Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage mentions that explorers like Lewis and Clark were sent to the newly acquired Louisiana Territory immediately after the Louisiana Purchase. This indicates that explorers were already on their way to the region following the purchase. Choice B is incorrect as there is no direct mention of the government wanting to increase its power right after the purchase. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not state that government officials would specifically ensure explorers were dispatched to the region. Choice D is incorrect because there is no information provided in the passage about explorers expecting payment for their work.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously, the irrelevant detail about the immigration violation distracts from the main message of the protest against property tax rates. The inclusion of this detail shifts the focus away from the citizen's current concerns and the reasons for his protest, thus distorting the story's message. Choices A, B, and C do not include irrelevant details that significantly distort the main messages of the stories. Choice A mentions political differences with bandmates but still focuses on the politician's part-time rock band. Choice B discusses the employment of illegal laborers but remains centered on the business owner's political aspirations. Choice C talks about ongoing hostilities in the Middle East but does not veer away from the main focus on the local Jewish and Arab business leaders.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The destruction of barrier islands and coastal wetlands has left the mainland exposed, leading to increased damage and expenses from hurricanes. This implies a direct reason for the increased cost of recent hurricane seasons. The other choices do not directly address the reason for the increased expenses. Choice A talks about the intensity of Hurricane Katrina but does not explain the overall trend of increased expenses. Choice B mentions buildings being destroyed, which is a consequence rather than a reason for increased expenses. Choice C discusses an active period in the Atlantic Basin but does not connect it to the increased costs of hurricane seasons.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that the FDA has a specialized program for regulating dietary supplements. The passage explains how the FDA regulates dietary supplements differently from drugs, focusing on the requirements for marketing, good manufacturing practices, monitoring safety, and taking action against unsafe products. Choice A is incorrect because while it mentions good manufacturing practices, it's not the central idea of the passage. Choice C is incorrect as there is no emphasis on prosecuting individuals in the passage. Choice D is incorrect because stating that the FDA is part of the federal government is not the main idea discussed in the passage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The purpose of the italics used for several of the works identified in the sentence above is to indicate a full-length published book. In the provided extract, titles of books such as 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Brave New World,' 'A Passage to India,' and 'The Cask of Amontillado' are italicized to emphasize them as standalone works. This formatting convention is commonly used to highlight titles of books, magazines, movies, and other individual works in written text. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the italics are not specifically indicating classic literature, recommended summer reading, or completion by Angela, but rather serving the general purpose of emphasizing standalone works.