Reality TV programs have become more popular in recent years. While they are similar to scripted television programs in that they are intended to entertain a specific audience, they are also quite different in several ways. In a scripted television program, professional actors perform lines from a script that has been written by a professional writer. When the program begins filming, all of the participants know what the expected outcome is. Reality TV, on the other hand, is filled with unknowns. Most of the performers are amateurs, and they do not use scripts. Rather, they are presented with situations, and their reactions and behaviors are filmed. After filming, editors piece together different parts of the film to create a story.

In many schools, traditional textbooks are being replaced by tablet computers that hold e-copies of all materials necessary for all classes. So far, the effect of this change has been positive. Students no longer have to carry heavy books back and forth from home or between classes. And, as long as they have their tablets, they always have all of the materials needed to complete an assignment. Finally, it is much easier to update e-books, and adding new information is very inexpensive.

The room smelled of disinfectant, French fries and sugary treats. Through the back window, children were climbing stairs, sliding slides, and bouncing in a ball pit. Three lines of people jumbled together at the counter, and everyone stared intently at the menu board above the heads of the employees. One by one, the customers approached a register, glanced one last time at the board, and recited, “Number 1 with a Sprite,” or “Number 2 with a Coke.” They handed over their money, retrieved their bags, and moved along to make room for the next customer.

As most residents know, Pleasantville has an ongoing problem with parking in the downtown area. At peak times, such as weekday evenings and weekend afternoons, potential customers end up circling the business district looking for parking. The city council has introduced two measures to address this problem. First, the site of the old public swimming pool (which has not been used for more than a decade) will be filled and reclaimed as free municipal parking. Second, plans are being undertaken to convert an abandoned warehouse on Bond street to an indoor parking garage. It is the Council’s hope that residents and customers will begin to see some relief from the parking problem in as little as six months from now

After Christmas every year, thousands of people discard Christmas trees and expect that their local garbage collectors will take them. This puts an undue burden on the collectors because the trees are bulky and take up a lot of space in their trucks, often requiring them to make multiple trips to service a route that generally takes just one trip. To alleviate the burden of this mass-discarding of trees, Newtown has established the following new ordinance. Christmas trees will be picked up on Wednesdays only, for each of the three weeks immediately following Christmas. If a resident wants to discard a tree after the third week, he or she must bring it to the landfill in person.

When people have time off from work or school, they usually have two choices about how to spend that time. Some people go away on vacations, while others stay at home and enjoy what some call a “staycation.” Going away on vacation can be exciting. Vacationers have the opportunity to visit new places, enjoy different climates, and have experiences that are new. On the other hand, staycations offer people an opportunity to enjoy elements of their own home that they might not have time for when they are working, such as their swimming pools or back yards. Vacations can be expensive because they can require paying plane fares, hotel room fees, and many restaurant meals. Staycations are generally less expensive because people stay in their own homes and prepare their own meals.

The vase of flowers was set in the middle of the dining room table. While there were several different types of blooms, the majority of the flowers were carnations (with ruffled pink and white petals) and roses (both red and white) that had just begun to open to full bloom. Greenery, including fluttery asparagus ferns along with white and green baby’s breath, surrounded the flowers.

In many cities, struggling schools are requiring parents to sign contracts encouraging family participation in students’ educations. A lack of community support is often cited as a primary reason for low performance school-wide. Research has shown that students benefit tremendously when their parents or caregivers are actively involved in their schools. First, when parents are engaged in the school community, they are aware of a school’s goals and how their own child’s goals fit within those of the school. Parents are better prepared to help students with individual lessons and long-term assignments when they understand the “big picture” the school is advocating. 

According to the passage, what is an effect of parent participation in the school community?

Even the best athletes can’t win every game or match. Losing can be discouraging, and some athletes even quit a favorite sport if they lose too frequently. Rather than give up, there are other ways to prepare for and deal with a loss. The first solution is to be realistic. No one wins all the time. Whenever you play a sport, visualize winning...but understand that the other team is doing the same. So, prepare for the possibility that you may not win. Think about what your reaction will be, and be prepared to lose gracefully and move on.

What is the problem that is being solved in the passage?

It can be difficult to determine if you are suffering from the common cold or from the flu. Both can cause a stuffy nose, headache, and body aches. The common cold usually resolves itself in a few days, and there is seldom the need for a doctor visit.

The symptoms are generally mild and unaccompanied by a fever. Usually, someone suffering from a cold will feel more tired than usual and have a bit of sneezing. The flu, on the other hand, can be a much more serious condition. Symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat, severe body aches, and a moderate to high fever. Someone suffering from the flu may feel extremely tired for up to two weeks.

How are the flu and the common cold similar?

New video games are released every week. Some grow into a national phenomenon and have millions of loyal fans. Other languish on store shelves, snatched up by a few customers but never get wide attention. There are several reasons why some games become popular. First, games within a well-known series or franchise are most likely to become popular. Players know the characters and the game and are eager to continue the adventure. Second, a familiar and easy-to-learn playing platform will make a new game more popular, as will strong graphics and the ability to play online or with other players.