Have an account?
Skip to Content
Build your own quiz
10 questions
Show Answers
See Preview
- 1. Multiple Choice
The primary purpose of the first paragraph (lines 1-26) is to
inspire students to enter scientific professions
argue that certain animal groups are becoming extinct
call attention to the decline of a significant field of study
explain the relationship between different scientific disciplines
- 2. Multiple Choice
The author mentions "glass blowing and harpsichords manufacture" (lines 7-8) to suggest that taxonomy is
a field characterized by antiquated practices
an art that is extremely difficult to master
a profession practiced by relatively few people
an area of expertise with various practical applications
- 3. Multiple Choice
In the context of lines 19-22, the words "one is retired" are best described as
a detail that makes a critical situation even more precarious
a fact that us puzzling to the author and other biologists
a claim that is of equal concern to scientists and the general public
an excuse for outdated designs for research projects
an aside that undermines the point about taxonomy that is being made
- 4. Multiple Choice
The author cites a Chinese saying (lines 44-46) to emphasize
contrast between Eastern and Western science
intricacy of the relationships that unite living beings
necessity of using scientific knowledge in a responsible manner
importance of taxonomy as a field of study
danger of postponing biological research
- 5. Multiple Choice
The third paragraph (lines 47-61) serves which of the following functions?
It explains the results of a controversial study.
It compares examples that illustrate a point.
It explores social and historical contexts.
It speculates about potential improvement.
- 6. Multiple Choice
The author uses the word "obscure" in line 48 to mean
ambiguous
incomprehensible
not well known
uncertain
unusually small
- 7. Open Ended
What evidence is the passage presents the tone as concerned, yet hopeful?
- 8. Multiple Choice
One important purpose of the passage is to
urge the public to contribute money to a proposed taxonomy project
argue that the public should focus on identifying and saving a few key species
suggest that ecological conservation is a beneficial enterprise
question why some species are better protected than others
- 9. Multiple Choice
The primary rhetorical strategy in the passage is the
exemplification of key concepts and ideas
narration of stories and use of personal references
description of research methodologies
comparison and contrast of differing viewpoints
- 10. Multiple Choice
In the passage, italics are used to highlight
citations from different authorities
ideas that scientists consider outdated
the hypotheses that the author challenges
trends that the author has encouraged
the major points of the author's argument
- Answer choicesTagsAnswer choicesTags