Language Practice Test

The sentence below is incomplete. Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence using formal standard English.

• Either going for a ride or _____  is my idea of a good time.

The sentence below is incomplete. Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence using formal standard English.

• My parents wish me luck. They know that I _____

The sentence below is incomplete. Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence using formal standard English.

• The woman with all the dogs _____ down my street.

1)  The government of the United States is based upon written documents that were approved by delegates of the citizens of each colony or state. The first document in the history of the American government is the Declaration of Independence. The thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. At the time of the Revolutionary War, the war for freedom from Great Britain, the colonies banded together under a government ruled by a document written in 1777 called the Articles of Confederation. After the war, the Articles of Confederation defined the government of the new country.

2) American leaders quickly discovered that the government under the Articles of Confederation did not work well. Leaders from each of the former colonies met in Philadelphia in 1787 and voted to change the Articles of Confederation. The result of the meeting was the Constitution of the United States which continues to be the foundation of the American government. The Constitution was ratified in 1788. Ratified means approved.

What conclusion is best supported by this passage?

1)  The government of the United States is based upon written documents that were approved by delegates of the citizens of each colony or state. The first document in the history of the American government is the Declaration of Independence. The thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. At the time of the Revolutionary War, the war for freedom from Great Britain, the colonies banded together under a government ruled by a document written in 1777 called the Articles of Confederation. After the war, the Articles of Confederation defined the government of the new country.

2) Under these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes. Significantly, The Articles of Confederation named the new nation “The United States of America.” Congress was given the authority to make treaties and alliances, maintain armed forces, and coin money. However, the central government lacked the ability to levy taxes and regulate commerce, issues that led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 for the creation of new federal laws under The United States Constitution.

3) American leaders quickly discovered that the government under the Articles of Confederation did not work well. Leaders from each of the former colonies met in Philadelphia in 1787 and voted to change the Articles of Confederation. The result of the meeting was the Constitution of the United States which continues to be the foundation of the American government. The Constitution was ratified in 1788. Ratified means approved.

Based on this passage, what can readers infer?

Thousands of students head off to college each year with every intention of getting a degree, but only about sixty percent of them will end up with a diploma. What separates the graduates from the dropouts? In his new book, Optimism for Pessimists, C. Allen White argues convincingly that it’s the power of positive thinking. White weaves together common sense, student stories, and scientific evidence to prove that everyone can learn to think their way to happiness and success.

Most successful people are optimists – no surprise, since the word itself is derived from the Latin term for “best.” White interviewed numerous freshmen, and then caught up with them four years later. He found that people who went into college expecting to get good grades, make friends, and expand their horizons mostly did just that, while those who were pessimistic about the work and challenges ahead were much more likely to have dropped out. His conclusion that positive thoughts produce positive results is a sound one.

Some reviewers disagree, claiming that optimists aren’t really more successful in their college careers; they only think that they are. Pessimists have a more realistic worldview, the naysayers contend since you can’t always will yourself to be smarter, best your competition, or be liked by others. These skeptics protest that failure is inevitable, and it’s better to be prepared for it than to think it can never happen to you. But as White points out, worrying leads to depression, inaction, and poor health. Negative thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Pessimists try to avoid life by overeating, overworking, and spending too much time alone. Positive thinkers aren’t deluded: they’ve simply found ways to change their negative habits and thoughts. In doing so, they discover that they are better equipped to face difficult tasks. How encouraging!

The most uplifting part of White’s call for positive thinking is in his engaging discussion of the biological basis of optimism and pessimism, derived from studies published by the National Institutes of Health (150–161). The NIH reports the following:

A major difference between optimistic and pessimistic people is their coping strategies. Optimism is associated with taking an active approach for both maximizing one’s well-being and minimizing stressors. Pessimism, on the contrary, is associated with using mostly escape and avoidance strategies when dealing with distress, as well as with hesitations and a passive attitude when faced with an opportunity. Having confidence about eventual success prompts the optimist to continue trying even when the going gets tough, while doubts about the future discourage the pessimist from persisting. The optimal condition for successful living is cautious optimism that is firmly grounded in reality.

In other words, students who approach college with a positive outlook will be able to persevere and overcome stress, while pessimists will give up too easily. But don’t despair pessimists – White says that the same research suggests that with time and practice, you can train your brain into developing more positive tendencies, which will increase your self-esteem, confidence, body image, and willingness to take risks.

