Astb Reading Quiz

1. The passage best supports the statement that icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean

D. are hazards to navigation.

C. are difficult to spot.

Answer is C. The judge decides on the minimum height to be jumped, so pole vaulters must jump higher than the height set by the judge. "Only about one-tenth of an iceberg is visible above water. Eight to nine times as much ice is hidden below the waterline. In the Antarctic Ocean, near the South Pole, there are icebergs that rise as high as 300 feet above the water."

The passage best supports the statement that icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean

a. are usually 300 feet high.

b. can be as much as 3,000 feet high.

c. are difficult to spot.

d. are hazards to navigation.

A. are usually 300 feet high.

2. The passage best supports the statement that icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean

Are usually 300 feet high.

Are hazards to navigation.

Answer is B. Because some icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean rise as high as 300 feet above the water, and because only one tenth of an iceberg is visible above the waterline, some icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean are as high as 3,000 feet.

Are difficult to spot.

Some icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean rise as high as 300 feet above the water, and because only one tenth of an iceberg is visible above the waterline, some icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean are as high as 3,000 feet.

Explanation

Some icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean rise as high as 300 feet above the water, and because only one tenth of an iceberg is visible above the waterline, some icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean are as high as 3,000 feet.

3. You can tell a frog from a toad by its skin. In general, a frog's skin is moist, smooth, and shiny, but a toad's skin is dry, dull, and rough or covered with warts. Frogs are also better at jumping than toads are.

B. you can recognize a toad by its smooth, shiny skin.

Answer is D. A toad's skin is dry, dull, and rough, or covered with warts

C. you can recognize a toad by its lack of warts.

A. you can recognize a toad by its great jumping ability.

The correct answer is D because it directly correlates with the information provided in the passage. A toad's skin is described as dry, dull, and rough, or covered with warts, distinguishing it from a frog's moist, smooth, and shiny skin.

Explanation

The correct answer is D because it directly correlates with the information provided in the passage. A toad's skin is described as dry, dull, and rough, or covered with warts, distinguishing it from a frog's moist, smooth, and shiny skin.

4. Amateur sportsmen and sportswomen are those who take part in sports purely for enjoyment, not for financial reward. Professional sportsmen and sportswomen are people who are paid to participate in sports. Most athletes who compete in the Olympic Games are amateurs.

Answer is A. Because the other three answer choices involve monetary gain for the athlete, choice A can be the only correct answer

C. the holder of the heavyweight boxing crown

D. a participant in the World Series

B. a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers

The passage mentions that amateur sportsmen and sportswomen participate purely for enjoyment, not for financial gain. Options b, c, and d all involve monetary rewards, indicating that they are not consistent with the definition of an amateur sportsperson.

Explanation

The passage mentions that amateur sportsmen and sportswomen participate purely for enjoyment, not for financial gain. Options b, c, and d all involve monetary rewards, indicating that they are not consistent with the definition of an amateur sportsperson.

5. What is the purpose of a leap year according to the passage?

D. the purpose of leap years is to allow for differences in the length of a year in each time zone.

Answer is A. This is a restatement of the paragraph. The other answer choices are not relevant to the paragraph

B. the purpose of leap years is to make up for time lost in the work year.

C. the purpose of leap years is to occur every four years.

This is a restatement of the passage where it explains that the purpose of leap years is to adjust for the fact that it takes 365.25 days for Earth to circle the sun. The other answer choices are not relevant to the paragraph.

Explanation

This is a restatement of the passage where it explains that the purpose of leap years is to adjust for the fact that it takes 365.25 days for Earth to circle the sun. The other answer choices are not relevant to the paragraph.

6. The passage best supports the statement that CO is

D. heat

B. wood

Answer is C. This answer is stated in the last sentence of the passage

A. natural gas

The passage clearly states that wood burning releases high-level pollutants, believed to produce a thousand times more carbon monoxide than natural gas does when it burns. Therefore, the correct answer is carbon monoxide (CO).

Explanation

The passage clearly states that wood burning releases high-level pollutants, believed to produce a thousand times more carbon monoxide than natural gas does when it burns. Therefore, the correct answer is carbon monoxide (CO).

7. The average American family makes a move every ten years. This means that family history becomes scattered. In some cases, a person searching for his or her family's past must hire a professional researcher to track down ancestors.

D. professional researchers are hired to track down ancestors.

A. somebody tries to trace his or her family's history.

Answer is B. Although all four answer choices are somewhat supported by the passage, the one that best supports it is the statement that the average American family moves every few years

C. family history becomes scattered.

The correct answer is B because the passage specifically mentions that the average American family makes a move every ten years, which implies that families move frequently. While the other options are somewhat supported by the passage, none directly correlate to the information provided.

