Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage extensively details the destructive nature of smoking tobacco products, highlighting the numerous harmful chemicals, addictive properties of nicotine, increased risk of various cancers, serious health conditions, and premature deaths associated with smoking. It also mentions the high costs due to government taxation on tobacco products, alongside the negative social aspects like the smell and staining effects. Choice A is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the severe dangers rather than comparing the healthiness of tobacco to other alternatives. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the financial aspect of tobacco taxation, omitting the broader health and social consequences discussed in the passage. Choice D is partially correct but not as comprehensive as choice B, which encapsulates the deadly, expensive, and socially unappealing nature of tobacco use as portrayed in the passage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage describes the reproductive habits of the sun-fish, focusing on how the mother sun-fish provides and guards her spawn until they are ready to take care of themselves. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not delve into the broader ecosystem of the sun-fish. Choice C is incorrect as there is no persuasive element in the passage about protecting aquatic ecosystems. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the mating habits of sun-fish but rather the care provided by the mother sun-fish.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Samuel's sample size of 24 students is too small to draw generalizable conclusions about a larger population. While his observations are based on firsthand experience, the sample size is inadequate to make meaningful claims about the relationship between parental involvement and academic success for all students. Choice A is incorrect because bias is not related to sample size but rather the way data is collected. Choice C is incorrect as having too many members would not hinder understanding specifics, but rather provide a more comprehensive view. Choice D is incorrect as the sample size is too small to be considered appropriately sized for making broad claims.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone after founding the National Geographic Society and developing a metal detector. Therefore, inventing the telephone is the most recent event among the options provided. Moving to Canada occurred earlier than the invention of the telephone, and helping to found the National Geographic Society also happened before the invention of the telephone.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The speaker's address of 'My Good Friends' implies a sense of warmth and familiarity, indicating that the speaker wants to establish a connection with the audience before delivering a serious speech. This type of salutation is often used by entertainers to engage the audience and create a friendly atmosphere conducive to effective communication. Choice A is incorrect because there is no indication of an employer-employee relationship. Choice C is incorrect as there is no indication of irony in the salutation. Choice D is incorrect as the salutation aims to create a connection rather than grab attention as a politician might.