Optimism for Pessimists – What Every Student Should Know provides a detailed and interesting look at how a simple idea that all too many dismiss as silly is actually a powerful, life-changing tool. Every college student faces setbacks, difficulties, and doubts. But we don’t have to be defeated by them. Whether it comes naturally or through a deliberate effort, we can all use the power of positive thinking to find success.

Based on this passage what can readers infer?

Passage 1.

1) Thousands of students head off to college each year with every intention of getting a degree, but only about sixty percent of them will end up with a diploma. What separates the graduates from the dropouts? In his new book, Optimism for Pessimists, C. Allen White argues convincingly that it’s the power of positive thinking. White weaves together common sense, student stories, and scientific evidence to prove that everyone can learn to think their way to happiness and success.

2) Most successful people are optimists – no surprise, since the word itself is derived from the Latin term for “best.” White interviewed numerous freshmen, and then caught up with them four years later. He found that people who went into college expecting to get good grades, make friends, and expand their horizons mostly did just that, while those who were pessimistic about the work and challenges ahead were much more likely to have dropped out. His conclusion that positive thoughts produce positive results is a sound one.

3) Some reviewers disagree, claiming that optimists aren’t really more successful in their college careers; they only think that they are. Pessimists have a more realistic worldview, the naysayers contend since you can’t always will yourself to be smarter, best your competition, or be liked by others. These skeptics protest that failure is inevitable, and it’s better to be prepared for it than to think it can never happen to you. But as White points out, worrying leads to depression, inaction, and poor health. Negative thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Pessimists try to avoid life by overeating, overworking, and spending too much time alone. Positive thinkers aren’t deluded: they’ve simply found ways to change their negative habits and thoughts. In doing so, they discover that they are better equipped to face difficult tasks. How encouraging!

4) The most uplifting part of White’s call for positive thinking is in his engaging discussion of the biological basis of optimism and pessimism, derived from studies published by the National Institutes of Health (150–161). The NIH reports the following:
A major difference between optimistic and pessimistic people is their coping strategies. Optimism is associated with taking an active approach for both maximizing one’s well-being and minimizing stressors. Pessimism, on the contrary, is associated with using mostly escape and avoidance strategies when dealing with distress, as well as with hesitations and a passive attitude when faced with an opportunity. Having confidence about eventual success prompts the optimist to continue trying even when the going gets tough, while doubts about the future discourage the pessimist from persisting. The optimal condition for successful living is cautious optimism that is firmly grounded in reality.

6) In other words, students who approach college with a positive outlook will be able to persevere and overcome stress, while pessimists will give up too easily. But don’t despair pessimists – White says that the same research suggests that with time and practice, you can train your brain into developing more positive tendencies, which will increase your self-esteem, confidence, body image, and willingness to take risks.

7) Optimism for Pessimists – What Every Student Should Know provides a detailed and interesting look at how a simple idea that all too many dismiss as silly is actually a powerful, life-changing tool. Every college student faces setbacks, difficulties, and doubts. But we don’t have to be defeated by them. Whether it comes naturally or through a deliberate effort, we can all use the power of positive thinking to find success.

Passage 2.

The optimism and pessimism of the American people

Optimism is defined as a mental attitude or worldview that favors a positive outcome, while pessimism favors a negative outcome or prediction. The general optimism and pessimism in a nation are often the result of its economic situation. The unemployment rate in the United States has been steadily decreasing every year since 2010; furthermore, it is expected to constantly decrease further until 2020. The prospering economy and increasing gross domestic product per capita in the United States is another source of optimism for the American people.

This statistic shows the results of a survey, conducted in 2013 among adult Americans, on whether they believe the glass is half full or half empty. 50 percent of respondents said they consider themselves optimists.

How does the data in passage 2 extend the information included in passage 1?

Passage 1.

1) Thousands of students head off to college each year with every intention of getting a degree, but only about sixty percent of them will end up with a diploma. What separates the graduates from the dropouts? In his new book, Optimism for Pessimists, C. Allen White argues convincingly that it’s the power of positive thinking. White weaves together common sense, student stories, and scientific evidence to prove that everyone can learn to think their way to happiness and success.