Explanation

The correct answer is B because the passage specifically mentions that the average American family makes a move every ten years, which implies that families move frequently. While the other options are somewhat supported by the passage, none directly correlate to the information provided.

8. The passage best supports the statement that the real danger from leaking gas is a(n)

D. spark

A. flashback

B. puff of smoke and flame

Answer is C. See the last sentence of the passage

The passage mentions specifically that the real danger from leaking gas is a large leak, which can cause an explosion.

Explanation

The passage mentions specifically that the real danger from leaking gas is a large leak, which can cause an explosion.

9. With the exception of Earth, all of the planets in our solar system are named for gods and goddesses in Greek or Roman mythology. This is because other planets were thought to be in heaven, like the gods, and our planet lay beneath, like the earth.

Answer is B. This answer choice restates the last sentence of the passage

A. were part of Greek and Roman mythology.

D. were worshipped as gods.

C. are part of the same solar system.

The passage specifically states that the other planets were thought to be in heaven, like the gods. This is why they are named after gods and goddesses in Greek or Roman mythology. It does not mention that they were worshipped as gods, part of the same solar system as Earth, or that they are specifically part of Greek and Roman mythology.

Explanation

The passage specifically states that the other planets were thought to be in heaven, like the gods. This is why they are named after gods and goddesses in Greek or Roman mythology. It does not mention that they were worshipped as gods, part of the same solar system as Earth, or that they are specifically part of Greek and Roman mythology.

10. The Supreme Court was established by Article 3 of the Constitution. Since 1869, it has been made up of nine members—the Chief Justice and eight associate justices—who are appointed for life. Supreme Court justices are named by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate.

C. consists of judges appointed by the Senate.

A. was established in 1869.

D. changes with each presidential election.

Answer is B. The other three answer choices are incorrect statements. The date 1869 refers to the establishment of the current nine-member court, so answer choice A is incorrect. Justices are appointed by the president, so answer choice C is incorrect. And justices serve for life, so choice D is incorrect.

The date 1869 refers to the establishment of the current nine-member court, so answer choice A is incorrect. Justices are appointed by the president, so answer choice C is incorrect. And justices serve for life, so choice D is incorrect.

Explanation

The date 1869 refers to the establishment of the current nine-member court, so answer choice A is incorrect. Justices are appointed by the president, so answer choice C is incorrect. And justices serve for life, so choice D is incorrect.

11. The sport of automobile racing originated in France in 1894. There are five basic types of competition: (1) the grand prix, a series of races that leads to a world championship; (2) stock car racing, which uses specially equipped standard cars; (3) midget car racing; (4) sports car racing; and (5) drag racing. The best-known U.S. race is the Indianapolis 500, first held in 1911.

The sport of auto racing holds its championship race in France.

Answer is D. Most of the passage is devoted to describing the five different types of competition.

The sport of auto racing uses only standard cars, which are specially equipped.

The sport of auto racing started with the Indianapolis 500 in 1911.

12. In higher animals, the brain controls which of the following?

A. emotion, memory, and thought.

Answer is D. The word also in the last sentence is the key to the fact that in higher animals the brain controls voluntary behavior, involuntary behavior, emotions, memory, and thought.

C. most involuntary behavior.

B. voluntary behavior.

The passage clearly states that in higher animals, the brain controls voluntary behavior, most involuntary behavior, emotions, memory, and thought. The key word 'also' in the last sentence implies that these functions are in addition to what was mentioned earlier.

Explanation

The passage clearly states that in higher animals, the brain controls voluntary behavior, most involuntary behavior, emotions, memory, and thought. The key word 'also' in the last sentence implies that these functions are in addition to what was mentioned earlier.

13. The speed of a boat is measured in knots. One knot is equal to a speed of one nautical mile per hour. A nautical mile is equal to 6,080 feet, while an ordinary mile is 5,280 feet.

B. a speed of 2 knots is the same as 2 miles per hour.

C. a knot is the same as a mile.

Answer is A. Because 6,080 feet is greater than 5,280 feet, choice A is correct.

D. the distance a boat travels is measured in knots.

Since 6,080 feet is greater than 5,280 feet, a nautical mile is longer than an ordinary mile, making choice A correct.

Explanation

Since 6,080 feet is greater than 5,280 feet, a nautical mile is longer than an ordinary mile, making choice A correct.

