Nonfiction Articles for May 14, 2013

Directions: Read and complete the nonfiction article by writing the letter and the correct answer on your own paper.

6th Grade Nonfiction Article

READTHEORY • Reading Comprehension 1 Level 9

       In the early 1920's, settlers came to Alaska looking for gold. They traveled by boat to the coastal towns of Seward and Knik, and from there by land into the gold fields. The trail they used to travel inland is known today as the Iditarod Trail, one of the National Historic Trails designated by the Congress of theUnited States. The Iditarod Trail quickly became a major thoroughfare in Alaska, as the mail and supplies were carried across this trail. People also used it to get from place to place, including the priests, ministers, and judges who had to travel between villages. In the winter, the settlers’ only means of travel down this trail was via dog sled.

       Once the gold rush ended, many gold-seekers went back to where they had come from, and suddenly there was much less travel on the Iditarod Trail. The introduction of the airplane in the late 1920’s meant dog teams were no longer the standard mode of transportation, and of course with the airplane carrying the mail and supplies, there was less need for land travel in general. The final blow to the use of the dog teams was the appearance of snowmobiles.

       By the mid 1960's, most Alaskans didn’t even know the Iditarod Trail existed, or that dog teams had played a crucial role in Alaska’s early settlements. Dorothy G. Page, a recognized how few people knew about the former use of sled dogs as working animals and about the Iditarod Trail’s role in Alaska’s colorful history. To raise awareness about this aspect of Alaskan history, she came up with the idea to have a dog sled race over the Iditarod Trail. She presented her idea to an enthusiastic musher, as dog sled drivers are known, named Joe Redington, Sr. Soon the Pages and the Redingtons were working together to promote the idea of the Iditarod race.

       Many people worked to make the first Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race a reality in 1967. The Aurora Dog Mushers Club, along with men from the Adult Camp in Sutton, helped clear years of overgrowth from the first nine miles of the Iditarod Trail. To raise interest in the race, a $25,000 purse was offered, with Joe Redington donating one acre of his land to help raise the funds. The short race, approximately 27 miles long, was put on a second time in 1969.

       After these first two successful races, the goal was to lengthen the race a little further to the ghost town of Iditarod by 1973. However in 1972, the U.S. Army reopened the trail as a winter exercise, and so in 1973, the decision was made to take the race all the way to the city of Nome—over 1,000 miles. There were many who believed it could not be done and that it was crazy to send a bunch of mushers out into the vast, uninhabited Alaskan wilderness. But the race went! 22 mushers finished that year, and to date over 400 people have completed it.

Questions

1) The primary purpose of this passage is to

A. recount the history of the Iditarod trail and the race that memorializes it

B. describe the obstacles involved in founding the Iditarod race

C. outline the circumstances that led to the establishment of the Iditarod Trail

D. reestablish the important place of the Iditarod Trail in Alaska’s history

2) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that all of the following contributed to the

disuse of the Iditarod Trail except

A. more modern forms of transportation

B. depleted gold mines

C. highway routes to ghost towns

D. reduced demand for land travel

3) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for mode?

A. formula

B. way

C. preference

D. option

4) According to the passage, the initial Iditarod race

A. was funded through the sale of musher entrance fees

B. was founded by an advocate for Alaskan history

C. ended at the ghost town of Iditarod

D. boasted a total of 400 entrants

5) As used in paragraph 3, the phrase “self-made historian” implies that Dorothy G. Page

A. was employed by the state to keep its dog sled history alive

B. was determined to honor the glories of the gold rush in spite of her questionable credentials

C. had pursued the study of Alaska’s history out of her own interest

D. had personally educated others about Alaska’s history

6)In 1925, when a diphtheria outbreak threatened the lives of people in the remote town of Nome, the

government used the Iditarod Trail to transport medicine nearly 700 miles to the town. If the author

chose to include this fact in the passage, it would best fit in

A. paragraph 1

B. paragraph 2

C. paragraph 3

D. paragraph 5

7) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that because the U.S. Army reopened the

Iditarod Trail in 1972,

A. more people could compete in the Iditarod race

B. the mushers had to get permission from the U.S. Army to hold the race

C. the trail was cleared all the way to Nome

D. the Iditarod race became a seasonal Army competition

2

© Copyright Read Theory LLC, 2012. All rights reserved.

