praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

A series of tests developed by ETS to assess the skills and knowledge of prospective teachers.

The following passage is titled "Where Do Old Satellites Go When They Die?" by NASA. Like every other machine, satellites do not last forever. Whether their job is to observe weather, measure greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, or point away from Earth to study the stars, eventually all satellites grow old, wear out, and die, just like old washing machines and vacuum cleaners. So what happens when a trusty satellite's time has come? These days there are two choices, depending on how high the satellite is. For the closer satellites, engineers will use its last bit of fuel to slow it down. That way, it will fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere. The second choice is to send the satellite even farther away from Earth. It can take a lot of fuel for a satellite to slow down enough to fall back into the atmosphere. That is especially true if a satellite is in a very high orbit. For many of these high satellites, it takes less fuel to blast it farther into space than to send it back to Earth.
The author supports the claim that satellites do not last forever through the use of which of the following?
  • A. An anecdote about why satellites stop working when they do
  • B. Examples of the ways satellites stop working over time
  • C. A comparison of satellites to other common machines that stop working
  • D. Suggestions for ways to keep satellites working over time
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The author effectively demonstrates that satellites do not last forever by comparing them to other common machines that also have limited lifespans. This comparison highlights the inevitability of wear and tear in technology, providing a relatable context for readers. Option A, an anecdote, may illustrate a specific instance but lacks the broader applicability needed to support the claim. Option B provides examples of satellite failures but does not frame them within a comparative context that strengthens the argument. Option D suggests preventive measures but does not address the inherent limitations of satellites, which is central to the claim.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following Web sites is regarded as the most consistently reliable source?
  • A. A Web site that ends in .org
  • B. A Web site that ends in .net
  • C. A Web site that ends in .edu
  • D. A Web site that ends in .com
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Websites ending in .edu are typically associated with educational institutions, such as universities and colleges, which often provide research-based and peer-reviewed information. This academic backing generally ensures a higher level of reliability. In contrast, .org sites can represent non-profit organizations, which may have specific agendas or biases. .net domains are often used for network services and may lack authoritative content. Lastly, .com sites are commercial and can host a wide range of information, but their reliability varies significantly due to potential profit motives and less stringent content regulation.
The students can best be described as establishing guidelines for which of the following?
  • A. Individual accountability
  • B. Dynamic oral presentations
  • C. Metacognitive reflection
  • D. Effective collaboration
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Establishing guidelines primarily relates to fostering a collaborative environment, making effective collaboration the best choice. This involves setting expectations for teamwork, communication, and shared responsibilities among students. Option A, individual accountability, focuses on personal responsibility rather than group dynamics. Option B, dynamic oral presentations, emphasizes presentation skills rather than collaborative processes. Option C, metacognitive reflection, pertains to individual thinking about one’s learning, which does not directly involve establishing guidelines for group interactions. Thus, D aligns most closely with the concept of creating a framework for teamwork.
The organizers of the fund-raiser expected that at least 500 people would attend, that the keynote speaker would be well received, and to raise twice the amount of money as they did last year. Which of the following revisions successfully corrects the sentence?
  • A. The organizers of the fund-raiser expected that at least 500 people would attend, that the keynote speaker would be well received, and that they would raise twice the amount of money as they did last year.
  • B. The organizers of the fund-raiser expected that at least 500 people would attend, that the keynote speaker would be well received, and raising twice the amount of money as they did last year.
  • C. The organizers of the fund-raiser expected that at least 500 people would attend, that the keynote speaker would be well received, and, consequently, to raise twice the amount of money as they did last year.
  • D. The organizers of the fund-raiser expected that at least 500 people would attend; that the keynote speaker would be well received; and to raise twice the amount of money as they did last year.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively maintains parallel structure by ensuring all elements in the list follow the same grammatical form: "that at least 500 people would attend, that the keynote speaker would be well received, and that they would raise twice the amount of money." This consistency enhances clarity and coherence. Option B disrupts parallelism by changing "to raise" to "raising," which creates a grammatical inconsistency in the series. Option C introduces "consequently," which unnecessarily complicates the sentence and breaks the parallel structure. Option D uses semicolons incorrectly, as they should separate independent clauses, not items in a list, leading to confusion.
Which THREE of the following describes how an illustrator's use of space enhances a children's picture book?
  • A. Drawing attention to an object
  • B. Making everything more realistic
  • C. Suggesting action and movement
  • D. Creating an illusion of distance
  • E. Implying loneliness or isolation
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,C,D

An illustrator’s use of space can significantly enhance a children's picture book in several ways. Option A highlights how space can draw attention to specific objects, guiding the reader’s focus and enhancing storytelling. Option C emphasizes the ability of space to suggest action and movement, making scenes dynamic and engaging. Option D explains how space can create an illusion of distance, adding depth and context to the illustrations. Conversely, Option B, while relevant, does not specifically pertain to the unique role of space in illustration. Option E, although it can be a thematic element, is more about emotional context rather than the structural use of space in visual storytelling.