session 7

Read the passage, then answer the three questions that follow.

RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging, and as indicated by the name, it is based on the use of radio waves. Radars send out electromagnetic waves similar to wireless computer networks and mobile phones. The signals are sent out as short pulses, which may be reflected by objects in their path, in part reflecting back to the radar. When these pulses intercept precipitation, part of the energy is scattered back to the radar. This concept is similar to hearing an echo. For example, when you shout into a well, the sound waves of your shout reflect off the water and back up to you. In that same way, the pulse reflects off precipitation and sends a signal back to the radar. From this information, the radar is able to tell where the precipitation is occurring and how much precipitation exists.

Which method of organization best describes the overall structure of the passage?

• Narrative organization presenting events in chronological sequence

• Descriptive organization explaining a concept and how it functions

• Classification organization grouping different sensing technologies

• Problem-and-solution organization addressing a technical limitation

Read the passage once more, then answer the question that follows.

RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging, and as indicated by the name, it is based on the use of radio waves. Radars send out electromagnetic waves similar to wireless computer networks and mobile phones. The signals are sent out as short pulses, which may be reflected by objects in their path, in part reflecting back to the radar. When these pulses intercept precipitation, part of the energy is scattered back to the radar. This concept is similar to hearing an echo. For example, when you shout into a well, the sound waves of your shout reflect off the water and back up to you. In that same way, the pulse reflects off precipitation and sends a signal back to the radar. From this information, the radar is able to tell where the precipitation is occurring and how much precipitation exists.

Which structural cue helps readers recognize the transition from explanation to analogy in the passage?

• The phrase “as indicated by the name” introduces the initial classification.
  
  

• The clause “part of the energy is scattered back to the radar” shows enumeration.

• The phrase “From this information” indicates a cause without consequence.

• The sentence “This concept is similar to hearing an echo” signals a structural shift.
  
  

Read the passage once more, then answer the question that follows.

RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging, and as indicated by the name, it is based on the use of radio waves. Radars send out electromagnetic waves similar to wireless computer networks and mobile phones. The signals are sent out as short pulses, which may be reflected by objects in their path, in part reflecting back to the radar. When these pulses intercept precipitation, part of the energy is scattered back to the radar. This concept is similar to hearing an echo. For example, when you shout into a well, the sound waves of your shout reflect off the water and back up to you. In that same way, the pulse reflects off precipitation and sends a signal back to the radar. From this information, the radar is able to tell where the precipitation is occurring and how much precipitation exists.

Which option most accurately represents the overall structural progression of the paragraph?

• Definition of the acronym → Illustrative analogy → Technical limitation → Final calculation of range
  
  

• Overview of applications → Enumeration of system components → Comparison with alternative technologies → Summary of conclusions

• Introduction of the concept → Explanation of operational mechanism → Analogical example → Functional application

• Historical background → Physical principle → Detailed signal processing → Prospective future developments

Read the passage, then answer the three questions that follow.

Some 40 years earlier, in 1842, the Austrian physicist Christian Doppler had discovered what is now called the Doppler effect. This is the theory that sound waves will change in pitch when there is a shift in the frequency. An example of this would be an ambulance siren, which has a higher pitch when it is approaching, but a lower pitch if it is traveling away. With Doppler's theory, you can calculate how fast the ambulance is moving based on the shift in the siren's frequency. This theory is used by Doppler weather radar to determine the speed of precipitation in the atmosphere, toward or away from the radar. Since precipitation as it falls generally moves with the wind, you can determine the wind velocity with Doppler technology.

Which description most accurately characterizes the way the paragraph presents and elaborates on the Doppler concept?

• Historical introduction followed by theoretical explanation, familiar example, and technological application

• Problem statement followed by experimental procedure, statistical analysis, and error evaluation

• Narrative account followed by personal reflection, speculative hypothesis, and anecdotal conclusion

• Comparative review followed by tabulated data, multi-variable regression, and optimization strategy

Read the passage once more, then answer the question that follows.

Some 40 years earlier, in 1842, the Austrian physicist Christian Doppler had discovered what is now called the Doppler effect. This is the theory that sound waves will change in pitch when there is a shift in the frequency. An example of this would be an ambulance siren, which has a higher pitch when it is approaching, but a lower pitch if it is traveling away. With Doppler's theory, you can calculate how fast the ambulance is moving based on the shift in the siren's frequency. This theory is used by Doppler weather radar to determine the speed of precipitation in the atmosphere, toward or away from the radar. Since precipitation as it falls generally moves with the wind, you can determine the wind velocity with Doppler technology.

