CA2 Lesson 12 ACT Critical Reading

The tone of the passage could best be described as

• reverent.

• scathing.

• objective.

• admiring.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

According to the passage, the particle that is central to sustaining fission is called a(n)

• alpha.

• tritium.

• neutron.

• electron.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The item referred to as the "demon core" is

• the plutonium instrumental in the deaths of two scientists.

• the cadmium control rod used to slow fission in Chicago Pile 1.

• the beryllium neutron reflector used to create a critical assembly.

• the fissile uranium used to build the Trinity bomb.

The quotation in the introduction is analogous to the phrase,

• the first generation of atomic scientists were cowboys.

• research must never impede hands-on experiments.

• performing research without enough data is foolish.

• there is such a thing as too much knowledge.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

The author's attitude toward the development of nuclear technology is best described as

• supportive.

• skeptical.

• apologetic.

• accusatory.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which of the following situations would NOT be an example of "tickling the dragon's tail"? (line 50)

• teasing a dog known to bite people

• watching television for eight hours straight

• investing a large amount of money with a stranger

• walking on a frozen, snow-covered lake in the spring

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

What is the most likely reason for the misleading project and device names.

• The research project was mired in confusing government bureaucracy.

• The Chicago Pile reactor was built in Manhattan.

• The names were to mislead spies and keep the projects secret.

• The projects were named for the locations of the laboratories.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Choose the answer that best describes the organization of the essay.

• increasing importance

• chronological

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

The most probable intent of the passage is

• to dissuade the further development of nuclear technology.

• to inform about the risks and sacrifices of new technologies.

• to apologize for the use of atomic bombs.

• to solicit more attention to nuclear research.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Of the following choices, which is the most suitable title for this passage?

• Atomic Age Madmen

• The Dawn of Nuclear Energy

• Slotin's Sacrifice

• Tickling the Dragon's Tail

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2