In the passage the word embark means to:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'embark' typically means to board a ship or begin a journey. In this context, it means to start or set out on a new undertaking or venture, often including the act of boarding a ship. In the provided passage about the Golden Gate Bridge, it is mentioned that builders, architects, and workers embarked on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait, which refers to them starting this new undertaking. Therefore, the correct definition of 'embark' is D. Put or go on board a ship. The other choices are incorrect: A. Removing the covering from a tree is unrelated to the context of the passage. B. Speaking harshly to others and C. Entertaining the reader are also irrelevant to the meaning of 'embark' in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Statement B, 'Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw,' presents a fact rather than an opinion. This statement provides a clear and objective observation about the potential cause of harsh voice qualities, based on physical tension in specific areas of the body, which can be objectively measured and identified. Choice A is an opinion as it states 'One of the worst voice qualities is harshness' without providing a verifiable basis. Choice C lists subjective descriptors of an unpleasant voice without stating a definite cause. Choice D introduces a gender-based assertion about voice quality, making it an opinion rather than a factual observation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The paragraph explains that harsh voice qualities usually result from too much tension in the throat and jaw. It further discusses how tension tightens muscles, leading to unpleasant voice tones. While the paragraph addresses the issue of harsh voices, it does not mention that only some men have harsh voices (choice A) or that relaxed people often exhibit this quality (choice B). Additionally, the paragraph does not touch upon whether everyone finds harsh voices irritating (choice C), only stating that not everyone may be bothered by it.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The information is balanced in its approach. While the extract mentions that women tend to have shriller voices, making them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates, it does not show bias in favor of newscasters or against people with deep voices. The main focus is on the impact of voice qualities such as harshness, rather than promoting or criticizing any specific group.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Based on the extract provided, the author discusses the effects of different voice qualities on others but does not express any preference or reaction towards specific voices. The author emphasizes the negative impact of harsh tones and provides insights into how voice qualities can influence perceptions. As a result, it can be inferred that the author has no particular reactions to different voices. Choices A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of the author's public speaking experience or preference for specific voice qualities in the passage.