14. The passage best supports the statement that

C. patients should ask their doctors for a shot of one of the new wonder drugs to relieve the symptoms of the flu.

A. the use of antibiotics is becoming a health hazard.

D. the treatment of colds and other viral infections by antibiotics will lessen their severity.

Answer is A. The recommendation to use not more than 14 persons nor fewer than 10 persons means that it is best to use between 10 and 14 persons on the net, even if fewer can be used. "The overuse of antibiotics today represents a growing danger, according to many medical authorities. Patients everywhere, stimulated by reports of new wonder drugs, continue to ask their doctors for a shot to relieve a cold, flu, or any other viral infections that occur during the course of a bad winter. But, for the common cold and many other viral infections, antibiotics have no effect."

The passage best supports the statement that

a. the use of antibiotics is becoming a health hazard.

b. antibiotics are of no value in treating many viral infections.

c. patients should ask their doctors for a shot of one of the new wonder drugs to relieve the symptoms of the flu.

d. the treatment of colds and other viral infections by antibiotics will lessen their severity.

The passage clearly states that antibiotics have no effect on common colds and many other viral infections, indicating that they are of no value in treating such conditions.

Explanation

The passage clearly states that antibiotics have no effect on common colds and many other viral infections, indicating that they are of no value in treating such conditions.

15. In examining the scene of a homicide, one should not only look for the usual, standard traces—fingerprints, footprints, etc.—but also take notice of details that at first glance may not seem to have any connection to the crime.

Correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are not valid options. To take notice of details that at first glance may not seem to have any connection to the crime implies that one cannot tell in advance what will be important.

B. only the usual, standard traces are important.

C. sometimes one should not look for footprints.

D. standard traces are not generally available

The correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are not valid options. To take notice of details that at first glance may not seem to have any connection to the crime implies that one cannot tell in advance what will be important.

Explanation

The correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are not valid options. To take notice of details that at first glance may not seem to have any connection to the crime implies that one cannot tell in advance what will be important.

16. The work of a telephone operator often requires careful attention under conditions of stress. This supports the statement that a telephone operator must be able to work under difficult conditions.

A. always works under stress.

Answer is D. The passage states that the work of the operator often requires careful attention under stress. This means that the operator must be able to work under difficult conditions. The passage does not state that the work must always be performed under stress.

C. must be trained before he or she can render good service.

B. cannot be successful unless he or she memorizes many telephone numbers.

17. The passage best supports the statement that industrial accidents

D. cannot be entirely overcome.

C. usually result from inadequate machinery.

Answer is B. The answer to this question is implied in the statement that "mechanics be instructed in safety rules that they must follow for their own protection." If the mechanics must be instructed, then we can infer that accidents may occur if they have not been instructed (that is, if they are ignorant of the rules).

A. are always avoidable.

The answer to this question is implied in the statement that 'mechanics be instructed in safety rules that they must follow for their own protection.' If the mechanics must be instructed, then we can infer that accidents may occur if they have not been instructed (that is, if they are ignorant of the rules).

Explanation

The answer to this question is implied in the statement that 'mechanics be instructed in safety rules that they must follow for their own protection.' If the mechanics must be instructed, then we can infer that accidents may occur if they have not been instructed (that is, if they are ignorant of the rules).

18. What is the primary role of an industrial leader according to the passage?

Answer is C. Keeping individuals and groups of individuals working effectively is coordinating the activities of employees. This answer choice is stated in the passage. The other choices require more interpretation. Introduction of large-scale production methods and increasing distribution of products may very well increase profits, but not necessarily.

A. Increase the distribution of products.

B. Introduce large-scale production methods.

D. Profit by the experience of other leaders.

The passage explicitly states that an industrial leader must keep individuals and groups of individuals working effectively, which aligns with coordinating the activities of employees.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that an industrial leader must keep individuals and groups of individuals working effectively, which aligns with coordinating the activities of employees.

19. According to the statement, how can one distinguish between genuine and counterfeit coins based on their outer edges?

A. counterfeit coins can rarely be distinguished from genuine coins.

C. genuine coins never lose their uneven, corrugated outer edge.

Answer is D. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices A, B, or C; only choice D summarizes the data given in the passage

B. counterfeit coins never lose their corrugated outer edge.

The correct answer is D because the statement clearly states that the quality of the outer edge of a coin can indicate if it is counterfeit. This means that the outer edges of genuine and counterfeit coins can be distinguished based on their quality.

Explanation

The correct answer is D because the statement clearly states that the quality of the outer edge of a coin can indicate if it is counterfeit. This means that the outer edges of genuine and counterfeit coins can be distinguished based on their quality.

