In the following passages, certain words and phrases are underlined and numbered. For each numbered item, choose the answer that best expresses the meaning of the original text and follows the conventions of standard written English. Some questions ask about the organization of ideas or the effectiveness of language. In those cases, choose the answer that best accomplishes the writer's purpose. If the original wording is the best choice, select NO CHANGE.
Read the entire passage before answering the questions.
PASSAGE I
The Hidden Life of City Trees
Many people pass by city trees every day without giving them much thought. Yet these trees perform an impressive range of services that often go unnoticed. They cool neighborhoods, reduce air pollution, and provide shelter for birds and insects. In recent years, researchers have begun to study urban forests more closely, discovering that (1) they contribute to public health in ways that few people had previously imagined.
A city tree faces challenges that its counterpart in a natural forest may never encounter. (2) Surrounded by pavement and exposed to vehicle emissions, the conditions can limit growth. Nevertheless, many urban trees adapt remarkably well. Their roots often spread beneath sidewalks in search of water, and their leaves continue to absorb pollutants from the air. (3) Scientists have found that neighborhoods with abundant tree cover frequently experience lower summer temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning.
The benefits of urban forests extend beyond environmental concerns. In several studies, residents living near green spaces reported feeling less stress and greater satisfaction with their surroundings. (4) Children who regularly spend time among trees may also develop stronger observational skills, because natural settings encourage exploration. Parks and tree-lined streets can therefore serve as valuable community resources.
Maintaining healthy urban forests requires careful planning. City officials must select species suited to local conditions and ensure that trees receive adequate care. (5) If neglected for years, diseases and insect infestations can spread rapidly through a city's tree population. For this reason, many municipalities have begun investing in long-term tree-management programs.
Ultimately, urban trees demonstrate that nature can thrive even in densely populated areas. (6) Their presence reminds residents that environmental stewardship is not limited to remote wildernesses. Instead, it can begin just outside the front door.
Questions 1–15
1.
A. NO CHANGE
B. it contributes to public health in ways that few people had previously imagined.
C. urban forests contributes to public health in ways that few people had previously imagined.
D. urban forests contributing to public health in ways that few people had previously imagined.
2.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Surrounded by pavement, and exposed to vehicle emissions the conditions can limit growth.
C. Surrounded by pavement and exposed to vehicle emissions; the conditions can limit growth.
D. Surrounded by pavement and exposed to vehicle emissions: the conditions can limit growth.
3.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Scientists have found that neighborhoods with abundant tree cover frequently experience lower summer temperatures; reducing the need for air conditioning.
C. Scientists have found that neighborhoods with abundant tree cover frequently experience lower summer temperatures, which reduces the need for air conditioning.
D. Scientists have found that neighborhoods with abundant tree cover frequently experience lower summer temperatures reducing the need for air conditioning.
4.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Children who regularly spend time among trees, may also develop stronger observational skills, because natural settings encourage exploration.
C. Children who regularly spend time among trees may also develop stronger observational skills because natural settings encourage exploration.
D. Children, who regularly spend time among trees may also develop stronger observational skills because natural settings encourage exploration.
5.
A. NO CHANGE
B. If neglected for years diseases and insect infestations can spread rapidly through a city's tree population.
C. If neglected for years; diseases and insect infestations can spread rapidly through a city's tree population.
D. If neglected for years diseases, and insect infestations can spread rapidly through a city's tree population.
6.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Their presence reminding residents that environmental stewardship is not limited to remote wildernesses.
C. Their presence reminds residents environmental stewardship is not limited to remote wildernesses.
D. Their presence, reminds residents that environmental stewardship is not limited to remote wildernesses.
7. Which choice best supports the paragraph's focus on the environmental benefits of urban trees?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Many city trees are planted during community festivals.
C. Some trees can live for several hundred years.
D. Urban trees help reduce storm-water runoff by absorbing rainfall.
8. The writer wants to emphasize the contrast between urban and forest environments. Which choice is best?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Trees grow in many places around the world.