Within the structure of the paragraph, what role does the ambulance-siren scenario most clearly play?

• It acts as a counterexample that refutes the theoretical prediction about frequency shifts.

• It functions as a familiar, real-world example that concretizes the abstract theory of frequency change.

• It provides chronological evidence that ambulance design evolved from Doppler’s early experiments.

• It introduces an engineering limitation that prevents Doppler theory from being applied to acoustics.

Read the passage once more, then answer the question that follows.

Some 40 years earlier, in 1842, the Austrian physicist Christian Doppler had discovered what is now called the Doppler effect. This is the theory that sound waves will change in pitch when there is a shift in the frequency. An example of this would be an ambulance siren, which has a higher pitch when it is approaching, but a lower pitch if it is traveling away. With Doppler's theory, you can calculate how fast the ambulance is moving based on the shift in the siren's frequency. This theory is used by Doppler weather radar to determine the speed of precipitation in the atmosphere, toward or away from the radar. Since precipitation as it falls generally moves with the wind, you can determine the wind velocity with Doppler technology.

Which labels best describe the sequence of the main segments in the paragraph?

• Experimental method → Data analysis → Design recommendations

• Problem formulation → Numerical simulation → Algorithm optimization → Implementation details

• Personal narrative → Opinion statement → Counterargument → Rebuttal

• Historical origin → Concept definition → Everyday example → Technical application

Read the passage, then answer the question that follows.

Since its initial application in meteorological work, radar has grown as a forecaster's tool. Virtually all tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in some parts of the world are monitored by radar. Radar observation of the growth, motion, and characteristics of such storms provides clues as to their severity. Modern radar systems use the Doppler principle of frequency shift associated with movement toward or away from the radar transmitter/receiver to determine wind speeds as well as storm motions. Using radar and other observations, the Japanese-American meteorologist Tetsuya Theodore Fujita discovered many details of severe thunderstorm behavior and of the structure of the violent local storms common to the Midwest region of the United States. His Doppler radar analyses of winds revealed "microburst" gusts. These gusts cause large wind shears (differences) associated with strong rains that have been responsible for some plane crashes.

Which organizational method is mainly used in the passage?

• Narrative organization tracing events strictly in chronological sequence
  
  

• Compare-and-contrast organization evaluating different storm detection methods
  
  

• Descriptive organization explaining how radar technology is used and applied

• Problem-and-solution organization proposing radar as a fix for aviation safety

Read the passage, then answer the question that follows.

Medium-range forecasts that provide information five to seven days in advance were impossible before satellites began making global observations—particularly over the ocean waters of the Southern Hemisphere—routinely available in real-time. Global forecasting models developed at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and the U.S. National Meteorological Center (NMC) became the standard during the 1980s, making medium-range forecasting a reality. Global weather forecasting models are routinely run by national weather services around the world, including those of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

What is the primary method of organization used in this passage?

• Narrative organization describing a chronological sequence of technological advancements
  
  

• Descriptive organization explaining the function of global forecasting models

• Compare-and-contrast organization evaluating forecasting systems across countries

• Problem-and-solution organization presenting satellites as the only solution

Read the passage, then answer the question that follows.

The geostationary satellite is made to orbit Earth along its equatorial plane at an altitude of about 36,000 kilometers. At that height, the eastward motion of the satellite coincides exactly with Earth's rotation, so the satellite remains in one position above the Equator. Satellites of this type are able to provide an almost continuous view of a wide area. Because of this capability, geostationary satellites have yielded new information about the rapid changes that occur in thunderstorms, hurricanes, and certain types of fronts, making them invaluable to weather forecasting as well as meteorological research.

Which text structure best describes the organization of this passage?

• Narrative organization describing events in chronological order

• Compare-and-contrast organization evaluating different satellite types
  
  

• Descriptive organization explaining a concept and its functions
  
  

• Problem-and-solution organization addressing forecasting limitations

Which three sequential components are typically used in a common organizational pattern?

• A concluding sentence, followed by a rephrasing linker, and then a major supporting sentence.

• Introduction of a new concept, followed by its description/definition, and then familiar examples.

• Scanning for a name, followed by searching for a date, and then finding a statistic.

• Brainstorming ideas, followed by organizing them into a list, and then evaluating the results.