8th Grade Nonfiction Article

       The biggest house of cards, the longest tongue, and of course, the tallest man: these are among the thousands of records logged in the famous Guinness Book of Records . Created in 1955 after a debate concerning Europe's fastest game bird, what began as a marketing tool sold to pub landlords to promote Guinness, an Irish drink, became the bestselling copyright title of all time (a category that excludes books such as the Bible and the Koran). In time, the book would sell 120 million copies in over 100 countries— quite a leap from its humble beginnings. 

       In its early years, the book set its sights on satisfying man's innate curiosity about the natural world around him. Its two principal fact finders, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, scoured the globe to collect empirical facts. It was their task to find and document aspects of life that can be sensed or observed, things that can be quantified or measured. But not just any things. They were only interested in superlatives: the biggest and the best. It was during this period that some of the hallmark Guinness Records were documented, answering such questions as "What is the brightest star?" and "What is the biggest spider?" 

       Once aware of the public's thirst for such knowledge, the book's authors began to branch out to cover increasingly obscure, little- known facts. They started documenting human achievements as well. A forerunner for reality television, the Guinness Book gave people a chance to become famous for accomplishing eccentric, often pointless tasks. Records were set in 1955 for consuming 24 raw eggs in 14 minutes and in 1981 for the fastest solving of a Rubik's Cube (which took a mere 38 seconds). In 1979 a man yodeled non- stop for ten and a quarter hours.

       In its latest incarnation, the book has found a new home on the internet. No longer restricted to the confines of physical paper, the Guinness World Records website contains seemingly innumerable facts concerning such topics as the most powerful combustion engine, or the world's longest train. What is striking, however, is that such facts are found sharing a page with the record of the heaviest train to be pulled with a beard. While there is no denying that each of these facts has its own, individual allure, the latter represents a significant deviation from the education - oriented facts of earlier editions. Perhaps there is useful knowledge to be gleaned regarding the tensile strength of a beard, but this seems to cater to an audience more interested in seeking entertainment than education.

       Originating as a simple bar book, the Guinness Book of Records as evolved over decades to provide insight into the full spectrum of modern life. And although one may be more likely now to learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into the future of fact - finding and record-recording.

Questions

1) Which of the following statements would best serve as the headline for this passage?

   A. The encyclopedia of the extremes reflects the changing interests of modern society.
   B. A book of simple origins makes it to the top as sales total a staggering 120 million  

        copies.
   C. Facts are often displayed in a boring, uninteresting manner, but not in theGuinness 

        Book of Records.
   D. The Guinness World Records website proves itself a valuable resource for insight into 

         the full spectrum of modern life.
   E. Where other books fall short, the index of superlative sciences never ceases to amaze.

2) According to the author, the most significant difference between older editions of the

Guinness Book of Records and the new Guinness World Records website involves

    A.  an end to the use of facts as a means to promote Guinness

    B.  an overall increase in the total number of facts presented

    C.  a move from fact -finding to the recording of achievements

    D.  a shift in focus from educational to entertaining material

    E.  a departure from book sales being limited to local pubs and bars

3) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for empirical?

    A. natural

    B. derived from experience

    C. recordable

    D. excellent or unmatched

    E. convenient or handy

4) Based on its use in paragraph 2, which of the following best describes something that is

    superlative?

    A. Students give presentations about their favorite subjects for a grade. Amy Newhouse  

        receives an 87% for her presentation, while Dustin Lincoln receives a 92%.

    B.  Although sharks are significantly bigger and have razor - sharp teeth, dolphins are   

         smarter and can therefore successfully evade attack.

    C. The lake holds a contest to see who can catch the biggest fish. Tommy wins, having  

        caught a 6lb. 5 oz. smallmouth bass.

    D. A man built an enormous house of cards. It took him 44 days and 218,792 individual 

        playing cards to complete.

     E. Ichiro likes tennis and practices every day. In his last tournament, he placed 3rd of  

         over 350  competitors, winning the bronze trophy.

   

5)  Using the passage as a guide, it can be inferred that the author most likely believes reality   

     television to be

    A. corrupt

    B. absurd

    C. idiotic

    D. invaluable

    E. shallow

6)  In the final paragraph, the author writes, "And although one may be more likely now to  

     learn about the widest human mouth than the highest number of casualties in a single     

     battle of the Civil War, the Guinness World Records website offers a telling glimpse into  

     the future of fact- finding and record-recording." Which of the following literary devices is    

     used in this quotation?

A.  Aphorism, characterized by the use of a concise statement that is made in a matter of 

     fact tone to state a principle or an opinion that is generally understood to be a universal 

     truth. Aphorisms are often adages, wise sayings and maxims aimed at imparting sense 

      and wisdom.

B.  Alliteration, characterized by the use of adjacent words that begin with the same

     sound or letter,creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. This is used to add 

     character to the writing and often adds an element of playfulness.

C.  Amplification, characterized by the embellishment or extension of a statement in order to  

     give it greater worth or meaning. This is often used for rhetorical purposes.

D.  Anagram, characterized by the jumbling of the syllables of a phrase or the individual   

     letters of a word to create a new word. Anagram is a form of wordplay that allows the  

     writer to infuse mystery and a fun into the writing so that the reader can decipher the  

     actual word on his or her own and discover enhanced depth of meaning.

E.  Anthropomorphism in which a human quality, emotion or ambition is attributed to a non-

     human object or being. This is often used in order to relate the object to the reader on a   

     familiar level and also to increase the level of relativity between the humans and objects 

     while lending character to the subject.

7)   Which of the following best summarizes the organization of this passage?

      A. introduction, history, conclusion

      B. history, examples, explanations, conclusion

      C. exposition, history, conclusion

      D. introduction, thesis, supporting paragraphs, conclusion

      E. introduction, history, exposition, conclusion

     Nonfiction Articles for May 13, 2013



Directions: Read and complete the nonfiction article by writing the letter and the correct answer on your OWN paper.

6th Grade Nonfiction Article

  

 READTHEORY

•• Reading Comprehension 8 Level 8 

The hammer may be the oldest tool we have record of. Stone hammers—some of the oldest human artifacts ever discovered—date back as early as 2,600,000 BCE. Not only is the hammer the oldest tool, but it is also the greatest. What makes the hammer so great is its simplicity, power, and usefulness. 

The structure of the hammer is relatively simple—a fact largely responsible for its early invention and widespread distribution across cultures and geographic regions. The hammer is composed of two main parts: a handle and a head. The handle is used to swing the hammer. The head is used to hit other objects. 

While the hammer is a very simple tool, it is still able to generate tremendous power. This power results from two factors: the weight of the head, and the speed at which the hammer is swung. Every hammer (though some more than others) has a large distribution of weight at the head. When a hammer is swung, this weight pivots about the hand, which acts as a fulcrum. The handle carries the weight at a distance, acting as a lever arm, so a longer handle means increased speed. The weight of the head together with the speed generated by the lever arm is what gives the hammer so much power. The heavier the head and the faster it is swung, the more power a hammer produces. 

In addition to the hammer's great power, it also has an exceptionally wide range of useful applications. The purpose of the hammer-- to hit-- is a universal action that can accomplish many tasks. Let's start with the obvious: a hammer can be made to pound nails. But a hammer has many other uses as well. It can break apart hard objects such as brick or concrete. It can bend and shape metal or steel. It can gently tap objects to make small adjustments. It can be used to make sculpture or pottery. It can be used in the hot, harsh business of blacksmithing as well as in delicate operations like crafting jewelry. In times of desperation, it can even be used as a weapon. 

The hammer truly is a great tool. It is simple, powerful, and useful. A quintessential symbol of labor, the hammer has come to represent hard work and embody the spirit of human industry. 

Questions 

1) The thesis statement is one sentence that clearly communicates what the author plans to discuss in the passage. Based on this information, which of the following sentences from the passage is its thesis statement? 

