Midterm Practice Test 4

0 of 16 answered · 45 minute limit

1. Part 1 · Literary Text

   Reading Passage

   The bite of the wind intensified as a sudden whiteout descended upon the jagged spine of Mount Shasta. Within minutes, the familiar ridge dissolved into a swirling wall of alabaster fog, completely erasing the boot prints Maya had left just an hour prior. Her lungs burned with every shallow breath of sub-zero air. Panic fluttered in her chest like a trapped bird, but she forced her frozen fingers to clutch the cold brass casing of her grandfather’s compass. She remembered his steady voice from summer hikes: 'When the mountain swallows the sky, Maya, trust the needle, not your eyes.'

   Standing motionless while snow began to bank quickly against her boots, she squinted through the blinding squall. To her left, the silhouette of a towering basalt outcropping—resembling a jagged dragon’s tooth—emerged briefly through the veil before vanishing again. That rock was her anchor. She calibrated her bearing, calculating that three hundred paces south-southeast would guide her down toward the timberline shelter.

   Each step was a tense negotiation with the ice. The wind howled like an injured beast, constantly threatening to sweep her off the narrow, slippery ledge. Her right snowshoe snagged on a concealed pine root, throwing her violently forward onto the packed drift. Groaning against the sharp ache in her knee, Maya forced herself upright, brushing white powder from her eyelashes. Quitting meant succumbing to the freezing elements; moving forward meant survival. Taking a slow, measured breath, Maya locked her gaze onto the magnetic needle, refusing to let the disorienting vortex derail her steadfast resolve.

   1.What central theme is developed throughout the passage?

   A.Nature is an unbeatable force that human courage cannot overcome.B.Relying on learned wisdom and disciplined focus enables one to overcome frightening obstacles.C.Solitary adventures in dangerous environments should always be avoided by inexperienced hikers.D.Physical strength is far more important than mental preparation during an outdoor crisis.
2. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

   The bite of the wind intensified as a sudden whiteout descended upon the jagged spine of Mount Shasta. Within minutes, the familiar ridge dissolved into a swirling wall of alabaster fog, completely erasing the boot prints Maya had left just an hour prior. Her lungs burned with every shallow breath of sub-zero air. Panic fluttered in her chest like a trapped bird, but she forced her frozen fingers to clutch the cold brass casing of her grandfather’s compass. She remembered his steady voice from summer hikes: 'When the mountain swallows the sky, Maya, trust the needle, not your eyes.'

   Standing motionless while snow began to bank quickly against her boots, she squinted through the blinding squall. To her left, the silhouette of a towering basalt outcropping—resembling a jagged dragon’s tooth—emerged briefly through the veil before vanishing again. That rock was her anchor. She calibrated her bearing, calculating that three hundred paces south-southeast would guide her down toward the timberline shelter.

   Each step was a tense negotiation with the ice. The wind howled like an injured beast, constantly threatening to sweep her off the narrow, slippery ledge. Her right snowshoe snagged on a concealed pine root, throwing her violently forward onto the packed drift. Groaning against the sharp ache in her knee, Maya forced herself upright, brushing white powder from her eyelashes. Quitting meant succumbing to the freezing elements; moving forward meant survival. Taking a slow, measured breath, Maya locked her gaze onto the magnetic needle, refusing to let the disorienting vortex derail her steadfast resolve.

   2.Based on the passage, what can be inferred about Maya's relationship with her grandfather?

   A.She resented his strict rules during their past outdoor excursions.B.He had lost his way in a whiteout and warned her never to hike on Mount Shasta.C.His past lessons provided her with crucial guidance during a crisis.D.He was waiting for her at the timberline shelter to assist her descent.
3. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

   The bite of the wind intensified as a sudden whiteout descended upon the jagged spine of Mount Shasta. Within minutes, the familiar ridge dissolved into a swirling wall of alabaster fog, completely erasing the boot prints Maya had left just an hour prior. Her lungs burned with every shallow breath of sub-zero air. Panic fluttered in her chest like a trapped bird, but she forced her frozen fingers to clutch the cold brass casing of her grandfather’s compass. She remembered his steady voice from summer hikes: 'When the mountain swallows the sky, Maya, trust the needle, not your eyes.'

