Read the passage(s) below and answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage(s) and in any introductory material that may be provided.
Passage
A turning leaf stays green at first, then reveals splotches of yellow and red as chlorophyll gradually breaks down. Dark green seems to stay longest in the veins, outlining and defining them. During the summer, chlorophyll breaks down in the heat and light, but it is also being steadily replaced. In the fall, on the other hand, no new pigment is produced, and so we notice the other colors that were always there, although chlorophyll's shocking green hid them from view. With their camouflage gone, we see these colors for the first time all year, and marvel, but they were always there, hidden like a vivid secret beneath the hot glowing greens of summer.
Adapted from Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses ©1990 Diane Ackerman.
According to the passage, which of the following most directly causes leaves to change their color in the fall?
- A. Chlorophyll in the leaves beginning to break down then
- B. Heat and light causing new pigments to be produced
- C. Existing pigments becoming more uniform
- D. New chlorophyll no longer being produced
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Leaves change color in the fall primarily due to the cessation of chlorophyll production. As chlorophyll breaks down and is not replaced, other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, become more visible, leading to the vibrant autumn colors. Option A is misleading; while chlorophyll does break down, the key factor is that new chlorophyll is not produced. Option B incorrectly suggests that heat and light create new pigments, which is not the primary cause of color change. Option C is incorrect as it implies existing pigments become uniform rather than highlighting their visibility due to the lack of chlorophyll.
Leaves change color in the fall primarily due to the cessation of chlorophyll production. As chlorophyll breaks down and is not replaced, other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, become more visible, leading to the vibrant autumn colors. Option A is misleading; while chlorophyll does break down, the key factor is that new chlorophyll is not produced. Option B incorrectly suggests that heat and light create new pigments, which is not the primary cause of color change. Option C is incorrect as it implies existing pigments become uniform rather than highlighting their visibility due to the lack of chlorophyll.
Other Related Questions
What assumption does the author of the passage make?
- A. Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.
- B. The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy.
- C. Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis.
- D. Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research highlights a potential gap in public awareness, which the author seeks to address. Option A incorrectly suggests a comparison of costs that may not be discussed in the passage. Option B assumes current use of hydrogen-producing algae by the Department of Energy, which may not be established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, which overlooks the possibility of their adaptability. Each of these options misinterprets the author's intent and the context provided in the passage.
The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research highlights a potential gap in public awareness, which the author seeks to address. Option A incorrectly suggests a comparison of costs that may not be discussed in the passage. Option B assumes current use of hydrogen-producing algae by the Department of Energy, which may not be established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, which overlooks the possibility of their adaptability. Each of these options misinterprets the author's intent and the context provided in the passage.
Which choice best characterizes the way the author presents the relationship between the arts and political and social issues?
- A. The arts are a key driver of political and social change.
- B. The arts are a way to distract people from political and social problems.
- C. The arts reflect changes in the political and social landscape,
- D. The arts are stifled during times of political and social upheaval
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The author illustrates that the arts serve as a mirror to society, effectively reflecting the evolving political and social landscape. This perspective highlights how artistic expression often responds to and encapsulates the sentiments of the times. Option A overstates the influence of the arts, suggesting they actively drive change rather than reflect it. Option B misrepresents the role of the arts, implying they serve only as distractions, which neglects their deeper societal relevance. Option D presents a limited view, focusing solely on suppression during upheaval, ignoring the arts' potential to comment on or critique such situations.
The author illustrates that the arts serve as a mirror to society, effectively reflecting the evolving political and social landscape. This perspective highlights how artistic expression often responds to and encapsulates the sentiments of the times. Option A overstates the influence of the arts, suggesting they actively drive change rather than reflect it. Option B misrepresents the role of the arts, implying they serve only as distractions, which neglects their deeper societal relevance. Option D presents a limited view, focusing solely on suppression during upheaval, ignoring the arts' potential to comment on or critique such situations.
The English monarch Elizabeth I may have wanted the miniature portraits of herself and her disgraced mother kept secret, since they were her ring.
- A. concealed within
- B. carved upon
- C. displayed beside
- D. different from
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The term "concealed within" accurately reflects the desire to keep the portraits secret, suggesting they were hidden or kept away from public view. This aligns with Elizabeth I's intent to protect her image and her mother's reputation. Option B, "carved upon," implies a physical alteration or decoration, which does not convey secrecy. Option C, "displayed beside," suggests visibility and openness, contradicting the idea of keeping the portraits secret. Option D, "different from," does not relate to the concept of secrecy and fails to address the context of the portraits' significance.
The term "concealed within" accurately reflects the desire to keep the portraits secret, suggesting they were hidden or kept away from public view. This aligns with Elizabeth I's intent to protect her image and her mother's reputation. Option B, "carved upon," implies a physical alteration or decoration, which does not convey secrecy. Option C, "displayed beside," suggests visibility and openness, contradicting the idea of keeping the portraits secret. Option D, "different from," does not relate to the concept of secrecy and fails to address the context of the portraits' significance.
The final paragraph suggests that seeing the woman has caused the narrator to
- A. face the negative feelings she has about her new home
- B. realize that she misses her mother more than she admits
- C. think about her own feelings about her family and background
- D. remember the reason she moved away from her home country
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The final paragraph indicates that the narrator's encounter with the woman prompts deep reflection on personal emotions and familial connections. This aligns with option C, as it emphasizes the narrator's introspection regarding her family and background. Option A is incorrect; while the narrator may have complex feelings about her new home, the focus is not solely on negativity. Option B suggests a specific longing for her mother, which is not explicitly stated in the text. Option D implies a focus on the reasons for moving, but the narrator's thoughts center more on her feelings than on past decisions. Thus, option C best captures the essence of the narrator's experience.
The final paragraph indicates that the narrator's encounter with the woman prompts deep reflection on personal emotions and familial connections. This aligns with option C, as it emphasizes the narrator's introspection regarding her family and background. Option A is incorrect; while the narrator may have complex feelings about her new home, the focus is not solely on negativity. Option B suggests a specific longing for her mother, which is not explicitly stated in the text. Option D implies a focus on the reasons for moving, but the narrator's thoughts center more on her feelings than on past decisions. Thus, option C best captures the essence of the narrator's experience.