11th Grade English Language Arts

After reading this passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions of standard written English. Some questions include a “NO CHANGE” option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is

Whey to Go Greek yogurt—a strained form of cultured yogurt—has grown enormously in popularity in the United States since it was first introduced in the country in the late 1980s.

From 2011 to 2012 alone, sales of Greek yogurt in the US increased by 50 percent. The resulting increase in Greek yogurt production has forced those involved in the business to address the detrimental effects that the yogurt-making process may be having on the environment. Fortunately, farmers and others in the Greek yogurt business have found many methods of controlling and eliminating most environmental threats. Given these solutions as well as the many health benefits of the food, the advantages of Greek yogurt [A]outdo the potential drawbacks of its production.

[1] The main environmental problem caused by the production of Greek yogurt is the creation of acid whey as a by-product. [2] Because it requires up to four times more milk to make than conventional yogurt does, Greek yogurt produces larger amounts of acid whey, which is difficult to dispose of. [3] To address the problem of disposal, farmers have found a number of uses for acid whey. [4] They can add it to livestock feed as a protein [B]supplement, and people can make their own Greek-style yogurt at home by straining regular yogurt. [5] If it is improperly introduced into the environment, acid-whey runoff [C]can pollute waterways, depleting the oxygen content of streams and rivers as it decomposes.

[6] Yogurt manufacturers, food [D] scientists; and government officials are also working together to develop additional solutions for reusing whey.[E]

[F]Though these conservation methods can be costly and time-consuming, they are well worth the effort. Nutritionists consider Greek yogurt to be a healthy food: it is an excellent source of calcium and protein, serves [G]to be a digestive aid, and [H] it contains few calories in its unsweetened low- and non-fat forms. Greek yogurt is slightly lower in sugar and carbohydrates than conventional yogurt is. [I]Also, because it is more concentrated, Greek yogurt contains slightly more protein per serving, thereby helping people stay [J] satiated for longer periods of time.

These health benefits have prompted Greek yogurt’s recent surge in popularity. In fact, Greek yogurt can be found in an increasing number of products such as snack food and frozen desserts. Because consumers reap the nutritional benefits of Greek yogurt and support those who make and sell [K]it, therefore farmers and businesses should continue finding safe and effective methods of producing the food.

[A] outdo

• NO CHANGE

• DEFEAT

• OUTPERFORM

• OUTWEIGH

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B.supplement, and people can make their own Greek-style yogurt at home by straining regular yogurt.

Which choice provides the most relevant detail?

• A)NO CHANGE

• B)supplement and convert it into gas to use as fuel in electricity production.

• C)supplement, while sweet whey is more desirable as a food additive for humans

• D) supplement, which provides an important element of their diet.

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[C] can pollute waterways,

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) can pollute waterway's,

• C) could have polluted waterways,

• D) has polluted waterway’s,

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[D]scientists; and

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) scientists: and

• C) scientists, and

• D) scientists, and,

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[E] To make this paragraph most logical, sentence 5 should be placed

• A) where it is now.

• B) after sentence 1.

• C) after sentence 2.

• D) after sentence 3.

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[F] Though these conservation methods can be costly and time-consuming, they are well worth the effort.

The writer is considering deleting the underlined sentence. Should the writer do this?

• A) Yes, because it does not provide a transition from the previous paragraph.

• B) Yes, because it fails to support the main argument of the passage as introduced in the first paragraph.

• C) No, because it continues the explanation of how acid whey can be disposed of safely.

• D) No, because it sets up the argument in the paragraph for the benefits of Greek yogurt.

[G]to be

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) as

• C) like

• D) for

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Coworking: A Creative Solution

When I left my office job as a website developer at a small company for a position that allowed me to work full-time from home, I thought I had it made: I gleefully traded in my suits and dress shoes for sweatpants and slippers, my frantic early-morning bagged lunch packing for a leisurely midday trip to my refrigerator.

The novelty of this comfortable work-from-home life, however, [H]soon got worn off quickly. Within a month, I found myself feeling isolated despite having frequent email and instant messaging contact with my colleagues. Having become frustrated trying to solve difficult problems, [I] no colleagues were nearby to share ideas. It was during this time that I read an article [J] into coworking spaces.

The article, published by Forbes magazine, explained that coworking spaces are designated locations that, for a fee, individuals can use to conduct their work. The spaces are usually stocked with standard office [K] equipment, such as photocopiers, printers, and fax machines. [L] In these locations, however, the spaces often include small meeting areas and larger rooms for hosting presentations. [M] The cost of launching a new coworking business in the United States is estimated to be approximately $58,000.

What most caught my interest, though, was a quotation from someone who described coworking spaces as “melting pots of creativity.” The article refers to a 2012 survey in which 64 percent of respondents noted that coworking spaces prevented them from completing tasks in a given time. The article goes on to suggest that the most valuable resources provided by coworking spaces are actually the people 30 whom use them.

[1] Thus, even though I already had all the equipment I needed in my home office, I decided to try using a coworking space in my city. [2] Because I was specifically interested in coworking’s reported benefits related to creativity, I chose a facility that offered a bright, open work area where I wouldn’t be isolated. [3] Throughout the morning, more people appeared. [4] Periods of quiet, during which everyone worked independently, were broken up occasionally with lively conversation.

I liked the experience so much that I now go to the coworking space a few times a week. Over time, I’ve gotten to know several of my coworking [N] colleagues: another website developer, a graphic designer, a freelance writer, and several mobile app coders. Even those of us who work in disparate fields are able to [O] share advice and help each other brainstorm. In fact, it’s the diversity of their talents and experiences that makes my coworking colleagues so valuable.

[H]soon got worn

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) was promptly worn

• C) promptly wore

• D) wore

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[I] no colleagues were nearby to share ideas.

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) colleagues were important for sharing ideas.

• C) ideas couldn’t be shared with colleagues.

• D) I missed having colleagues nearby to consult.

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J. into

• A) NO CHANGE

• B) about

• C) upon

• D) for

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