Reading Comprehension Practice Questions

1. The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It provides a useful framework for analyzing chemical behavior and is widely used in chemistry and other sciences. The table is divided into periods (rows) and groups (columns), with elements in the same group often exhibiting similar characteristics. What is the main purpose of the periodic table, according to the passage?

2. The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, marked a major turning point in Earth's ecology and humans' relationship with their environment. The onset of industrialization, coupled with the growing use of fossil fuels and the large-scale extraction of mineral resources, has led to a sustained period of pollution, environmental degradation, and social change. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of this passage?

3. The "butterfly effect" is a concept in chaos theory that suggests that small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable consequences in complex systems. The term comes from the metaphorical example of a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil causing a tornado in Texas. This concept highlights the sensitivity of complex systems to initial conditions and the difficulty in making long-term predictions in such systems. The butterfly effect has implications in various fields, including weather forecasting, economics, and social systems. What does the butterfly effect primarily illustrate about complex systems?

4. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and energy in the form of sugar. This process is crucial for life on Earth as it provides the oxygen we breathe and forms the basis of most food chains. However, photosynthesis is not unique to plants; some bacteria and algae also perform this process. What can be inferred about organisms that perform photosynthesis based on this passage?

5. The theory of evolution by natural selection, first formulated in Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, is the process by which organisms change over time as a result of changes in heritable physical or behavioral traits. Natural selection acts on the phenotype, the observable characteristics of an organism, such that individuals with favorable phenotypes are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes to the next generation. What is the key mechanism of evolution described in this passage?

6. The Flynn effect refers to the substantial and long-sustained increase in both fluid and crystallized intelligence test scores measured in many parts of the world over the 20th century. This phenomenon was named after James R. Flynn, who did much to document it and promote awareness of its implications. The exact causes of the Flynn effect are still debated, but proposed explanations include improved nutrition, better education, greater environmental complexity, and in some cases, improved test-taking skills. What does the Flynn effect primarily describe?

7. The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which a person experiences a perceived improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment with no known medical benefits. This effect is often observed in clinical trials where some participants receive an inactive substance or treatment. The placebo effect demonstrates the powerful influence of the mind on the body and highlights the complexity of the healing process. Recent research suggests that placebos can trigger real physiological changes, including the release of pain-relieving endorphins. Understanding the placebo effect is crucial for designing effective clinical trials and improving patient care. Which of the following best describes the placebo effect?

8. Despite its name, the koala is not a bear. It is a marsupial, related to kangaroos and wombats. Koalas are found in the eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia, where they feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. These leaves are toxic to most animals, but koalas have a specialized digestive system that allows them to detoxify the leaves. Based on this passage, which of the following statements is most likely true?

9. Despite its name, the koala is not a bear. It is a marsupial, which means that its young are born immature and they develop further in the safety of a pouch. It's a common misconception that these tree-dwelling mammals sleep up to 20 hours a day due to intoxication from eucalyptus leaves. In reality, koalas sleep so much because their diet of eucalyptus leaves is low in nutrients and high in toxins, requiring a lot of energy to digest. What is the primary purpose of this passage?

10. The human brain is often compared to a computer, but this analogy has limitations. While both process information, the brain is far more complex and adaptable. Neurons in the brain can form new connections and change existing ones, a property known as neuroplasticity. This allows the brain to learn, remember, and recover from injury in ways that computers cannot. What is the main point of comparison between the brain and a computer in this passage?