distasteful' accurately describes this negative sentiment, indicating a strong dislike or aversion to the idea. It reflects the initial societal resistance to such a revolutionary and seemingly unnatural endeavor.

Question 2

41. People thought that the Wright brothers had ______.

Accepted Answer

acted without thinking

Answer

Pioneers of revolutionary inventions, like the Wright brothers, often faced initial skepticism and criticism from those who doubted their endeavors. People might have viewed their pursuit of flight as reckless or ill-conceived, implying they 'acted without thinking' or without proper consideration of the risks. This reflects a common initial reaction to groundbreaking, seemingly impossible feats.

Question 3

42. The Wrights' interest in flight grew into a ______.

Accepted Answer

need to act

Answer

The Wright brothers' dedication to flight went beyond mere curiosity; it became a profound drive that compelled them to action, leading to extensive research, experimentation, and invention. Their interest evolved into a strong 'need to act' to realize their vision of powered flight. This phrase captures the intense motivation that propelled their groundbreaking work.

Question 4

43. Lilienthal's idea about controlling airborne vehicles was _________ the Wrights.

Accepted Answer

disliked by

Answer

The Wright brothers extensively studied Otto Lilienthal's gliding experiments but found his method of control, which relied on shifting body weight, to be inadequate and dangerous. They developed their own innovative and more effective system of control (wing warping), indicating their disagreement with or 'dislike' of Lilienthal's approach. They sought a superior method.

Question 5

44. The old tables were _________ and replaced by the first reliable figures for air pressure on curved surfaces.

Accepted Answer

invalidated

Answer

When new, more accurate scientific data replaces existing information, it means the old data has been proven incorrect or unreliable. 'Invalidated' precisely means to make something no longer valid or effective, which perfectly describes how the first reliable figures for air pressure rendered the old tables obsolete. This signifies a scientific advancement.

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Reading Comprehension Practice Test story 9