IXL Quizzes H.2, H.3, H.4, H.5, C.2, C.4
Consider this claim: "Animals should be used for research because animal research saves human lives." Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
a. Animals are used in research related to genetics, diagnosis, and development of new medicines and other products. b. Bacterial infections were once a major cause of death, but animal experiments led to the development of penicillin, which radically changed our ability to treat these infections and prevent death.This answer is correct. c. Animal rights groups, supported by millions of Americans, state that animal lives are no less valuable and meaningful than human lives. Correct Answer: b
Consider this claim: "Counter intuitive though it may sound at first, decreasing the number of hours people work would benefit the economy." Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
a. "When my company instituted a policy that all employees take at least one personal day per month, I immediately felt like I became more productive in my job," stated local bank employee Erica Arnold. b. Although Germans typically work fewer hours than workers in other developed nations, Germany recently appeared at the top of a list ranking employee productivity in different countries.This answer is correct. c. A shorter work week allows workers time for activities that are important to their physical and mental well-being, such as exercising, spending time with family, or volunteering for charitable organizations. Correct Answer: b
Read the claim and the supporting evidence. Claim: Pancho is remarkably virtuous and kind. Evidence: Pancho is generous with his time. Why does the evidence support the claim? Choose the analysis that better explains the connection.
a. Pancho believes generosity doesn't require money. b. Generosity is a key virtue. Correct Answer: b
A student's essay makes this claim. "Reality television shows promote negative cultural stereotypes and should not be broadcast." Which sentence introduces a more appropriate counterclaim?
a. Reality television shows like these are harmless and entertaining.This answer is correct. b. Millions of viewers watch reality television, so these shows must be acceptable. Correct Answer: a
A student's essay makes this claim. "U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote should be required to do so." Which sentence introduces a more appropriate counterclaim?
a. Requiring citizens to vote should be avoided because it could lead to a revolt. b. Citizens who vote only because they are required to do so are unlikely to be well-informed. Correct Answer: b
Consider this claim: "College is worth the cost of tuition because graduates experience greater financial success." Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
a. A prominent financial blogger writes, "My father dropped out of college in his senior year, and he always regretted it. I was determined to not make the same mistake." b. The lifetime earnings of a college graduate are about half a million dollars more than those of someone with only a high school diploma.This answer is correct. c. College graduates are more likely than those who don't have college degrees to report being in excellent health. Correct Answer: b
Select the best evidence to support the statement "Mr. Darcy does not share back the feelings that Caroline has for him." Caroline Bingley's attention was quite as much engaged in watching Mr. Darcy's progress through his book, as in reading her own; and she was perpetually either making some inquiry, or looking at his page. She could not win him, however, to any conversation; he merely answered her question, and read on. At length, quite exhausted by the attempt to be amused with her own book, which she had only chosen because it was the second volume of his, she gave a great yawn and said, "How pleasant it is to spend an evening in this way! I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library."
a. At length, quite exhausted by the attempt to be amused with her own book, which she had only chosen because it was the second volume of his, she gave a great yawn b. She could not win him, however, to any conversation; he merely answered her question, and read on.This answer is correct. c. "How pleasant it is to spend an evening in this way! I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! d. When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library." Correct Answer: b
Select the best evidence to support the statement "Patty is a very thoughtful person." There were people with whom her style of self-deprecation didn't sit well—who detected a kind of condescension in it, as if Patty, in exaggerating her own minor defects, were too obviously trying to spare the feelings of less accomplished homemakers. But most people found her humility sincere or at least amusing, and it was in any case hard to resist a woman whom your own children liked so much and who remembered not only their birthdays but yours, too, and came to your back door with a plate of cookies or a card.
a. But most people found her humility sincere or at least amusing b. There were people with whom her style of self-deprecation didn't sit well c. who detected a kind of condescension in it, as if Patty, in exaggerating her own minor defects, were too obviously trying to spare the feelings of less accomplished homemakers. d. and who remembered not only their birthdays but yours, too, and came to your back door with a plate of cookies or a card. Correct Answer: d
What does the metaphor in this text suggest? Christine felt a roller coaster of emotions when she heard the news.
a. Christine had varied feelings b. Christine found the news scary Correct Answer: a
A student's essay makes this claim. "The United Nations Security Council should be granted more power to impose sanctions on countries that ignore its peacekeeping mandates." Which sentence introduces a more appropriate counterclaim?