A. "The hammer may be the oldest tool we have record of." 

B. "Not only is the hammer the oldest tool, but it is also the greatest." 

C. "A quintessential symbol of labor, the hammer has come to represent hard work and embody the spirit of human industry." 

D. "What makes the hammer so great is its simplicity, power, and usefulness." 

2) Which of the following best describes the organization of this passage? 

A. introduction, supporting paragraphs, conclusion 

B. introduction, examples, supporting paragraphs, conclusion 

C. history, examples, conclusion 

D. history, introduction, supporting paragraphs 

3) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following hammers is capable of generating the most power? 

A. a claw hammer, because it can be swung very fast 

B. a ball-peen hammer, because it has a medium length handle and a small head 

C. a sledge hammer, because it has a long handle and a heavy head 

D. a bush hammer, because it has a long handle and a light head 

4) Based on information in the passage, all of the following people might reasonably use a hammer at work except 

A. a sculptor who works in different metals 

B. an artist who makes earrings 

C. the driver of a concrete mixer 

D. a carpenter who frames wooden houses 

5) As used in the final paragraph, which of the following describes something quintessential? 

A. Jean-Michel finds a prize at the bottom of a cereal box. Once he digs it out, he sees that it is a cheap plastic toy car. After playing with it for a few minutes, he throws it in the trash. 

B. Veterans agree that there are many songs that accurately depict the struggles faced by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. 

C. While the buildings that line the streets in downtown Manhattan are very impressive, what visitors tend to remember most about New York City are the signature yellow taxi cabs that appear nearly everywhere. 

D. During the first three months of its life, our newborn baby cried at night. It was only after we implemented a strict routine of feeding, sleeping, and activity time that we were finally able to enjoy a soundless night. 

© Copyright Read Theory LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. 

8th Grade Nonfiction Article

 READTHEORY 

• Reading Comprehension 2 Level 10 

However, despite the beliefs of these 17-21 million people, there is no evidence that accidents are more likely to happen on Friday the 13th. On the contrary, some studies have shown there are actually fewer accidents on Friday the 13th. A recent report completed by a Dutch insurance company showed that there were fewer incidents of fires and theft on Fridays that fell on the 13th than on any other Fridays in the same year. It is highly probable that this reduction in accidents owes itself to the fear of Friday the 13th itself. If people are more cautious on Friday the 13th, then there are likely to be fewer accidents. 

If, then, there is no significant evidence that Friday the 13th is any more dangerous than any other day of the year, why do friggatriskaidekaphobics remain convinced of its unluckiness? While the historical or folk traditions discussed earlier may have something to do with this belief, people may also use associational links to justify their superstitions. If a friggatriskaidekaphobic loses his wallet on Tuesday the 21st, for example, he would probably not assign any meaning to the date on which this event occurred. If the same individual lost his wallet on Friday the 13th, however, he might be likely to conclude that the inauspicious nature of Friday the 13th was at fault. 

Questions 

1) This passage is most likely an excerpt from 

A. the case study of a patient suffering from friggatriskaidekaphobia 

B. the introduction to an article about friggatriskaidekaphobia 

C. the introduction to a study about the likelihood of accidents occurring on Friday the 13th 

D. a longer work proving that superstitions are justified by real-world events 

E. the conclusion of a longer work that analyzes evidence about the superstition of Friday the 13th 

2) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that an earlier section of this passage likely 

I. featured a personal anecdote about why the author no longer believes that Friday the 13th is unlucky 

II. provided some explanations about why people might fear Friday the 13th 

III. introduced the term “friggatriskaidekaphobia” 

A. l only 

B. II only 

C. I and II only 

D. II and III only 

E. I, II, and III 

3) Which of the following pieces of evidence, if true, would best support the author’s argument in paragraph 1? 

A. In ancient Egypt, the number 13 was actually considered lucky by the pharaohs. 

B. Major airlines report that there is no significant drop in the number of passengers who fly on Friday the 13th. 

C. Studies performed in the United Kingdom reveal that significantly fewer people choose to drive their cars to work on Friday the 13th. 

