CBEST Reading Practice Test 2

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel, Gulliver’s Travels. Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior. Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses Gulliver’s Travels to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel, Gulliver’s Travels. Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior. Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses Gulliver’s Travels to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel, Gulliver’s Travels. Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior. Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses Gulliver’s Travels to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.

The study of cetacean intelligence has added to our understanding of dolphin behavior. Even though cetaceans, which are marine animals including dolphins, whales, and porpoises, are widely considered intelligent species, conclusions about the extent of dolphin intelligence have not yet been reached.

Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings. Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals. Strong evidence supports the idea that dolphins use signature whistles to identify and call to each other.

Researchers have noticed that large packs rely on a highly organized method of communication when responding to predators, such as sharks. When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod.

The study of cetacean intelligence has added to our understanding of dolphin behavior. Even though cetaceans, which are marine animals including dolphins, whales, and porpoises, are widely considered intelligent species, conclusions about the extent of dolphin intelligence have not yet been reached.

Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings. Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals. Strong evidence supports the idea that dolphins use signature whistles to identify and call to each other.

Researchers have noticed that large packs rely on a highly organized method of communication when responding to predators, such as sharks. When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod.

The study of cetacean intelligence has added to our understanding of dolphin behavior. Even though cetaceans, which are marine animals including dolphins, whales, and porpoises, are widely considered intelligent species, conclusions about the extent of dolphin intelligence have not yet been reached.

Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings. Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals. Strong evidence supports the idea that dolphins use signature whistles to identify and call to each other.

Researchers have noticed that large packs rely on a highly organized method of communication when responding to predators, such as sharks. When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod.

The study of cetacean intelligence has added to our understanding of dolphin behavior. Even though cetaceans, which are marine animals including dolphins, whales, and porpoises, are widely considered intelligent species, conclusions about the extent of dolphin intelligence have not yet been reached.

Dolphins produce two primary types of vocalizations: clicks and whistles. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Dolphins emit clicks as rapid broadband bursts that are sent out and then echo back, giving them information about their surroundings. Whistles differ from clicks by being sent out as narrow-band signals. Strong evidence supports the idea that dolphins use signature whistles to identify and call to each other.

Researchers have noticed that large packs rely on a highly organized method of communication when responding to predators, such as sharks. When a group of dolphins reacts to an unexpected disturbance, it will quickly move in near-unison to avoid the threat. In this way, dolphins rely on visual and auditory cues to communicate their location and to interpret the locations of others in the pod.

(1) Modern Americans tend to look back at the “founding fathers” and early presidents as infallible figures in history. (2) Just like politicians today, though, these men were flawed characters who don’t deserve to be remembered as great leaders. (3) One such man is Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, who served office from 1829 to 1837. (4) For many Americans, Jackson blends in with all the other early presidents, only standing out because he is the face on the $20 bill. (5) Jackson is remembered by others as an influential military leader prior to his presidency in the War of 1812, an important voice in the fight for the right to vote for all white males (not just landowners), and the first official president of the Democratic party. (6) To people who follow history closely, however, Jackson is best known by his nickname: “Indian killer.”

(7) In many ways, his military leadership in the Creek War, considered part of the War of 1812, helped shape the country Americans know today. (8) That is mostly because Jackson ordered his men to systematically kill Native American women and children in an effort to exterminate their tribes. (9) The decimation of Native Americans in the Creek War and other “battles” in the southeast paved the way for one of Jackson’s worst presidential maneuvers, the Trail of Tears. (10) By forcing Native Americans off their land, Jackson secured millions of acres of land for the US government and caused the deaths of thousands of Native Americans (not to mention the suffering and indignity of thousands more). (11) When we remember Andrew Jackson, we should remember him as “Indian Killer,” the worst president our country has ever seen.

(1) Modern Americans tend to look back at the “founding fathers” and early presidents as infallible figures in history. (2) Just like politicians today, though, these men were flawed characters who don’t deserve to be remembered as great leaders. (3) One such man is Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, who served office from 1829 to 1837. (4) For many Americans, Jackson blends in with all the other early presidents, only standing out because he is the face on the $20 bill. (5) Jackson is remembered by others as an influential military leader prior to his presidency in the War of 1812, an important voice in the fight for the right to vote for all white males (not just landowners), and the first official president of the Democratic party. (6) To people who follow history closely, however, Jackson is best known by his nickname: “Indian killer.”

