- In the context of this passage, the word 'gratuitous' most nearly means
Answer: given for free.
The correct answer is C. The passage explains that a contract requires a mutual exchange of value (consideration). A promise without this exchange is described as 'gratuitous' and unenforceable. This context implies that a gratuitous promise is one given without receiving anything in return, i.e., given for free. Choices A, B, and D are inconsistent with the context provided.
- The passage states that a byproduct of photosynthesis is
Answer: oxygen.
The correct answer is D. The passage explicitly states that during photosynthesis, plants create glucose 'and oxygen, which is released as a byproduct.' Choices A and B are listed as inputs to the process, not byproducts. Choice C, sunlight, is the energy source, not a material byproduct.
- The passage suggests that bronze was superior to pure copper primarily because it was
Answer: harder and more durable.
The correct answer is D. The passage explicitly states that the combination of copper and tin 'results in a material that is harder and more durable than pure copper.' The other options are not mentioned in the passage as reasons for bronze's superiority.
- What does the passage identify as inertia?
Answer: The resistance of an object to a change in its motion.
The correct answer is B. The passage defines inertia as 'the resistance of any physical object to any change in its state of motion.' Choice A is incorrect because inertia is a resistance to force, not the force itself. Choices C and D describe other physical concepts not identified as inertia in the passage.
- What was the primary effect of containerization on global trade?
Answer: It made shipping significantly cheaper and more efficient.
The correct answer is B. The passage states that containerization 'drastically reduced transport costs, cut down on shipping time,' and made it 'cheaper and more efficient to move goods.' The other choices are not supported by the passage as the primary effect.
- According to the passage, a major benefit of a well-managed supply chain is
Answer: reduced costs and faster production.
The correct answer is D. The passage directly states, 'An effective supply chain can result in lower costs and a faster production cycle.' While improved supply chain management might indirectly affect choices A and C, the passage does not mention them. Choice B, marketing, is a separate business function not discussed in the text.
- According to the passage, the ozone layer is located in the
Answer: stratosphere.
The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states, 'Above it [the troposphere] lies the stratosphere, which contains the ozone layer.' The other choices are incorrect layers according to the text.
- The main purpose of this passage is to
Answer: explain the purpose and scope of the UCMJ.
The correct answer is C. The passage introduces the UCMJ, explains that it is the 'foundation of the military justice system,' and describes who it applies to. This provides a general explanation of its purpose and scope. Choices A and D are too specific; the passage mentions courts-martial and offenses but does not detail them. Choice B is not addressed in the text.
- To determine its location, a GPS receiver must first
Answer: measure the distance to a minimum of four satellites.
The correct answer is A. The passage states that a receiver 'must be locked on to the signal of at least four' satellites and that it 'calculates the distance to each satellite.' This is the necessary first step before it can triangulate its position. The other choices describe actions that are either incorrect (GPS is a passive system, so B is wrong) or not mentioned in the passage.
- The passage suggests that the main advantage of preventive maintenance over corrective maintenance is that it
Answer: reduces overall costs and equipment downtime.
The correct answer is C. The passage explicitly states that preventive maintenance 'ultimately reduces long-term costs by minimizing major repairs, reducing equipment downtime, and improving overall safety and reliability.' Choice A is contradicted by the mention of an 'upfront investment.' Choice B is not mentioned. Choice D is incorrect as the strategy involves regular inspections.
- The passage implies that the Moment Magnitude Scale is preferred over the Richter scale because it
Answer: gives a more precise measurement of an earthquake's total energy.
The correct answer is C. The passage states that the MMS 'measures the total energy released' and 'provides a more accurate measure for larger earthquakes,' contrasting this with the Richter scale's method. This implies its preference is due to precision and focus on total energy. The passage does not support choices A, B, or D.
- The passage indicates that the division of labor in insect colonies
Answer: allows the colony to operate efficiently.
The correct answer is C. The passage explicitly states that specialization 'allows the colony to function as a cohesive and efficient unit.' Choice A is not supported, as the passage only gives ants and bees as examples. Choice B is contradicted by the statement that the allocation of tasks 'is not rigid.' Choice D is too narrow; the passage mentions foraging, care of young, and defense as other key tasks.
- The passage suggests that the main obstacle to the widespread use of desalination is its
Answer: high energy consumption and cost.
The correct answer is C. The passage states that the process is 'energy-intensive, making it costly,' and that researchers are looking for more efficient methods to make it 'more affordable.' This implies that cost and energy use are the primary challenges. Choice A is incorrect as the passage calls the method 'effective.' Choices B and D are not mentioned as obstacles in the text.
- The main idea of this passage is that perception is
Answer: an active interpretation of reality shaped by personal factors.
The correct answer is C. The passage argues that perception is a 'constructive process, heavily influenced by our expectations, past experiences, and...emotional state,' and that the brain 'actively interprets sensory information.' This directly supports the idea of it being an active interpretation shaped by personal factors. Choices A and B are directly contradicted by the text. Choice D is not mentioned.
- The primary goal of ergonomics, as described in the passage, is to
Answer: enhance efficiency and safety by fitting the job to the worker.
The correct answer is C. The passage defines ergonomics as designing things for efficient and safe interaction and states that it involves designing tasks 'to fit the worker's physical capabilities.' This directly supports choice C. Choice A is incorrect because safety is a key component. Choices B and D are not mentioned as goals of ergonomics.
- As described in the passage, the key principle that allows a gyroscope to function is
Answer: the conservation of angular momentum.
The correct answer is A. The passage explicitly states, 'Due to the principle of conservation of angular momentum, this spinning wheel resists changes to its orientation.' It also notes that gyroscopes work independently of gravity or magnetic fields, making choices B and C incorrect. Choice D is a general physics principle not specifically identified as the key to a gyroscope's function in the passage.
- What is one of the unique challenges of shipboard firefighting mentioned in the passage?
Answer: The need to preserve the ship's stability.
The correct answer is B. The passage explicitly states that shipboard damage control includes 'maintaining the vessel's stability and watertight integrity.' Choice A is incorrect, as a ship is surrounded by water. Choice C is not mentioned. Choice D is directly contradicted by the statement that heat and smoke 'accumulate rapidly.'
- According to the passage, a chameleon's primary reason for changing color is
Answer: to communicate and regulate temperature.
The correct answer is B. The passage explicitly states that color change is used to 'regulate body temperature' and 'to signal their intentions to other chameleons,' which is a form of communication. Choice A is directly contradicted by the sentence 'this change is not primarily for camouflage.' Choices C and D are not mentioned in the passage as primary reasons.
