TASC Reading Practice Quiz 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. Which word best describes the author’s account of Greek mythology?
The author describes the high moral lessons learned from Greek mythology and how epics can instill key values in readers. Greek mythology was also rife with sexual encounters and dirty human actions. The author conveys strictly positive characteristics about epics and their utility. Clearly, the author’s account is idealistic. Choice "idealistic" is the best. Because the author is neither pessimistic (choice "pessimistic") nor doubtful, or dubious (choice "dubious"), one can then look at choice "idealistic". "critical" and "mysterious". The author does not really criticize Greek mythology; in fact, the author praises it. Also, the author’s account, or description, of Greek mythology is not mysterious; although, the actual mythology may very well be mysterious. Only choice "idealistic", idealistic, captures the sentiment attached to the author’s account of Greek mythology.
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:
The answer is "attempt a description of a phenomenon", because in the passage they author starts to describe what a phenomenon.
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.
The answer is I only, because it says in the passage that happens. So ‘I only’ is the best possible answer.
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?
The passage begins by introducing swimming, narrowing it down to competitive sports and then expanding the concept to figure out what swimming will turn into in the future. Choice "An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications" and choice "An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations." are close in meaning, but choice "An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications." refers to implications, or effects, rather than deviations, or different versions resulting from changes. This minor change separates the two choices and makes choice "An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations." superior. Choice "An activity and its purposes are explained." is relevant, but it does not include the entire scope of the passage. Choice "A supposition regarding the prospect of an activity, analyzed for viability" only focuses on the conclusion and stretches beyond what the passage actually accomplishes. Choice "An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations." is best.
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?
This question refers you to the conclusion sentence. The author states clearly that swimming must either progress into a new form or regress to the primal mode of movement. Choice "Swimming remains a competitive Olympic sport." and choice "People swim in home and community pools to relax and exercise." can be eliminated because they show no change, just a continuation of current circumstances. Choice "Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space." is an actual possibility as humans may very well be settling in outer space in the future. Choice "Animals, including amphibians, begin to swim instinctively upon birth, as a dominant genetic trait." and "Fish begin swimming at unprecedented speeds and extend the average life span." refer to animals anyway, when the author specifically was predicting a future for humans. Choice "Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space." is the most realistic and relevant prophecy according to the premises developed by the author.