(7) In many ways, his military leadership in the Creek War, considered part of the War of 1812, helped shape the country Americans know today. (8) That is mostly because Jackson ordered his men to systematically kill Native American women and children in an effort to exterminate their tribes. (9) The decimation of Native Americans in the Creek War and other “battles” in the southeast paved the way for one of Jackson’s worst presidential maneuvers, the Trail of Tears. (10) By forcing Native Americans off their land, Jackson secured millions of acres of land for the US government and caused the deaths of thousands of Native Americans (not to mention the suffering and indignity of thousands more). (11) When we remember Andrew Jackson, we should remember him as “Indian Killer,” the worst president our country has ever seen.

(1) Modern Americans tend to look back at the “founding fathers” and early presidents as infallible figures in history. (2) Just like politicians today, though, these men were flawed characters who don’t deserve to be remembered as great leaders. (3) One such man is Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, who served office from 1829 to 1837. (4) For many Americans, Jackson blends in with all the other early presidents, only standing out because he is the face on the $20 bill. (5) Jackson is remembered by others as an influential military leader prior to his presidency in the War of 1812, an important voice in the fight for the right to vote for all white males (not just landowners), and the first official president of the Democratic party. (6) To people who follow history closely, however, Jackson is best known by his nickname: “Indian killer.”

(7) In many ways, his military leadership in the Creek War, considered part of the War of 1812, helped shape the country Americans know today. (8) That is mostly because Jackson ordered his men to systematically kill Native American women and children in an effort to exterminate their tribes. (9) The decimation of Native Americans in the Creek War and other “battles” in the southeast paved the way for one of Jackson’s worst presidential maneuvers, the Trail of Tears. (10) By forcing Native Americans off their land, Jackson secured millions of acres of land for the US government and caused the deaths of thousands of Native Americans (not to mention the suffering and indignity of thousands more). (11) When we remember Andrew Jackson, we should remember him as “Indian Killer,” the worst president our country has ever seen.

(1) Modern Americans tend to look back at the “founding fathers” and early presidents as infallible figures in history. (2) Just like politicians today, though, these men were flawed characters who don’t deserve to be remembered as great leaders. (3) One such man is Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, who served office from 1829 to 1837. (4) For many Americans, Jackson blends in with all the other early presidents, only standing out because he is the face on the $20 bill. (5) Jackson is remembered by others as an influential military leader prior to his presidency in the War of 1812, an important voice in the fight for the right to vote for all white males (not just landowners), and the first official president of the Democratic party. (6) To people who follow history closely, however, Jackson is best known by his nickname: “Indian killer.”

(7) In many ways, his military leadership in the Creek War, considered part of the War of 1812, helped shape the country Americans know today. (8) That is mostly because Jackson ordered his men to systematically kill Native American women and children in an effort to exterminate their tribes. (9) The decimation of Native Americans in the Creek War and other “battles” in the southeast paved the way for one of Jackson’s worst presidential maneuvers, the Trail of Tears. (10) By forcing Native Americans off their land, Jackson secured millions of acres of land for the US government and caused the deaths of thousands of Native Americans (not to mention the suffering and indignity of thousands more). (11) When we remember Andrew Jackson, we should remember him as “Indian Killer,” the worst president our country has ever seen.

My family used to take yearly trips to Florida to go on vacation and visit my grandmother. I used to love these trips because the warm weather, pools, and beaches were a big change from what I was used to in Connecticut. I woke up one morning, the day we were set to leave for one of these vacations, to find my parents already out of bed. I walked downstairs to find my parents talking with my aunt. I couldn’t figure out why she was there, but they all looked very upset. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ My grandmother had died. I hated my parents for inviting all of our family over to laugh and tell stories. Why was everyone so happy? It took a long time for me to realize that that was just how my family dealt with death.

