English Final

Which of the following points would fit best in the empty blank?

Cell phones keep family members in contact.

Which statement would be the best call to action for a paper about planting trees?

Plant a tree now and make this world a home again for us before it is too late!

22. Kara is writing a paper about possible future treatments for cancer. Which of these sources would give her the most useful information?

a medical journal article about cancer research

40. While on the field trip, Mrs. Rodriguez's students took some _______ photographs of dinosaur skeletons. Which word best belongs in the blank above?

amazing

30. Choose the answer that is the most effective substitute for the underlined part of the sentence. If no substitution is necessary, choose "Leave as is." The path the group took down the Amazon was filled with distracting of the bugs, heat from the humidity, and caws and cackles from the howler monkeys that followed behind. Which phrase would best replace the underlined phrase?

distractions from

27. Hampton's biennial Rosebud Contest is always held at the Coliseum. What does the word biennial mean in this sentence?

every two years

25. What change, if any, should be made to I in this sentence? Greta helped Mark cook a great dinner for my mother and I last weekend.

me

Who is the intended audience for this graphic?

parents

from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne "Mercy on us, goodwife," exclaimed a man in the crowd, "is there no virtue in woman, save what springs from a wholesome fear of the gallows? That is the hardest word yet! Hush, now, gossips! for the lock is turning in the prison-door, and here comes Mistress Prynne herself." The door of the jail being flung open from within, there appeared, in the first place, like a black shadow emerging into sunshine, the grim and grisly presence of the town beadle, with a sword by his side, and his staff of office in his hand. This personage prefigured and represented in his aspect the whole dismal severity of the Puritanic code of law, which it was his business to administer in its final and closest application to the offender. Stretching forth the official staff in his left hand, he laid his right upon the shoulder of a young woman, whom he thus drew forward; until, on the threshold of the prison-door, she repelled him, by an action marked with natural dignity and force of character, and stepped into the open air, as if by her own free will. She bore in her arms a child, a baby of some three months old, who winked and turned aside its little face from the too vivid light of day; because its existence, heretofore, had brought it acquainted only with the gray twilight of a dungeon, or other darksome apartment of the prison. When the young woman—the mother of this child— stood fully revealed before the crowd, it seemed to be her first impulse to clasp the infant closely to her bosom; not so much by an impulse of motherly affection, as that she might thereby conceal a certain token, which was wrought or fastened into her dress. In a moment, however, wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another, she took the baby on her arm, and, with a burning blush, and yet a haughty smile, and a glance that would not be abashed, looked around at her townspeople and neighbors. On the breast of her gown, in fine red cloth, surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold-thread, appeared the letter A. Nathanial Hawthorne published The Scarlet Letter in 1850. The story, however, is set in seventeenth-century Colonial New England, approximately two hundred years before Hawthorne's time. Hawthorne's attraction to this time period was certainly influenced by the fact that his ancestors were Puritans; in fact, one of his forefathers was Judge Hawthorne, one of the men who presided over the Salem witchcraft trials in 1692. Despite his lineage and connection to this period, Hawthorne was exceptionally critical of the Puritans and their moral rigidity. Their intolerance for human frailty and nature disturbed him. One might think that Hawthorne wanted to atone for the offenses of his ancestors by writing The Scarlet Letter. This novel, which is often categorized as a historical romance, explores the issues that plague this overly oppressive society. 9. The plot of The Scarlet Letter is concerned with the

unforgiving society of seventeenth-century Puritans.

19. Write the first person, singular, future tense of the word jump in the following sentence. Later, I _______ over the puddle and land on my hands.