2) Most successful people are optimists – no surprise, since the word itself is derived from the Latin term for “best.” White interviewed numerous freshmen, and then caught up with them four years later. He found that people who went into college expecting to get good grades, make friends, and expand their horizons mostly did just that, while those who were pessimistic about the work and challenges ahead were much more likely to have dropped out. His conclusion that positive thoughts produce positive results is a sound one.

Read this sentence from paragraph 2:

Most successful people are optimists – no surprise, since the word itself is derived from the Latin term for “best.” 

Is it an opinion or fact?

Passage 1

The optimism and pessimism of the American people

Optimism is defined as a mental attitude or worldview that favors a positive outcome, while pessimism favors a negative outcome or prediction. The general optimism and pessimism in a nation are often the result of its economic situation. The unemployment rate in the United States has been steadily decreasing every year since 2010; furthermore, it is expected to constantly decrease further until 2020. The prospering economy and increasing gross domestic product per capita in the United States is another source of optimism for the American people.

This statistic published by Statista Research Department shows the results of a survey, conducted in 2013 among adult Americans, on whether they believe the glass is half full or half empty. 50 percent of respondents said they consider themselves optimists.

Source: www.statista.com

Passage 2

Optimists are not simply idealistic Pollyannas staring at rainclouds and daydreaming of sunsets. In fact, a recent study suggests that they are promotion-focused climbers, always envisioning new ways to advance and grow. This attitude can foster inner fortitude and inspire confidence in coworkers. Optimists are motivated by new challenges and not immediately discouraged by setbacks. Although optimists can effectively process criticism as an opportunity for growth, they react best to encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Pessimists, in turn, aren’t Debbie Downers constantly pondering their own failures and the inherent injustice of existence. But they are prevention-focused and place an emphasis on security and safety. Pessimists are great troubleshooters as they often anticipate problems before they arise.

Which of these two passages includes stronger evidence? 

1) Worms and viruses are rather unpleasant terms that have entered the jargon of the computer industry to descry some of the ways that computer systems can be invaded.

2) A worm can be defined as a program that transfers itself from computer to computer over a network and plants itself as a separate file on the target computer’s disks. One worm was injected into an electronic mail network where it multiplied uncontrollably and clogged the memories of thousands of computers until they could no longer function.

3) A virus is a set of illicit instructions that passes itself on to other programs or documents with which it comes into contact. It can change or delete files, display words or obscene messages, or produce bizarre screen effects. In its most vindictive form, a virus can slowly sabotage a computer system and remain undetected for months, contaminating data or wiping out an entire hard drive. A virus can be dealt with using a vaccine, or antivirus, which is a computer program that stops the virus from spreading and often eradicates it.

Read this sentence from paragraph 3.

A virus can be dealt with using a vaccine, or antivirus, which is a computer program that stops the virus from spreading and often eradicates it.

What does the word “to eradicate” mean?

1) Worms and viruses are rather unpleasant terms that have entered the jargon of the computer industry to descry some of the ways that computer systems can be invaded.

2) A worm can be defined as a program that transfers itself from computer to computer over a network and plants itself as a separate file on the target computer’s disks. One worm was injected into an electronic mail network where it multiplied uncontrollably and clogged the memories of thousands of computers until they could no longer function.

3) A virus is a set of illicit instructions that passes itself on to other programs or documents with which it comes into contact. It can change or delete files, display words or obscene messages, or produce bizarre screen effects. In its most vindictive form, a virus can slowly sabotage a computer system and remain undetected for months, contaminating data or wiping out an entire hard drive. A virus can be dealt with using a vaccine, or antivirus, which is a computer program that stops the virus from spreading and often eradicates it.

What purpose does this sentence serve “It can change or delete files, display words or obscene messages, or produce bizarre screen effects”?

The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. This includes the tens of thousands of U.S. students who travel abroad every year for Spring Break.

Unfortunately, spring break travel can sometimes include unforeseen problems like a lost passport or a missed flight. Students may also encounter more serious problems, like arrest, injury, or even worse. That’s where the State Department can help, with a number of resources to aid in keeping students safe and connected to their families.

Smart travelers are safe travelers. Before they travel, we encourage students to learn as much as possible about their spring break destinations at our website dedicated to student travelers: studentsabroad.state.gov. Students can find out about entry requirements, crime, health precautions, and road conditions; and, if trouble does occur, contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates. Consular sections at these embassies and consulates provide a full range of services to U.S. citizens, from replacing lost or stolen passports to emergency services such as help in arranging medical evacuations, responding to arrests, and assistance in natural disasters.