   Standing motionless while snow began to bank quickly against her boots, she squinted through the blinding squall. To her left, the silhouette of a towering basalt outcropping—resembling a jagged dragon’s tooth—emerged briefly through the veil before vanishing again. That rock was her anchor. She calibrated her bearing, calculating that three hundred paces south-southeast would guide her down toward the timberline shelter.

   Each step was a tense negotiation with the ice. The wind howled like an injured beast, constantly threatening to sweep her off the narrow, slippery ledge. Her right snowshoe snagged on a concealed pine root, throwing her violently forward onto the packed drift. Groaning against the sharp ache in her knee, Maya forced herself upright, brushing white powder from her eyelashes. Quitting meant succumbing to the freezing elements; moving forward meant survival. Taking a slow, measured breath, Maya locked her gaze onto the magnetic needle, refusing to let the disorienting vortex derail her steadfast resolve.

   3.How does the third-person limited point of view shape the reader's understanding of the narrative?

   A.It offers equal insight into the thoughts and feelings of multiple stranded hikers.B.It emphasizes Maya's internal thoughts, physical sensations, and personal resolve.C.It maintains an objective distance without revealing Maya's emotional state.D.It focuses primarily on providing detailed geological history of Mount Shasta.
4. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

   The bite of the wind intensified as a sudden whiteout descended upon the jagged spine of Mount Shasta. Within minutes, the familiar ridge dissolved into a swirling wall of alabaster fog, completely erasing the boot prints Maya had left just an hour prior. Her lungs burned with every shallow breath of sub-zero air. Panic fluttered in her chest like a trapped bird, but she forced her frozen fingers to clutch the cold brass casing of her grandfather’s compass. She remembered his steady voice from summer hikes: 'When the mountain swallows the sky, Maya, trust the needle, not your eyes.'

   Standing motionless while snow began to bank quickly against her boots, she squinted through the blinding squall. To her left, the silhouette of a towering basalt outcropping—resembling a jagged dragon’s tooth—emerged briefly through the veil before vanishing again. That rock was her anchor. She calibrated her bearing, calculating that three hundred paces south-southeast would guide her down toward the timberline shelter.

   Each step was a tense negotiation with the ice. The wind howled like an injured beast, constantly threatening to sweep her off the narrow, slippery ledge. Her right snowshoe snagged on a concealed pine root, throwing her violently forward onto the packed drift. Groaning against the sharp ache in her knee, Maya forced herself upright, brushing white powder from her eyelashes. Quitting meant succumbing to the freezing elements; moving forward meant survival. Taking a slow, measured breath, Maya locked her gaze onto the magnetic needle, refusing to let the disorienting vortex derail her steadfast resolve.

   4.Read this sentence from paragraph 3: 'The wind howled like an injured beast, constantly threatening to sweep her off the narrow, slippery ledge.' What effect does this simile produce?

   A.It portrays the mountain storm as aggressive, hostile, and dangerous.B.It suggests that wild animals were prowling nearby on the slippery ledge.C.It implies that Maya felt deep sympathy for the harsh weather conditions.D.It illustrates that the violent storm was rapidly coming to an end.
5. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

   The bite of the wind intensified as a sudden whiteout descended upon the jagged spine of Mount Shasta. Within minutes, the familiar ridge dissolved into a swirling wall of alabaster fog, completely erasing the boot prints Maya had left just an hour prior. Her lungs burned with every shallow breath of sub-zero air. Panic fluttered in her chest like a trapped bird, but she forced her frozen fingers to clutch the cold brass casing of her grandfather’s compass. She remembered his steady voice from summer hikes: 'When the mountain swallows the sky, Maya, trust the needle, not your eyes.'

