First-hand accounts of an event, subject matter, time period, or an individual are referred to as what type of source?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: First-hand accounts, like the speech by Charles Dickens, are considered primary sources as they provide direct evidence or original data from the event or time period. Primary sources offer firsthand information, such as diaries, speeches, letters, autobiographies, or original research reports. Secondary sources interpret and analyze primary sources, making them one step removed from the original event or period. Direct and indirect sources are not commonly used terms in the context of primary and secondary sources.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: 'Moult' refers to the act of shedding the outer shell, which is part of the insect's development. In the passage, it mentions insects that remain continually under water until they are ready to undergo their final moult and attain the winged state. This process of shedding the outer shell is crucial for insects transitioning from their aquatic larval stage to their aerial adult stage. Choices A, B, and D do not align with the specific context provided in the passage about the term 'moult.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The first paragraph introduces the general characteristics of insects and their ability to live both on land and in the air, setting the stage for discussing specific examples in the second paragraph. The second paragraph then delves into examples of insects that transition from living underwater to the aerial phase, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between the general concept introduced in the first paragraph and the specific examples in the second paragraph. Choice A is correct because the first paragraph gives the cause (insects being creatures of land and air) and the second paragraph provides the effect (specific examples of insects transitioning between water and air). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the relationship between the two paragraphs as cause and effect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sentence indicates that the insects undergo different stages of development, with the preparatory instars being aquatic and the adult instar being aerial. This highlights the adaptability of these insects to different environments. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the volume of water and air rather than the stages of development in different environments. Choice B is unrelated to the content of the sentence and does not capture the meaning accurately. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions breathing through gills, which is not explicitly stated in the sentence. Therefore, choice C is the best interpretation of the sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Based on the author's tone in the excerpt, one can infer that the author's tone is informative. The author aims to educate the reader about the unique characteristics of insects, their habitats, and their life cycle. The tone is objective and descriptive, focusing on providing factual information rather than persuading or expressing passion or somberness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because there is no evident attempt to persuade, show excitement, or express anger in the text. Instead, the author's primary focus is on providing detailed information about the topic.