Peanut Butter Cookies

Grandma Harry 30 minutes         Cookies/Desserts        Makes 1 dozen 

1 egg white

¾ cup sugar

1 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup flour

Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, and beat again until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in peanut butter and vanilla. Add flour in small increments until dough forms. Chill dough for at least 2 hours. Roll into balls, roll in sugar, press down with a fork, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet. These are very fragile.

Which of the following conclusions can be taken from the passage?

“The Santa Barbara journal.” Exciting news today from Vandenberg Space Fore Base as it has ended its Delta IV Heavy rocket program to make way for the new Atlas V program. Riddled with difficulties, Delta IV Heavy saw only moderator success throughout its 21-year history. Developed on the heels of the last tragic Space Shuttle flight expectations for Delta IV Heavy far exceeded its reality. Future hopes now lie with the Atlas V program developed by the Lockheed Martin.

A social media post: @ggh723 The space program is an outdated use of taxpayer funds. We have enough problems on earth to worry about what’s happening in the universe

Which of the following themes do the two above passages share?

On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday Groundhog Day, a day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning. The tradition has been officially observed in the US since the 1800s and is believed to have developed from European folk traditions in which a bear, fox, badger, or even hedgehog would serve as the symbolic metrologist. Although other cultures and towns observe Groundhog Day (or something similar) the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania takes special pride in being home to the one true forecasting, the groundhog, Punxsutawney Grounding Club to perpetuate the joyful rituals and events surrounding Groundhog Day. Over the years, these rituals and events have come to include a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a ball.

Legend has it that on Groundhog Day the official weather-forecasting groundhog awakens from hibernation and comes out of his burrow to look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are to come and Punxsutawney Phil goes back to bed. However, if he does not see his shadow, Punxsutawney Phil takes this as a sign that spring has arrived and he remains above ground. Of course, common sense tells us that February 2 is too early for spring to begin and that while animals may be attuned to various elements of nature from which humans might learn, they are unlikely to act on their instincts based on a schedule set by the Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvania to the Punxsutawney Phil and all the fun inspires each year might provide the loath of hope needed to reach the end of winter.

Which of the following pairs of search terms entered into a search engine with the phrase “Groundhog Day” is likely to produce information about the origin of Grounding Day?

Cicada Emergence
Cicadas, those intriguing insects that emerge en masse after years of hiding underground, have captured the attention of both entomologists and the general public alike. These remarkable insects, known for their distinct chirping sounds and striking appearances, have a unique life cycle that is both fascinating and cyclical in nature.

The lifecycle of cicadas is a testament to the cyclical rhythms of nature. After spending several years in nymph form beneath the earth's surface, cicadas finally emerge during certain years in massive numbers. This phenomenon, known as a "cicada emergence," has become a subject of great interest and anticipation among enthusiasts. Entomologists study the patterns of these emergences, noting the regularity with which they occur.

What's even more captivating is the simultaneous surge of public interest that accompanies these cicada emergences. Communities come alive with discussions, articles, and even events centered around these creatures. It's as if cicadas have a way of bringing people together and rekindling their curiosity every few years.

The cyclical nature of cicada emergences can't be denied. Just like clockwork, these insects resurface, capturing our attention and reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. As the years go by and cicadas once again retreat underground, we can rest assured that their return, much like the changing seasons, is inevitable and awaited with eager anticipation.

Which of the following perspectives can be inferred from the passage?

Dear Aunt Suzanne,

I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy.

For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on this Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The healthy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example.

Which of the following sentences accurately summarizes the passage?

The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We saw ancient rums, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We climbed down to a mysterious rock formation known as the “wormhole,” a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves ad looks like houses of a terrible serpent. The wormhole will be difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Galect. Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier fame.

“The Santa Barbara journal.” Exciting news today from Vandenberg Space Fore Base as it has ended its Delta IV Heavy rocket program to make way for the new Atlas V program. Riddled with difficulties, Delta IV Heavy saw only moderator success throughout its 21-year history. Developed on the heels of the last tragic Space Shuttle flight expectations for Delta IV Heavy far exceeded its reality. Future hopes now lie with the Atlas V program developed by the Lockheed Martin.

A social media post: @ggh723 The space program is an outdated use of taxpayer funds. We have enough problems on earth to worry about what’s happening in the universe.

Which of the following is evidence that supports the claim in the social media post?

In 1943, the war in the Pacific raged on. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt went to rally the troops’ spirits, despite the disapproval of military command. Roosevelt planned a grueling itinerary. She visited several islands and hundreds of wounded in her first 6 days. The indefatigable First Lady inspected Navy hospitals, delivered a speech, attended receptions, and visited convalescing officers, all within 12 hours of her arrival. She lifted spirits among the wounded and morale among the troops. She continued her exhausting tour for a month, speaking to every patient in troop hospitals and taking down addresses to contact family members. Roosevelt traveled non-stop, risked her life, and greeted the last patient she saw with the same heartfelt sincerity as the first.

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the passage?

A day with Humpbacks

I sat on the deadlands of Neah Bay, Washington, and watched a mother humpback and her calf slip through the icy Pacific waters. I recognized this humpback by her distinctive tall patterns, as unique to her as my fingerprints are to me. Once, heavy hunting using harpoons decimated populations of humpbacks, but they have since started to recover.

As this gray female rises to the surface, she exhales, sending up a spout nearly 20 feet high. She rolls on her side and lifts her scalloped edge flipper in salute, then slaps it on the water. I adjust my lens and take a shot. This is the only type of whale hunting I find acceptable – hunting with a camera!

Which of the following statements conveys the main idea of the passage?

Beard Superiority

Unlike most others who follow along with popular trends, I am able to truly see that the beard is superior to the mustache. First, you have so much more hair and space to work with when styling a beard than you do with a mustache. You can’t trim and cut a beard into so many styles, the Muttonchop, the Goatee, the Stubble, the Chin Strap. You can even add things to your beard, braids, beads, glitter, and color- the possibilities of what you can add to a beard are endless. There are even professional competitions that surround the stylish nature of beards.

Which of the following is a counterclaim to the argument in the passage?

Peanut Butter Cookies

Grandma Harry 30 minutes         Cookies/Desserts        Makes 1 dozen 

1 egg white

¾ cup sugar

1 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup flour

Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, and beat again until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in peanut butter and vanilla. Add flour in small increments until dough forms. Chill dough for at least 2 hours. Roll into balls, roll in sugar, press down with a fork, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet. These are very fragile.

Which of the following conclusions can be taken from the passage?

Dear Aunt Suzanne,

I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy.

For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on this Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The healthy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example.

The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We saw ancient rums, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We climbed down to a mysterious rock formation known as the “wormhole,” a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves ad looks like houses of a terrible serpent. The wormhole will be difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Galect. Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier fame.

Which of the following words used the passage indicates Eva’s opinion?