will jump

Julius Caesar It is almost impossible to visit Europe and not see the impact of the Roman civilization. Ruins, roads, bridges, coliseums, and villas litter the landscape. History, civics, and poetry from the Roman era have also affected Western culture and language as well. Today, people know of many influential and famous Romans, but Julius Caesar is by far the most well known among them. During Caesar's youth, Rome was in great turmoil. Lucius Cornelius Sulla had conquered the city of Rome and declared himself dictator for life. His gangs of legionnaires roamed the streets and murdered his political opponents, many of whom were followers of Caesar's uncle. Sulla forced Caesar to go into hiding, so he joined the army and learned the ways of a soldier. Caesar found no security in the army. Rome was constantly at war with barbarian tribes and other kingdoms, and Caesar saw his fair share of battle. He served with distinction and won great honors. When Caesar learned of Sulla's death, he returned to Rome and began a career in politics. He used his position to right the wrongs done during Sulla's reign as dictator, calling to justice many of the men who profited from Sulla's corruption. When Caesar marched his legions north into the area of modern-day France and Belgium, he catalogued his observations of daily Celtic life. He recorded disputes and stories, histories and mythology. He commented on Celtic law and government in addition to reports of his battles against the tribes. Scholars today understand much about that ancient society from Caesar's writings on Gaul. After the Senate elected Caesar ruler for life, he enacted many reforms that benefited the common people of Rome. He passed laws that redistributed wealth to those in need. At that time, slaves took most of the jobs, so free Romans had trouble finding work. Caesar changed this. He ordered that rich Romans employ a certain number of freed men to work on their farms and factories. Caesar also increased the number of Senators and lowered the level of social class required for a Roman to become a senator. On March 15, 44 B.C., a group of senators assassinated Caesar on the floor of the Senate. This act cast Rome into a civil war between the supporters of Caesar and those of his assassins. Caesar's successor Augustus was able to overcome his opponents after many years of war. Augustus restored Rome to a long period of peace and prosperity. 5. Which sentence from the article offers support for the thesis, "Today, people know of many influential and famous Romans, but Julius Caesar is by far the most well known among them"?

"Scholars today understand much about that ancient society from Caesar's writings on Gaul."

Preamble of the United States Constitution "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." 47. Which quote from the Preamble means that it is the government's job to keep the country safe?

"provide for the common defense"

Use the following dictionary entry to answer the question below. time (tahym) n. 1. duration. n. 2. opportunity. v. 3. to measure or record the duration of. adj. 4. of pertaining to, or showing the passage of time: time notes. 50. Which definition for time best fits the following sentence? Duncan believes that this is his time to accomplish his dream of competing in a championship tournament.

2

18. Which sentence below demonstrates incorrect subject-verb agreement?

All in all, the college experience was a challenging one, but it was still one that he appreciated.

Windflower Leaf by Carl Sandburg This flower is repeated out of old winds, out of old times. The wind repeats these, it must have these, over and over again. Oh, windflowers so fresh, Oh, beautiful leaves, here now again. The domes over fall to pieces. The stones under fall to pieces. Rain and ice wreck the works. The wind keeps, the windflowers keep, the leaves last, The wind young and strong lets these last longer than stones. 1. Which statement best describes the main theme of the poem?

B. Some things endure longer than others.

The drama department's production of The Wiz has it's first show scheduled for January 12. (2) Melanie Frank is the character Dorothy, and Brandon Claude plays the character of scarecrow. (3) Last years production of A Raisin in the Sun was a great success and received fantastic reviews. (4) The Wiz is a musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. (5) It originally runs on Broadway in 1975 and was later turned into a major motion picture starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. 2. In sentence 1, the word it's

B. should be written as its.

(1) While oatmeal is known to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, a recent study in 2004 demonstrated that eating barley regularly has a greater effect on bad cholesterol than oatmeal. The study showed that barley can drop bad cholesterol by 14 to 17 percent. Barley is a whole grain, like oats, and is also low in calories, fat, and protein while being high in dietary fiber. (2) The element in barley that helps to reduce cholesterol is a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan can reduce bad cholesterol by absorbing the cholesterol. Then, beta-glucan binds to bile acid before the body excretes both through the gut. Dietitians recommend an intake of 0.1 to 0.2 oz (3 to 6 g) of beta-glucan a day to lower cholesterol significantly. Just 3.5 oz (100 g) of whole grain barley provides 0.15 to 0.19 oz (4.3 to 5.5 g) of beta-glucan. (3) Eating a regular diet of barley also allows sugar to be released and absorbed more slowly, which results in a more healthy regulation of blood sugar. Because of this, dietitians define barley to be a low-glycemic food. In addition, because barley is a high fiber food, it increases the feeling of "fullness" after a meal so that one does not overeat. A diet high in barley also reduces the chance for colon cancer. (4) A shopper can find barley for sale in many forms, including barley flour, flakes, and pearl barley, which is prepared and consumed like rice. Barley can be added to stews to thicken them. It can substitute for rice in soups or in other rice dishes. Barley can also be prepared and eaten for breakfast, like oatmeal or porridge. Barley flour can be substituted for wheat flour in the baking of breads and muffins. Cracked barley can be added to baked goods or breakfast foods. It can also be tossed and mixed into salads. 3. Which of the following is the best summary of paragraph 3?