a. If the U.N. Security Council were given more power, it could turn the world into a police state.This answer is incorrect. b. The U.N. Security Council has sufficient power already to help make the world a safer place. Correct Answer: b
In the following passage, the narrator reflects on his mother's character. Select the best evidence to support the statement "Photographs of the narrator's mother don't reflect her personality as he knew it." She liked to make me laugh by calling herself an Okie even though she was as glossy and nervy and stylish as a racehorse. That exotic character unfortunately comes out a little too stark and unforgiving in photographs—her freckles covered with makeup, her hair pulled back in a ponytail at the nape of her neck like some nobleman in The Tale of Genji— and what doesn't come across at all is her warmth, her merry, unpredictable quality, which is what I loved about her most. It's clear, from the stillness she emanates in pictures, how much she mistrusted the camera; she gives off a watchful, tigerish air of steeling herself against attack.
a. It's clear, from the stillness she emanates in pictures, how much she mistrusted the camera; she gives off a watchful, tigerish air of steeling herself against attack. b. That exotic character unfortunately comes out a little too stark and unforgiving in photographs c. She liked to make me laugh by calling herself an Okie even though she was as glossy and nervy and stylish as a racehorse. d. and what doesn't come across at all is her warmth, her merry, unpredictable quality, which is what I loved about her most. Correct Answer: d
What does the simile in this text suggest? When Lee Mellon finished the apple he smacked his lips together like a pair of cymbals. —Richard Brautigan, A Confederate General from Big Sur.
a. Lee Mellon made a loud noise with his lips. b. Lee Mellon didn't like apples Correct Answer: a
Read the claim and the supporting evidence. Claim: Karen has an exceptional work ethic. Evidence: On average, Karen works approximately sixty hours per week. Why does the evidence support the claim? Choose the analysis that better explains the connection.
a. Long hours are indicative of a strong work ethic.This answer is correct. b. Karen arrives at work early and leaves late. Correct Answer: a
Read the claim and the supporting evidence. Claim: Michelle is an exceptionally organized person. Evidence: Last month, Michelle flawlessly prepared and served a meal for thirty guests. Why does the evidence support the claim? Choose the analysis that better explains the connection.
a. Michelle also takes cooking courses at the community college. b. Only an organized person can successfully manage such a project. Correct Answer: b
Read the claim and the supporting evidence. Claim: Parents should not give their young children access to televisions, tablets, or similar devices. Evidence: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two have no screen time. Why does the evidence support the claim? Choose the analysis that better explains the connection.
a. Older children should similarly have little to no screen time. b. The American Academy of Pediatrics is a trusted source for recommendations about raising healthy children. Correct Answer: b
Consider this claim: "Daily stress contributes to long-term health problems." Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
a. Researchers have shown that stress can be a factor in the development of heart disease, depression, and obesity.This answer is correct. b. On a community health forum, a middle-aged man wrote, "I know for a fact that my high blood pressure is directly linked to my stress level." c. In one recent survey, forty percent of respondents reported having trouble sleeping because of stress. Correct Answer: a
Read the claim and the supporting evidence. Claim: Shing should not be allowed to babysit his younger sister. Evidence: Shing easily loses patience with her. Why does the evidence support the claim? Choose the analysis that better explains the connection.
a. Shing is only twelve and has virtually no experience with babysitting. b. Patience is a crucial characteristic in someone providing childcare. Correct Answer: b
A student's essay makes this claim. "Companies should not be allowed to collect personal data about their customers because doing so is an invasion of privacy." Which sentence introduces a more appropriate counterclaim?
a. Some consumers don't mind that companies collect personal data about them. b. When companies have personal information about their customers, they can better anticipate and serve customer needs. Correct Answer: b
What does the personification in this text suggest? It was the early afternoon of a sunshiny day with little winds playing hide-and-seek in it. —Katherine Mansfield, "How Pearl Button Was Kidnapped"
a. There were occasional gusts of wind b. There was very little wind Correct Answer: a
A student's essay makes this claim. "Retouched images in advertising promote unrealistic expectations of beauty and should be banned." Which sentence introduces a more appropriate counterclaim?
