Reading and Writing Essential Practice Diagnostic Drills

Researchers at the Intermountain Bird Observatory in Idaho wanted to study the effects of highway volume on local bird populations, so they created a fake road with 15 pairs of speakers playing the sounds of traffic noise. According to the study, the mere sounds of traffic _______ avian populations by a third and cut species diversity by a significant amount. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

• reduced

• reducing

• having reduced

• to reduce

Civil engineering as a profession is centuries old and has long been necessary for the functioning of modern government, as it includes designing and building roads and bridges. As long as people need to get to school or work, civil engineers _______ to be cornerstones of modern societies. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

• will continue

• continued

• have continued

• are continuing

The Nobel Prizes in specific fields, such as Physics, Chemistry, Literature, and Medicine, are typically awarded without contention. The Nobel Peace Prize, on the other hand, tends to generate more debate. _______ because some believed that the choice was too politically motivated. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

• there was a good deal of controversy surrounding the award

• the award's controversy received significant attention

• the award caused a good deal of controversy

• a controversy surrounded the award

Although all states hold elections, there are many major differences in how they do so. _______ some states hold primaries, while others use caucuses, both meant to accomplish the goal of nominating major-party candidates for office.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

• In addition,

• In other words,

• Consequently,

• For example,

The student wants to explain the cause of a destructive weather event. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

(notes can be found on page 15 of the text)

• When a polar vortex breaks into two or more vortices, it can cause a wave of extreme cold.

• A weather event in 1985 caused 129 deaths, over $2.3 billion in agricultural losses, and hundreds of homes losses, primarily in the East Coast and Midwest regions.

• In 1985, a piece of the Arctic polar vortex broke off from the main cyclone, causing a wave of extreme cold that led to deaths, agricultural losses, and wind damage to homes.

• A polar vortex can have a significant effect on other areas of the globe, like the Arctic polar vortex in 1985 for the East Coast and Midwest regions.