Reading Comprehension Practice Questions

1. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life and is visible from outer space. However, climate change and ocean acidification pose significant threats to its survival. What is the main purpose of this passage?

2. The concept of sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This approach balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. Sustainable practices can be applied to various sectors, including energy production, agriculture, urban planning, and manufacturing. As global challenges like climate change and resource depletion become more pressing, the importance of sustainable development continues to grow. Based on this passage, which of the following is NOT a key aspect of sustainable development?

3. The "Sapir-Whorf hypothesis," also known as linguistic relativity, proposes that the structure of a language influences its speakers' worldview or cognition. This hypothesis suggests that the language we speak shapes the way we think and perceive the world. While the strong version of this hypothesis (linguistic determinism) is generally not accepted by modern linguists, a weaker version suggesting that language influences thought to some degree is still debated. Research in this area has explored how different languages categorize colors, express time, and describe spatial relationships, and how these differences might affect cognition. What is the main idea of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis as described in this passage?

4. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organism's activities. This chemical energy is stored in carbohydrate molecules, such as sugars, which are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process. What is the primary function of photosynthesis, according to the passage?

5. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures. While the Earth's climate has naturally varied throughout its history, the current rate of change is unprecedented and largely attributed to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases. The effects of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. What does the passage suggest is unique about the current climate change?

6. The "Fermi paradox," named after physicist Enrico Fermi, refers to the apparent contradiction between the high probability of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations and the lack of evidence for, or contact with, such civilizations. Given the vast number of stars and planets in the universe, and the age of the universe, it seems likely that intelligent life should have evolved elsewhere and become detectable. Fermi famously asked, "Where is everybody?" This paradox has led to numerous proposed explanations, including the possibility that intelligent life is rare, that civilizations tend to destroy themselves, or that there are barriers to interstellar travel or communication. Some scientists argue that we simply haven't been looking long or hard enough, while others suggest that advanced civilizations might choose not to reveal themselves. The Fermi paradox continues to be a subject of debate in discussions about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. What is the central question posed by the Fermi paradox?

7. The paradox of choice, a concept popularized by psychologist Barry Schwartz, suggests that while we might believe that more choice leads to greater satisfaction, in reality, an abundance of options can lead to anxiety, indecision, and dissatisfaction. This phenomenon occurs because as the number of available options increases, the psychological burden of making a decision also increases. Moreover, with more options, our standards for what is considered acceptable also rise, making it harder to be satisfied with our choice. According to the passage, what is the main consequence of having too many choices?

8. Climate change is causing sea levels to rise through two main mechanisms: thermal expansion of the oceans as they warm, and the melting of land-based ice such as glaciers and ice sheets. This rise in sea level poses a significant threat to coastal communities and low-lying islands around the world. Some regions are already experiencing increased flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems. What can be inferred from this passage about the future impact of rising sea levels?

9. The "sunk cost fallacy" is a cognitive bias that causes people to continue a behavior or endeavor as a result of previously invested resources (time, money, effort). This fallacy, which is related to loss aversion and status quo bias, can cause people to "throw good money after bad" or continue to invest in a losing proposition. The sunk cost fallacy is often illustrated by the phrase "in for a penny, in for a pound." This bias can lead to poor decision-making in business, personal finance, and other areas of life where resources are limited and must be allocated carefully. Based on this passage, what is the primary driver of the sunk cost fallacy?

10. The concept of "nudge theory" in behavioral economics suggests that positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions can influence people's behavior and decision-making. This approach aims to alter people's behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives. For example, placing healthier food options at eye level in a cafeteria can "nudge" people towards making healthier choices without removing less healthy options. What is the main principle behind nudge theory as described in this passage?