C. Forest ecosystems contain a variety of plant species.
D. Trees are often admired for their beauty.
9. Which choice provides the most logical transition at the beginning of paragraph 3?
A. In contrast,
B. Furthermore,
C. Consequently,
D. Nevertheless,
10. Which choice most effectively combines the following ideas?
Residents reported less stress. Residents reported greater satisfaction with their surroundings.
A. Residents reported less stress, and greater satisfaction with their surroundings.
B. Residents reported less stress and they reported greater satisfaction with their surroundings.
C. Residents reported less stress, greater satisfaction with their surroundings.
D. Residents reported less stress and, greater satisfaction with their surroundings.
11. The writer is considering adding the following sentence after paragraph 2: "Some cities maintain detailed inventories of every public tree." Should the writer add this sentence here?
A. Yes, because it provides specific evidence about tree-monitoring practices.
B. Yes, because it explains how trees absorb pollutants.
C. No, because it interrupts the discussion of tree adaptation and environmental effects.
D. No, because inventories are unrelated to city governments.
12.
A. NO CHANGE
B. residents which live near green spaces
C. residents living near green spaces
D. residents, living near green spaces
13. Which choice best concludes the passage?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Urban forests are complicated systems that researchers continue to study.
C. Many residents enjoy walking beneath trees on warm afternoons.
D. Trees have existed for millions of years.
14. The writer wants the tone to remain formal and informative. Which choice is least appropriate?
A. urban forests
B. tree-management programs
C. green spaces
D. awesome trees
15. Which statement best summarizes the main idea of the passage?
A. City trees face challenges but provide numerous environmental and social benefits.
B. Most city trees are older than forest trees.
C. Urban residents rarely notice trees.
D. Tree diseases are the greatest challenge facing cities.
PASSAGE II
A Museum After Dark
For most visitors, a museum is a place of quiet observation. People stroll through galleries, pause before exhibits, and move on to the next display. Yet after closing time, museums often become centers of activity. Staff members work behind the scenes to preserve collections, prepare exhibits, and plan future programs.
One evening, a conservation specialist carefully examined a nineteenth-century painting. Tiny cracks had appeared in the paint layer, (16) requiring attention before the damage became more severe. Using specialized tools and magnification equipment, the specialist documented each crack and evaluated possible treatments.
Meanwhile, in another section of the museum, exhibition designers arranged artifacts for an upcoming display. (17) Their goal was not only to present information clearly but also to create an engaging experience for visitors. Lighting, spacing, and object placement all influenced how people would interpret the exhibit.
Education staff members were equally busy. They developed lesson plans, coordinated school visits, and prepared materials for community workshops. (18) Although visitors rarely see this work, it plays an essential role in fulfilling the museum's mission.
As midnight approached, the building remained active. Security personnel monitored galleries, custodial staff cleaned public spaces, and administrators reviewed schedules. (19) By morning, the museum would once again appear calm and effortless to its guests. In reality, however, that appearance depended on hours of dedicated work behind the scenes. (20)
Questions 16–30
16.
A. NO CHANGE
B. requiring attention before the damage became more severe,
C. requiring attention before the damage became more severe;
D. requiring attention, before the damage became more severe.
17.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Their goal was not only to present information clearly, but also to create an engaging experience for visitors.
C. Their goal was not only presenting information clearly but also creating an engaging experience for visitors.
D. Their goal was to not only present information clearly but also creating an engaging experience for visitors.
18.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Although visitors rarely see this work it plays an essential role in fulfilling the museum's mission.
C. Although visitors rarely see this work; it plays an essential role in fulfilling the museum's mission.
D. Although visitors rarely see this work: it plays an essential role in fulfilling the museum's mission.
19.
A. NO CHANGE
B. By morning, the museum would once again appear calm and effortless, to its guests.
C. By morning the museum would once again appear calm and effortless to its guests.
D. By morning; the museum would once again appear calm and effortless to its guests.
20. Which concluding sentence would best end the passage?
A. Museums contain many different types of objects.
B. The unseen efforts of museum staff help transform collections into meaningful public experiences.
C. Some museums charge admission fees.
D. Visitors often purchase souvenirs before leaving.
21. Which choice best describes the function of paragraph 2?
A. It explains how museums acquire funding.
B. It provides an example of conservation work performed after hours.
C. It argues against displaying historical paintings.
D. It introduces a museum visitor.
22.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Staff members works behind the scenes
C. Staff members working behind the scenes
D. Staff member work behind the scenes
23. Which transition best begins paragraph 3?
A. For example,
B. However,
C. Similarly,
D. Therefore,
24. Which choice most effectively combines the ideas in paragraph 4?
A. Education staff members were equally busy, developing lesson plans, coordinating school visits, and preparing workshop materials.
