Nursing Elites

1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph in relation to the second paragraph?

• A. The first paragraph serves as a cause and the second paragraph serves as an effect.
• B. The first paragraph serves as a contrast to the second.
• C. The first paragraph is a description for the argument in the second paragraph.
• D. The first and second paragraphs are merely presented in a sequence.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first paragraph introduces the general characteristics of insects and their ability to live both on land and in the air, setting the stage for discussing specific examples in the second paragraph. The second paragraph then delves into examples of insects that transition from living underwater to the aerial phase, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between the general concept introduced in the first paragraph and the specific examples in the second paragraph. Choice A is correct because the first paragraph gives the cause (insects being creatures of land and air) and the second paragraph provides the effect (specific examples of insects transitioning between water and air). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the relationship between the two paragraphs as cause and effect.

2. Which of the following would be the best concluding statement for this passage?

• A. States should consider how important foreign languages are in the global economy when making their policies regarding foreign language requirements for high school graduation.
• B. Policies regarding a foreign language requirement for high school graduation should take into account the importance of foreign languages for the global economy and the correlation between foreign languages and increased college acceptance rates and employment opportunities.
• C. High school graduation requirements should include a foreign language class because of the influence knowledge of a second language has on college acceptance rates.
• D. Policies regarding a foreign language requirement for high school graduation should take into account how difficult it is to obtain a job in today's economy for those who do not have knowledge of more than one language.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B provides the most comprehensive and accurate summary of the claims made in the passage. It addresses the significance of foreign languages for the global economy, the impact on college acceptance rates and job opportunities, and the need for policies to consider these factors when determining foreign language requirements for high school graduation. The passage emphasizes the importance of foreign languages in the global economy and the advantages they bring in terms of college acceptance and employment. Option A is less specific and doesn't mention college acceptance rates or job opportunities, making it less comprehensive. Option C focuses only on college acceptance rates and does not touch upon the broader aspects highlighted in the passage. Option D, while mentioning job prospects, does not cover the full scope of the benefits of foreign language proficiency as discussed in the passage.

3. What is the purpose of the italics used for several of the words identified in the sentence above?

• A. to indicate a full-length published book
• B. to indicate a work of classic literature
• C. to indicate recommended summer reading
• D. to indicate books that Angela completed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the italics used for several words in the sentence is to indicate books that Angela completed during the summer. The italics are used for titles of books or literary works, showing emphasis or highlighting specific titles. In the provided extract, titles like 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Brave New World,' and 'A Passage to India' are italicized, indicating completed readings. Choice A is incorrect as it does not accurately reflect the purpose of italics in this context. Choice B is incorrect because the use of italics does not specifically indicate classic literature. Choice C is also incorrect as the italics are not related to recommendations but rather completion of reading.

4. Which of the following would weaken the author's argument?

• A. a report revealing that the cited study was funded by a company that provides discounted tutoring through schools
• B. a study demonstrating differences in standardized test scores among students at schools in various neighborhoods
• C. a statement signed by local teachers affirming that they do not give preferential treatment in the classroom or during grading
• D. a study indicating that GPA has a weak correlation with success in college

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A weakens the author's argument by highlighting a potential conflict of interest. If the cited study was funded by a company offering discounted tutoring, it could introduce bias and question the credibility of the study's findings. This revelation could cast doubt on the objectivity and reliability of the research, ultimately undermining the argument based on the cited study. Choices B, C, and D do not directly impact the credibility or objectivity of the cited study, so they would not significantly weaken the author's argument.

5. Which of the following statements represents an EXAGGERATED claim in support of the argument presented in the passage?

• A. In the United States, the foreign language requirement for high school graduation is decided at the state level.
• B. Studying a foreign language has become increasingly important for the global economy.
• C. High school graduates with foreign language credits have been shown to have an increased college acceptance rate.
• D. Students who did not study a foreign language often find themselves unable to obtain a job at all.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While it is true that studying a foreign language can enhance one's job prospects and competitiveness in the job market, claiming that students who did not study a foreign language often find themselves unable to obtain a job at all is an exaggerated statement. Many factors contribute to employability, and while language skills can be advantageous, they are not the sole determining factor in securing employment.

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