What was the author's motive for writing the paragraph?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The author's motive for writing the paragraph is to urge self-control. The text emphasizes the importance of moderation in food and drink consumption to avoid serious physical and mental health problems. It highlights the negative consequences of overeating and alcohol abuse, pointing out the strain on the heart, diabetes risk, shortened lifespan, and emotional eating habits. By discussing the issues related to overconsumption, the author aims to promote self-control and responsible habits. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the paragraph focuses on advocating moderation and self-discipline rather than encouraging overeating, criticizing healthy eating habits, or promoting exercise.

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, starting with precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falling to the ground, followed by runoff, evaporation transforming liquid water into water vapor, and finally condensation turning water vapor back into liquid. Choice B is incorrect because it is too broad and doesn't specifically address the stages of the water cycle. Choice C is incorrect as rain is just one part of the water cycle and not the most important. Choice D is incorrect as evaporation is not the final step but one of the stages of the water cycle.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided.' In the context of card games like Bridge, 'suit' refers to one of the four divisions of a deck of cards - spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs. Each suit contains cards of different ranks, and during the game, players must follow suit if possible, meaning they must play a card of the same suit that was led. This is crucial for understanding card hierarchy and gameplay in Bridge. Choice A is incorrect because it defines 'suit' in terms of clothing, which is not relevant to the context of the passage. Choice C is incorrect as it defines 'suit' as a verb meaning to request persistently, which is unrelated to the card game. Choice D is also incorrect as it defines 'suit' as an adjective meaning to be convenient or right for, which is not the meaning intended in the passage about Bridge.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The paragraph emphasizes that while food and drink are necessary and desirable, their abuse can lead to serious physical and mental problems. It highlights the negative consequences of overeating and alcohol abuse, such as strain on the heart, diabetes, and other health issues. The text suggests the importance of moderation in consumption to prevent health problems. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the paragraph does not call for a ban on alcohol, promote eating in large quantities, or specifically discuss the need for stronger laws to control drunk drivers.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The passage implies that playing bridge requires concentration, focus, and mental effort. It mentions that Bridge can be complicated for beginners but with time, effort, and a good teacher, even novices can become proficient. The description of the game's components, such as bidding and playing, highlights the need for the player's undivided attention. The passage doesn't suggest that Bridge is exclusively for older people (B), extremely easy to learn (C), or too hard for beginners to learn (D).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "It is primarily used to save energy during certain months." The passage clearly states that Daylight Savings Time was first put into practice by the German government in 1916 to save energy during the First World War. The US followed suit in 1918. This measure was unpopular initially, but the energy crisis in the 1970s led to making it a law. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as the passage mentions that the British government initially refused the idea, and it was unpopular when first implemented. Choice C is incorrect as it was not the US but the British government that opposed the idea initially. Choice D is incorrect as Daylight Savings Time was not implemented to prevent jetlag, but rather to save energy and make better use of daylight hours.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.' The passage provides historical context about the practice of giving white elephants as gifts in ancient Siam, now Thailand. It explains how white elephants were considered sacred, could not be put to work, and became a burden to the recipients. The author's purpose is to shed light on this tradition and its implications, not to inform readers about Thailand in general (choice A), entertain with fun facts (choice B), or criticize the tradition (choice D). Choices A and B are incorrect because the passage focuses specifically on the tradition of giving white elephants, not on broader aspects of Thailand or entertainment. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not criticize the tradition but rather provides a factual account of its historical significance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing the passage on the Amazon Rainforest is to inform readers about the deforestation and environmental challenges facing the Amazon. The passage provides detailed information about the Amazon Rainforest, its biodiversity, the impact of deforestation on the environment, and the dangers associated with the destruction of the rainforest. Choice A is incorrect because the author's goal is not to entertain but to educate readers. Choice C is incorrect as there is no persuasive language used to encourage readers to visit the Amazon Rainforest. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not focus on criticizing farming practices but rather on highlighting the environmental threats and consequences of deforestation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.' The passage discusses the Electoral College system, highlighting its complexities and the discrepancy between the popular vote and electoral vote outcomes. It mentions the confusion and the case of the 2000 election where the popular vote winner did not become president. The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not focus on ensuring all states have a say but rather on the need for reform. Choice C is not the main argument presented in the passage; while the passage mentions confusion, it does not explicitly call for abolition. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that the Electoral College was created to favor larger states; instead, it discusses the allocation of electoral votes based on Congressional representation and population.