What is the main idea of this passage?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, which are precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail), runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice B is incorrect because the water cycle involves more than just evaporation and condensation. Choice C is incorrect as it includes an additional element, runoff, not mentioned as a primary component of the water cycle in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the water cycle involves processes both in the atmosphere and on the ground.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Golden Gate Bridge crosses the entrance to San Francisco Bay, spanning the Golden Gate Strait. It does not cross the Pacific Ocean, Marin Strait, or Indian Ocean directly. The iconic bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County in California. The Pacific Ocean is a vast body of water beyond the Golden Gate entrance, and Marin Strait is not a recognized geographical location. The Indian Ocean is located on a different continent and is not related to the Golden Gate Bridge's location.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'composed' means to be made up of or to consist of something. In the provided extract, it describes how a single drop of water is composed of an oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is 'To consist of.' Choice B, 'To break apart,' is incorrect as it is the opposite of 'composed.' Choice C, 'To mix with other elements,' is incorrect as 'composed' refers to being made up of specific components, not mixed with others. Choice D, 'To heat up,' is unrelated to the meaning of 'composed' in this context.

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: The roadway was dangerous to build because the men involved in the construction were at risk of falling to their deaths. The excerpt mentions that the construction of the roadway was the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task, indicating a high risk of falling due to the height and precarious nature of the construction site. Choice A is incorrect because the danger was due to the physical risks of falling and not due to a lack of materials. Choice B is incorrect as passing cars were not the primary danger during the construction of the roadway. Choice D is incorrect since there is no mention of workers being attacked by animals during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

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: D

Rationale: The word 'impoverished' typically refers to a state of extreme poverty or being financially ruined. In the context of the first paragraph, where it is used to describe the condition of a certain group of people, it indicates that they are lacking in financial resources or are in a state of deprivation. Choice A 'Honored' is incorrect as it has a positive connotation opposite to the negative meaning of 'impoverished.' Choice B 'Nobility' is incorrect as it refers to a high social rank or class, which is unrelated to the financial state implied by 'impoverished.' Choice C 'Rich' is incorrect as it is the opposite of 'impoverished,' denoting wealth and abundance, not financial weakness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, which are precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail), runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice B is incorrect because the water cycle involves more than just evaporation and condensation. Choice C is incorrect as it includes an additional element, runoff, not mentioned as a primary component of the water cycle in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the water cycle involves processes both in the atmosphere and on the ground.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Roadway. In the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, as with many bridges, the roadway was built first. The roadway provides the foundation and support for the rest of the structure, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to access the bridge. The construction process typically starts with the roadway to establish a base before moving on to other components like cables, towers, and sidewalks. Therefore, the roadway is an essential initial component in bridge construction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because, according to the provided extract, the anchorages were built first, followed by the towers, cables, and finally, the completion of the roadway. This sequence highlights the significance of establishing the structural support before the construction of other elements of the bridge.