"The Force"

This question has two parts. Answer Part A and then answer Part B. Part A: What is the meaning of rudimentary, as it is used in paragraph 1?

• inquisitive, curious

• challenging, complicated

• scientific, experimental

• basic, underdeveloped

Part B: Which phrase from paragraph 1 best helps the reader to determine the meaning of rudimentary?

• have struggled to understand

• how lithospheric plates move

• forces that drive plate motion

• test relevant theories

Which graphic correctly represents the process of convection as described in paragraph 2?

• A. Temperature Increases -> Density Increases -> Material Rises

• B. Temperature Increases -> Density Lessens -> Material Sinks

• C. Temperature Increases -> Density Lessens -> Material Rises

• D. Temperature Increases -> Density Increases -> Material Sinks

Part A: What does Figure 1.9 demonstrate to the reader about the lithosphere?

• In the lithosphere, movement is slower than in the asthenosphere.

• The lithosphere moves in the same direction as the layers just beneath it.

• Convection distributes heat equally among the layers of the planet, including the lithosphere.

• The lithosphere is made of the same materials as the inner core.

Part B: Which statement from paragraph 3 of the passage best supports the answer from Part A?

• “The heat source for convection within the asthenosphere comes from deep within Earth’s interior, fueled by the decay of naturally radioactive materials (e.g. uranium, plutonium, and thorium) and heat from the early formation of the planet.”

• “Uneven heating causes thermal plumes to rise at mid-ocean ridges and cooling near the surface creates descending plumes at subduction zones.”

• “In between, the asthenosphere is thought to move horizontally from beneath a spreading center, a ridge, to a subduction zone, a trench.”

• “Friction between the lithosphere and the underlying asthenosphere acts like glue, and the lithospheric plates are dragged along by the motion of the asthenosphere.”

Based on the information in the text, which option below points to a subduction zone?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Part A: What rhetorical strategy does the author use to illustrate complex concepts?

• The author gives concrete examples involving everyday objects.

• The author uses anecdotes from personal experience.

• The author summarizes the most important ideas later in the passage.

• The author compares many theories to illustrate the lack of definitive knowledge.

Part B: Draw a ring around two excerpts from the passage that prove the answer to Part A.

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Throughout the passage, the author emphasizes that scientists are not finished learning about the behavior and history of Earth, in some part due to specific challenges that affect their ability to study aspects of our planet. Based on the information provided in the passage, complete the chart by using your own words to explain why scientists face each challenge.

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After reading the passage, which two conclusions can the reader correctly make about the Earth?

• The size and shape of Earth’s sea floor remain unaffected by plate movement.

• There have been recent updates to the major theories scientists accept about the surface of the Earth.

• Scientists speculate that a supercontinent will form on Earth again sometime in the next few years.

• At some point, the process causing Earth to recycle its outer layers will take less time.

• Changes in temperature of layers below Earth’s surface have a significant effect the surface of the Earth.