Passage 1On January 3, 1961, nine days after Christmas, Richard Legg, John Byrnes, and Richard McKinley were killed in a remote

desert in eastern Idaho. Their deaths occurred when a nuclear reactor exploded at a top-secret base in the National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS). Official reports state that the explosion and subsequent reactor meltdown resulted from the improper retraction of the control rod. When questioned about the events that occurred there, officials were very reticent. The whole affair, in fact, was not discussed much, and seemed to disappear with time.

In order to grasp the mysterious nature of the NRTS catastrophe, it helps to know a bit about how nuclear reactors work. After all, the generation of nuclear energy may strike many as an esoteric process. However, given its relative simplicity, the way in which the NRTS reactor functions is widely comprehensible. In this particular kind of reactor, a cluster of nine-ton uranium fuel rods are positioned lengthwise around a central control rod. The reaction begins with the slow removal of the control rod, which starts a controlled nuclear reaction and begins to heat the water in the reactor. This heat generates steam, which builds pressure inside the tank. As pressure builds, the steam looks for a place to escape. The only place this steam is able to escape is through the turbine. As it passes through the turbine on its way out of the tank, it turns the giant fan blades and produces energy.

On the morning of January 3, after the machine had been shut down for the holidays, the three men arrived at the station to restart the reactor. The control rod needed to be pulled out only four inches to be reconnected to the automated driver. However, records indicate that Byrnes yanked it out 23 inches, over five times the distance necessary. In milliseconds the reactor exploded. Legg was impaled on the ceiling; he would be discovered last. It took one week and a lead-shielded crane to remove his body. Even in full protective gear, workers were only able to work a minute at a time. The three men are buried in lead-lined coffins under concrete in New York, Michigan, and Arlington Cemetery, Virginia.

The investigation took nearly two years to complete. Did Byrnes have a dark motive? Or was it simply an accident? Did he know how precarious the procedure was? Other operators were questioned as to whether they knew the consequences of pulling the control rod out so far. They responded, “Of course! We often talked about what we would do if we were at a radar-station and the Russians came. We’d yank it out.”

Official reports are oddly ambiguous, but what they do not explain, gossip does. Rumors had it that there was tension between the men because Byrnes suspected the other two of being involved with his young wife. There is little doubt that he, like the other operators, knew exactly what would happen when he yanked the control rod.

1) As used in paragraph 1, which is the best antonym for r e ti c e n t ? a) Nosy b) Talkative c) Reserved d) concerned

2) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for esoteric?a) risky or dangerous b) highly scientific c) kept secret d) understood by few

3) According to the paragraph 2, which of the following is directly responsible for energy production?a) the turning of the turbine blades b) the escape of pressurized steamc) the removal of the control rod d) the positioning of the uranium fuel rods

4) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that, after the explosion and subsequent meltdown, the reactor wasa) not mentioned in any official documents about the incident b) contaminated with toxic elementsc) completely annihilated d) honored as a memorial to the tragic incident

5) Which of the following literary techniques does the author use in the passage?I. hyperbole, characterized by the use of exaggeration for effectII. foreshadowing, characterized by the use of hints that depict future events in the narrative or storyIII. flashback, characterized by the description of a scene set in a time earlier than the main story

a) I only b) I and II only c) II and III only d) I, II, and III6) As used in paragraph 4, which is the best s y n o nym for precarious?

a) Slow b) Difficult c) Risky d) Involved7) The tone of the author can best be described as

a) neutral b) dejected c) sarcastic d) ominous8) As used in paragraph 5, which is the best s y n o nym for ambiguous?

a) Vague b) Disturbing c) Detailed d) Strange9) Based on information in the final paragraph, which of the following statements would the author likely agree with?

a) Official reports about the disaster were detailed and conclusive. b) Legg, Byrnes, and McKinley were best friends.c) Byrnes deliberately yanked the control rod. d) Rumors about the disaster are dubious and uninteresting.