   Standing motionless while snow began to bank quickly against her boots, she squinted through the blinding squall. To her left, the silhouette of a towering basalt outcropping—resembling a jagged dragon’s tooth—emerged briefly through the veil before vanishing again. That rock was her anchor. She calibrated her bearing, calculating that three hundred paces south-southeast would guide her down toward the timberline shelter.

   Each step was a tense negotiation with the ice. The wind howled like an injured beast, constantly threatening to sweep her off the narrow, slippery ledge. Her right snowshoe snagged on a concealed pine root, throwing her violently forward onto the packed drift. Groaning against the sharp ache in her knee, Maya forced herself upright, brushing white powder from her eyelashes. Quitting meant succumbing to the freezing elements; moving forward meant survival. Taking a slow, measured breath, Maya locked her gaze onto the magnetic needle, refusing to let the disorienting vortex derail her steadfast resolve.

   5.As used in paragraph 3, what is the meaning of the word 'derail'?

   A.To break down mechanical partsB.To divert or throw off from an intended courseC.To accelerate rapidly beyond controlD.To turn around and return to the starting point

6. Part 2 · Informational Text

   Reading Passage

   Across many contemporary metropolitan areas, a silent crisis persists: the existence of 'food deserts'—neighborhoods lacking access to affordable, nutritious food options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Instead of full-service supermarkets, these underserved regions are heavily saturated with fast-food outlets and convenience stores stocked primarily with hyper-processed, shelf-stable goods. This systemic inequality disproportionately impacts low-income families, contributing directly to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease while significantly widening the public health gap.

   The root of this crisis lies in historical urban economic disinvestment. Major grocery chains frequently bypass economically distressed neighborhoods, citing low profit margins or elevated operational expenses. Consequently, residents without reliable personal transportation face immense logistical hurdles, often spending hours on public transit simply to purchase basic fresh produce.

   However, grassroots organizations are pioneering innovative solutions to reclaim urban food sovereignty. Community-led urban farms, mobile grocery markets, and rooftop agricultural projects are transforming vacant municipal lots into productive green spaces. In addition to delivering fresh nutrition directly to local residents, these initiatives foster local environmental sustainability and bolster civic empowerment.

   While grassroots projects provide immediate local relief, permanent resolution requires comprehensive policy reform. Tax incentives for supermarket developers willing to build in underserved districts, municipal subsidies for local farmers, and investments in public transit are essential steps toward eradicating structural food inequality. Addressing food deserts is not merely a matter of commercial planning; it is a fundamental social justice imperative that dictates the long-term vitality of entire communities.

   6.Which statement best expresses the central idea of the article?

   A.Fast-food outlets and convenience stores are the primary drivers of commercial growth in urban areas.B.Eradicating food deserts requires combining community-driven initiatives with broad policy reforms.C.Public transit expansion is the single effective strategy for resolving all urban health issues.D.Supermarket chains refuse to enter urban neighborhoods exclusively because of high crime rates.
7. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

   Across many contemporary metropolitan areas, a silent crisis persists: the existence of 'food deserts'—neighborhoods lacking access to affordable, nutritious food options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Instead of full-service supermarkets, these underserved regions are heavily saturated with fast-food outlets and convenience stores stocked primarily with hyper-processed, shelf-stable goods. This systemic inequality disproportionately impacts low-income families, contributing directly to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease while significantly widening the public health gap.

   The root of this crisis lies in historical urban economic disinvestment. Major grocery chains frequently bypass economically distressed neighborhoods, citing low profit margins or elevated operational expenses. Consequently, residents without reliable personal transportation face immense logistical hurdles, often spending hours on public transit simply to purchase basic fresh produce.

