Teacher Training - Core - 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) Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
(2) Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

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 ________________.

(1) When a young woman graduates from college and starts looking for a job, she is likely to have a frustrating and even demeaning experience ahead of her. (2) If she walks into an office for an interview, the first question she will be asked is, “Do you type?”

There is a calculated system of prejudice that lies unspoken behind that question. Why is it acceptable for women to be secretaries, librarians, and teachers, but totally unacceptable for them to be managers, administrators, doctors, lawyers, and Members of Congress. The unspoken assumption is that women are different. They do not have executive ability orderly minds, stability, leadership skills, and they are too emotional.

It has been observed before, that society for a long time, discriminated against another minority, the blacks, on the same basis – that they were different and inferior. The happy little homemaker and the contented “old darkey” on the plantation were both produced by prejudice.

As a black person, I am no stranger to race prejudice. But the truth is that in the political world I have been far oftener discriminated against because I am a woman than because I am black.

Prejudice against blacks is becoming unacceptable although it will take years to eliminate it. But it is doomed because, slowly, white America is beginning to admit that it exists. Prejudice against women is still acceptable. There is very little understanding yet of the immorality involved in double pay scales and the classification of most of the better jobs as “for men only.”

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 voluntary 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 ________________.