Barley regulates blood sugar, promotes weight loss, and reduces the risk of colon cancer.

23. Mitchell is writing a paper about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in which he wants to compare Francie to the tough tenement tree. Since Francie grows up and survives in harsh conditions, Mitchell must find a passage in which the tree does the same. Which of the following quotes best supports his thesis?

But this tree in the yard—this tree that men chopped down . . . this tree that they built a bonfire around, trying to burn up its stump—this tree had lived!

The General Foods Corporation created the orange-flavored drink mix Tang in 1957. However, the drink mix struggled to gain fans until 1965. In 1965, NASA began using Tang in its spaceflights. Astronauts on Gemini missions used Tang to flavor the water that was produced by Gemini's life-support system. Soon after NASA began using the drink mix, General Foods began advertising the fact that astronauts drank Tang. This helped Tang go from being relatively unknown to being a popular drink mix for kids across the nation. 43. Based on the central idea, which would be the best title for this passage?

Drink Mix Used by Astronauts Became Favorite of American Children

(1) Few people know the name Forrest J Ackerman. (2) Ackerman, who goes by the name Uncle Forrey (as well as Dr. Acula among many other aliases) is the world's oldest and most dedicated science fiction/fantasy geek. (3) Go ahead. (4) Call him a geek. (5) He makes no bones about his love of science fiction/fantasy and horror. (6) Uncle Forrey owns one of the largest private collections of sci-fi/ fantasy and horror memorabilia on the planet. (7) It includes everything from movie props and autographs to photographs and manuscripts. (8) It also includes personal letters from some of the biggest names in the genre including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Ray Bradbury. (9) Many of these people call Uncle Forrey friend. (10) In addition to being a life-long fan of science fiction/fantasy and horror, Uncle Forrey has also contributed to the genres. (11) Ackerman was a one-time literary agent. (12) He helped guide the careers of many science-fiction writers including Jerome Bixby, L. Ron Hubbard, Ray Bradbury, and Isaac Asimov. (13) In addition, he is an author with a publishing record of over 50 stories. (14) Ackerman also helped to create classic science-fiction and horror staples Spaceman magazine and Famous Monsters magazine. (15) Uncle Forrey's greatest contribution to science-fiction/fantasy and horror may be the term "sci-fi." (16) Ackerman is noted as coining the term sci-fi. (17) As a writer, publisher, and agent of science fiction/fantasy and horror, he has had a tremendous impact on the genres. (18) In the end, however, Ackerman may rightfully be viewed as the world's biggest fan of the genres. 45. What is the most effective way to combine sentences 1 and 2?

Few people know the name Forrest J Ackerman; however, Ackerman, who goes by the name Uncle Forrey (as well as Dr. Acula among many other aliases), is the world's oldest

32. Which of the following sentences is capitalized correctly?

Gina works for Hewlett-Packard, which recently sent her on a business trip to Sweden.

