Understanding The Great Silence

The first-person point of view allows the reader to -

• understand the story from the perspective of an outside observer

• learn the story details from a broad perspective

• understand the perspective of a single character within the story

• learn story details from more than one perspective

Which topic is explored in paragraphs 1-10 of the selection?

• The existence of extraterrestrial beings

• The absence of life in the universe

• The extinction of a rare parrot

• The benefits rainforests provide to humans

Read the sentence from paragraph 23. A receiver doesn't have to be a transmitter, but Arecibo is both. Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the word receiver as used in this sentence?

• A person who acquires or obtains an item or object

• A receptacle or container intended for storing information

• A device that converts electromagnetic signals into sound

• A person who converts electrical signals into words and numbers

The section breaks throughout the selection help support the narrator's message by -

• expressing the idea that each topic is unrelated to the others

• developing each topic with personal observations

• revealing the relationship between each topic about extinction

• separating various ideas about communication

Which sentence uses parallel structure?

• Both species are able to understand concepts, recognize specific sounds, and communicate.

• Both species are able to understand concepts, to recognize specific sounds, and communicate.

• Both species are able to understand concepts, they can recognize specific sounds, and also communicate.

• Both species are able to understand concepts, recognize specific sounds, and have the ability to communicate.

Read the sentence from paragraph 26. How do they expect to recognize an alien intelligence if all they can do is eavesdrop from a hundred light-years away? With this question, the narrator expresses the perspective that humans are -

• missing the opportunity to learn how to communicate with an alien intelligence

• contacting distant extraterrestrial species simply by listening

• seeking the right sources of help to communicate with an alien intelligence

• finding extraterrestrial species using technological advances

Read the sentence from paragraph 33. Brahmin Hindus believe that by reciting mantras, they're strengthening the building blocks of reality. Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the phrase building blocks as used in this sentence?

• A solid stand on which articles are displayed for show

• A way to stop passage or movement through something

• A piece of a framework used to strengthen other pieces

• A section of a city bounded on each side by consecutive streets

Which statement describes a topic that is explored in paragraphs 27-39?

• The ability to speak requires the use of the lungs.

• Scientists explain the cosmic microwave background.

• Finding noise in space is a sign that extraterrestrials exist.

• Making noise is a religious experience for some humans.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A According to paragraphs 40-44, what is the narrator's view of humans?

• Humans are afraid of parrots that can talk.

• Humans are careless but capable of good things.

• Humans show their aggression by ruining the rainforest.

• Humans lack the intelligence needed to find extraterrestrials.

Part B Which two excerpts from the selection best support the answer to Part A?

• I doubt the humans will have deciphered our language before we're gone. (paragraph 41)

• Human activity has brought my kind to the brink of extinction. (paragraph 43)

• They just weren't paying attention. (paragraph 43)

• And humans create such beautiful myths; what imaginations they have. (paragraph 44)

• Any species that can build such a thing must have greatness within it. (paragraph 44)