D. More traffic accidents occur on Fridays than on any other day of the week. 

E. 50% fewer marriages occur on Friday the 13th than on other Fridays occurring in the same year. 

4) According to the example presented in paragraph 2, which of the following logical fallacies is committed by the man who loses his wallet and blames Friday the 13th? 

A. Post hoc, characterized by the argument in which two sequential events are said to be causally related, but this is not actually the case; the arguer wrongly concludes that the earlier event cause the later. That is, correlation isn’t the same thing as causation. 

B. Appeal to probability, characterized by the assumption that because an event could happen, it is inevitable that it will happen. 

C. Appeal to ignorance, characterized by the supposition that, due to a lack of conclusive evidence, the conclusion of an argument should be accepted. 

D. Hasty generalization, characterized by making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is atypical or too small). 

E. Weak analogy, characterized by an argument that relies on an analogy between two or more objects, ideas, or situations which aren’t really alike in the relevant respects. 

5) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best antonym for inauspicious? 

A. predictable 

B. pleasant 

C. fortunate 

D. successful 

E. honest 

© Copyright Read Theory LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. 

                          Nonfiction Articles 
                                     for 
                   Friday, May 10, 2013

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following questions by writing the letter AND the correct answer on your OWN paper.

6th Grade Nonfiction Article

 READTHEORY 

•• Readiing Comprehension 5 Level 8 

According to Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan of enormous strength. After being defeated by the god Zeus, Atlas was forced to carry the earth and the sky for an eternity. In depictions of Atlas, he is shown as a stooped figure carrying the globe on his shoulders. Because of his association with the globe, maps began to be decorated with this image of Atlas. Accordingly, the word “atlas” became a nickname for a collection of maps. Today, an atlas refers to any book that consists of a bound collection of maps. For example, an atlas can be made up of maps of the countries of the world or of the states of the United States. Sometimes an atlas will also contain graphs and charts with other statistical information about the culture, religion, climate, or government of the population of a given area. 

Questions 

1) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that Atlas supported the earth and the sky because he was 

A. a Titan of enormous strength 

B. punished after losing to Zeus 

C. associated with maps and globes 

D. a slave to the god Zeus 

2) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that which of the following people or groups might use an atlas? 

I. a group of explorers on the Nile River 

II. a backpacker planning a tour of Europe 

III. army generals preparing for battle 

A. I only 

B. I and II only 

C. II and III only 

D. I, II, and III 

3) Conjunctions (or conjunctive phrases) are used to indicate or emphasize the existence of a relationship between ideas. As used in the passage, which of the following conjunctions could be used in place of the conjunction Accordingly? 

I. Although 

II. As a result 

III. Consequently 

A. I only 

B. I and II only 

C. II and III only 

D. I, II, and III 

4) Based on the information in the passage, it can be inferred that the additional charts and graphs in an atlas could include information about 

I. major languages 

II. average temperatures 

III. historical events 

A. I only 

B. I and II only 

C. II and III only 

D. I, II, and III 

© Copyright Read Theory LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. 

8th Grade Nonfiction Article

 © Copyright Read Theory LLC, 2012. All rights reserved. 

 READTHEORY 

•• Reading Comprehension 1 Level 10 

Xandersol, a new, potentially lethal drug, is being blamed for numerous illnesses and the deaths of six Anchorstown residents. According to water and sewer authority officials, the drug has somehow found its way into the city water system, resulting in the contamination of household drinking water for thousands of local residents. 

The question lies not in determining how, but, more importantly, where the drug entered the city water system; once the leak is found it can quickly be contained. Experts agree that, given the relative scarcity of Xandersol in amounts large enough to affect an entire community, the leak could only have occurred in the following three locations: 1) the Griffen Pharmaceuticals Production Facility (GPPF), 2) the Waste Pharmaceuticals Processing Plant (WPPP), or 3) the Riverdale Testing Center (RTC). 