B. Education staff members were equally busy. Developing lesson plans, coordinating school visits, and preparing workshop materials.
C. Education staff members were equally busy; and developing lesson plans, coordinating school visits, and preparing workshop materials.
D. Education staff members were equally busy, they developed lesson plans, coordinated school visits, and prepared workshop materials.
25. The writer wants to emphasize teamwork. Which sentence would best add that idea?
A. Many employees coordinated their efforts to support the museum's daily operations.
B. Museums often contain paintings and sculptures.
C. Some visitors prefer modern art.
D. Conservation requires specialized equipment.
26.
A. NO CHANGE
B. a place of quietly observation
C. a place of quiet observations
D. a place for quiet observing
27. Which choice is most concise and grammatically correct?
A. In reality, however, that appearance depended on hours of dedicated work behind the scenes.
B. In reality, however, that appearance was dependent upon hours of work that was dedicated behind the scenes.
C. In reality, however, that appearance depended upon hours of dedicated work that took place behind the scenes.
D. In reality, however, that appearance had depended on dedicated hours of work behind the scenes.
28. Which sentence would be least relevant to the passage?
A. Conservators use specialized methods to preserve artifacts.
B. Museum staff perform many tasks after public visiting hours.
C. Some museum buildings are located near public transportation routes.
D. Exhibition planning involves careful design decisions.
29. The passage is primarily concerned with:
A. explaining the hidden work that occurs in museums after closing time.
B. comparing different museum admission policies.
C. evaluating famous artworks.
D. discussing museum architecture.
30. Which title best fits the passage?
A. Famous Paintings Through History
B. The Work Visitors Never See
C. Modern Architecture and Design
D. A Guide to Museum Tickets
PASSAGE III
The Science of Sound Mapping
Scientists have long studied the visual features of ecosystems, but in recent decades they have also begun paying closer attention to the sounds of natural environments. This approach, often called sound mapping, involves recording and analyzing the noises produced by animals, weather, and human activity. Researchers use these recordings to better understand environmental conditions and changes over time.
In one study, a team of ecologists placed recording devices throughout a wetland. The devices collected sounds continuously for several months. (31) As a result, the researchers were able to identify patterns that would have been difficult to observe during occasional site visits. Bird calls, insect activity, and even the movement of water contributed valuable information.
Sound mapping can reveal details that visual observations may miss. For example, some species are difficult to spot but easy to detect through their calls. (32) In addition, changes in the frequency or timing of sounds may indicate shifts in habitat conditions. Such information can help scientists monitor biodiversity more efficiently.
The technique also has practical applications beyond scientific research. Conservation organizations use sound recordings to assess the success of restoration projects, while urban planners sometimes analyze noise levels when designing public spaces. (33) Although these applications differ considerably, both rely on the careful interpretation of acoustic data.
As recording technology becomes more affordable, sound mapping is likely to become increasingly widespread. (34) Researchers hope that expanding these efforts will improve understanding of ecosystems and support more effective environmental management. The sounds of a landscape, once overlooked, may provide important clues about its health and future.
Questions 31–45
31.
A. NO CHANGE
B. As a result the researchers were able to identify patterns that would have been difficult to observe during occasional site visits.
C. As a result; the researchers were able to identify patterns that would have been difficult to observe during occasional site visits.
D. As a result: the researchers were able to identify patterns that would have been difficult to observe during occasional site visits.
32.
A. NO CHANGE
B. For example, some species are difficult to spot, but easy to detect through their calls.
C. For example some species are difficult to spot but easy to detect through their calls.
D. For example: some species are difficult to spot but easy to detect through their calls.
33.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Although these applications differ considerably; both rely on the careful interpretation of acoustic data.
