FTCE - GK - Reading - PreTest

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

The key idea of this passage is that ________________.

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

The reason for writing this passage might be described as ________________.

(1) They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. (2) But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

In the first paragraph, the word formidable was selected by the author to mean ________________.

Millions of people, both male and female, undergo cosmetic surgery, also called plastic surgery, every year. Modern plastic surgeons can alter almost any aspect of physical appearance, from facial features to body shape. While some cosmetic surgery is done for medical reasons, such as reconstructing facial features after an accident, many other procedures are voluntary. Weighing the pros and cons before having cosmetic surgery can help individuals make a decision whether it is the right choice for them.

For some, having cosmetic surgery can be vital to confidence levels and self-image. If you have a physical feature that you’ve spent years wishing were different or that has a recognizable impact on your daily life or health, this is usually an indication that it is something you truly desire to change, as opposed to a sudden dislike for something about yourself that recently became an issue. However, obsession over a specific facial or body feature can indicate mental health issues, and therapy might be a better option than surgery.

However, the potential for complications exists, just as for any other operation. Pain is a significant drawback to plastic surgery, and recovery times can be as long as six months in some cases. Some patients may be at risk for severe reactions to anesthesia or may develop health problems such as hemorrhaging as a result of their surgery.

In conclusion, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Other issues related to cosmetic procedures include complications, expectations and cost. The more individuals know about these issues, the better their chance of making an appropriate decision; one they will be living with for quite some time.

The key idea of this passage is _______________.

Millions of people, both male and female, undergo cosmetic surgery, also called plastic surgery, every year. Modern plastic surgeons can alter almost any aspect of physical appearance, from facial features to body shape. While some cosmetic surgery is done for medical reasons, such as reconstructing facial features after an accident, many other procedures are voluntary. Weighing the pros and cons before having cosmetic surgery can help individuals make a decision whether it is the right choice for them.

For some, having cosmetic surgery can be vital to confidence levels and self-image. If you have a physical feature that you’ve spent years wishing were different or that has a recognizable impact on your daily life or health, this is usually an indication that it is something you truly desire to change, as opposed to a sudden dislike for something about yourself that recently became an issue. However, obsession over a specific facial or body feature can indicate mental health issues, and therapy might be a better option than surgery.

However, the potential for complications exists, just as for any other operation. Pain is a significant drawback to plastic surgery, and recovery times can be as long as six months in some cases. Some patients may be at risk for severe reactions to anesthesia or may develop health problems such as hemorrhaging as a result of their surgery.

In conclusion, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Other issues related to cosmetic procedures include complications, expectations and cost. The more individuals know about these issues, the better their chance of making an appropriate decision; one they will be living with for quite some time.

The reason for writing this passage might be described as ________________.

Millions of people, both male and female, undergo cosmetic surgery, also called plastic surgery, every year. (1) Modern plastic surgeons can alter almost any aspect of physical appearance, from facial features to body shape. (2) While some cosmetic surgery is done for medical reasons, such as reconstructing facial features after an accident, many other procedures are voluntary. Weighing the pros and cons before having cosmetic surgery can help individuals make a decision whether it is the right choice for them.

For some, having cosmetic surgery can be vital to confidence levels and self-image. If you have a physical feature that you’ve spent years wishing were different or that has a recognizable impact on your daily life or health, this is usually an indication that it is something you truly desire to change, as opposed to a sudden dislike for something about yourself that recently became an issue. However, obsession over a specific facial or body feature can indicate mental health issues, and therapy might be a better option than surgery.

However, the potential for complications exists, just as for any other operation. Pain is a significant drawback to plastic surgery, and recovery times can be as long as six months in some cases. Some patients may be at risk for severe reactions to anesthesia or may develop health problems such as hemorrhaging as a result of their surgery.

In conclusion, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Other issues related to cosmetic procedures include complications, expectations and cost. The more individuals know about these issues, the better their chance of making an appropriate decision; one they will be living with for quite some time.

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

Millions of people, both male and female, undergo cosmetic surgery, also called plastic surgery, every year. Modern plastic surgeons can alter almost any aspect of physical appearance, from facial features to body shape. While some cosmetic surgery is done for medical reasons, such as reconstructing facial features after an accident, many other procedures are voluntary. Weighing the pros and cons before having cosmetic surgery can help individuals make a decision whether it is the right choice for them.

For some, having cosmetic surgery can be vital to confidence levels and self-image. If you have a physical feature that you’ve spent years wishing were different or that has a recognizable impact on your daily life or health, this is usually an indication that it is something you truly desire to change, as opposed to a sudden dislike for something about yourself that recently became an issue. However, obsession over a specific facial or body feature can indicate mental health issues, and therapy might be a better option than surgery.