   However, grassroots organizations are pioneering innovative solutions to reclaim urban food sovereignty. Community-led urban farms, mobile grocery markets, and rooftop agricultural projects are transforming vacant municipal lots into productive green spaces. In addition to delivering fresh nutrition directly to local residents, these initiatives foster local environmental sustainability and bolster civic empowerment.

   While grassroots projects provide immediate local relief, permanent resolution requires comprehensive policy reform. Tax incentives for supermarket developers willing to build in underserved districts, municipal subsidies for local farmers, and investments in public transit are essential steps toward eradicating structural food inequality. Addressing food deserts is not merely a matter of commercial planning; it is a fundamental social justice imperative that dictates the long-term vitality of entire communities.

   7.How does the author structure the passage overall to convey information?

   A.By presenting a chronological timeline of urban expansion followed by economic growth statistics.B.By contrasting urban food deserts with rural agricultural communities across the country.C.By defining a socio-economic problem, analyzing its causes, and proposing multi-layered solutions.D.By arguing against commercial developments in favor of strictly private backyard gardening.
8. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

   Across many contemporary metropolitan areas, a silent crisis persists: the existence of 'food deserts'—neighborhoods lacking access to affordable, nutritious food options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Instead of full-service supermarkets, these underserved regions are heavily saturated with fast-food outlets and convenience stores stocked primarily with hyper-processed, shelf-stable goods. This systemic inequality disproportionately impacts low-income families, contributing directly to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease while significantly widening the public health gap.

   The root of this crisis lies in historical urban economic disinvestment. Major grocery chains frequently bypass economically distressed neighborhoods, citing low profit margins or elevated operational expenses. Consequently, residents without reliable personal transportation face immense logistical hurdles, often spending hours on public transit simply to purchase basic fresh produce.

   However, grassroots organizations are pioneering innovative solutions to reclaim urban food sovereignty. Community-led urban farms, mobile grocery markets, and rooftop agricultural projects are transforming vacant municipal lots into productive green spaces. In addition to delivering fresh nutrition directly to local residents, these initiatives foster local environmental sustainability and bolster civic empowerment.

   While grassroots projects provide immediate local relief, permanent resolution requires comprehensive policy reform. Tax incentives for supermarket developers willing to build in underserved districts, municipal subsidies for local farmers, and investments in public transit are essential steps toward eradicating structural food inequality. Addressing food deserts is not merely a matter of commercial planning; it is a fundamental social justice imperative that dictates the long-term vitality of entire communities.

   8.What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?

   A.To persuade commercial real estate developers to build more convenience stores in urban districts.B.To inform readers about the causes of food deserts and advocate for solutions to achieve food equity.C.To criticize low-income urban residents for relying heavily on processed convenience foods.D.To evaluate the specific nutritional content of organic produce versus fast-food items.
9. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

   Across many contemporary metropolitan areas, a silent crisis persists: the existence of 'food deserts'—neighborhoods lacking access to affordable, nutritious food options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Instead of full-service supermarkets, these underserved regions are heavily saturated with fast-food outlets and convenience stores stocked primarily with hyper-processed, shelf-stable goods. This systemic inequality disproportionately impacts low-income families, contributing directly to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease while significantly widening the public health gap.

   The root of this crisis lies in historical urban economic disinvestment. Major grocery chains frequently bypass economically distressed neighborhoods, citing low profit margins or elevated operational expenses. Consequently, residents without reliable personal transportation face immense logistical hurdles, often spending hours on public transit simply to purchase basic fresh produce.

   However, grassroots organizations are pioneering innovative solutions to reclaim urban food sovereignty. Community-led urban farms, mobile grocery markets, and rooftop agricultural projects are transforming vacant municipal lots into productive green spaces. In addition to delivering fresh nutrition directly to local residents, these initiatives foster local environmental sustainability and bolster civic empowerment.

