TASC Reading Practice Quiz 1 — 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. Which word best describes the author’s account of Greek mythology?
- idealistic (Correct answer)
- pessimistic
- dubious
- critical
- mysterious
Correct answer: idealistic
The author presents Greek mythology in a highly positive and optimistic light, emphasizing its role in teaching 'universal values,' 'dangers, beauties and possible outcomes of life,' and promoting personal growth through 'seeking their own truths.' There is no hint of skepticism, negativity, or critical analysis. This consistently positive portrayal, focusing on the inherent good and wisdom within the myths, best aligns with an 'idealistic' description.
Question 2: 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 details the process of heat and water vapor transfer between the ocean and the air, explaining the role of disequilibrium, turbulence, and wind speed. It describes various interacting factors and their consequences, such as the transfer of momentum from wind to water. The concluding sentence, 'We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study,' reinforces that the passage is primarily *describing* a complex natural phenomenon rather than proposing a new theory or resolving a debate.
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. 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 explicitly states that '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.' This directly supports statement I, indicating that wind leads to cooler, drier air near the ocean surface. Statement II is contradicted by the passage, which notes that the rate of transfer *increases* with wind speed, implying variability, not steadiness. Statement III is not supported by the text, as the passage focuses on heat transfer rather than wind causing frequent changes in ocean surface temperature.
Question 4: 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 broadly describing swimming's evolution from a 'primal mode of movement' to an 'advanced hobby and competitive sport.' It then narrows its focus to the specific purpose of competitive swimming, detailing its rigor and requirements. Finally, the author expands the discussion by speculating on the future evolution of swimming, considering potential 'deviations' such as advancing to a new 'progressive purpose' or 'regressing to a primal mode of movement.' This structure aligns perfectly with describing an activity, narrowing its current specific purpose, and then considering its future potential paths or deviations.
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. 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.' Option A, 'Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space,' represents a significant advancement and adaptation of swimming techniques for a novel, 'progressive purpose' in a new environment. This scenario clearly fulfills the 'advancing into a progressive purpose' aspect of the author's speculation, unlike the other options which describe current uses or unrelated animal behaviors.
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?