C. Although these applications differ considerably both rely on the careful interpretation of acoustic data.
D. Although these applications differ considerably: both rely on the careful interpretation of acoustic data.
34.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Researchers hope that expanding these efforts will improve understanding of ecosystems, and support more effective environmental management.
C. Researchers hope that expanding these efforts will improve understanding of ecosystems and support more effective environmental management.
D. Researchers hope expanding these efforts, will improve understanding of ecosystems and support more effective environmental management.
35. Which transition would best begin paragraph 3?
A. However,
B. Similarly,
C. Therefore,
D. In contrast,
36. Which choice best maintains the passage's formal tone?
A. noises produced by animals
B. sounds made by critters
C. cool noises from wildlife
D. animal sounds and stuff
37. The writer is considering adding the following sentence after the second sentence of paragraph 2:
"Some recording devices can operate for weeks without requiring maintenance."
Should the writer add this sentence?
A. Yes, because it provides relevant information about the technology used in sound mapping.
B. Yes, because it explains why wetlands contain birds.
C. No, because it contradicts information in the passage.
D. No, because it shifts attention away from the study's methods.
38.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Conservation organizations uses sound recordings
C. Conservation organizations use sound recordings
D. Conservation organizations using sound recordings
39. Which choice most effectively combines the following ideas? The devices collected sounds continuously. They operated for several months.
A. The devices collected sounds continuously and operated for several months.
B. The devices collected sounds continuously, and they operated for several months.
C. The devices collected sounds continuously; operating for several months.
D. The devices collected sounds continuously operating for several months.
40. The main purpose of paragraph 4 is to:
A. explain how sound mapping is used in different fields.
B. criticize urban planning methods.
C. describe a specific wetland habitat.
D. compare visual and acoustic observations.
41.
A. NO CHANGE
B. researchers use these recordings to better understand environmental conditions and changes over time.
C. Researchers use these recordings, to better understand environmental conditions and changes over time.
D. Researchers use these recordings to better understand environmental conditions, and changes over time.
42. Which sentence would be least relevant?
A. Acoustic recordings can reveal hidden ecological patterns.
B. Scientists increasingly use technology to monitor ecosystems.
C. Many people enjoy listening to music while exercising.
D. Sound mapping can support conservation efforts.
43. Which choice best concludes paragraph 3?
A. Many scientists also enjoy photography.
B. These advantages make sound mapping a valuable complement to traditional observation methods.
C. Wetlands are often home to numerous species.
D. Recording devices vary in size and cost.
44. The passage is primarily concerned with:
A. promoting a specific brand of recording equipment.
B. explaining the uses and benefits of sound mapping.
C. describing bird migration patterns.
D. evaluating environmental laws.
45. Which title best fits the passage?
A. Listening to Ecosystems
B. Building Better Wetlands
C. The History of Photography
D. Designing Public Parks
PASSAGE IV
A Community Garden Grows
Several years ago, a vacant lot stood unused in the center of a neighborhood. Weeds covered the ground, and litter occasionally accumulated along the fence. Residents often walked past the area without giving it much attention. (46) Eventually, however, a group of neighbors decided to transform the space into a community garden.
The project began with careful planning. Volunteers met regularly to discuss goals, organize tasks, and secure permission to use the property. (47) They also sought donations of tools, soil, and seeds from local businesses and community organizations. Once preparations were complete, work on the garden began.
Throughout the spring, volunteers cleared debris and prepared planting beds. Families worked together to plant vegetables, herbs, and flowers. (48) As the weeks passed, the once-empty lot gradually became a vibrant gathering place. Neighbors exchanged gardening advice, shared harvests, and developed new friendships.
The garden also produced benefits beyond food production. Local students visited to learn about plant growth and environmental stewardship. Community events brought residents together and encouraged participation in neighborhood projects. (49) In addition, the garden demonstrated how cooperation could improve a shared space.
Today, the garden continues to thrive. Seasonal crops fill the planting beds, and volunteers remain actively involved in its maintenance. (50) What began as an overlooked lot has become a source of pride for the entire neighborhood.
