You might think the largest animal on Earth is the blue whale, and you would be correct. Blue whales can reach a length of 98 ft long and can weigh as much as 198 tons. However, in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, there is an organism currently covering an area of 3 square miles and estimated to weigh at least 7,500 tons: The Armillaria ostoyae fungus, also known as the honey mushroom or shoestring fungus. Though A ostoyoe is found in other places, such as Michigan and Germany, only Oregon's fungus has grown to such an enormous size. The humongous fungus is estimated to be anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 years old, and it continues to grow by 1 to 3 feet every year. Stimulus

Which of the following is the purpose of the passage?

On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday of Groundhog Day, a day of hope that winter is over and spring is beginning. This tradition has been officially observed in the U.S. 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 meteorologist. 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 groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. At the turn of the twentieth century, townspeople formed the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to perpetuate the joyful rituals and events surrounding Groundhog Day. Over the years, these 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 a Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvania to see Punxsutawney Phil and all of the fun he inspires each year might just provide the touch of hope needed to reach the end of winter 

Which of the following evidence from the passage supports the inference that Groundhog Day is an entertaining tradition?

Numerous studies have confirmed that a brisk walk 30 minutes each day is adequate exercise for most healthy adults. Two of the most beneficial aspects are increased metabolism and joint flexibility. Equally important, however, are the mental benefits. A daily walk provides a chance to decompress from the stresses of the work day. A change of scenery and fresh air can brighten your mood.

Which of the following sentences would be the best topic sentence for the paragraph?

Which of the following sources would provide relevant information about the cost of property destruction following a natural disaster?

Peanut Butter Cookies

Grandma Harry           30 minutes       Cookies/Desserts         Makes 1 dozen

1 egg white

3/4 cup sugar 1 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup flour

Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, 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 cookie sheet. These are very fragile.

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

The Farallon Islands, or Devil’s Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, are a group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous underwater currents, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California. Although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41 km squared (0.16 square miles), they are positioned in a major ocean current, which enables them to house dense populations of birds, rodents, seals, and other water mammals.

The abundance of wildlife first attracted Russian and American fur traders in the early 1800s, who then nearly eliminated the seal population in the area. The islands then became an agricultural resource for San Francisco during the Gold Rush era when egg companies began harvesting bird eggs on the islands. In 1863, violence between rival egg companies erupted on the islands (known as the “Egg War”), which inadvertently attracted national attention and provoked law makers to pass legislation to protect and rehabilitate the islands’ natural ecosystem.

In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallons. This ended private enterprises on the islands and was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restrict human access and preserve the northern islands. Protection was expanded in 1967 to include all the Farallon Islands, and over time many of the islands’ original inhabitants have returned.

The Farallons are now home to the world’s largest population of western gulls. Seals have returned, as well as otters and sea lions, which in turn attracts great white sharks. The combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farralons their nickname, “Devil’s Teeth,” though it hasn’t stopped a few adventurous people from swimming. Four people have completed the 30-mile swim from the islands to San Francisco; the fasted person completed the journey in 14 hours.

Which of the following best describes the meaning of the word "inadvertently" as used in the second paragraph?

The Farallon Islands, or Devil’s Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, are a group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous underwater currents, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California. Although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41 km squared (0.16 square miles), they are positioned in a major ocean current, which enables them to house dense populations of birds, rodents, seals, and other water mammals.

The abundance of wildlife first attracted Russian and American fur traders in the early 1800s, who then nearly eliminated the seal population in the area. The islands then became an agricultural resource for San Francisco during the Gold Rush era when egg companies began harvesting bird eggs on the islands. In 1863, violence between rival egg companies erupted on the islands (known as the “Egg War”), which inadvertently attracted national attention and provoked law makers to pass legislation to protect and rehabilitate the islands’ natural ecosystem.

In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallons. This ended private enterprises on the islands and was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restrict human access and preserve the northern islands. Protection was expanded in 1967 to include all the Farallon Islands, and over time many of the islands’ original inhabitants have returned.

The Farallons are now home to the world’s largest population of western gulls. Seals have returned, as well as otters and sea lions, which in turn attracts great white sharks. The combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farralons their nickname, “Devil’s Teeth,” though it hasn’t stopped a few adventurous people from swimming. Four people have completed the 30-mile swim from the islands to San Francisco; the fasted person completed the journey in 14 hours.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Editor wanted

Copy editor needed for new corporate magazine. All applicants must have four years of editorial experience. A college degree in journalism or English is required. The job requires full-time hours with competitive benefits offered. The starting salary is $30,000 per year. Contact Human Resources at 555-5555 to apply.

Using the employment advertisement above, which of the following applicants could meet the requirements of this job?

It can be difficult to write sometimes, especially if you are creating something brand new. It is even harder when you must write while following certain rules. Some writers thrive when there are limits, like poets. Many poetry forms follow very specific rules, like sonnets or elegies; you can't just throw some words on a page and it is a haiku. On the other hand, some successful poets enjoy breaking the rules. They will refuse to use proper punctuation or follow any sort of structure. So then what good are the rules if you can just break them and still succeed? That doesn't make any sense. I guess that is why I am not a poet.

Which of the following is the most likely source for most of the statements in the passage?

Pharmacy Technician

St. Francis Hospital 200 Hospital Drive, Mapleton, Vermont

Duties include: Filling medication carts for each nursing station, filling TPNs, preparing surgical drips, maintaining anesthesia trays for 6 ORs. Five years of hospital experience and certification required. FT/rotating schedule.

Which of the following applicants best fits the advertised job position based on their qualifications?

Peanut Butter Cookies

Grandma Harry           30 minutes       Cookies/Desserts         Makes 1 dozen

1 egg white

3/4 cup sugar 1 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup flour

Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, 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 cookie sheet. These are very fragile.

Which of the following statements about the passage is true?