The following passage is titled "Where Do Old Satellites Go When They Die?" by NASA. Like every other machine, satellites do not last forever. Whether their job is to observe weather, measure greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, or point away from Earth to study the stars, eventually all satellites grow old, wear out, and die, just like old washing machines and vacuum cleaners. So what happens when a trusty satellite's time has come? These days there are two choices, depending on how high the satellite is. For the closer satellites, engineers will use its last bit of fuel to slow it down. That way, it will fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere. The second choice is to send the satellite even farther away from Earth. It can take a lot of fuel for a satellite to slow down enough to fall back into the atmosphere. That is especially true if a satellite is in a very high orbit. For many of these high satellites, it takes less fuel to blast it farther into space than to send it back to Earth.
The author supports the claim that satellites do not last forever through the use of which of the following?
- A. An anecdote about why satellites stop working when they do
- B. Examples of the ways satellites stop working over time
- C. A comparison of satellites to other common machines that stop working
- D. Suggestions for ways to keep satellites working over time
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The author effectively demonstrates that satellites do not last forever by comparing them to other common machines that also have limited lifespans. This comparison highlights the inevitability of wear and tear in technology, providing a relatable context for readers. Option A, an anecdote, may illustrate a specific instance but lacks the broader applicability needed to support the claim. Option B provides examples of satellite failures but does not frame them within a comparative context that strengthens the argument. Option D suggests preventive measures but does not address the inherent limitations of satellites, which is central to the claim.
The author effectively demonstrates that satellites do not last forever by comparing them to other common machines that also have limited lifespans. This comparison highlights the inevitability of wear and tear in technology, providing a relatable context for readers. Option A, an anecdote, may illustrate a specific instance but lacks the broader applicability needed to support the claim. Option B provides examples of satellite failures but does not frame them within a comparative context that strengthens the argument. Option D suggests preventive measures but does not address the inherent limitations of satellites, which is central to the claim.
Other Related Questions
When discussing strategies for delivering effective oral presentations, a teacher should focus on how speaking slowly promotes which of the following?
- A. Clear articulation of words
- B. Audibility for the audience
- C. Appropriate emphasis of key ideas
- D. Interest in the topic for the audience
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Speaking slowly enhances clear articulation of words, allowing the speaker to pronounce each syllable distinctly, which aids in comprehension. This clarity is crucial for the audience to grasp the message being conveyed. While audibility (Option B) is important, it primarily relates to volume rather than the speed of speech. Similarly, appropriate emphasis of key ideas (Option C) can be achieved through varying tone and pace, but it does not directly stem from speaking slowly. Lastly, interest in the topic for the audience (Option D) depends more on the content and delivery style rather than the speed of speech.
Speaking slowly enhances clear articulation of words, allowing the speaker to pronounce each syllable distinctly, which aids in comprehension. This clarity is crucial for the audience to grasp the message being conveyed. While audibility (Option B) is important, it primarily relates to volume rather than the speed of speech. Similarly, appropriate emphasis of key ideas (Option C) can be achieved through varying tone and pace, but it does not directly stem from speaking slowly. Lastly, interest in the topic for the audience (Option D) depends more on the content and delivery style rather than the speed of speech.
Which of the following identifies the number of phonemes in the word "key"?
- A. Zero
- B. One
- C. Two
- D. Three
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The word "key" contains three distinct phonemes: /k/, /i/, and the glide /j/ at the end, which is crucial for its pronunciation. Option A (Zero) is incorrect because there are phonemes present in the word. Option B (One) is also incorrect; while "key" has a single vowel sound, the presence of the initial consonant and the glide means there are multiple phonemes. Option D (Three) mistakenly suggests an excess count, as there are only three phonemes in total. Thus, the accurate identification of phonemes in "key" is three.
The word "key" contains three distinct phonemes: /k/, /i/, and the glide /j/ at the end, which is crucial for its pronunciation. Option A (Zero) is incorrect because there are phonemes present in the word. Option B (One) is also incorrect; while "key" has a single vowel sound, the presence of the initial consonant and the glide means there are multiple phonemes. Option D (Three) mistakenly suggests an excess count, as there are only three phonemes in total. Thus, the accurate identification of phonemes in "key" is three.
Active listening skills are best demonstrated by
- A. offering thoughtful feedback on someone's idea
- B. maintaining a neutral facial expression
- C. adding to a point by eagerly interjecting
- D. thinking of what to say next while in a discussion
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Active listening skills are best demonstrated by offering thoughtful feedback on someone's idea. This shows engagement and understanding, as it indicates that the listener has processed the information and is contributing meaningfully to the conversation. Maintaining a neutral facial expression (B) does not demonstrate engagement; it may signal disinterest or detachment. Adding to a point by eagerly interjecting (C) disrupts the flow of conversation and indicates a lack of patience for the speaker's full expression. Thinking of what to say next while in a discussion (D) distracts from truly listening, as it shifts focus away from the speaker. Effective active listening requires full attention and interaction.
Active listening skills are best demonstrated by offering thoughtful feedback on someone's idea. This shows engagement and understanding, as it indicates that the listener has processed the information and is contributing meaningfully to the conversation. Maintaining a neutral facial expression (B) does not demonstrate engagement; it may signal disinterest or detachment. Adding to a point by eagerly interjecting (C) disrupts the flow of conversation and indicates a lack of patience for the speaker's full expression. Thinking of what to say next while in a discussion (D) distracts from truly listening, as it shifts focus away from the speaker. Effective active listening requires full attention and interaction.
Which of the following statements is true?
- A. Sentences 1 and 2 are compound sentences.
- B. Sentences 3 and 5 are complex sentences.
- C. Sentence 1 is complex and sentence 4 is simple.
- D. Sentence 2 is complex and sentence 6 is compound.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A accurately identifies that sentences 1 and 2 are compound sentences, which consist of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. This structure allows for the combination of related ideas, making the statement true. Option B incorrectly categorizes sentences 3 and 5 as complex. Complex sentences contain an independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which does not apply here. Option C misclassifies sentence 1 as complex; it is, in fact, compound. Additionally, sentence 4 is not simple, as it may contain additional clauses. Option D mistakenly labels sentence 2 as complex and sentence 6 as compound, which misrepresents their structures.
Option A accurately identifies that sentences 1 and 2 are compound sentences, which consist of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. This structure allows for the combination of related ideas, making the statement true. Option B incorrectly categorizes sentences 3 and 5 as complex. Complex sentences contain an independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which does not apply here. Option C misclassifies sentence 1 as complex; it is, in fact, compound. Additionally, sentence 4 is not simple, as it may contain additional clauses. Option D mistakenly labels sentence 2 as complex and sentence 6 as compound, which misrepresents their structures.