1) Neil Armstrong's legacy will be forever tied to the fact that he was the first man to walk on the moon; however, the feat also pales in comparison to some of his earlier adventures. (2) Armstrong was also a naval pilot who had flown in over 78 combat missions during the Korean War. (3) During one of these missions, a cable cut off part of the wing on his jet. (4) He attended Purdue University after the war and received his degree in aeronautical engineering. (5) Afterwards, he spent seven years as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force base, flying the experimental X-15 plane 4,000 mph. (6) He then became the first civilian to be granted access to the astronaut corps in 1962. (7) He commanded the Gemini 8 mission in 1966. (8) Then, something went wrong. (9) Finally, after the technical problems were fixed, Armstrong realized his dream and became the first man to step foot on the Moon. (10) Armstrong docked with an Agena rocket, but during the maneuver, a bad thruster made the spacecraft tumble. (11) Armstrong was able to free Gemini from the Agena, but he used 75 percent of the spacecraft's fuel and was forced to return to Earth. (12) However, his 1969 Moon landing went better by comparison despite a few minor technical glitches with an overloaded computer. 12. Which of these sentences could be added to the end of the first paragraph (sentences 1-3) to support the ideas in that paragraph?

He coaxed the damaged jet back over safe territory and parachuted to safety.

37. Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct spelling?

I would rather be here on the beach during the summertime than over there in the city.

Leading members of the U.S. Senate are considering new legislation to tax certain popular drinks. This federal tax would be added to the cost of sodas, sports drinks, and sugar-sweetened fruit drinks. Supporters claim that the few extra cents per beverage will decrease consumption of unhealthy processed sugar, improve the economy, and lower health-care costs. Approximately twelve states have already instituted taxes on sugary beverages, but beverage tax proposals in other states have met with serious opposition. Many opponents believe that taxing unhealthy products doesn't teach people how to live healthy lives. The American Beverage Association, a lobbying group for the beverage industry, opposes the federal tax proposal, but it does support programs to remove sugary drinks from schools. U.S. lawmakers are also considering other proposals, including a bill to limit trans fat and sodium, both of which have been linked to health problems, in packaged and restaurant food. 4. Based on this passage, what can the reader infer about the federal soda tax?

It will face opposition before it becomes a law.

Which of the following sentences is capitalized correctly?

Kelly and I went to the zoo on Saturday to see the newborn tiger.

Nathan's cat Nemo prefers to lie on Nathan's laptop. He does this anytime Nathan is working. Even though Nathan is busy, Nemo will bully his way onto the keys and purr. As he made the most of his cat-nap session, Nemo's weight on the keys added a mesh of letters that didn't make sense. In the series of letters jammed together, Nathan noticed a single word "hinge." Nathan was suddenly inspired, and he ended up using the word as part of the title of his report. Nemo became Nathan's purring, hairy muse. 41. "Nathan's cat Nemo prefers to lie on Nathan's laptop. He does this anytime Nathan is working." What is the best way to combine these simple sentences into one compound sentence?

Nathan's cat Nemo prefers to lie on Nathan's laptop, and he does this anytime Nathan is working.

34. Which of the following sentences exhibits proper parallelism?

Science may be challenging, but it is also rewarding; reading might be time-consuming, but it is also enlightening.

28. The daily newspaper contains four sections news, sports, entertainment, and classified ads. Which of the following is the proper way to punctuate this sentence?

The daily newspaper contains four sections: news, sports, entertainment, and classified ads.

33. Which of the following sentences uses language that most appeals to the senses?

The warm, gooey, cheese-filled pasta pillows delight my eager tongue like a tall drink of water after a long run.

Traveling from one place to another can be rewarding because you learn something new about places. Big cities as well as small towns have their own histories and their specialties. Some places are known for growing a particular fruit or vegetable. For example, Poteet, Texas is known for its strawberries. Some places boast that they are the birthplace of a famous person. At whatever spot you end up, there is likely something that makes it unique. Road trips can help you explore the places along your way. All it requires is a car, a few necessities, and a desire to see new things. These unexpected stops in between can often make the entire trip memorable. They might even be more fun than the original purpose of the trip. Side trips can happen anywhere, from large cities to very small towns. 42. Read the sentence from the passage. Some towns boast that they are the birthplaces of famous people. Which argument does this sentence support?

There is something distinct about each small or big town.