Passage 2Just announced: existing home sales hit an annualized rate of 5.03 million units during August. That exceeds the 4.70 million

unit rate that had been expected, on average, among economists polled by InstaPoll.com. The pace is also up from the rate of 4.67 million units recorded during the previous month. The broad market hasn't reacted strongly to the data. However, homebuilders Genix (GEN 14.32, +0.22), ND Home (NDH 6.59, +0.15), and Home Group (HMG 4.54, +0.03) are all up nicely as

investors anticipate that a rise in existing home sales portends an acceleration of the rate of new home sales.1) Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?

a) Investors Favor Homebuilders b) A Better Way to Build a Homec) GEN and ND Home Register Big Gains d) Led by Homebuilders, Stocks Hit New Highs

2) As used in the passage, which is the best s y n o nym for portends?a) Predicts b) Decreases c) Affects d) Authorizes

3) This passage would most likely be founda) in a high school economics textbook b) in a book on twenty-first century economicsc) in a manual outlining stock market rules and regulations d) on a real-time stock market trading website

Passage 3However, despite the beliefs of these 17-21 million people, there is no evidence that accidents are more likely to happen on

Friday the 13th. On the contrary, some studies have shown there are actually fewer accidents on Friday the 13th. A recent report completed by a Dutch insurance company showed that there were fewer incidents of fires and theft on Fridays that fell on the

13th than on any other Fridays in the same year. It is highly probable that this reduction in accidents owes itself to the fear of Friday the 13th itself. If people are more cautious on Friday the 13th, then there are likely to be fewer accidents.

If, then, there is no significant evidence that Friday the 13th is any more dangerous than any other day of the year, why do friggatriskaidekaphobics remain convinced of its unluckiness?

While the historical or folk traditions discussed earlier may have something to do with this belief, people may also use associational links to justify their superstitions. If a friggatriskaidekaphobic loses his wallet on Tuesday the 21th, for example, he would probably not assign any meaning to the date on which this event occurred. If the same individual lost his wallet on Friday the 13th, however, he might be likely to conclude that the inauspicious nature of Friday the 13th was at fault.

1) This passage is most likely an excerpt froma) the case study of a patient suffering from friggatriskaidekaphobia b) the introduction to an article about friggatriskaidekaphobiac) the introduction to a study about the likelihood of accidents occurring on Friday the 13th d) a longer work proving that superstitions are justified by real-world eventse) the conclusion of a longer work that analyzes evidence about the superstition of Friday the 13th

2) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that an earlier section of this passage likelyI. featured a personal anecdote about why the author no longer believes that Friday the 13th is unluckyII. provided some explanations about why people might fear Friday the 13th III. introduced the term “friggatriskaidekaphobia”

a) l only b) II only c) I and II only d) II and III only e) I, II, and III3) Which of the following pieces of evidence, if true, would best support the author’s argument in paragraph 1?

a) In ancient Egypt, the number 13 was actually considered lucky by the pharaohs.b) Major airlines report that there is no significant drop in the number of passengers who fly on Friday the 13th.c) Studies performed in the United Kingdom reveal that significantly fewer people choose to drive their cars to work on Friday the 13th. d) More traffic accidents occur on Fridays than on any other day of the week.e) 50% fewer marriages occur on Friday the 13th than on other Fridays occurring in the same year.

4) According to the example presented in paragraph 2, which of the following logical fallacies is committed by the man who loses his wallet and blames Friday the 13th?a) Post hoc, characterized by the argument in which two sequential events are said to be causally related, but this is not actually the case; the arguer wrongly concludes that the earlier event cause the later. That is, correlation isn’t the same thing as causation.

b) Appeal to probability, characterized by the assumption that because an event could happen, it is inevitable that it will happen.c) Appeal to ignorance, characterized by the supposition that, due to a lack of conclusive evidence, the conclusion of an argument should be accepted.d) Hasty generalization, characterized by making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is atypical or too small).e) Weak analogy, characterized by an argument that relies on an analogy between two or more objects, ideas, or situations which aren’t really alike in the relevant respects.

5) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best a n t o n y m for inauspicious?a) Predictable b) Pleasant c) fortunate d) successful e) hones

6) Which of the following logical fallacies is present in the argument made in paragraph 5 regarding the claim that the RTC is responsible for the disaster?a) Post hoc, characterized by an argument in which two sequential events are said to be causally related, when this is not actually the case; the arguer wrongly concludes that the earlier event caused the later. That is, correlation is not the same

thing as causation. b) Ad hominem, characterized by an argument in which the arguer attacks his or her opponent instead of the opponent's argument.c) Hasty generalization, characterized by making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is atypical or too small).d) Equivocation, characterized by sliding between two or more different meanings of a single word or phrase that is important to the argument.e) False dichotomy, characterized by an argument in which the arguer makes it look like there are only two choices (one that is logical and one that is illogical), when, in reality, there are multiple options.