   While grassroots projects provide immediate local relief, permanent resolution requires comprehensive policy reform. Tax incentives for supermarket developers willing to build in underserved districts, municipal subsidies for local farmers, and investments in public transit are essential steps toward eradicating structural food inequality. Addressing food deserts is not merely a matter of commercial planning; it is a fundamental social justice imperative that dictates the long-term vitality of entire communities.

   9.Which detail from the text best supports the claim that transportation barriers worsen food insecurity?

   A.Major grocery chains cite low profit margins when leaving distressed areas.B.Grassroots groups transform vacant municipal lots into productive agricultural green spaces.C.Residents without personal vehicles often spend hours on public transit to buy fresh produce.D.Fast-food outlets and convenience stores heavily saturate underserved metropolitan regions.
10. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

    Across many contemporary metropolitan areas, a silent crisis persists: the existence of 'food deserts'—neighborhoods lacking access to affordable, nutritious food options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Instead of full-service supermarkets, these underserved regions are heavily saturated with fast-food outlets and convenience stores stocked primarily with hyper-processed, shelf-stable goods. This systemic inequality disproportionately impacts low-income families, contributing directly to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease while significantly widening the public health gap.

    The root of this crisis lies in historical urban economic disinvestment. Major grocery chains frequently bypass economically distressed neighborhoods, citing low profit margins or elevated operational expenses. Consequently, residents without reliable personal transportation face immense logistical hurdles, often spending hours on public transit simply to purchase basic fresh produce.

    However, grassroots organizations are pioneering innovative solutions to reclaim urban food sovereignty. Community-led urban farms, mobile grocery markets, and rooftop agricultural projects are transforming vacant municipal lots into productive green spaces. In addition to delivering fresh nutrition directly to local residents, these initiatives foster local environmental sustainability and bolster civic empowerment.

    While grassroots projects provide immediate local relief, permanent resolution requires comprehensive policy reform. Tax incentives for supermarket developers willing to build in underserved districts, municipal subsidies for local farmers, and investments in public transit are essential steps toward eradicating structural food inequality. Addressing food deserts is not merely a matter of commercial planning; it is a fundamental social justice imperative that dictates the long-term vitality of entire communities.

    10.What does the word 'disinvestment' mean as used in paragraph 2?

    A.The deliberate withdrawal or withholding of financial capital and resources.B.The process of donating business profits directly to local non-profit groups.C.The total legislative reorganization of local municipal boundaries.D.The sudden and unexpected increase in real estate property values.

11. Part 3 · Paired / Short Text

    Reading Passage

    Text A: The Case for Rapid Transit Expansion Expanding municipal bus and rail networks into suburban and rural outskirts is the most vital step toward regional equity. When transit systems broaden their reach, workers gain reliable access to higher-paying employment centers and educational institutions. Prioritizing infrastructure construction—such as adding dedicated bus lanes and extending light-rail tracks—directly reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions. While critics argue that capital expansion is expensive, the long-term economic stimulus generated by a connected workforce far outweighs initial construction costs.

    Text B: The Case for Fare-Free Transit Rather than spending billions on building new routes to outlying regions, transit authorities should immediately eliminate fares on existing urban routes. High transit fares act as a regressive tax on low-income residents who rely on buses daily to reach jobs, medical care, and grocery stores. Eliminating fares provides instant financial relief to vulnerable families, increases daily ridership, and encourages citizens to abandon personal vehicles. True transportation equity is not achieved by building distant tracks, but by removing financial barriers to the transit networks that already exist.

    11.In Text B, what is the author's primary argument regarding transportation equity?

    A.It depends primarily on building high-speed rail connections to suburban job centers.B.It is best achieved by removing fare costs on existing public transit networks.C.It requires forcing all urban residents to stop operating personal motor vehicles.D.It cannot be realized without increasing federal tax rates on major corporations.
12. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

    Text A: The Case for Rapid Transit Expansion Expanding municipal bus and rail networks into suburban and rural outskirts is the most vital step toward regional equity. When transit systems broaden their reach, workers gain reliable access to higher-paying employment centers and educational institutions. Prioritizing infrastructure construction—such as adding dedicated bus lanes and extending light-rail tracks—directly reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions. While critics argue that capital expansion is expensive, the long-term economic stimulus generated by a connected workforce far outweighs initial construction costs.

