Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The passage provides factual information and details about the loss of barrier islands due to erosion and its impact on coastal communities. It focuses on defining and describing the issue rather than analyzing causes and effects, making it best classified as a definition essay. Choice B, cause/effect essay, would require a deeper exploration into the causes and effects of the erosion. Choice C, comparison essay, would involve comparing different aspects or scenarios, which is not the focus here. Choice D, persuasive essay, aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, which is not the purpose of this passage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Statement B is an opinion because it expresses a personal viewpoint about the act of reading and satisfaction related to different reading formats. The phrase 'just as satisfying to the reader' reflects subjective feelings and preferences rather than objective facts. Choices A, C, and D are not opinions but statements of fact. Choice A discusses the continued popularity of printed media despite the Internet's advancement. Choice C talks about the change in reliance on books due to the Internet. Choice D states the historical presence of stories in the world, which is a factual statement about the past.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously, the irrelevant detail about the immigration violation distracts from the main message of the protest against property tax rates. The inclusion of this detail shifts the focus away from the citizen's current concerns and the reasons for his protest, thus distorting the story's message. Choices A, B, and C do not include irrelevant details that significantly distort the main messages of the stories. Choice A mentions political differences with bandmates but still focuses on the politician's part-time rock band. Choice B discusses the employment of illegal laborers but remains centered on the business owner's political aspirations. Choice C talks about ongoing hostilities in the Middle East but does not veer away from the main focus on the local Jewish and Arab business leaders.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The university determined the lunch schedule by considering when the most faculty members from each department usually enter the canteen. This information is provided in the announcement where it states that the schedules were recommended based on when members of each department should visit the canteen for lunch. Choice A is incorrect because the schedule was not arranged solely based on the department with the most faculty members. Choice B is incorrect as it implies checking with departments about the majority of faculty members entering the canteen, which is not explicitly mentioned. Choice D is incorrect as it simplifies the university's decision-making process, which involved considering the timing of faculty members from different departments entering the canteen.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: It can be inferred from the advertisement that a person staffing this position may work independently and/or as part of a team. The job description mentions the requirement for the ability to work both self-directed and as part of a team, indicating flexibility in working styles. Choice B is incorrect as Veronica Smith is mentioned as the contact for application submission, not the hiring decision-maker. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of caseload sizes for new hires. Choice D is incorrect as the advertisement does not specify part-time work as an option.