7) As used in paragraph 5, which is the best a n t o n y m for resonate?a) reflect b) reduce c) repeat d) renounce e) reverberate

8) Which of the following logical fallacies is present in the argument made in paragraph 5 regarding the defense put forth by the RTC?a) Missing the point, characterized by an argument in which the premises support a particular conclusion—but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws.

b) Ad populum, characterized by an argument in which the arguer takes advantage of the desire most people have to be liked and to fit in with others, using that desire to try to get the audience to accept his or her argument.c) Appeal to pity, characterized by an argument in which the arguer tries to get people to accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone.d) Slippery slope, characterized by an argument in which the arguer claims that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but without enough evidence for that assumption. The arguer asserts that if we take even one step onto the "slippery slope," we will end up sliding all the way to the bottom; he or she assumes we can't stop partway down the hill.e) Red herring, characterized by an argument in which, partway through the argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what is really at stake.

Passage 4Many of the serious health concerns in modern America can be linked to poor diet. People who regularly consume foods

high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats not only increase their chances of obesity, but also increase their risks of developing heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Although some people who regularly consume unhealthy foods do so knowingly, there is also a significant portion of the population that remains undereducated about proper nutrition. What is more, individuals who live in food deserts—areas in low-income neighborhoods that lack easy access to healthy, affordable food—may not even have the opportunity to obtain nutritious food. Although there have been some recent government efforts to reduce the number of food deserts, more community-based efforts should be encouraged and supported.

Food deserts are located in high-poverty areas, such as sparsely populated rural areas or densely populated, low-income urban centers. Food deserts most often develop when major supermarket chains either relocate out of these areas or simply refrain from building stores there in the first place. Major food retailer chains tend to limit their store locations to wealthier urban or suburban neighborhoods. This means that those who live in high-poverty areas often also live miles away from the fresh meats, dairy products, and produce available at supermarkets. Residents of these areas who do not have cars are thus forced to travel long distances on public transportation to do their grocery shopping, or else they are limited to the food available at local convenience stores and gas stations. These types of food retailers often only sell packaged, processed foods that offer little nutritional value.

Furthermore, fast food restaurants are disproportionately concentrated in low-income areas; recent estimates suggest that those living in the poorest areas of a city experience 2.5 times more exposure to fast food restaurants than the wealthiest inhabitants of the city.

Because individuals who live in food deserts tend to get their meals from fast food restaurants or convenience stores, they often suffer from a variety of health issues. Research has found that individuals who live in low-income neighborhoods are much more likely to develop problems with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension than those who live in more affluent neighborhoods. A solution to the problem of food deserts seems obvious: more supermarkets should be built in low-income neighborhoods. The problem with this solution, of course, is that it is difficult to lure supermarket chains into poor areas. Because poorer people have less money to spend on food, supermarket chains do not consider them to be attractive customers. One way that the government can help to offset this issue is by offering tax breaks or other incentives for supermarkets in low-income areas. In 2010, the Obama administration implemented the Healthy Food Financing program, which is a set of initiatives designed to help bring grocery stores

into areas currently designated as food deserts.While this federal program is a commendable effort to improve low-income residents’ access to healthy food, local

initiatives often have a stronger and more immediate impact. Community gardens, independent food stores, co-ops, and farmers’ markets are all examples of local initiatives that can substitute for or supplement the opening of a major chain supermarket. Despite the time, dedication, and funds required for community members to initiate such programs, these efforts can be incredibly beneficial, not only in providing people with access to healthier foods, but also in instilling a sense of community in the residents of these neighborhoods.

1) Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?a) Supermarkets’ Contributions to Obesity in Americab) The Dangers of Fast Foodc) Food Deserts: the Problem and the Solutionsd) Food Deserts and Rural Americae) Inconvenience Stores: Why Processed Food Will Kill You

2) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that if supermarkets opened locations in more low-income areas,a) members of low-income households would not be likely to go there because they are not concerned with eating healthy foodsb) the supermarkets would be unable to compete with the fast food chains located in low- income areas

c) the convenience stores in the area would likely be put out of business because of increased competition with grocery stores

d) the health of low-income residents would be more likely to improve, as residents would have easier access to healthy foode) there would be an increase in community spirit among members of low-income neighborhoods

3) Which of the following pieces of evidence, if true, would best support the author’s argument in paragraph 3?A. A study completed in 2010 shows that the farther a low-income housing development is from a supermarket, the more

likely residents of that development are to have a higher body mass index, which is linked to being overweight or obese.B. On average, energy-dense “junk foods” cost $1.76 per 1000 calories, while low-energy, but nutrient-dense foods like fresh

produce cost $18.16 per 1000 calories.C. Access to healthy foods has become especially difficult for those living in the largely black and Latino neighborhoods of cities

like Los Angeles, Memphis, Chicago, and Detroit. Some experts estimate that nearly 50% of Detroit’s 900,000 residents live in a food desert.

D. Research shows that Americans who live in Appalachia and the South are the least likely to be physically active in their leisure time. In many counties in that region, more than 29% of adults report getting no physical activity other than at their regular job.

E. In the United States, 34% of the current adult population is overweight, another 34% is obese, and an additional 5.7% is extremely obese. That means almost three quarters of the adults in the United States are heavier than they should be.

4) As used in paragraph 3, which is the best s y n o nym for affluent?A. healthy B. updated

C. corrupt D. distant

E. wealthy

5) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that the author considers major supermarkets to beI. more interested in increasing their profits than in helping peopleII. unwilling to build new stores in low-income neighborhoods despite incentives offered by the Healthy Food Financing

programIII. guiltier than fast food restaurants of contributing to the obesity epidemicA. l onlyB. II only

C. I and II only D. II and III only

E. I, II, and III

6) As used in paragraph 5, which is the best s y n o nym for commendable?A. uselessB. praiseworthy

C. essential D. superficialE. unique

Passage 5English Ivy betrays its poor reputation as a nuisance by its unparalleled ability to provide shade. By seamlessly covering the

exterior of a building, it works as a natural insulator, blocking the sun and decreasing air conditioning costs. This means big savings for both building tenants and homeowners alike. And it can happen quickly, too. Under the proper conditions, established English Ivy can grow to cover an area of roughly 500 square feet per year. Given that most homes have a roof measuring roughly 2000 square feet, ivy-friendly homeowners can rest assured that their roofs will be completely covered in about four years. When considering growth rates of newly planted ivy, just remember the old adage: First year, it sleeps. Second year, it creeps. Third

year, it leaps! For English Ivy, this is especially true.Now, detractors may take this opportunity to remind readers about how invasive English Ivy can be. For what ivy enthusiast

hasn't been cautioned about its ability to burrow holes, fracture windows, and even deteriorate brick? But be warned. Oftentimes, this suggestion is taken to the comical extreme. Naysayers take a strange pleasure in spinning yarns about a particularly malevolent strand of ivy-one that slips in through the cracks on a hot summer night, silently strangling homeowners in their sleep. Admittedly, this can be a funny story to tell. But are we to believe such a tale? The intelligent gardener will quickly dismiss such rubbish for what it is.

1) The primary purpose of the passage is toA. highlight the reasons why English Ivy’s fast growth rate is beneficialB. argue that English Ivy is an essential plant for homeownersC. educate readers about how to use English Ivy to insulate their homesD. belittle detractors of English IvyE. defend the reputation of English Ivy

2) As used in paragraph 1, which is the best d e f i n i t i o n for betrays?A. gives away B. contradicts

C. revealsD. supports

E. highlights

3) In paragraph 1, the author states, “Given that most homes have a roof measuring roughly 2000 square feet, ivy-friendly homeowners can rest assured that their roofs will be completely covered in about four years.” Which of the following logical mistakes does the author make in drawing this conclusion?I. English Ivy will not cover the area of most roofs in 4 years if it only grows 500 square feet per year.II. Most homes may not have the proper conditions necessary for English Ivy to grow at the specified rate.III. Newly planted ivy does not grow as fast as established ivy.A. I onlyB. II only

C. I and II only D. II and III only

E. I, II, and III

4) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best d e f i n i t i o n for deteriorate?A. wear awayB. shield

