Can You Pass This Toughest GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Test?

1.

What does the passage indicate about the strains influenza detected in birds in Illinois?

A.

The strains are fatal to chickens and turkeys.
B.

The strains are similar to strains found in Asia, Europe and Africa.
C.

The strains have not been seen previously in the wild.
D.

The strains a variety of low-pathogenic avian influenza.
E.

The strains pose a serious risk to humans.

Correct Answer
D. The strains a variety of low-pathogenic avian influenza.

Explanation
According to the passage: "The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior today announced final test results, which confirm that a low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus was found in samples collected last month from wild Green-winged Teals in Illinois."

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2.

If the rapid screenings produce results that cannot be confirmed in the lab, what is the value of using the tests in the field?

A.

It creates opportunities for the rapid test to be refined.
B.

Rapid tests can detect all strains of avian influenza.
C.

Correctly identifying the subtype of a strain is not as important as confirming the existence of the strain itself.
D.

Avian influenza poses a serious risk to the United States.
E.

Early detection can reduce the number of bird deaths.

Correct Answer
B. Rapid tests can detect all strains of avian influenza.

Explanation
According to the passage: "Varieties of this test can screen for the presence of all strains of avian influenza virus."

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3.

Low pathogenic strains of avian influenza in wild birds:

A.

Can decimate the population quickly.
B.

Only affect edible birds, like chicken and turkey .
C.

Cause minor illnesses in wild birds, but are fatal to domestic chickens and turkeys.
D.

Exist in the wild but do not cause major illness.
E.

Have mutated into fatal strains in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Correct Answer
D. Exist in the wild but do not cause major illness.

Explanation
According to the passage: "Low pathogenic strains of avian influenza occur naturally in wild birds and typically cause only minor sickness or no noticeable signs of disease in birds."

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4.

What is the major danger of avian influenza?

A.

Low risk strains can spontaneously mutate into strains harmful to birds in the human food chain.
B.

Highly infectious strains can damage the human food supply.
C.

Strains that produce few or no symptoms in birds can produce serious illness in humans.
D.

Avian influenza can cause serious population losses in endangered bird species.
E.

Avian influenza will destroy wild bird populations in conservation areas.

Correct Answer
B. Highly infectious strains can damage the human food supply.

Explanation
According to the passage: "Highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza spread rapidly and are often fatal to chickens and turkeys."

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5.

According to the passage, which avian influenza strain is highly infectious?

A.

H5N1
B.

H1N5
C.

H6N2
D.

H6N1
E.

H2N6

Correct Answer
A. H5N1

Explanation
According to the passage: "Low pathogenic avian influenza viruses are very different from the more severe highly pathogenic H5N1 circulating in parts of Asia, Europe and Africa."

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6.

What does the term pathogenicity mean?

A.

The quality of being a pathogen.
B.

The ability to detect pathogens.
C.

Capable of causing disease.
D.

The origin of the viral strain.
E.

The authenticity of the viral strain

Correct Answer
C. Capable of causing disease.

Explanation
The passage describes strains that are low pathogenic as strains that cannot cause serious disease. At the same time, the passage describes strains of avian influenza that are "highly pathogenic" and can be fatal to chickens and turkeys. Therefore, "pathogenic" refers to the virus's ability to cause disease.

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7.

What is the significance of finding avian influenza in Green-winged Teals in Illinois?

A.

Answer 1
B.

Answer 2
C.

Answer 3

Correct Answer
B. Answer 2

Explanation
According to the passage: "LPAI has been detected several times in wild birds in North America and poses no risk to human health." The announcement in the passage indicates that there is no significance to the finding of avian influenza in Illinois. The results of a thorough test showed that the strain of avian influenza in Illinois is a common and benign strain.

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