(1) If sports build character,  as conventional wisdom suggests, why do we always read about athletes getting arrested?  (2) Some people cite the extravagant lifestyles of professional athletes; others suggest that years of special treatment make athletes believe that they are above the law.  (3) Researchers at Baylor University's sport management department have another theory. (4) They have discovered that the percentage of professional athletes who get arrested is actually smaller than the percentage of doctors who get arrested. (5) Lawyers, teachers, and accountants also get arrested with greater frequency than do athletes. (6) This study suggests that the media frenzy that follows the arrest of an athlete causes the mistaken public perception that most athletes are criminals.
The study discussed in the passage indicates that

(1) To answer the questions that have perplexed us through the ages - How was the world created? What causes weather? Why do seasons change? What happens after we die? - we have always turned to mythology.  (2) Myths are stories that provide answers to otherwise unanswerable questions.  (3) Thousands of years ago, stories we now study as literature were accepted as the truth about all the mysteries of nature and the universe. (4) Ancient man did not have the benefit of science and history, so ancient mythology should not strike us as unbelievable or far-fetched.  (5) Moreover, many of our modern religious beliefs may be considered nothing more than mythology by future generations.
In sentence 1, the word "perplexed" means

(1) The city has made plans to close an area recreation center, pool, and playground. (2) They blame liability for the closure.  (3) The Pleasant Valley Neighborhood Association opposes the closing and is planning a protest at City Hall.  (4) The association has petitioned the city for an alternative recreation center of some kind, but the mayor's office has been unresponsive. (5) If the city continues with its plan to shut down the center, neighborhood parents would have to drive several miles to find a similar recreational facility. (6) However, many residents of the neighborhood are unable to do this for economic reasons.
Which of the following conclusions can be made based on the passage?

(1) In recent years, the sheer volume of students applying to college has led application committees to rely on standardized test scores, which they say indicate a student's likeliness to succeed in college. (2) College admissions tests are not the only standardized test that students take, however. (3) The Advanced Placement exams are another kind of standardized test taken by thousands of students every year. (4) The U.S. armed forces give a standardized test called the ASVAB to identify potential candidates for entry into the military. (5) Because of this institutional emphasis on standardized tests, the federal government should step in and design a national high school curriculum.  (6) This would allow school districts to measure the performance of their students against national standards. (7) It would also help prepare students to excel on standardized tests.
The author expresses what kind of feelings about a national curriculum?

Amy opened the door to the bathroom. “What is that dripping sound? Why is the carpet wet and squishy all around the bathtub? The rest of the carpet is dry. Oh no!”
What is the problem?

It was raining outside. Sue got out of bed and got dressed for school. Then, she ate breakfast and grabbed her backpack.  Before Sue left the house, she probably ___________________.

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.
What is the theme?