C. add to D. climb onE. strengthe

5) Based on information in paragraph 1, which of the following would most likely be considered an insulator?A. an umbrellaB. an automobile

C. suntan lotionD. skin

E. a winter jacket

6) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best a n t o n y m for malevolent?A. waryB. sensitive

C. virtuous D. injuredE. willing

7) This passage would most likely be foundA. in a scholarly journal about botanyB. in a magazine article about gardeningC. in a letter from one gardener to anotherD. on a website identifying different types of plantsE. in a pamphlet about the best ways to make a home more energy-efficient

8) The author's tone can best be described asA. passionateB. indignant

C. argumentativeD. persuasive

E. accusatory

Passage 6The word euthanasia is of Greek origin and literally means “a good death.” The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as

“the act of killing a person painlessly for reasons of mercy.” Such killing can be done through active means, such as administering a lethal injection, or by passive means, such as withholding medical care or food and water.

In recent years in the United States, there have been numerous cases of active euthanasia in the news. They usually involve the deliberate killing of ill or incapacitated persons by relatives or friends who plead that they can no longer bear to see their loved ones suffer. Although such killings are a crime, the perpetrators are often dealt with leniently by our legal system, and the media usually portrays them as compassionate heroes who take personal risks to save another from unbearable suffering.

The seeming acceptance of active forms of euthanasia is alarming, but we face a bigger, more insidious threat from passive forms of euthanasia. Every year, in hospitals and nursing homes around the country, there are growing numbers of documented deaths caused by caregivers withholding life-sustaining care, including food and water, from vulnerable patients who cannot speak for themselves.

While it is illegal to kill someone directly, for example with a gun or knife, in many cases the law has put its stamp of approval on causing death by omitting needed care. Further, many states have “living will” laws designed to protect those who withhold treatment, and there have been numerous court rulings which have approved of patients being denied care and even starved and dehydrated to death.

Because such deaths occur quietly within the confines of hospitals and nursing homes, they can be kept hidden from the public. Most euthanasia victims are old or very ill, so their deaths might be attributed to a cause other than the denial of care that really killed them.

Further, it is often relatives of the patient who request that care be withheld. In one court case, the court held that decisions to withhold life-sustaining care may be made not only by close family members but also by a number of third parties, and that such decisions need not be reviewed by the judicial system if there is no disagreement between decision makers and medical staff. The court went so far as to rule that a nursing home may not refuse to participate in the fatal withdrawal of food and water from an incompetent patient!

“Extraordinary” or “heroic” treatment need not be used when the chance for recovery is poor and medical intervention would serve only to prolong the dying process. But to deny customary and reasonable care or to deliberately starve or dehydrate someone because he or she is very old or very ill should not be permitted. Most of the cases coming before the courts do not involve withholding heroic measures from imminently dying people, but rather they seek approval for denying basic care, such as administration of food and water, to people who are not elderly or terminally ill, but who are permanently incapacitated. These people could be expected to live indefinitely, though in an impaired state, if they were given food and water and minimal treatment.

No one has the right to judge that another’s life is not worth living. The basic right to life should not be abridged because someone decides that someone else’s quality of life is too low. If we base the right to life on quality of life standards, there is no logical place to draw the line.

To protect vulnerable patients, we must foster more positive attitudes towards people with serious and incapacitating illnesses and conditions. Despite the ravages of their diseases, they are still our fellow human beings and deserve our care and respect. We must also enact positive legislation that will protect vulnerable people from those who consider their lives meaningless or too costly to maintain and who would cause their deaths by withholding life- sustaining care such as food and water.