    Text B: The Case for Fare-Free Transit Rather than spending billions on building new routes to outlying regions, transit authorities should immediately eliminate fares on existing urban routes. High transit fares act as a regressive tax on low-income residents who rely on buses daily to reach jobs, medical care, and grocery stores. Eliminating fares provides instant financial relief to vulnerable families, increases daily ridership, and encourages citizens to abandon personal vehicles. True transportation equity is not achieved by building distant tracks, but by removing financial barriers to the transit networks that already exist.

    12.How do the authors of Text A and Text B differ in their priorities for municipal transit funding?

    A.Text A prioritizes expanding route infrastructure outward, while Text B prioritizes making existing routes free.B.Text A focuses on reducing carbon emissions, while Text B focuses exclusively on highway maintenance.C.Text A proposes eliminating fares for all riders, while Text B proposes constructing light-rail tracks.D.Text A favors privatizing public transit systems, while Text B favors municipal ownership.
13. Refer to the passage above · tap to re-read

    Text A: The Case for Rapid Transit Expansion Expanding municipal bus and rail networks into suburban and rural outskirts is the most vital step toward regional equity. When transit systems broaden their reach, workers gain reliable access to higher-paying employment centers and educational institutions. Prioritizing infrastructure construction—such as adding dedicated bus lanes and extending light-rail tracks—directly reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions. While critics argue that capital expansion is expensive, the long-term economic stimulus generated by a connected workforce far outweighs initial construction costs.

    Text B: The Case for Fare-Free Transit Rather than spending billions on building new routes to outlying regions, transit authorities should immediately eliminate fares on existing urban routes. High transit fares act as a regressive tax on low-income residents who rely on buses daily to reach jobs, medical care, and grocery stores. Eliminating fares provides instant financial relief to vulnerable families, increases daily ridership, and encourages citizens to abandon personal vehicles. True transportation equity is not achieved by building distant tracks, but by removing financial barriers to the transit networks that already exist.

    13.How does the proposal in Text B connect to the issues described in the Part 2 passage on urban food deserts?

    A.Text B's plan to eliminate transit fares directly helps low-income residents access grocery stores without financial strain.B.Text B argues that public transit should be dismantled in favor of community-led urban farming.C.Both texts suggest that food deserts only exist in distant suburban and rural regions.D.Text B demonstrates that building rooftop gardens requires extensive municipal rail construction.

14. Part 4 · Language & Conventions

    14.Which of the following sentences correctly uses an intensive pronoun?

    A.The mayor herself addressed the neighborhood council regarding the new community garden.B.Him and his brother volunteered at the local mobile market every Saturday morning.C.The city council gave she and I an award for our work on public transit equity.D.Maya and myself navigated through the heavy snowfall using a brass compass.

15. 15.Which sentence correctly uses punctuation to set off a nonrestrictive element?

    A.The community garden which was planted last spring produced hundreds of pounds of fresh produce.B.The community garden, which was planted last spring, produced hundreds of pounds of fresh produce.C.The community garden, that was planted last spring produced hundreds of pounds of fresh produce.D.The community garden which was planted last spring, produced hundreds of pounds of fresh produce.

16. 16.The word 'autonomy' contains the Greek prefix *auto-* (self) and root *nomos* (law/custom). Based on these roots, what does 'autonomy' mean in a civic context?

    A.The state of being ruled completely by an external foreign powerB.The power or right of a community or region to self-govern and make its own lawsC.The absolute reliance of a city on emergency loans from private banksD.The mechanical system used to coordinate municipal traffic lights