CHANG READING

Experienced truck drivers often travel in a convoy--a group of trucks that are traveling to the same part of the country. Convoys can help truckers to stay alert.  

Question: The author implies that professional long-distance truck drivers may avoid traveling alone because: 

• They might drive too fast. 
•  They want to arrive before anyone else. 
• Accidents happen more frequently to lone truck drivers than to car drivers who travel alone.
• Long-distance travel can cause drowsiness.

Huge beasts such as the dinosaur have never really become extinct. Mothra, a giant caterpillar who later becomes a moth, destroys Tokyo, and stars in the 1962 Japanese film named for him. Mothra is born, dies, and reborn regularly on classic movie channels. In Japan Mothra is one of the most popular films ever made. Mothra has survived the creation of more current scary creatures such as giant apes, extraterrestrial beings and swamp creatures. More than 30 years after his creation, Mothra still lives.
Question: The main subject of the passage is:

• The reasons that fads do not endure 
• The lasting appeal of Mothra 
• The difficulty of marketing good horror movies 
• Old models for creatures are still used because making new monsters is expensive

 Jazz is a peculiarly American contribution to Western culture. It was born out of the unique experience of American Blacks. Although its history is not entirely clear, jazz obviously has roots in the rhythm patterns and melodic lines of Africa, the tradition of Christian spirituals as sung by slave communities, the music of the blues as developed in the Deep South, and ragtime.

Question: According to this passage, you can conclude that: 

• Jazz is the sole Black contribution to Western culture.
• There is some difficulty tracing the origin of jazz.
• Jazz is most closely related to spiritual music. 
• Jazz is not a complex musical form.

Read the sentences below and then choose the best answer to the question.

1^st sentence: Public speaking is very different from everyday conversation.  
2^nd sentence: First of all, speeches are much more structured than a typical informal discussion.
Question: How are these sentences related?

• Sentence two offers support for the statement made in the first sentence.
• Sentence two contradicts the statement made in the first sentence. 
• Sentence two shows an exception to the first sentence. 
• Sentence two compares two kinds of speeches.

Read the sentences below and then choose the best answer to the question.

1st sentence: Sometimes when we donʹt get enough sleep we become very short-tempered.  
 2nd sentence:  It is important to set a time to go to bed that is realistic. 
Question: How are these two sentences related? 

• The first sentence explains the meaning of the second.
•  The second sentence explains why a lack of sleep affects us. 
• The second sentence proposes a solution. 
• The second sentence contradicts the first.

Read the sentences below and then choose the best answer to the question.

1st sentence:  Most people collect Star Wars toys for sentimental reasons.  
2nd sentence:  Some people collect them strictly to make money.  

Question: What is the relationship between the two sentences? 

•  cause and effect 
• contrast 
• repetition 
• statement & example

Read the sentences below and then choose the best answer to the question.

1st sentence:  Jenny does not like cake.
2nd sentence:  She does not like to bake it, to ice it, or to eat it.  
Question: What does the second sentence do? 

• It states the cause of the first. 
• It compares the three things Jenny does not like about cake. 
• It draws a conclusion about Jenny. 
• It emphasizes what is stated in the first.

Read the sentences below and then choose the best answer to the question.

 1st sentence: The new Dance Tunes CD has proved to be very popular.

2nd sentence: It has sold 80,000 copies over the last year.
Question: How are these two sentences related? 

• The first sentence explains the meaning of the second.
• The second sentence provides evidence of the first.
• The second sentence explains why the CD is popular.
• The first sentence contradicts the second.

There are two kinds of jewelry that I do. There is commercial jewelry--class rings, necklaces, the kinds of things most people wear. I sell these items to meet my expenses for raw materials, supplies, and to make my living. The other, more creative work I do makes me feel that I am developing as a craftsperson.
 
Question: The author of this passage implies that: 

• Artists are poor.
• There is no market for creative work. 
• Commercial and creative work fulfills different needs for the artist. 
• Rings and necklaces cannot be creative.

Before the invention of automobiles and airplanes travel was a slow process. When traveling long distances families would be out of communication until the travelers reached their destination. Sometimes people lost touch with each other permanently. 
Question: The author would most likely continue the passage with which of the following sentences? 

•  Airplanes make travel more fun. 
• Driving a car helps families stay in touch. 
• Cars can be used to travel comfortably. 
•  Advances in communication have helped travelers stay in communication.