Questions 46–60
46.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Eventually however, a group of neighbors decided to transform the space into a community garden.
C. Eventually, however a group of neighbors decided to transform the space into a community garden.
D. Eventually however a group of neighbors decided to transform the space into a community garden.
47.
A. NO CHANGE
B. They also sought donations of tools soil and seeds from local businesses and community organizations.
C. They also sought donations of tools, soil and seeds from local businesses and community organizations.
D. They also sought donations, of tools, soil, and seeds from local businesses and community organizations.
48.
A. NO CHANGE
B. As the weeks passed the once-empty lot gradually became a vibrant gathering place.
C. As the weeks passed; the once-empty lot gradually became a vibrant gathering place.
D. As the weeks passed: the once-empty lot gradually became a vibrant gathering place.
49.
A. NO CHANGE
B. In addition the garden demonstrated how cooperation could improve a shared space.
C. In addition, the garden demonstrated, how cooperation could improve a shared space.
D. In addition: the garden demonstrated how cooperation could improve a shared space.
50.
A. NO CHANGE
B. What began as an overlooked lot has become a source of pride, for the entire neighborhood.
C. What began as an overlooked lot had become a source of pride for the entire neighborhood.
D. What began as an overlooked lot becoming a source of pride for the entire neighborhood.
51. Which transition best begins paragraph 4?
A. For example,
B. Consequently,
C. Meanwhile,
D. Beyond these changes,
52. Which choice most effectively combines the following ideas? Volunteers met regularly. Volunteers discussed goals, organized tasks, and secured permission.
A. Volunteers met regularly to discuss goals, organize tasks, and secure permission.
B. Volunteers met regularly, and volunteers discussed goals, organized tasks, and secured permission.
C. Volunteers met regularly discussing goals organizing tasks and securing permission.
D. Volunteers met regularly; goals were discussed, tasks organized, and permission secured by them.
53.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Residents often walks past the area
C. Residents often walking past the area
D. Residents often walked passed the area
54. The writer wants to emphasize community involvement. Which sentence would best add that idea?
A. Residents of all ages contributed time and effort to the project.
B. Many vegetables require adequate sunlight.
C. Gardens can contain numerous plant species.
D. Some tools were purchased online.
55. Which sentence would be least relevant?
A. Volunteers cleared debris from the lot.
B. Students visited to learn about environmental stewardship.
C. Some residents enjoyed watching professional sports on television.
D. Community events encouraged participation.
56. Which choice best maintains the formal style?
A. vibrant gathering place
B. really awesome hangout spot
C. super cool place to meet
D. favorite neighborhood hangout
57. The main purpose of paragraph 3 is to:
A. describe the transformation of the lot through volunteer efforts.
B. explain local government regulations.
C. compare different gardening techniques.
D. evaluate commercial farming methods.
58.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Local students visited to learn about plant growth, and environmental stewardship.
C. Local students visited to learn about plant growth and environmental stewardship.
D. Local students visited to learn about plant growth; and environmental stewardship.
59. The passage is primarily concerned with:
A. explaining how a neglected space became a successful community garden.
B. comparing neighborhood improvement projects.
C. teaching gardening techniques.
D. discussing agricultural economics.
60. Which title best fits the passage?
A. Urban Farming Around the World
B. Transforming a Neighborhood Space
C. The History of Community Events
D. Modern Agricultural Technology
PASSAGE V
The Rise of Citizen Science
Scientific research was once viewed as an activity conducted primarily by trained professionals working in laboratories or research institutions. Today, however, many projects invite members of the public to contribute observations, collect data, and assist with analysis. This growing movement, known as citizen science, has expanded opportunities for participation in scientific discovery.
One reason for the success of citizen science is its ability to gather large amounts of information. (61) Researchers studying bird populations, for example, often rely on volunteers to report sightings from different locations. Because participants can collect data across wide geographic areas, projects may achieve a scale that would otherwise be difficult to accomplish.
Citizen science also encourages public engagement with science. Participants frequently develop a stronger understanding of research methods and scientific questions. (62) In many cases, volunteers become more aware of environmental issues and local ecosystems. As a result, citizen science can promote both education and research.