However, the potential for complications exists, just as for any other operation. Pain is a significant drawback to plastic surgery, and recovery times can be as long as six months in some cases. Some patients may be at risk for severe reactions to anesthesia or may develop health problems such as hemorrhaging as a result of their surgery.

In conclusion, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Other issues related to cosmetic procedures include complications, expectations and cost. The more individuals know about these issues, the better their chance of making an appropriate decision; one they will be living with for quite some time.

In the second section, the word obsession means ________________.

Private space launch companies have been around for the last 30 years. However, NASA now relies completely on private companies to conduct their safer and easier missions. This allows NASA to apply their limited resources to the development of new technologies.

According to Dr. Mariel Borowitz, the recent Space-X Falcon 9 launch marked the first time a private company had been given so much responsibility by NASA. The launch included in its payload a spy satellite, which presented a new challenge for the company. SpaceX had to be much more secretive and was given very little information about the rocket’s planned path.

Fortunately for both NASA and Space-X, the launch was considered a success. The booster separated from the main stage during flight after pushing it into its planned flight path. It then safely landed back at Kennedy Space Center without damage. Consequently, the booster can be used again, saving Space-X resources needed to continue the partnership.

Dr. Borowitz is a technology and space expert. She is also a professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where studies how new spacecraft are developed and used by governments.

A key concept of this passage is, _______________.

Private space launch companies have been around for the last 30 years.  However, NASA now relies completely on private companies to conduct their safer and easier missions. This allows NASA to apply their limited resources to the development of new technologies.

According to Dr. Mariel Borowitz, the recent Space-X Falcon 9 launch marked the first time a private company had been given so much responsibility by NASA. The launch included in its payload a spy satellite, which presented a new challenge for the company. SpaceX had to be much more secretive and was given very little information about the rocket’s planned path.

Fortunately for both NASA and Space-X, the launch was considered a success. The booster separated from the main stage during flight after pushing it into its planned flight path.  It then safely landed back at Kennedy Space Center without damage.  Consequently, the booster can be used again, saving Space-X resources needed to continue the partnership.

Dr. Borowitz is a technology and space expert. She is also a professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where studies how new spacecraft are developed and used by governments.

The reason for writing this passage might be described as ________________.

(1) Private space launch companies have been around for the last 30 years. (2) However, NASA now relies completely on private companies to conduct their safer and easier missions. This allows NASA to apply their limited resources to the development of new technologies.

According to Dr. Mariel Borowitz, the Space-X Falcon 9 launches marked the first time a private company had been given so much responsibility by NASA. The launch included in its payload a spy satellite, which presented a new challenge for the company. SpaceX had to be much more secretive and was given very little information about the rocket’s planned path.

Fortunately for both NASA and Space-X, the launch was considered a success. The booster separated from the main stage during flight after pushing it into its planned flight path. It then safely landed back at Kennedy Space Center without damage. Consequently, the booster can be used again, saving Space-X resources needed to continue the partnership.

Dr. Borowitz is a technology and space expert. She is also a professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where studies how new spacecraft are developed and used by governments.

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

Private space launch companies have been around for the last 30 years.  However, NASA now relies completely on private companies to conduct their safer and easier missions. This allows NASA to apply their limited resources to the development of new technologies.

According to Dr. Mariel Borowitz, the recent Space-X Falcon 9 launch marked the first time a private company had been given so much responsibility by NASA. The launch included in its payload a spy satellite, which presented a new challenge for the company. SpaceX had to be much more secretive and was given very little information about the rocket’s planned path.

Fortunately for both NASA and Space-X, the launch was considered a success. The booster separated from the main stage during flight after pushing it into its planned flight path.  It then safely landed back at Kennedy Space Center without damage.  Consequently, the booster can be used again, saving Space-X resources needed to continue the partnership.

Dr. Borowitz is a technology and space expert. She is also a professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where studies how new spacecraft are developed and used by governments.

In the third sentence, the word technologies means ________________.

The array of greens on the market keeps growing, along with innovations in rooftop farming and aquaponics make a sprightly salad possible almost any time of year. Whenever you can, look for seasonal or local greens. Both are more likely to be fresh than supermarket produce. Farmers’ markets or stores that stock local produce are good places to start.

To find out what’s fresh in your market, check the Department of Agriculture website for your state. Most departments publish seasonal produce charts. You might stumble upon a locally grown green you wouldn’t normally consider for your salad.

If that’s not available to you, it’s fine to buy prepackaged greens: If doing so means you’ll eat salad more often, that’s a net gain. But note that expiration dates are no guarantee of freshness. You’ll want to rely on your eyes, and check the package carefully on all sides to ensure there is no sign of browned or wilted leaves. Yellow or brown patches and edges are sure signs of age. And, no matter what the bag says, always wash your greens.

