Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'An interesting birthday party.' The passage describes Dr. Oliver Creekstone's remarkable 90th birthday party at his countryside estate, featuring unusual elements like zebras, monster trucks, and a bagpipe player. The guests were surprised by the buffet of boiled asparagus and pickled carrots, and the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display. Choice B, 'A disappointing buffet menu,' is incorrect as the buffet is just one aspect of the overall event. Choice C, 'Dr. Creekstone's eccentricities,' while partially relevant, does not capture the main focus of the passage. Choice D, 'The lack of adequate lighting at the estate,' is unrelated to the topic of the excerpt.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Male cicadas are known for making strident, high buzzing sounds by vibrating two membranes on their abdomen, reaching up to 80 to 100 decibels, similar to the roar of a loud engine. This behavior is distinct to male cicadas and serves as a way to attract females for mating. Choice A is incorrect because it describes physical characteristics of cicadas, not behavior. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the behavior of female cicadas, not males. Choice D is incorrect as it pertains to the behavior of female cicadas after mating, not males.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The custom of tipping should be abolished in favor of paying servers a living wage.' The rationale is that the passage argues for eliminating tipping and ensuring servers receive a fair wage. This is supported by the idea that servers should be paid adequately rather than relying on tips. Choice B is incorrect because the passage does not support the idea that tipping enhances service quality; it argues for a living wage instead. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of paying servers based on performance in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not focus on customers' enjoyment of tipping but rather on the need to abolish the practice for fairer wages.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The main idea conveyed in the extract is that Shia encounters a terrifying situation in the CFO's office. The passage describes Shia hearing strange noises, feeling fear, and encountering alarming events like crashes and howls. This builds tension and indicates a dangerous situation unfolding. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not capture the central theme of Shia facing a frightening encounter in the CFO's office.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage does not mention anything about the author's emotional state or preference for concerts. However, it does discuss cicadas and their emergence, life cycle, and behavior. Therefore, the reader can conclude that the author is likely interested in cicadas and their natural history, indicating that they go to the theater as often as possible. Choice A is incorrect because there is no evidence regarding the author being overly emotional. Choice B is incorrect as there is no mention of the author's preference for concerts. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not provide any information about the author enjoying theater decor.