Academic Reading Test

Reading Test-007: Beginners Level

Quiz

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1. Read the passage carefully and click the correct option for each of the following questions.
   English Ivy betrays its poor reputation as a nuisance by its unparalleled ability to provide shade. By seamlessly covering the exterior of a building, it works as a natural insulator, blocking the sun and decreasing air conditioning costs. This means big savings for both building tenants and homeowners alike. And it can happen quickly, too. Under the proper conditions, established English Ivy can grow to cover an area of roughly 500 square feet per year. Given that most homes have a roof measuring roughly 2000 square feet, ivy-friendly homeowners can rest assured that their roofs will be completely covered in about four years. When considering growth rates of newly planted ivy, just remember the old adage: First year, it sleeps. Second year, it creeps. Third year, it leaps! For English Ivy, this is especially true.
   Now, detractors may take this opportunity to remind readers about how invasive English Ivy can be. For what ivy enthusiast hasn't been cautioned about its ability to burrow holes, fracture windows, and even deteriorate brick? But be warned. Oftentimes, this suggestion is taken to the comical extreme. Naysayers take a strange pleasure in spinning yarns about a particularly malevolent strand of ivy—one that slips in through the cracks on a hot summer night, silently strangling homeowners in their sleep. Admittedly, this can be a funny story to tell. But are we to believe such a tale? The intelligent gardener will quickly dismiss such rubbish for what it is. (credit/source:www.englishforeveryone.org)
   
   1) The primary purpose of the passage is to...
   1.   A. highlight the reasons why English Ivy’s fast growth rate is beneficial
   2.   B. argue that English Ivy is an essential plant for homeowners
   3.   C. educate readers about how to use English Ivy to insulate their homes
   4.   D. belittle detractors of English Ivy
   5.   E. defend the reputation of English Ivy
2. 2) As used in paragraph 1, which is the best definition for betrays?
   1.   A. gives away
   2.   B. contradicts
   3.   C. reveals
   4.   D. supports
   5.   E. highlights
3. 3) In paragraph 1, the author states, “Given that most homes have a roof measuring roughly 2000 square feet, ivy-friendly homeowners can rest assured that their roofs will be completely covered in about four years.” Which of the following logical mistakes does the author make in drawing this conclusion?
   
   I. English Ivy will not cover the area of most roofs in 4 years if it only grows 500 square feet per year.
   II. Most homes may not have the proper conditions necessary for English Ivy to grow at the specified rate.
   III. Newly planted ivy does not grow as fast as established ivy.
   
   1.   A. I only
   2.   B. II only
   3.   C. I and II only
   4.   D. II and III only
   5.   E. I, II, and III
4. 4) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for deteriorate?
   1.   A. wear away
   2.   B. shield
   3.   C. add to
   4.   D. climb on
   5.   E. strengthen
5. 5) Based on information in paragraph 1, which of the following would most likely be considered an insulator?
   1.   A. an umbrella
   2.   B. an automobile
   3.   C. suntan lotion
   4.   D. skin
   5.   E. a winter jacket
6. 6) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best antonym for malevolent?
   1.   A. wary
   2.   B. sensitive
   3.   C. virtuous
   4.   D. injured
   5.   E. willing
7. 7) This passage would most likely be found
   1.   A. in a scholarly journal about botany
   2.   B. in a magazine article about gardening
   3.   C. in a letter from one gardener to another
   4.   D. on a website identifying different types of plants
   5.   E. in a pamphlet about the best ways to make a home more energy-efficient
8. 8) The author's tone can best be described as
   1.   A. passionate
   2.   B. indignant
   3.   C. argumentative
   4.   D. persuasive
   5.   E. accusatory