Samantha woke up early on Saturday. The sound of birds chirping outside her window woke her before the alarm had a chance to interrupt her dreams. Rays of sunlight anxiously waited to greet her from behind the hand-sewn pink curtains her grandmother had given her. Samantha first frowned at the bright haze illuminating her window covers. Then she pushed back her white down comforter, threw on her terry robe, and walked to the window. With a smile on her face, she pulled the curtains and tied them back with the adjacent white bow. Peering out the window, she saw a couple of blue jays perched on branches of a pecan tree in the front yard. 46. Where is the story taking place?

a bedroom

Science is the process of discovery. Science is practiced in an attempt to understand and explain phenomena taking place in the natural world. Scientists want to understand how the world works, so they observe, identify, and describe events and occurrences happening around them. The goal is to provide a model of reality that accurately reflects the world around us. Every imaginable action or circumstance happening right now in the world happens according to a natural law. Whether it's the process of aging or the formation of a hurricane, all events can be explained according to a principle of science. As a whole, science provides a consistent and rational explanation of the world. True scientists will do so objectively and impartially. They will perform experiments to test their observations. They will form scientific theories based upon facts and evidence alone. Science is not about supporting faith and superstition, nor is its purpose to alleviate human fears of the unknown. Rather, science is concerned only with the discovery of truth. 8. Based on the context of the passage, what does natural law mean?

a normal event in the world

16. At first glance, the small town of Greystone looks ordinary, pedestrian. As you walk down Main Street, you see simple shops and stores that any Hicksville would have. That is for the tourists; that is, if any tourists still came through Greystone. The real Greystone cannot be found on Main Street. The real town is hidden in back alleys and dive bars. The real town is much darker than any one person could ever imagine. Based on its context in the paragraph above, what is the meaning of the word pedestrian?

boring

36. Dear Editor, Yesterday, the local Toll Road Committee decided to raise the cost of the toll roads by 35 percent. A toll that used to cost $1.50 will now cost $2.03. The Committee claims to need the money because of budget troubles. I just want to be clear that I don't believe them for a minute. This is nothing but a greedy move by the Committee. Their budget problems are their own fault. If they eliminated wasteful spending, then they wouldn't need to raise the tolls. The tone of this passage can be best described as

disdainful

24. Dennis constructs a thesis for his research paper about healthy lifestyles. It reads: When used correctly, fad diets can be an effective way to maintain muscle tone, increase exercise, and maintain a healthy nutritional habit. Based upon this information, what is the topic of Dennis' thesis?

fad diets

31. The following is from a product review of a Toyota car: I have not driven many cars so I won't compare the Toyota Avalon with other cars. But let me tell you one thing, I had an accident at 85 mph and this car saved my and my wife's life. Not much damage. The frontal safety features took all the blow. Only few parts had to be changed (radiator was gone of course). I have seen cars getting totaled at 45 mph accident but not this Avalon. Which word describes the author's attitude toward the Toyota Avalon?

favorable

adapted from The Water Drop by Sarah Martin He could not bear to sit there any longer alone, and he rose and went to the gurgling brook. It gushed and rolled so merrily, and tumbled so wildly along as it hurried to throw itself head-over heels into the river, just as if the great massy rock out of which it sprang were close behind it, and could only be escaped by a breakneck leap. Then the child began to talk to the little waves and asked them whence they came. They would not stay to give him an answer, but danced away one over another; till at last, that the sweet child might not be grieved, a water-drop stopped behind a piece of rock. "A long time ago," said the water-drop, "I lived with my countless sisters in the great Ocean, in peace and unity. We had all sorts of pastimes. Sometimes we mounted up high into the air, and peeped at the stars. Then we sank plump down deep below, and looked how the coral builders work until they are tired, that they may reach the light of day at last. 48. What technique does the author use to reveal the water-drop's adventure in the ocean?

flashback

38. Write the first person, singular, past tense of the word fly in the following sentence. I _______ from San Antonio to New York for the first time when I was 12.

flew

26. What change, if any, should be made to they in this sentence? Joaquin bragged to his parents that they cleaned out all of the gutters on the street.