Support for the claim that Xandersol entered the city water system at the GPPF is widespread. According to a recent poll, an overwhelming majority of local residents—nearly 80%—believe this to be the case. Marcia Downing, a mother of three, advocates that the GPPF is to blame. "It seems pretty obvious that the leak happened at the GPPF," she says. "Just ask around. Nearly everyone on the block will tell you so. I mean, I don't understand what the big mystery is. If everyone says it's true, then it's probably true. Strength in numbers," she says. "That's what my mom used to say." As a result of the disaster, Marcia has had to take off work to care for her children, whom she believes have been adversely affected by the contaminated water. "I've taken off three days since the disaster. And those are unpaid days. I don't have the luxury of paid sick days like some people." She shakes her head. "You know things are bad when you can't even drink the water." 

While support for the claim that Xandersol entered the water at the GPPF is popular, this theory lacks the support of widely recognizable figures such as big name actor Evert Milkin. Milkin, on location for a shoot for his upcoming blockbuster movie, had a chance to spend two days in Anchorstown. Upon being warned about the drinking water problem, he decided to investigate for himself. Milkin was shocked at what he found. He purports to have discovered a dried pool of Xandersol residue collected about the entrance of a city sewer opening just outside the WPPP. Acting upon these findings, Milkin has galvanized many to support the claim that the Xandersol entered the city water system at the WPPP. Alyssa Davis, one of Milkin's newest followers, explains, "If a nationally recognized and highly respected actor like Milkin tells you it's true, you can rest assured it most definitely is." Milkin says that he won't comment on his plans to indict the WPPP for negligence, but he says that the "wheels are in motion." 

Since Milkin's investigation, the WPPP has come under increased scrutiny. But that is not to say the RTC is not also feeling the heat. According to local engineer Todd Severs, the RTC is the one at fault. "It should be pretty clear to everyone that the RTC is responsible for the disaster. Just take a look at their past record. In the last two years alone, the RTC has incurred 16 citations for noncompliance with federal and state drug testing standards." Severs continues, "Make no mistake, a corporation like that is the one to turn your attention to in a situation like this." In recent days, Severs' statements have begun to resonate with the public. When confronted with growing concern, the RTC issued the following statement in its defense: "We of the RTC are troubled by the recent accusations regarding our involvement in the contamination of the city water system. While we understand that much of this blame stems from our poor record of upholding testing standards, we would like to remind local residents of the simple, yet important facts: The RTC has been testing the drugs that the people have come to depend on. What is more, we have done it on a shoestring budget. Many of our employees are forced to work under meager circumstances—circumstances that few would put up with unless they weren't so dutifully driven to carry out this noble endeavor. Several of our employees are barely able to clothe their children and put food on the table. In our quest to create safe, helpful, reliable drugs, regardless of the hardships we suffer, it seems we have now become completely unappreciated." 

Reports of those adversely affected by Xandersol are on the rise. In desperation, residents have resorting to fitting out their taps with makeshift Xandersol filters. For many, it seems no solution is on the horizon. In passing, we conducted a final interview with a man pushing a cart who, despite our efforts, evades identification. "Instead of wasting time blaming everybody," says the man, "why not just check all three?" It seems he is referring to the GFFC, WPPP, and RTC—the three potential leak sites. "I'm thirsty," he continues, moving away. "You wouldn't happen to have any bottled water, would you?" 

Questions 

1) In which of the following publications would this passage be most likely to appear? 

A. a magazine about powerful new drugs 

B. an Anchorstown newspaper 

C. a cautionary pamphlet included in every new pack of Xandersol 

D. an encyclopedia article about Xandersol 

E. a blockbuster movie review 

2) Based on its use in paragraph 3, it can be inferred that advocate belongs to which of the following word families? 

A. acknowledge, concede, recognize 

B. adjudicate, determine, select 

C. propose, suggest, recommend 

D. champion, bolster, support 

E. admit, concede, grant 

3) Which of the following logical fallacies is present in the argument made in paragraph 3 regarding the claim that the GFFC is responsible for the disaster? 

A. Hasty generalization, characterized by making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is atypical or too small). 

B. Missing the point, characterized by a condition in which the premises of an argument do support a particular conclusion—but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws. 

