hiset social studies practice test

A widely recognized high school equivalency exam, similar to the GED, designed for individuals who didn’t complete high school but want to earn a diploma-equivalent credential.

Trade and Opportunity Costs This passage and table describe the opportunity costs faced by two countries. 1 The countries of Grand Coast and Toland are trading partners. The two main goods traded are timber and fish. Every year the ministers of trade from each country attend an international conference to discuss issues related to foreign trade and decide how each country should specialize. The table provides economic data for one year.
A drought strikes Toland and decreases the amount of fish caught from 8 units to 2 units. How will this change affect trade negotiations for the following year?
  • A. The countries should maintain the existing agreement.
  • B. Both countries should produce both goods.
  • C. Toland should specialize in the production of timber.
  • D. Toland should specialize in the production of fish.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

A decrease in fish catch due to drought shifts Toland's production capabilities. Specializing in timber (Option C) allows Toland to focus on a resource that can still be produced effectively, potentially increasing trade value. Maintaining the existing agreement (Option A) ignores the new realities of reduced fish availability, which could lead to imbalances. Producing both goods (Option B) may spread resources too thin, hindering efficiency. Specializing in fish (Option D) is unwise, as the drought has drastically reduced fish availability, making it impractical to rely on this sector.

Other Related Questions

A police department allows a person suspected of committing a crime to refuse to answer questions asked by the investigating officer. Which amendment protects this right?
  • A. Amendment 1
  • B. Amendment 4
  • C. Amendment 5
  • D. Amendment 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, allowing a person suspected of a crime to refuse to answer questions posed by law enforcement. This right ensures that individuals cannot be compelled to provide testimony that could implicate them in a crime. Option A, the First Amendment, pertains to freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, but does not address self-incrimination. Option B, the Fourth Amendment, protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but does not relate to questioning. Option D, the Sixth Amendment, guarantees rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to counsel and a fair trial, but does not specifically cover the right to remain silent during questioning.
As used in the highlighted text, 'continental United States' means the area comprising the nation's
  • A. entire territory.
  • B. Western region.
  • C. first 48 states.
  • D. 50 states.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The term 'continental United States' specifically refers to the contiguous landmass of the nation, which includes the first 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Option A is incorrect as it suggests the entire territory, including non-contiguous states and territories. Option B is wrong because it only addresses a specific region, neglecting the rest of the country. Option D is misleading since it includes Alaska and Hawaii, which are not part of the continental landmass. Thus, the phrase accurately describes the first 48 states, making it the most precise choice.
The following is a list of events in Taylor's life. I. President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers II. Employed by Midvale Steel Company III. Published 'The Principles of Scientific Management' IV. Received a gold medal from the Paris Exposition Place these events in chronological order, from earliest to latest.
  • A. I, II, III, IV
  • B. II, IV, I, III
  • C. III, I, IV, II
  • D. IV, III, II, I
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The sequence begins with Taylor’s employment at Midvale Steel Company (II), where he developed his principles of efficiency. Next, he received a gold medal from the Paris Exposition (IV), recognizing his contributions to management. Following this, he became the President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (I), highlighting his leadership in the field. Lastly, he published 'The Principles of Scientific Management' (III), which solidified his theories and their impact on management practices. Option A misplaces the publication of his influential work. Option C incorrectly orders the events, placing the publication before his leadership role. Option D also disrupts the correct sequence by placing the gold medal before his employment.
Assume that the state of Kansas passed a law limiting the number of hours teenagers could work on farms, and the state's farmers challenged the law. The decision in which of these cases could be cited in support of Kansas's law?
  • A. Commonwealth v. Hunt
  • B. Muller v. Oregon
  • C. Brown v. Board of Education
  • D. Engel v. Vitale
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Muller v. Oregon upheld the state's ability to regulate working hours for women, emphasizing the government's role in protecting public welfare. This precedent supports Kansas's law limiting teenage work hours on farms, as it aligns with the principle of safeguarding minors' health and well-being. Commonwealth v. Hunt dealt with labor unions and the right to organize, which does not pertain to youth labor regulations. Brown v. Board of Education focused on desegregation in schools, irrelevant to labor laws. Engel v. Vitale addressed school prayer, having no connection to employment issues. Thus, only Muller v. Oregon directly supports the rationale for Kansas's law.