20. In most U.S. states, no crime is considered to have occurred unless there is a written law forbidding the act, and even though an act may not be exactly in harmony with public policy, such act is not a crime unless it is expressly forbidden by legislative enactment. Which of the following statements is most nearly in keeping with the above passage?

D. Nothing contrary to public policy can be done without legislative authority.

B. All acts not in harmony with public policy should be expressly forbidden by law.

Answer is A. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices A, C, or D. Choice A is supported by the excerpt "no crime is considered to occur unless there is a written law forbidding the act" at the beginning of the sentence

C. Legislative enactments frequently forbid actions that are exactly in harmony with public policy.

There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices B, C, or D. Choice A is supported by the excerpt 'no crime is considered to occur unless there is a written law forbidding the act' at the beginning of the sentence.

Explanation

There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices B, C, or D. Choice A is supported by the excerpt 'no crime is considered to occur unless there is a written law forbidding the act' at the beginning of the sentence.

21. Only one measure, but a quite obvious measure, of the merits of the personnel policies of an organization and of the adequacy and fairness of the wages and other conditions of employment prevailing in it is the rate at which replacements must be made in order to maintain the work force.

B. organization policies should be based on both social and economic considerations.

D. wages and working conditions are of prime importance to both union leaders and managers.

Answer is C. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices A, B, or D. Choice C is supported by this section: "Only one measure . . . is the rate at which replacements must be made in order to maintain the work force."

A. maximum effectiveness in personnel management has been achieved when there is no employee turnover.

The correct answer is C. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices A, B, or D. Choice C is supported by this section: 'Only one measure ... is the rate at which replacements must be made in order to maintain the work force.'

Explanation

The correct answer is C. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices A, B, or D. Choice C is supported by this section: 'Only one measure ... is the rate at which replacements must be made in order to maintain the work force.'

22. The passage best supports the statement that true education

A. deals chiefly with art, literature, and science.

Answer is C. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices A, B, or D. Choice C summarizes the ideas expressed in the quotation.

D. teaches a person to focus on the routine problems of life

B. disregards practical goals.

The passage emphasizes the importance of continuing education beyond practical goals to appreciate and enjoy art, literature, and science, indicating that true education should be a lifelong pursuit.

Explanation

The passage emphasizes the importance of continuing education beyond practical goals to appreciate and enjoy art, literature, and science, indicating that true education should be a lifelong pursuit.

23. What does the passage suggest about the organization of a collection letter?

Answer is A. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices B, C, or D. Choice A is clearly implied from the ideas expressed in the passage.

D. show a spirit of sportsmanship

C. be divided into several long paragraphs.

B. be courteous but brief.

The correct answer is A. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices B, C, or D. Choice A is clearly implied from the ideas expressed in the passage.

Explanation

The correct answer is A. There is nothing in the passage to support answer choices B, C, or D. Choice A is clearly implied from the ideas expressed in the passage.

24. Question: Although manufacturers exercise, through advertising, a high degree of control over consumers' desires, the manufacturer assumes enormous risks in attempting to predict what consumers will want and in producing goods in quantity and distributing them in advance of final selection by the consumers.

D. must eliminate the risk of overproduction by advertising.

A. can predict with great accuracy the success of any product they put on the market.

C. must distribute goods directly to the consumers.

Answer is B. There is nothing in the quotation to support choices A, C, or D. Choice B is supported by ". . . the manufacturer assumes enormous risks in attempting to predict what consumers will want and in providing goods in quantity and distributing them in advance of final selection by the consumers."

The best-supported statement is that manufacturers must depend upon the final selection by consumers for the success of their undertakings as stated in the quotation provided.

Explanation

The best-supported statement is that manufacturers must depend upon the final selection by consumers for the success of their undertakings as stated in the quotation provided.

25. The quotation, 'In almost every community, fortunately, there are certain people known to be public spirited; others, however, may be selfish and act only as their private interests seem to require,' implies that those citizens who disregard others are

B. fortunate

D. unknown

A. community minded

Answer is C. According to the quotation, citizens who are selfish and act only as their private interests seem to require are not public spirited. Those who disregard others are concerned principally with their own selfish interests. Choice C is therefore the correct answer

According to the quotation, citizens who are selfish and act only as their private interests seem to require are not public spirited. Those who disregard others are concerned principally with their own selfish interests.

Explanation

According to the quotation, citizens who are selfish and act only as their private interests seem to require are not public spirited. Those who disregard others are concerned principally with their own selfish interests.