Smart travelers stay connected. The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) keeps students up-to-date with important safety and security announcements. Enrolling also helps the Department provide critical assistance in emergencies. To make it easier than ever to stay connected, the Bureau of Consular Affairs launched a mobile version of STEP that is accessible by students through their mobile devices. In the airport lounge, at the mall, even poolside at a hotel – students can enroll in STEP and update their travel plans to stay connected.

source: http://www.state.gov/

Why does the state government encourage students to enroll in STEP?

“Nico!” Erin shouted at the top of her lungs as she bounded through the meadow, “Come back, Nico!” She was nearly out of breath but she kept running through the tall grass. “Nico, come on, boy! It’s time to go home!” Erin continued shouting, her voice hoarse from shouting similar expressions all day.

Then she stumbled over the leash that she was carrying, “Whoa… Come on Nico!” Erin shouted, regaining her balance.

Why has Erin been “shouting similar expressions all day”?

Social Security is a federal program that was enacted when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president in the 1930s. Social Security was part of President Roosevelt’s set of federal programs called the New Deal. New Deal programs were set up to get the country out of the Great Depression. Some New Deal programs were designed to give jobs to workers to get the economy going again. Social Security was designed to make sure that elderly people who could no longer work, widows and fatherless children would have money to live on.
Social Security has expanded so that today disabled persons who are unable to work are entitled to Social Security benefits. Many more people now are covered under Social Security than were able to get Social Security payments when the act was first written. Citizens think of Social Security as retirement benefits but the program covers more circumstances than retirement.

Any person who has a job pays part of their wages into Social Security. Normally employers are required to deduct an amount set by the federal government from employees’ wages as the Social Security tax. Employers send the money to the federal government. People who are self-employed send in their Social Security payments along with federal income tax payments.

The federal government keeps track of each worker’s earnings over their lifetime using a unique Social Security number. The amount of a person’s Social Security monthly check when he or she retires is based upon his or her earnings. The more a person earns per year, the larger their Social Security benefits will be. However, there is a maximum amount that Social Security will pay to a person no matter what their earnings.

Since people are staying healthy enough to work longer and also living longer, the federal government is raising the age at which citizens can collect Social Security benefits. A person who becomes disabled and can no longer work can apply for Social Security benefits at any age. Many children are able to collect Social Security benefits if a parent dies. It is important to understand who is able to get Social Security benefits because people need the help that this program provides.

Social Security was part of …

Social Security is a federal program that was enacted when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president in the 1930s. Social Security was part of President Roosevelt’s set of federal programs called the New Deal. New Deal programs were set up to get the country out of the Great Depression.

Some New Deal programs were designed to give jobs to workers to get the economy going again. Social Security was designed to make sure that elderly people who could no longer work, widows, and fatherless children would have money to live on. Social Security has expanded so that today disabled persons who are unable to work are entitled to Social Security benefits.

Many more people now are covered under Social Security than were able to get Social Security payments when the act was first written. Citizens think of Social Security as retirement benefits but the program covers more circumstances than retirement.

Any person who has a job pays part of their wages into Social Security. Normally employers are required to deduct an amount set by the federal government from employees’ wages as the Social Security tax. Employers send the money to the federal government. People who are self-employed send in their Social Security payments along with federal income tax payments.

The federal government keeps track of each worker’s earnings over their lifetime using a unique Social Security number. The amount of a person’s Social Security monthly check when he or she retires is based on his or her earnings. The more a person earns per year, the larger their Social Security benefits will be. However, there is a maximum amount that Social Security will pay to a person no matter what their earnings are.

Since people stay healthy enough to work longer and live longer, the federal government is raising the age at which citizens can collect Social Security benefits. A person who becomes disabled and can no longer work can apply for Social Security benefits at any age. Many children are able to collect Social Security benefits if a parent dies. It is important to understand who is able to get Social Security benefits because people need the help that this program provides.

Social Security benefits are paid to the …

Social Security is a federal program that was enacted when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president in the 1930s. Social Security was part of President Roosevelt’s set of federal programs called the New Deal. New Deal programs were set up to get the country out of the Great Depression. Some New Deal programs were designed to give jobs to workers to get the economy going again. Social Security was designed to make sure that elderly people who could no longer work, widows, and fatherless children would have money to live on.

