What is the author's conclusion about the house on Pine Street?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The author's conclusion about the house on Pine Street is that it was too expensive. This can be inferred from the description provided in the text, where it is mentioned that although the house had enough space inside, it didn't have a big enough yard for their dogs, and the cost of the house was well above their price range. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the evidence from the text, which clearly points to the cost being the main issue with the house on Pine Street.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sentence 'Finally, we were able to settle in to enjoy the movie.' indicates the completion or conclusion of a sequence of events. The word 'finally' signals that something has been achieved or reached at the end of a series of actions or events. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate the end of a sequence but rather express different points within a series of events or actions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct sequence of the author's actions based on the extract is as follows: the author looked at the house on Forest Road first, then two houses that were too small, followed by a house with a yard that was too small, and finally a house that was too expensive. Therefore, choice B correctly lists the author's actions in the given sequence. Choice A is incorrect as it reverses the order of the second and third houses visited. Choice C is incorrect as it includes a house with only one bathroom, which was not mentioned in the extract. Choice D is incorrect as it places the house on Forest Road last, whereas it was actually the first house visited.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The statement 'It was irresponsible for Julia to leave work early' is an opinion because it reflects a judgment or evaluation of Julia's actions, rather than stating a fact. The other statements (A, B, D) provide factual information about events that occurred in the passage. Option A states a fact about Julia being asked by her boss; option B explains the reason for Julia being late; option D provides a reason for Julia feeling tired. These are not opinions but rather statements of events or circumstances.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A weakens the author's argument by highlighting a potential conflict of interest. If the cited study was funded by a company offering discounted tutoring, it could introduce bias and question the credibility of the study's findings. This revelation could cast doubt on the objectivity and reliability of the research, ultimately undermining the argument based on the cited study. Choices B, C, and D do not directly impact the credibility or objectivity of the cited study, so they would not significantly weaken the author's argument.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The passage is expository as it provides factual information about the sensory, motor, and perceptual development in babies during the first two years of life. It explains how babies' senses develop, focusing on hearing and vision in their early stages. The passage presents these developmental milestones in a straightforward and informative manner, making it expository. Choice B (narrative) is incorrect because the passage does not tell a story or present a sequence of events involving characters. Choice C (persuasive) is incorrect as there is no attempt to convince or persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint. Choice D (descriptive) is incorrect because the passage does not aim to create a vivid picture or impression using sensory details; instead, it focuses on providing clear information about sensory development in infants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The author's main purpose in the passage is to explain the influence of idealism on American social and political discourse. The passage discusses how idealistic viewpoints shape the discourse in America, advocating for specific ideals and beliefs (A) rather than explaining the beliefs of an idealist (B) or examining the impact of snake behavior on the ecosystem (D).

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'bestowed' in this context means to be given or presented with something. In the passage, it is mentioned that good powers were bestowed upon different animals by Epimetheus. This implies that these powers were given or presented to the animals. Choice A, 'purchased,' does not align with the context of the passage as the animals did not buy or acquire these powers. Choice B, 'forgotten,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the act of giving. Choice C, 'accepted,' is also incorrect as it implies that the animals willingly received these powers, which is not the case in the passage. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: given.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The main purpose of this passage is to inform readers about the role of skin coloration and markings in snakes. It explains how these markings help snakes hide from predators and how they can also indicate venomousness. The passage also provides examples such as the scarlet kingsnake to illustrate how some nonvenomous snakes mimic the appearance of venomous snakes for protection. This informative content aims to educate readers about the survival strategies of snakes, rather than entertain, describe, or persuade them.