Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.
Passage
Today's ubiquitous red-yellow-green electric traffic light, familiar to drivers worldwide, had its origins in train signals from the 1800s. These early signals all used red to signify "stop," but the choice and arrangement of the other two colors would surprise today's drivers: green was the color for "caution," and white was the color for "go." However, white proved to be a poor choice, because the red and green lights train engineers saw were produced by red and green filters covering white light bulbs (the "go" light had a clear filter). If a filter was broken or missing, the signal would appear as white and engineers might mistake "stop" or "caution" for "go," especially at night.
What does the passage suggest about the light bulbs used in the first train signaling systems?
- A. They were very fragile.
- B. They were all the same color.
- C. They were only illuminated at night.
- D. They were also used to signal automobile drivers.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.
The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.
Other Related Questions
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)? These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens. The robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
- A. These robots, while being equipped with cameras and video screens, allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings, interact more personally with their coworkers
- B. These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens, moreover, they allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
- C. Equipped with cameras and video screens, these robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
- D. In order to allow the workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers, these robots are equipped with cameras and video screens
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C effectively combines the two sentences by starting with a participial phrase, "Equipped with cameras and video screens," which succinctly conveys essential information about the robots while maintaining clarity. This structure emphasizes the robots' capabilities and their purpose in a streamlined manner. Option A introduces unnecessary complexity with "while being," making the sentence less direct and harder to follow. Option B uses "moreover," which is inappropriate for connecting the two ideas and creates a run-on sentence that disrupts the flow. Option D alters the focus by suggesting that the robots are equipped solely for the purpose of allowing interaction, which misrepresents the original intent and adds unnecessary wording.
Option C effectively combines the two sentences by starting with a participial phrase, "Equipped with cameras and video screens," which succinctly conveys essential information about the robots while maintaining clarity. This structure emphasizes the robots' capabilities and their purpose in a streamlined manner. Option A introduces unnecessary complexity with "while being," making the sentence less direct and harder to follow. Option B uses "moreover," which is inappropriate for connecting the two ideas and creates a run-on sentence that disrupts the flow. Option D alters the focus by suggesting that the robots are equipped solely for the purpose of allowing interaction, which misrepresents the original intent and adds unnecessary wording.
What assumption does the author of the passage make?
- A. Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.
- B. The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy
- C. Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis
- D. Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research suggests a gap in public awareness that the author aims to address. This perspective is crucial for framing the significance of the research discussed. Option A is incorrect as it makes a specific economic claim not supported by the passage. Option B incorrectly assumes the Department of Energy is currently using hydrogen-producing algae, which is not established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, but the passage does not provide evidence or context to support this claim. Thus, D accurately reflects the author's underlying assumption about public perception.
The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research suggests a gap in public awareness that the author aims to address. This perspective is crucial for framing the significance of the research discussed. Option A is incorrect as it makes a specific economic claim not supported by the passage. Option B incorrectly assumes the Department of Energy is currently using hydrogen-producing algae, which is not established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, but the passage does not provide evidence or context to support this claim. Thus, D accurately reflects the author's underlying assumption about public perception.
Our offices are located in an old building on the outskirts of campus that was formerly, a tavern.
- A. formerly
- B. formally
- C. formidably
- D. formality
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The word "formerly" accurately indicates that the building was previously a tavern, highlighting its past use. Option B, "formally," refers to official or ceremonial contexts, which does not fit the intended meaning. Option C, "formidably," suggests something impressive or intimidating, irrelevant in this context. Lastly, option D, "formality," denotes an official procedure or requirement, which is not applicable here. Thus, "formerly" is the only choice that correctly conveys the idea of a past state, making it the appropriate selection.
The word "formerly" accurately indicates that the building was previously a tavern, highlighting its past use. Option B, "formally," refers to official or ceremonial contexts, which does not fit the intended meaning. Option C, "formidably," suggests something impressive or intimidating, irrelevant in this context. Lastly, option D, "formality," denotes an official procedure or requirement, which is not applicable here. Thus, "formerly" is the only choice that correctly conveys the idea of a past state, making it the appropriate selection.
In 1952, Dwight Eisenhower was elected President of the United States, he won 55% of the vote.
- A. he won
- B. he had won
- C. with winning
- D. winning
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The phrase "winning" effectively conveys the action of Eisenhower's election in a succinct manner, emphasizing the achievement without the need for auxiliary verbs. Option A, "he won," is grammatically correct but less fluid in this context. It shifts focus to a completed action rather than the ongoing significance of his victory. Option B, "he had won," uses the past perfect tense, which implies a prior context that isn’t necessary here and complicates the sentence unnecessarily. Option C, "with winning," introduces an awkward prepositional phrase that detracts from the clarity and directness of the statement.
The phrase "winning" effectively conveys the action of Eisenhower's election in a succinct manner, emphasizing the achievement without the need for auxiliary verbs. Option A, "he won," is grammatically correct but less fluid in this context. It shifts focus to a completed action rather than the ongoing significance of his victory. Option B, "he had won," uses the past perfect tense, which implies a prior context that isn’t necessary here and complicates the sentence unnecessarily. Option C, "with winning," introduces an awkward prepositional phrase that detracts from the clarity and directness of the statement.