he

One Swing Brenden saw the hockey stick swinging up, but it was too late to react. The hockey stick crashed into his upper chest, knocking Brenden backwards onto the ice. Looking up, he saw a flash of a white jersey speeding away. He knew who had hit him. It was Jackson. The team trainers and Coach Kyle skated quickly to Brenden. He had not gotten up, and they were afraid he was hurt. They found that Brenden was fine physically, but emotionally, he was a storm. "I saw what that bully did," Coach Kyle said. "I know how you feel, but you have to forget about it. Focus on the game, not Jackson." Brenden calmed down once he got up and began playing again. Brenden ignored Jackson and played a clean game. With the incident forgotten, Brenden scored two extra goals for his team. At halftime, the players began skating toward the benches for a break. Brenden saw a familiar flash of white heading toward Timothy, a small freshman that played on his team. Timothy suddenly crashed onto the ice as Jackson slipped away. "Hey," Brenden shouted. "I saw what you did." He pointed at the culprit. Jackson put his hands up and looked at everyone like he didn't know what happened. Then, he smirked at Brenden and rolled his eyes. A fire in Brenden began burning hot. He streaked across the ice and grabbed that white jersey. Jackson didn't have his helmet on, and Brenden slammed his fist into Jackson's cheek. Brenden was about to land another punch, when he felt strong arms pulling him away. It was Coach Kyle. Brenden's heart stopped when he looked in the coach's eyes. Disappointment poured out of the coach. "I taught you better than that," Coach Kyle grumbled. "I'm benching you until you can behave like the kind of player I want on my team." 44. Coach Kyle could be characterized as

honorable and wise

14. As Brian rounded the corner, he saw the comic book store in the distance. As he walked, his mind raced. He had heard his friends tell so many stories about how The Android's Dungeon made all other comic book stores look like jokes. He was sure that it would have every comic book he could imagine. Upon arriving in the store, he saw only ten comic books. The rest of the store was filled with trading cards and role-playing games. It was at that point that he realized that he had been beguiled by deceitful descriptions of the store. He would never trust his friends again. Based on its context in the paragraph above, what is the meaning of the word beguiled?

misled

My Baby Sister by A. Gautam Fresh like morning dew On a new leaf that has just sprung After the longest winter She rests on the leaf of the blanket —pink as her soft cheeks And blossoms in her sleep Unaware of the world that has turned Upside down because of her And only for her 7. Read the following line from the poem. "Fresh like morning dew" The speaker uses the connotative meaning of "fresh" to mean

newly arrived.

21. Which word from the sentence below is an adverb? One of the funniest lines of dialogue in the movie happened when the main character said to his little brother, "Put down the donut, and slowly step away from the ant farm!"

slowly

39. Choose the correct subject for the sentence below. _______ listen to the instructions carefully.

students

A Dedication by Rudyard Kipling My new-cut ashlar takes the light Where crimson-blank the windows flare; By my own work, before the night, Great Overseer, I make my prayer. If there be good in that I wrought, Thy hand compell'd it, Master, Thine; Where I have fail'd to meet Thy thought I know, through Thee, the blame if mine. One instant's toil to Thee denied Stands all Eternity's offence; Of that I did with Thee to guide To Thee, through Thee, be excellence. Who, lest all thought of Eden fade, Bring'st Eden to the craftsman's brain, Godlike to muse o'er his own trade And manlike stand with God again. The depth and dream of my desire, The bitter paths wherein I stray, Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire, Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay. One stone the more swings to her place In that dread Temple of Thy worth It is enough that through Thy grace I saw naught common on Thy earth. Take not that vision from my ken; O, whatsoe'er may spoil or speed, Help me to need no aid from men, That I may help such men as need! The Garden Of Love by William Blake I laid me down upon a bank, Where Love lay sleeping; I heard among the rushes dank Weeping, weeping. Then I went to the heath and the wild, To the thistles and thorns of the waste; And they told me how they were beguiled, Driven out, and compelled to the chaste. I went to the Garden of Love, And saw what I never had seen; A Chapel was built in the midst, Where I used to play on the green. And the gates of this Chapel were shut And "Thou shalt not," writ over the door; So I turned to the Garden of Love That so many sweet flowers bore. And I saw it was filled with graves, And tombstones where flowers should be; And priests in black gowns were walking their rounds, And binding with briars my joys and desires. 10. The line, "Who, lest all thought of Eden fade," from Kipling's poem and the title of Blake's poem are allusions to

the bible

No travel destination can beat China for its fascinating history, from the mysterious dynasties of ancient times to the economic powerhouse it is today. Take a tour with Paradise Travel, and you'll be treated to a feast for the senses in the spectacular cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and others as you cruise the Yangtze River! Come experience for yourself China's fast-paced cities, eye- popping scenery, and polite and friendly people. Book now for supersaver tours that will fit any budget. 11. What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?

to convince readers to book a tour with Paradise Travel

*** Soft Pretzels *** 2 16-oz. loaves frozen bread dough 1 egg white, slightly beaten 1 teaspoon water Coarse salt First, separate thawed bread into 24 1-1/2" balls. Then, roll each ball into a rope 14-1/2" long. Next, on a piece of wax paper or floured breadboard, gently mold ropes into pretzel shapes. Pretzels should then be placed one inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Let stand for 20 minutes and brush with combined egg white and water. Now sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt. Place a shallow pan containing 1" of boiling water on bottom rack of oven. Finally, bake pretzels at 350 degrees on rack above water for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Why does the author use words such as "then" and "next" in this recipe?

to indicate the steps in a sequence

49. What is the purpose of the transition "however" as it is used in this sentence? However, some also claim that snacking contributes to the habit of constantly having to eat.

to introduce a contrast

29. As he walked into the muck of the swamp, Sherman was drawn to a glint of light dancing off of the shore. The water barely moved as Sherman got closer. The stone shooting up from under the swamp water glittered in the night. The luster of the stones reflected the moon's glow like a bullet ricocheting off of a steel drum. It was so bright that it forced him to squint and turn away. Why does the author use the simile "The luster of the stones reflected the moon's glow like a bullet ricocheting off of a steel drum"?

to show the intense glare from the moonlight

The Chinese Crested Dog Many people who suffer with allergies are unable to tolerate a pet that has fur or feathers. Pet dander, often more prevalent in hairy animals, can trigger allergic reactions. There are several dog breeds that are less likely to aggravate someone with mild allergies because they rarely shed hair. In particular, some who suffer from allergies have found hairless dog breeds to be a good alternative. Although these breeds are categorized as hairless, most have a small amount of hair. Of the various hairless breeds, the Chinese Crested dog is the most popular. History Some say the Chinese Crested dog originated in Africa as an "African Hairless Terrier." Most agree the breed is best known for its relationship to China. The name Chinese Crested is derived from the breed's popularity with the Chinese and from the hair on their head or crest. In the 13th century, Chinese sailors obtained the dogs along African trade routes and used them on board their ships to help keep rats and other pests away from their goods. Appearance There are two types of Chinese Cresteds—"Hairless" and "Powderpuff." A "Hairless" Chinese Crested usually has a minimal amount of hair on its head, paws, and tail. It is referred to as hairless because its body has primarily smooth skin. This dog generally appears to have a shag haircut and fuzzy boots. It is sometimes referred to as a little pony. The "Powderpuff" has a thick coat of hair that can cover its entire body. Interestingly enough, both types of Cresteds can be born in the same litter! The color of these dogs ranges from white and pink to shades of gray or brown. "Hairless" Chinese Crested Dog Temperament You've probably heard the old adage, "Dogs are a man's best friend." While there are some dog breeds that fail to live up to the hype, the Chinese Crested is considered a good, loyal companion for all age groups. Chinese Cresteds frequently display a happy, playful attitude. They are intelligent and easy to train, and they refrain from excessive barking. This breed is also known for its agility and adeptness at sports. Interesting Facts Because of their exposed skin, Cresteds often need sunscreen if they will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Like their human companions, a Chinese Crested benefits from a warm coat or sweater when the temperature is cold outside. 13. If the reader wanted to find out what animal a Chinese Crested looks similar to, where should he or she look?

under "Appearance"