Social Security has expanded so that today disabled persons who are unable to work are entitled to Social Security benefits. Many more people now are covered under Social Security than were able to get Social Security payments when the act was first written. Citizens think of Social Security as retirement benefits, but the program covers more circumstances than retirement.

Any person who has a job pays part of their wages into Social Security. Normally employers are required to deduct an amount set by the federal government from employees’ wages as the Social Security tax. Employers send the money to the federal government. People who are self-employed send in their Social Security payments along with federal income tax payments.

The federal government keeps track of each worker’s earnings over their lifetime using a unique Social Security number. The amount of a person’s Social Security monthly check when he or she retires is based on his or her earnings. The more a person earns per year, the larger their Social Security benefits will be. However, there is a maximum amount that Social Security will pay to a person no matter what their earnings are.

Since people stay healthy enough to work longer and also live longer, the federal government is raising the age at which citizens can collect Social Security benefits. A person who becomes disabled and can no longer work can apply for Social Security benefits at any age. Many children are able to collect Social Security benefits if a parent dies. It is important to understand who is able to get Social Security benefits because people need the help that this program provides.

Where does the government get money for Social Security?

Social Security is a federal program that was enacted when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president in the 1930s. Social Security was part of President Roosevelt’s set of federal programs called the New Deal. New Deal programs were set up to get the country out of the Great Depression. Some New Deal programs were designed to give jobs to workers to get the economy going again. Social Security was designed to make sure that elderly people who could no longer work, widows, and fatherless children would have money to live on.
Social Security has expanded so that today disabled persons who are unable to work are entitled to Social Security benefits. Many more people now are covered under Social Security than were able to get Social Security payments when the act was first written. Citizens think of Social Security as retirement benefits, but the program covers more circumstances than retirement.

Any person who has a job pays part of their wages into Social Security. Normally employers are required to deduct an amount set by the federal government from employees’ wages as the Social Security tax. Employers send the money to the federal government. People who are self-employed send in their Social Security payments along with federal income tax payments.

The federal government keeps track of each worker’s earnings over their lifetime using a unique Social Security number. The amount of a person’s Social Security monthly check when he or she retires is based on his or her earnings. The more a person earns per year, the larger their Social Security benefits will be. However, there is a maximum amount that Social Security will pay to a person no matter what their earnings are.

Since people stay healthy enough to work longer and also live longer, the federal government is raising the age at which citizens can collect Social Security benefits. A person who becomes disabled and can no longer work can apply for Social Security benefits at any age. Many children are able to collect Social Security benefits if a parent dies. It is important to understand who is able to get Social Security benefits because people need the help that this program provides.

What determines how much money a person will receive in Social Security?

Social Security is a federal program that was enacted when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president in the 1930s. Social Security was part of President Roosevelt’s set of federal programs called the New Deal. New Deal programs were set up to get the country out of the Great Depression. Some New Deal programs were designed to give jobs to workers to get the economy going again. Social Security was designed to make sure that elderly people who could no longer work, widows, and fatherless children would have money to live on.
Social Security has expanded so that today disabled persons who are unable to work are entitled to Social Security benefits. Many more people now are covered under Social Security than were able to get Social Security payments when the act was first written. Citizens think of Social Security as retirement benefits, but the program covers more circumstances than retirement.

Any person who has a job pays part of their wages into Social Security. Normally employers are required to deduct an amount set by the federal government from employees’ wages as the Social Security tax. Employers send the money to the federal government. People who are self-employed send in their Social Security payments along with federal income tax payments.

The federal government keeps track of each worker’s earnings over their lifetime using a unique Social Security number. The amount of a person’s Social Security monthly check when he or she retires is based on his or her earnings. The more a person earns per year, the larger their Social Security benefits will be. However, there is a maximum amount that Social Security will pay to a person no matter what their earnings are.

Since people stay healthy enough to work longer and also live longer, the federal government is raising the age at which citizens can collect Social Security benefits. A person who becomes disabled and can no longer work can apply for Social Security benefits at any age. Many children are able to collect Social Security benefits if a parent dies. It is important to understand who is able to get Social Security benefits because people need the help that this program provides.

A disabled person can apply for Social Security benefits …