Neon signs are often placed in storefronts to attract customers. The very first display of glass tubes filled with colorful, ignited neon gas was meant to attract only attention, however. In 1910 at the Paris Exposition, two straight tubes filled with lit neon gas were displayed to show off the new technology. It was not until 1912 that glass tubes were bent into a written message and put in the window of a barber shop to entice people to come in.
We can infer that the reason the glass tubes were bent was that
- A. the Paris Exposition display was considered unsatisfactory
- B. straight tubes are not as bright as bent ones
- C. it is difficult to form letters with straight tubes
- D. neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.
The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.
Other Related Questions
Why does the author place quotation marks around the word "patriotic" (sentence 2)?
- A. To acknowledge that Wrigley's gum, while associated with a patriotic gesture, is not actually patriotic
- B. To emphasize that Wrigley's gum helped American soldiers
- C. To show that American soldiers used the word patriotic to describe Wrigley's gum
- D. To indicate that the Wrigley Company changed the name of the product to include the word patriotic
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Quotation marks around the word "patriotic" suggest that the term is being used in a non-literal or ironic sense, indicating skepticism about its true meaning. Option A accurately reflects this by acknowledging that while Wrigley's gum is linked to a patriotic gesture, it may not genuinely embody patriotism. Option B incorrectly assumes that the emphasis is on the gum's supportive role for soldiers rather than questioning the term itself. Option C misinterprets the use of quotation marks, suggesting that soldiers coined the term, which is not the case. Option D mistakenly implies a product name change, which is irrelevant to the author's intent in using quotation marks.
Quotation marks around the word "patriotic" suggest that the term is being used in a non-literal or ironic sense, indicating skepticism about its true meaning. Option A accurately reflects this by acknowledging that while Wrigley's gum is linked to a patriotic gesture, it may not genuinely embody patriotism. Option B incorrectly assumes that the emphasis is on the gum's supportive role for soldiers rather than questioning the term itself. Option C misinterprets the use of quotation marks, suggesting that soldiers coined the term, which is not the case. Option D mistakenly implies a product name change, which is irrelevant to the author's intent in using quotation marks.
Our math teacher claimed that calculus, despite its complexities, were as easy as any other subject.
- A. were as
- B. was as
- C. is to be
- D. to be
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In this context, the subject "calculus" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Was as" correctly matches the singular subject, indicating that calculus is being compared to other subjects in the past. Option A, "were as," incorrectly uses the plural verb "were," which does not agree with the singular noun "calculus." Option C, "is to be," implies a future action or state, which does not fit the intended meaning of comparing past experiences. Option D, "to be," lacks a verb and does not form a complete thought, making it grammatically incorrect.
In this context, the subject "calculus" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Was as" correctly matches the singular subject, indicating that calculus is being compared to other subjects in the past. Option A, "were as," incorrectly uses the plural verb "were," which does not agree with the singular noun "calculus." Option C, "is to be," implies a future action or state, which does not fit the intended meaning of comparing past experiences. Option D, "to be," lacks a verb and does not form a complete thought, making it grammatically incorrect.
What is the passage primarily discussing?
- A. The achievement of Richard Pearse
- B. The problems of early airplanes
- C. The first flight in the United States
- D. The history of long-distance flight
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The passage primarily discusses the achievement of Richard Pearse, highlighting his significant contributions to aviation. His pioneering efforts are central to the narrative, showcasing his innovations and milestones. Option B focuses on the problems of early airplanes, which, while relevant, does not capture the primary focus on Pearse's accomplishments. Option C mentions the first flight in the United States, a separate historical event that is not the main topic of the passage. Option D addresses the broader history of long-distance flight, which encompasses many figures and events, but does not specifically center on Pearse's individual achievements.
The passage primarily discusses the achievement of Richard Pearse, highlighting his significant contributions to aviation. His pioneering efforts are central to the narrative, showcasing his innovations and milestones. Option B focuses on the problems of early airplanes, which, while relevant, does not capture the primary focus on Pearse's accomplishments. Option C mentions the first flight in the United States, a separate historical event that is not the main topic of the passage. Option D addresses the broader history of long-distance flight, which encompasses many figures and events, but does not specifically center on Pearse's individual achievements.
What does the passage suggest about the light bulbs used in the first train signaling systems?
- A. They were very fragile.
- B. They were all the same color.
- C. They were only illuminated at night.
- D. They were also used to signal automobile drivers.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.
The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.