Not every project is simple to manage. Organizers must provide clear instructions and establish procedures to ensure that collected data are reliable. (63) Careful planning helps maintain the quality of information while allowing large numbers of volunteers to participate effectively.
Technological advances have further expanded citizen science. Mobile applications and online databases enable participants to submit observations quickly and efficiently. (64) These tools make collaboration easier and allow researchers to analyze information more rapidly than in the past.
As interest in citizen science continues to grow, researchers are discovering new ways to involve the public in scientific work. (65) By combining professional expertise with community participation, citizen science demonstrates that valuable discoveries can result from cooperative efforts.
Questions 61–75
61.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Researchers studying bird populations for example often rely on volunteers to report sightings from different locations.
C. Researchers studying bird populations, for example, often rely on volunteers to report sightings from different locations.
D. Researchers studying bird populations; for example often rely on volunteers to report sightings from different locations.
62.
A. NO CHANGE
B. In many cases volunteers become more aware of environmental issues and local ecosystems.
C. In many cases, volunteers become more aware of environmental issues and local ecosystems.
D. In many cases: volunteers become more aware of environmental issues and local ecosystems.
63.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Careful planning helps maintain the quality of information, while allowing large numbers of volunteers to participate effectively.
C. Careful planning helps maintain the quality of information while allowing large numbers of volunteers to participate effectively.
D. Careful planning helps maintain the quality of information; while allowing large numbers of volunteers to participate effectively.
64.
A. NO CHANGE
B. These tools make collaboration easier, and allow researchers to analyze information more rapidly than in the past.
C. These tools make collaboration easier and allow researchers to analyze information more rapidly than in the past.
D. These tools make collaboration easier: and allow researchers to analyze information more rapidly than in the past.
65.
A. NO CHANGE
B. By combining professional expertise with community participation citizen science demonstrates that valuable discoveries can result from cooperative efforts.
C. By combining professional expertise with community participation, citizen science demonstrates that valuable discoveries can result from cooperative efforts.
D. By combining professional expertise with community participation; citizen science demonstrates that valuable discoveries can result from cooperative efforts.
66. Which transition would best begin paragraph 3?
A. Consequently,
B. Similarly,
C. However,
D. For example,
67. Which choice best supports the paragraph's focus on data collection?
A. Many volunteers enjoy outdoor activities.
B. Participants often contribute thousands of observations each year.
C. Scientific discoveries can influence public policy.
D. Some researchers specialize in chemistry.
68. The writer is considering adding the following sentence after paragraph 2:
"Several long-running bird-monitoring programs depend heavily on volunteer participation."
Should the writer add this sentence?
A. Yes, because it provides a specific example supporting the discussion of large-scale data collection.
B. Yes, because it explains how mobile applications function.
C. No, because it contradicts information presented earlier.
D. No, because it shifts the focus to laboratory research.
69.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Mobile applications and online databases enables participants to submit observations quickly and efficiently.
C. Mobile applications and online databases enable participants submitting observations quickly and efficiently.
D. Mobile applications and online databases enable participants to submit observations quickly and efficiently.
70. Which sentence would be least relevant to the passage?
A. Citizen science projects often involve volunteers.
B. Technology can help researchers collect and organize information.
C. Some professional athletes train several hours each day.
D. Public participation can contribute to scientific research.
71. Which choice most effectively combines the following ideas?
Organizers provide instructions. Organizers establish procedures.
A. Organizers provide instructions and establish procedures.
B. Organizers provide instructions, organizers establish procedures.
C. Organizers provide instructions; and establish procedures.
D. Organizers provide instructions, while organizers establish procedures.
72. Which choice best maintains the formal tone of the passage?
A. scientific work
B. science stuff
C. cool science projects
D. neat discoveries and things
73. The primary purpose of paragraph 4 is to:
A. explain how technology supports citizen science projects.
B. criticize online databases.
C. describe professional laboratory equipment.
D. compare different branches of science.
74. The passage is primarily concerned with:
A. arguing against volunteer participation in research.
B. explaining the growth and benefits of citizen science.