TABE Exam 1 Reading

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Every time I visit the bookstore, I find a new science fiction title about post-apocalyptic survivors taking refuge in New York City’s subway tunnels. Some of these survival stories are fun to read, but they have a pesky plausibility problem: if society collapses, those subway tunnels won’t be there anymore—at least not for long. On a typical day in a functioning New York City, a crew of engineers works around the clock to pump about 13 million gallons of water out of the subway system, and a major rain event pushes that number up fast. What happens if you take the engineers—and the electricity to work the sump pumps—out of the equation? The first big storm will flood those tunnels, probably for good. At that point, any survivors left underground will have to grow gills or head for the surface.

Which of the following is the best title for this passage?

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Every time I visit the bookstore, I find a new science fiction title about post-apocalyptic survivors taking refuge in New York City’s subway tunnels. Some of these survival stories are fun to read, but they have a pesky plausibility problem: if society collapses, those subway tunnels won’t be there anymore—at least not for long. On a typical day in a functioning New York City, a crew of engineers works around the clock to pump about 13 million gallons of water out of the subway system, and a major rain event pushes that number up fast. What happens if you take the engineers—and the electricity to work the sump pumps—out of the equation? The first big storm will flood those tunnels, probably for good. At that point, any survivors left underground will have to grow gills or head for the surface.

Which graphic element would most clearly illustrate the author’s point?

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Every time I visit the bookstore, I find a new science fiction title about post-apocalyptic survivors taking refuge in New York City’s subway tunnels. Some of these survival stories are fun to read, but they have a pesky plausibility problem: if society collapses, those subway tunnels won’t be there anymore—at least not for long. On a typical day in a functioning New York City, a crew of engineers works around the clock to pump about 13 million gallons of water out of the subway system, and a major rain event pushes that number up fast. What happens if you take the engineers—and the electricity to work the sump pumps—out of the equation? The first big storm will flood those tunnels, probably for good. At that point, any survivors left underground will have to grow gills or head for the surface.

Which information would belong in a sidebar alongside this text?

Carla is trying to limit her calorie intake. When she buys a bottle of soda, she is pleased to see a low value of 100 calories per serving. Before she pours herself a glass, she should check the number of:

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments.

According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills.

What is one assumption behind the passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments.

According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills.

What is the primary argument of the passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments.

According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills.

Consider the following sentence from the passage:

Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills.

Is this statement a fact or an opinion? Why?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments.

According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills.

Which statement expresses an opinion?

Which of the following sentences uses the MOST informal language?

In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

Which of the following sentences uses the MOST formal language?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors.

The topic of this paragraph is:

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors.

The topic sentence of this paragraph is:

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors.

If the author added a description of a man who attempted several fad diets and ended up heavier than ever, what type of information would this be?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors.

Read the following description of the paragraph:

The author argues unfairly against fad diets without taking their good qualities into account.

Why is this not  a valid description of the main idea?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors.

Why doesn’t a statistic about early childhood obesity rates belong in this paragraph?

Study the flowchart below and answer the following question. 

What is the first thing the chart asks you to do if you are hungry?

Study the flowchart below and answer the following question. 

According to the flowchart, what do you need to do if you cannot afford to eat out?

Study the graphic element and consider the summary below to answer the following question.

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class.

Summary:  Following a month-long study of the participation levels in Political Science Class 201, the results indicate that males speak for the majority of the time. Twelve one-hour sessions took place over a course of a month. The professor lectured for approximately half the class. The professor is male, but the total time and subsequent questions taken during his lecture were subtracted to calculate the data. Only the time dedicated to post–lecture discussion was evaluated for creating the graphs and conclusion.

As a result of the research, it would be recommended to host formal debate–styled conversations. However, it may be necessary to create some, if not very specific, limitations to prevent a filibuster effect. These limitations would allow for each debate party, whoever it may consist of, to share their opinions and pose questions to the professor and class.

Male students spend _____ of class time speaking.

Study the graphic element and consider the summary below to answer the following question.

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class.

Summary: Following a month-long study of the participation levels in Political Science Class 201, the results indicate that males make up the majority of the time spent speaking. Throughout the course of the month, twelve in class lectures of one-hour sessions took place. Approximately half of the class was spent for the professor to lecture. The professor is male, but the total time and subsequent questions taken during his lecture were subtracted out to calculate the data. Only the time dedicated to post lecture discussion was evaluated for the creation of the graphs and conclusion.

As a result of the research, it would be recommended to host formal debate styled conversations. Although, it may be necessary to create some, if not very specific, limitations to prevent a filibuster effect. This would allow for each debate party, whoever it may consist of, to share their opinions and pose questions to the professor and class.

Which statement accurately describes the average number of interruptions during each class discussion?

Study the graphic element and consider the summary below to answer the following question.

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class.

Summary: Following a month-long study of the participation levels in Political Science Class 201, the results indicate that males make up the majority of the time spent speaking. Throughout the course of the month, twelve in class lectures of one-hour sessions took place. Approximately half of the class was spent for the professor to lecture. The professor is male, but the total time and subsequent questions taken during his lecture were subtracted out to calculate the data. Only the time dedicated to post lecture discussion was evaluated for the creation of the graphs and conclusion.

As a result of the research, it would be recommended to host formal debate styled conversations. Although, it may be necessary to create some, if not very specific, limitations to prevent a filibuster effect. This would allow for each debate party, whoever it may consist of, to share their opinions and pose questions to the professor and class.

Which argument does the information in the graphs best support?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Dear Dr. Rodriguez,

I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings.

Sincerely,
Violetta D. Johannsen

Which adjective best describes the tone of this passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Dear Dr. Rodriguez,

I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings.

Sincerely,
Violetta D. Johannsen

Which phrase from the passage has an openly hostile and superior tone?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Dear Dr. Rodriguez,

I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings.

Sincerely,
Violetta D. Johannsen

What mood would this passage most likely evoke in the chemistry teacher, Dr. Rodriguez?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Dear Dr. Rodriguez,

I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings.

Sincerely,
Violetta D. Johannsen

Which transition word or phrase from the passage adds emphasis to the writer’s point?

Read the sentences below.

Jeremiah’s lacrosse season had a rocky start. He is determined to score more goals than his teammates this year.

Which word or phrase, if inserted at the beginning of sentence two, would effectively transition between these two ideas?

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake.

This passage is best described as:

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake.

Which two organizational schemes best describe the structure of the text?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake.

If this text were to continue for a few more paragraphs, which genre label would best apply to it?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake.

Which statement best expresses the unstated theme of the passage?

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Snuggles! Come on in, you little vermin.”

She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!”

When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said.

From the text above, you can infer that Adelia is:

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Snuggles! Come on in, you little vermin.”

She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!”

When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said.

Which detail does not provide evidence to back up the conclusion that Adelia is feeling frustrated?

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Snuggles! Come on in, you little vermin.”

She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!”

When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said.

Which detail from the text supports the inference that Adelia cares what happens to Mr. Snuggles, even if she is angry at him?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Snuggles! Come on in, you little vermin.”

She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!”

When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said.

Which sentence of dialogue, if added to the passage, would support the conclusion that Mr. Snuggles actually belongs to someone else?

Which of the following sources should be treated with skepticism even though it is primary?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!

*

As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?

What is the purpose of the first paragraph of Passage 1?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!

*

As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?

What is the primary purpose of Passage 2?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!

*

As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?

With which statement would the author of Passage 1 most likely agree with?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!

*

As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?

The author of Passage 1 supports his/her points primarily by: