A Simple Act/Skills

In cold weather, your blood vessels will contract.

Which sentence uses the word contract in the same way it is used above?

• The sleeping cat liked to contract its claws.

• I need my lawyer to look over the contract.

• Bright light will cause your pupils to contract.

• If you are not careful, you will contract a cold.

The scale read 123 pounds.

Which sentence uses the word scale as it is used in the box above?

• The banner will scale an impressive fifteen stories.

• Supermarket scales are typically not very accurate.

• The climber managed to scale the mountain in eight hours.

• The ivy scaled the back of the house up to the roof.

SCALPEL : SURGEON ::

• laser : agronomist

• magnet : ecologist

• syringe : geologist

• telescope : astronomer

Thirst: Drink:: Fatigue : __________

• Rest

• Run

• Sit

• Exercise

Selfish: Compassion :: Childish:______________

• Maturity

• Attention

• Passion

• Dedication

The horse reared up on its hind legs, pawing the air and neighing loudly.

What conclusion can you draw from the sentence above?

• The horse was white.

• The horse was calm.

• The horse was excited.

• The horse was sleepy.

Leading members of the U.S. Senate are considering new legislation to tax certain popular drinks. This federal tax would be added to the cost of sodas, sports drinks, and sugar-sweetened fruit drinks. Supporters claim that the few extra cents per beverage will decrease consumption of unhealthy processed sugar, improve the economy, and lower health-care costs. Approximately twelve states have already instituted taxes on sugary beverages, but beverage tax proposals in other states have met with serious opposition. Many opponents believe that taxing unhealthy products doesn’t teach people how to live healthy lives. The American Beverage Association, a lobbying group for the beverage industry, opposes the federal tax proposal, but it does support programs to remove sugary drinks from schools. U.S. lawmakers are also considering other proposals, including a bill to limit trans fat and sodium, both of which have been linked to health problems, in packaged and restaurant food.

Based on this passage, what can the reader infer about the federal soda tax?

• It will be increased yearly until people get healthy.

• It will face opposition before it becomes a law.

• It will apply only to beverages in schools.

• It will cause many restaurants to lose business.

Brenda reached for the box of tissue. She blew her nose with a thunderous force and then tried breathing through it again. It was still clogged. She stood up and got a head rush that almost knocked her back down to the bed, but she regained her balance. As she tottered over to the phone on her dresser, all of her muscles ached. She located the contact labeled "Work" and pressed send. A couple of rings later, a familiar voice answered the phone, "Happy Fun Land, this is Deidra speaking. How can I help you have a happy fun day?" Brenda moaned, "Oh, Deidra, it's Brenda." Deidra responded with pep, "Hey, Brenda! I can't wait to see you this afternoon." Brenda grunted and replied, "Yeah, well, actually, I need to talk to the manager."

What do you think Brenda will say to her manager?

• Brenda will tell her manager that she is sick.

• Brenda will tell her manager she will be in a couple of hours late.

• Brenda will tell her manager that she needs to visit the doctor office.

• Brenda will tell her manager that she needs free time off.

Every day after school, Jordan rode his bike past the pet shop. He stood outside the window and watched the guinea pigs as they raced through their tunnels. You can conclude that Jordan _____

• is scared of guinea pigs.

• needs an after-school job.

• hopes to get a new bike for his birthday.

• wants a guinea pig for a pet.

Jackson’s father took him out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. After the waiter brought the bill for the meal, Jackson’s father patted his jacket pocket and got an alarmed look on his face. You can conclude that Jackson’s father____

• had a stomachache.

• forgot his wallet.

• wanted to order dessert.

• did not enjoy his meal.