My family used to take yearly trips to Florida to go on vacation and visit my grandmother. I used to love these trips because the warm weather, pools, and beaches were a big change from what I was used to in Connecticut. I woke up one morning, the day we were set to leave for one of these vacations, to find my parents already out of bed. I walked downstairs to find my parents talking with my aunt. I couldn’t figure out why she was there, but they all looked very upset. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ My grandmother had died. I hated my parents for inviting all of our family over to laugh and tell stories. Why was everyone so happy? It took a long time for me to realize that that was just how my family dealt with death.

(1) Governments may respond to climate change by adopting a “wait-and-see” approach, by pursuing research programs to improve scientific knowledge and develop technological options, by regulating greenhouse gas emissions, or by engaging in a combination of research and regulation. (2) The United States has invested in research and subsidized the development of carbon-removal and alternative energy technologies. (3) Furthermore, some programs that were in tended to achieve other goals, such as pollution reduction, energy independence, and the limitation of soil erosion, also discourage emissions or encourage the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. (4) However, other programs have opposing effects.

Should a government decide to control emissions, it may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches. One option is direct controls, which set emissions standards for equipment and processes, require households and businesses to use specific types of equipment, or prohibit them from using others. A government could also adopt more indirect, incentive-based approaches, either singly or in combination—for example, by restricting overall quantities of emissions through a system of permits or by raising the price of emissions through fees or taxes. Incentive-based approaches are generally more cost-effective than direct controls as a means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

(1) Governments may respond to climate change by adopting a “wait-and-see” approach, by pursuing research programs to improve scientific knowledge and develop technological options, by regulating greenhouse gas emissions, or by engaging in a combination of research and regulation. (2) The United States has invested in research and subsidized the development of carbon-removal and alternative energy technologies. (3) Furthermore, some programs that were in tended to achieve other goals, such as pollution reduction, energy independence, and the limitation of soil erosion, also discourage emissions or encourage the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. (4) However, other programs have opposing effects.

Should a government decide to control emissions, it may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches. One option is direct controls, which set emissions standards for equipment and processes, require households and businesses to use specific types of equipment, or prohibit them from using others. A government could also adopt more indirect, incentive-based approaches, either singly or in combination—for example, by restricting overall quantities of emissions through a system of permits or by raising the price of emissions through fees or taxes. Incentive-based approaches are generally more cost-effective than direct controls as a means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

(1) Governments may respond to climate change by adopting a “wait-and-see” approach, by pursuing research programs to improve scientific knowledge and develop technological options, by regulating greenhouse gas emissions, or by engaging in a combination of research and regulation. (2) The United States has invested in research and subsidized the development of carbon-removal and alternative energy technologies. (3) Furthermore, some programs that were in tended to achieve other goals, such as pollution reduction, energy independence, and the limitation of soil erosion, also discourage emissions or encourage the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. (4) However, other programs have opposing effects.

Should a government decide to control emissions, it may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches. One option is direct controls, which set emissions standards for equipment and processes, require households and businesses to use specific types of equipment, or prohibit them from using others. A government could also adopt more indirect, incentive-based approaches, either singly or in combination—for example, by restricting overall quantities of emissions through a system of permits or by raising the price of emissions through fees or taxes. Incentive-based approaches are generally more cost-effective than direct controls as a means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

(1) Governments may respond to climate change by adopting a “wait-and-see” approach, by pursuing research programs to improve scientific knowledge and develop technological options, by regulating greenhouse gas emissions, or by engaging in a combination of research and regulation. (2) The United States has invested in research and subsidized the development of carbon-removal and alternative energy technologies. (3) Furthermore, some programs that were in tended to achieve other goals, such as pollution reduction, energy independence, and the limitation of soil erosion, also discourage emissions or encourage the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. (4) However, other programs have opposing effects.

Should a government decide to control emissions, it may choose from a broad menu of regulatory approaches. One option is direct controls, which set emissions standards for equipment and processes, require households and businesses to use specific types of equipment, or prohibit them from using others. A government could also adopt more indirect, incentive-based approaches, either singly or in combination—for example, by restricting overall quantities of emissions through a system of permits or by raising the price of emissions through fees or taxes. Incentive-based approaches are generally more cost-effective than direct controls as a means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions.