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During the winter, road crews often put salt on the roads after a snowstorm. They want to keep the roads safe by getting rid of the ice quickly. So they put the salt on the roads to hasten the melting of the ice. The salt works by lowering the temperature at which water will freeze. Pure water turns to ice at 32°F. Salty water doesn't freeze until it reaches a lower temperature. So even if it's 20°F outside, the salty water won't turn to road ice.

What is the meaning of hasten as used in the passage?

• slow down

• reverse

• speed up

• stop

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Circling hundreds of miles above Earth is the International Space Station. Astronauts from countries around the world have worked at the station. There are usually three to six astronauts on board at a time. While there, they perform science experiments to learn more about space. The astronauts usually spend several months there, and they often work long hours on little sleep. This requires a great deal of stamina. Although the astronauts do interesting work, sending supplies to the space station can be expensive. The station requires support from many governments so the astronauts' work can continue.

What is the meaning of stamina as used in the passage?

• very good hearing

• ability to read and write

• strong skills in math and science

• strength to do something for a long time

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Roger Bannister ran into the record books in 1954. Before Bannister, the record for a mile run was 4 minutes, 1.3 seconds. Experts said that the human body was not able to run any faster. But Bannister proved them wrong, running a mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds. Though other runners have run even faster since then, this doesn't detract from Bannister's record. In history books, Bannister will forever be the first to break the "limit" of four minutes.

What is the meaning of detract as used in the passage?

• make less important

• slow down

• make fun of

• improve on.

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Calvin Coolidge became the thirtieth president of the United States in 1923. He was president during a time of great change in America. Many people were moving from farms to cities. In addition, large numbers of Americans were starting to buy radios for the first time. Coolidge used this new technology to his advantage. He started using the radio to address the American people. By doing so, he became very popular with the people and easily won his next election.

What is the meaning of advantage as used in the passage?

• something that stops you from moving to a new place

• something that makes you smarter

• something that makes you weaker

• something that puts you in a better place or position

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As the moon orbits the Earth, our view of the moon changes. This view is based on how much of the moon we can see. In ancient times, people saw that the moon's changes weren't random but repeated in a regular cycle. They used the moon's changes to measure time. This was the early basis for the months of a calendar. It takes about 29.5 days for the moon to go through all of its changes.

What is the meaning of random as used in the passage?

• easy to explain

• without a pattern

• interesting

• fortunate

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When people think about Japan, the city of Tokyo often comes to mind. Tokyo, Japan's capital, is one of the largest cities in the world. Many of the world's cars, televisions, and phones are made there. You can find big crowds and the latest fashion throughout the city. But Japan offers more than just the city of Tokyo. The country has many places where people can find serenity. Beautiful forests, mountains, gardens, and castles offer a break from noisy, rushing city life.

What is the meaning of serenity as used in the passage?

• riches

• advice

• peace

• wisdom

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When the United States became independent, Congress thought it needed a national bird. In 1782, the American bald eagle became the sign of the new nation. The bald eagle has a distinctive appearance. Its brown body and white head make it easy to recognize. Bald eagles are strong hunters that have sharp claws. A diving bald eagle can fly more than one hundred miles per hour. Perhaps Congress hoped the new nation would have the power of the eagle.

What is the meaning of distinctive as used in the passage?

• special or unique

• larger than average

• clean or pure

• common or plain

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On average, people today are taller than people who lived a hundred years ago. One way we can see this is by looking at Major League Baseball data. Today's baseball players are about three inches taller than players were a hundred years ago. Experts say that people have grown taller because of improvements in health. We have access to more foods with vitamins, minerals, and proteins than we did in the past. Additionally, improvements in medicine have allowed us to stay free from many diseases. As a result of these improvements, our bodies can grow much better.

What is the meaning of data as used in the passage?

• coaches

• information

• games

• technology

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The Great Wall of China is about 3915 miles long. That's longer than any other wall ever built! It is made from earth and stone. It was built over hundreds of years, and the oldest parts are more than two thousand years old. The rulers of China built the wall to keep adversaries out. The wall may not really have stopped attacks, but it is still standing today. It reminds us of China's long and interesting history. Millions of people visit the wall every year.

What is the meaning of adversaries as used in the passage?

• people who sell goods

• storms and high waters

• friends and family members

• people you fight against

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Marian Anderson was a great American singer. People often said that a voice like hers was heard once in a hundred years. That was because her voice was so versatile. She could sing many kinds of music, perfectly hitting all the highest and lowest notes. In 1935, she was invited to perform at the White House. She was the first African American to do so. She was also the first African American member of the New York City Metropolitan Opera. Her successes helped pave the way for other African American performers after her.

What is the meaning of versatile as used in the passage?

• so high as to be ear-splitting

• set and not changing

• able to do different things

• out of tune