What is the best summary of this passage?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The best summary of the passage is that humans can use coloration and markings on snakes to determine whether they're venomous. The passage discusses how snake markings serve the purpose of warning predators and helping humans identify venomous snakes by their bright coloration. Choice B is incorrect because the passage focuses on how coloration helps snakes evade predators rather than hide from them. Choice C is incorrect as it only mentions two specific snakes with similar markings, which is a minor detail compared to the main point of identifying venomous snakes. Choice D is incorrect because it only partially reflects the passage, focusing solely on the relationship between markings and venom in snakes, missing the crucial aspect of human ability to discern venomous snakes based on their coloration.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The final sentence of the passage mentioning that Julia set a course for home indicates that Julia is making a deliberate decision to head towards her residence. This implies that she is planning to go home, suggesting that option B is the most accurate interpretation. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the context provided. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Julia cannot go directly home. Option C is incorrect as there is no mention of Julia returning to work. Option D is incorrect as there is no evidence in the passage to suggest that Julia is worried about the fire at her office spreading to her home.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ginger is typically harvested in the fall season because ginger roots mature in about 8-10 months after planting. This makes the fall season optimal for harvesting when the roots have reached their full potential. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because ginger is not harvested in spring, summer, or winter according to the guide provided.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most likely reason Julia did not return to work after the alarm is that she got stuck in traffic and could not get back to her office. The extract provides details about Julia's challenging morning, starting from being woken up early by lawn mowers, having a caffeine-free cup of coffee, facing traffic delays, arriving late at work, and receiving additional work from her boss. These events culminated in Julia deciding to leave after the fire alarm, indicating that being stuck in traffic was the primary reason for her absence. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because there is no direct evidence in the provided extract to support them. Julia's actions suggest that her decision to leave was more related to external factors like traffic issues rather than internal feelings of embarrassment, tiredness, or being given time off by her boss.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D is the most concise summary of the passage as it encapsulates the main idea that the passage focuses on the changes in babies' senses during their first year of life. The passage explains how babies are born with sensory abilities similar to adults but highlights the significant changes that occur during the first year, particularly in vision development. While the other options touch on specific aspects mentioned in the passage, they do not capture the overall essence of the passage, which emphasizes the dynamic and transformative nature of babies' sensory experiences in their first year.

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: C

Rationale: Babies primarily rely on the sense of touch during their early development. Their sense of touch is one of the first senses to develop, allowing them to explore and understand the world around them. Touch helps babies bond with caregivers, provides comfort, and facilitates learning about different textures and sensations. While vision, hearing, and smell are also important, touch plays a crucial role in infants' early development and communication. The provided extract explains that babies initially rely on hearing and later on vision, with touch being essential for early bonding and exploration, making it the primary sense in infancy.

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).