1) The tone of the author can best be described asA. pleadingB. argumentative

C. compassionate D. emphatic

E. empathetic

2) In paragraph 3, the author finds starvation and dehydration induced euthanasia is to be “more insidious" becauseA. euthanasia is legally considered to be a criminal actB. the public’s attitude toward euthanasia is becoming more positiveC. it often involves those who cannot protestD. the patient has asked to die with dignityE. its perpetrators are viewed as kindly caregivers

3) As used in paragraph 3, what is the best s y n o nym for insidious?A. mischievous B. treacherous

C. seductiveD. apparent

E. cumulative

4) The author maintains that death by withholding care isA. largely confined to hospitalsB. largely confined to the terminally illC. often requested by family membersD. approved by living willsE. difficult to prove if prosecuted

5) As used in paragraph 7, which is the best definition of abridged?A. trimmedB. curtailed

C. lengthenedD. protracted

E. compressed

6) Using the passage as a guide, it can be inferred that the author would find euthanasia less objectionable in cases in whichI. the patient’s death is imminentII. the patient has left instructions in a living will not to provide careIII. the patient refuses to accept nourishmentA. I onlyB. II only

C. I and II onlyD. II and III only

E. I, II and III

7) The main idea of paragraph 7 is that

A. lawyers will be unable to prosecute or defend caregiversB. no comprehensive right or wrong definition of euthanasia will existC. using a subjective standard will make the decision to end an individual’s life arbitraryD. no boundary will exist between euthanasia and care omissionE. ‘quality of life’ will no longer be able to be rigidly defined

8) In the final paragraph the author writes, "Despite the ravages of their diseases, they are still our fellow human beings and deserve our care and respect." The main purpose of this statement is toA. prove a previous argumentB. illustrate an exampleC. gainsay a later statement

D. object to a larger ideaE. justify an earlier statement

Passage 7The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records

logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records. Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe's fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries— quite a leap from its humble beginnings.

In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man's innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any thing. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best. It was during this period that some of the hallmark Guinness Records were documented, answering such questions as "What is the brightest star?" and "What is the biggest spider?"

Once aware of the public's thirst for such knowledge, the book's authors began to branch out to cover increasingly obscure, little-known facts. They started documenting human achievements as well. A forerunner for reality television, the Guinness Book gave people a chance to become famous for accomplishing eccentric, often pointless tasks. Records were set in 1955 for consuming 24 raw eggs in 14 minutes and in 1981 for the fastest solving of a Rubik's Cube (which took a mere 38 seconds). In 1979 a man yodeled non-stop for ten and a quarter hours.

In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world's longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education-oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.

Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records has evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of fact-finding and record-recording.

1) Which of the following statements would best serve as the headline for this passage?A. The encyclopedia of the extremes reflects the changing interests of modern society.B. Book of simple origins makes it to the top as sales total a staggering 120 million copies.C. Facts are often displayed in a boring, uninteresting manner, but not in the Guinness Book of Records.D. The Guinness World Records website proves itself a valuable resource for insight into the full spectrum of modern life.E. Where other books fall short, the index of superlative sciences never ceases to amaze.

2) According to the author, the most significant difference between older editions of the Guinness Book of Records and the new Guinness World Records website involvesA. an end to the use of facts as a means to promote GuinnessB. an overall increase in the total number of facts presented C. a move from fact-finding to the recording of achievementsD. a shift in focus from educational to entertaining materialE. a departure from book sales being limited to local pubs and bars

3) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for empirical?A. naturalB. derived from experience

C. recordableD. excellent or unmatched

F. convenient or handy

4) Based on its use in paragraph 2, which of the following best describes something that is superlative?A. Students give presentations about their favorite subjects for a grade. Amy Newhouse receives an 87% for her presentation,

while Dustin Lincoln receives a 92%.

B. Although sharks are significantly bigger and have razor-sharp teeth, dolphins are smarter and can therefore successfully evade attack.

C. The lake holds a contest to see who can catch the biggest fish. Tommy wins, having caught a 6 lb. 5 oz. smallmouth bass.D. A man built an enormous house of cards. It took him 44 days and 218,792 individual playing cards to complete.E. Ichiro likes tennis and practices every day. In his last tournament, he placed 3rd of over 350 competitors, winning the bronze

trophy.

5) Using the passage as a guide, it can be inferred that the author most likely believes reality television to beA. corrupt B. absurd

C. idioticD. invaluable

E. shallow

6) In the final paragraph, the author writes, "And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of fact-finding and record-recording." Which of the following literary devices is used in this quotation?A. aphorismB. alliterationC. amplificationD. anagramE. anthropomorphism

7) Which of the following best summarizes the organization of this passage?A. introduction, history, conclusionB. history, examples, explanations, conclusionC. exposition, history, conclusionD. introduction, thesis, supporting paragraphs, conclusionE. introduction, history, exposition, conclusion