If browsing for whole heads of lettuce, turn over and inspect the base; it should show only the slightest signs of browning. Press a fingernail into the base of a leaf. If some liquid oozes out, that means the leaves are fresh and juicy. A few slightly wilted leaves on the outside are not a problem, but if the whole head is droopy, pass it up.

Now you know the steps to take when shopping for greens. You can be confident that you are using the freshest ingredients.  With a little planning, the salad bowl can be the brightest spot of your meal!

The key concept of this passage is, _______________.

The array of greens on the market keeps growing, along with innovations in rooftop farming and aquaponics make a sprightly salad possible almost any time of year. Whenever you can, look for seasonal or local greens. Both are more likely to be fresh than supermarket produce. Farmers’ markets or stores that stock local produce are good places to start.

To find out what’s fresh in your market, check the Department of Agriculture website for your state. Most departments publish seasonal produce charts. You might stumble upon a locally grown green you wouldn’t normally consider for your salad.

If that’s not available to you, it’s fine to buy prepackaged greens: If doing so means you’ll eat salad more often, that’s a net gain. But note that expiration dates are no guarantee of freshness. You’ll want to rely on your eyes, and check the package carefully on all sides to ensure there is no sign of browned or wilted leaves. Yellow or brown patches and edges are sure signs of age. And, no matter what the bag says, always wash your greens.

If browsing for whole heads of lettuce, turn over and inspect the base; it should show only the slightest signs of browning. Press a fingernail into the base of a leaf. If some liquid oozes out, that means the leaves are fresh and juicy. A few slightly wilted leaves on the outside are not a problem, but if the whole head is droopy, pass it up.

Now you know the steps to take when shopping for greens.   You can be confident that you are using the freshest ingredients.  With a little planning, the salad bowl can be the brightest spot of your meal.

The reason for writing this passage might be described as ________________.

The array of greens on the market keeps growing, along with innovations in rooftop farming and aquaponics make a sprightly salad possible almost any time of year. (1) Whenever you can, look for seasonal or local greens. (2) Both are more likely to be fresh than supermarket produce. Farmers’ markets or stores that stock local produce are good places to start.

To find out what’s fresh in your market, check the Department of Agriculture website for your state. Most departments publish seasonal produce charts. You might stumble upon a locally grown green you wouldn’t normally consider for your salad.

If that’s not available to you, it’s fine to buy prepackaged greens: If doing so means you’ll eat salad more often, that’s a net gain. But note that expiration dates are no guarantee of freshness. You’ll want to rely on your eyes, and check the package carefully on all sides to ensure there is no sign of browned or wilted leaves. Yellow or brown patches and edges are sure signs of age. And, no matter what the bag says, always wash your greens.

If browsing for whole heads of lettuce, turn over and inspect the base; it should show only the slightest signs of browning. Press a fingernail into the base of a leaf. If some liquid oozes out, that means the leaves are fresh and juicy. A few slightly wilted leaves on the outside are not a problem, but if the whole head is droopy, pass it up.

Now you know the steps to take when shopping for greens. You can be confident that you are using the freshest ingredients. With a little planning, the salad bowl can be the brightest spot of your meal.

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

The array of greens on the market keeps growing, along with innovations in rooftop farming and aquaponics make a sprightly salad possible almost any time of year. Whenever you can, look for seasonal or local greens. Both are more likely to be fresh than supermarket produce. Farmers’ markets or stores that stock local produce are good places to start.

To find out what’s fresh in your market, check the Department of Agriculture website for your state. Most departments publish seasonal produce charts. You might stumble upon a locally grown green you wouldn’t normally consider for your salad. If that’s not available to you, it’s fine to buy prepackaged greens: If doing so means you’ll eat salad more often, that’s a net gain. But note that expiration dates are no guarantee of freshness. You’ll want to rely on your eyes, and check the package carefully on all sides to ensure there is no sign of browned or wilted leaves. Yellow or brown patches and edges are sure signs of age. And, no matter what the bag says, always wash your greens.

If browsing for whole heads of lettuce, turn over and inspect the base; it should show only the slightest signs of browning. Press a fingernail into the base of a leaf. If some liquid oozes out, that means the leaves are fresh and juicy. A few slightly wilted leaves on the outside are not a problem, but if the whole head is droopy, pass it up.

Now you know the steps to take when shopping for greens. You can be confident that you are using the freshest ingredients.  With a little planning, the salad bowl can be the brightest spot of your meal.

In the first sentence, the word array means ________________.