a. Viewers today are savvy and are not fooled by retouched images. b. Retouched images are an effective advertising tool. Correct Answer: a
Consider this claim: "Wikipedia is not a reliable source for academic research." Which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
a. Wikipedia is not a print resource; it is only offered online. b. Wikipedia was launched in 1999, whereas the Encyclopedia Britannica has been published continuously since 1768. c. Information on Wikipedia is not necessarily posted by subject-matter experts. Correct Answer: c
The following passage is narrated by a character named Holden Caulfield. Select the best evidence to support the statement "Holden thinks that older people are set in their ways and unwilling to change." She asked me where I went to school now, and I told her Pencey, and she said Pencey was a very good school. Even if I'd wanted to, I wouldn't have had the strength to straighten her out. Besides, if she thought Pencey was a very good school, let her think it. You hate to tell new stuff to somebody around a hundred years old. They don't like to hear it. Then, after a while, I left. It was funny. She yelled "Good luck!" at me the same way old Spencer did when I left Pencey.
a. You hate to tell new stuff to somebody around a hundred years old. They don't like to hear it.This answer is correct. b. Even if I'd wanted to, I wouldn't have had the strength to straighten her out. c. She asked me where I went to school now, and I told her Pencey, and she said Pencey was a very good school. d. Besides, if she thought Pencey was a very good school, let her think it. Correct Answer: a
Read the source of the allusion. "In a play by Christopher Marlowe based on the legend of Faust, a man strikes a deal with the devil. Disregarding the long-term consequences of his actions, he sells his soul in exchange for power." What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? "When I learned the details of Candice's Faustian bargain, I was in disbelief."
a. a new and risky venture or investment b. a compromise of one's values for personal gain. Correct Answer: b
Read the source of the allusion. "In George du Maurier's novel Trilby, Svengali is a hypnotist who exerts such power over the central character that she is suddenly able to sing, which she was unable to do before." What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? "Rick's recent behavior made his parents begin to see his friend Alan as some sort of Svengali."
a. a person whose cynicism or negativity is infectious b. a person with an unduly strong influence over someone else. Correct Answer: b
Read the source of the allusion. "Ancient Romans celebrated Saturn, the god of agriculture, each December during a week long period of uninhibited revelry." What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? "Tables and chairs had been knocked over and the floor was strewn with cups and plates as if in the wake of a recent Saturnalia."
a. a sudden interruption b. an indulgent festival Correct Answer: b
Read the source of the allusion. "In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind. Although Prometheus was punished by the gods, humanity's future was forever changed." What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? "The artistic feats of the Italian Renaissance painters are seen as Promethean by most historians."
a. boldly innovative b. totally inexplicable Correct Answer: a
What does the simile in this text suggest? My momma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. —Forrest Gump
a. life is unpredictable b. life is luxurious Correct Answer: a
Read the source of the allusion. "In the Bible, Job remains faithful and loyal to God, even after the unjust loss of his possessions, family, and health." What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? "Looking at his life, we couldn't help but see Kang as a Job-like figure."
a. someone who patiently endures adversity. b. Someone exceptionally accomplished in his or her profession. Correct Answer: a
What does the hyperbole in this text suggest? If you don't want to spend an eternity waiting in line at the passport office, you should consider scheduling an appointment online.
a. the passport office encourages making online appointments b. you have to wait in line for a very long time at the passport office Correct Answer: b
In the following passage, author James M. Cain gives his view of Los Angeles during the 1930s. Select the best evidence to support the statement "The author believes that diversity will be a huge draw for people to Los Angeles culture." Where this place is headed is to be the leader in commerce, art, citrus production, music, rabbit breeding, oil production, furniture manufacture, walnut growing, literature, olive bottling, short- and long-distance hauling, clay modelling, aesthetic criticism, fish export, canary-bird culture, playwrighting, shipping, cinematic creativeness, and drawing-room manners. In short, it is going to be a paradise on earth. And, with such vaulting ambitions, it might pull off something: you can't tell. It is keenly aware of Asia, and also of Mexico; streams are meeting here that ought to churn up some exciting whirlpools. I, personally, even if the first act hasn't been so hot, am not going to walk out on the show.
a. this place is headed is to be the leader in commerce, art, citrus production, music, rabbit breeding, oil production, furniture manufacture, walnut growing, literature, olive bottling, short- and long-distance hauling, clay modelling, aesthetic criticism, fish export, canary-bird culture, playwrighting, shipping, cinematic creativeness, and drawing-room manners. b. And, with such vaulting ambitions, it might pull off something: you can't tell. c. In short, it is going to be a paradise on earth. d. It is keenly aware of Asia, and also of Mexico; streams are meeting here that ought to churn up some exciting whirlpools. Correct Answer: d