C. Slippery slope, characterized by an argument in which the arguer claims that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but without enough evidence for that assumption. The arguer asserts that if we take even one step onto the "slippery slope," we will end up sliding all the way to the bottom; he or she assumes we can't stop partway down the hill. 

D. Weak analogy, characterized by an argument that relies on an analogy between two or more objects, ideas, or situations which are not really alike in the relevant respects. 

E. Ad populum, characterized by an argument in which the arguer takes advantage of the desire most people have to be liked and to fit in with others, using that desire to try to get the audience to accept his or her argument. 

4) As used in paragraph 4, which of the following describes something that is galvanized? 

A. Jamie is a welder. Yesterday, I watched him join two pieces of soft, red hot metal by hammering them together. Sometimes he adds fusible materials to the pieces to be joined. 

B. When a bone in the human body gets broken, it can take months before it becomes fully healed. Oftentimes, once the fractured ends are fused back together, the bone is stronger after the break than it was before. 

C. In Darbyville, poor work conditions have gone unchecked for too long, and the situation is getting worse. Margo is exciting the impoverished class to rise up against their oppressors. 

D. Ichiro is tired of being unappreciated at work. So, he decides to do something about it: tomorrow he will ask to meet with his boss to discuss the situation personally. 

E. Joining in the movement that is sweeping the nation, Alyssa Deporto Roberts, the world renowned artist, has agreed to quit smoking. The news is making headlines. 

5) Which of the following logical fallacies is present in the argument made in paragraph 4 regarding the claim that the WPPP is responsible for the disaster? 

A. Ad hominem, characterized by an argument in which the arguer attacks his or her opponent instead of the opponent's argument. 

B. Red herring, characterized by an argument in which, partway through the argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what is really at stake. 

C. Begging the question, characterized by an argument that asks the reader to simply accept the conclusion without providing real evidence; the argument either relies on a premise that says the same thing as the conclusion (commonly referred to as "being circular" or "circular reasoning"), or simply ignores an important (but questionable) assumption that the argument rests on. 

D. Appeal to ignorance, characterized by the supposition that, due to a lack of conclusive evidence, the conclusion of an argument should be accepted. 

E. Appeal to authority, characterized by the attempt to get readers to agree with us simply by impressing them with a prominent figure or by appealing to a supposed authority who really is not much of an expert. 

6) Which of the following logical fallacies is present in the argument made in paragraph 5 regarding the claim that the RTC is responsible for the disaster? 

A. Post hoc, characterized by an argument in which two sequential events are said to be causally related, when this is not actually the case; the arguer wrongly concludes that the earlier event caused the later. That is, correlation is not the same thing as causation. 

B. Ad hominem, characterized by an argument in which the arguer attacks his or her opponent instead of the opponent's argument. 

C. Hasty generalization, characterized by making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is atypical or too small). 

D. Equivocation, characterized by sliding between two or more different meanings of a single word or phrase that is important to the argument. 

E. False dichotomy, characterized by an argument in which the arguer makes it look like there are only two choices (one that is logical and one that is illogical), when, in reality, there are multiple options. 

7) As used in paragraph 5, which is the best antonym for resonate? 

A. reflect 

B. reduce 

C. repeat 

D. renounce 

E. reverberate 

8) Which of the following logical fallacies is present in the argument made in paragraph 5 regarding the defense put forth by the RTC? 

A. Missing the point, characterized by an argument in which the premises support a particular conclusion—but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws. 

B. Ad populum, characterized by an argument in which the arguer takes advantage of the desire most people have to be liked and to fit in with others, using that desire to try to get the audience to accept his or her argument. 

C. Appeal to pity, characterized by an argument in which the arguer tries to get people to accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone. 

D. Slippery slope, characterized by an argument in which the arguer claims that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but without enough evidence for that assumption. The arguer asserts that if we take even one step onto the "slippery slope," we will end up sliding all the way to the bottom; he or she assumes we can't stop partway down the hill. 

E. Red herring, characterized by an argument in which, partway through the argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what is really at stake. 

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