Praxis Core Reading 5713 Test

Question 1

Oysters absorb the chemicals that are present in the water they live in; therefore, examining the chemical concentrations in oyster tissue can indicate levels of industrial pollution. However, the results of such examination must be interpreted carefully. For example, high levels of cadmium in oysters along the West Coast of the United States can be attributed not to pollution by industry, but to upwelling of deep ocean water, which contains more cadmium than surface ocean water.

The passage is primarily concerned with

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) E

Rationale

advising caution in drawing conclusions regarding the presence of pollutants in the tissue of oysters.

The passage emphasizes the need for careful interpretation of chemical concentrations in oyster tissue, specifically highlighting that not all high levels of chemicals indicate pollution from industrial sources. This cautionary approach is central to understanding the complexities involved in determining pollution levels.

A) suggesting a method for determining the level of pollution in ocean water
While the passage discusses the examination of chemicals in oyster tissue as a potential indicator of pollution, it does not provide a specific method for determining pollution levels. Instead, it focuses on the interpretation of existing data rather than suggesting new methodologies.

B) pointing out a flaw in the reasoning of scientists who study the concentration of chemicals in ocean water
The passage does not explicitly critique the reasoning of scientists; rather, it highlights a specific example of misinterpretation related to cadmium levels. It is more concerned with the interpretation of findings than with criticizing the scientific process itself.

C) warning of the danger to oysters of cadmium in ocean water
Although the passage mentions cadmium, it does not primarily focus on the danger it poses to oysters. Instead, it illustrates how the source of cadmium can be misattributed, shifting the focus from danger to the need for careful interpretation.

D) contrasting the harm done by industrial pollution with the effects of pollution from other sources
The passage does mention different sources of cadmium but does not engage in a detailed comparison of industrial pollution versus other sources. It primarily seeks to clarify how the source of cadmium affects the interpretation of pollution data.

Conclusion
The passage serves to advise caution when interpreting the presence of pollutants in oysters, highlighting that high chemical concentrations may derive from natural sources rather than industrial pollution. This nuanced understanding is crucial for accurate assessments of environmental health and underscores the importance of careful analysis in scientific inquiries.

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Question 2

In the past, most visitors to the Louvre museum in Paris went straight to its main attractions: the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and, of course, the Mona Lisa, who smiled at packed crowds through bulletproof glass. Less prominent objects required a marathon walk down dingy, unmarked corridors. Even then, weary art pilgrims might find their treasure locked behind a placard listing its hours as 'very irregular.' Too often the Louvre defeated its guests instead of inspiring them.

Which of the following words could be substituted for 'treasure' without substantially altering the meaning of the statement?

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) C

Rationale

Desired artwork

The term "treasure" in this context refers to valuable or sought-after objects, particularly within the museum setting. "Desired artwork" effectively encapsulates the essence of what visitors are searching for, aligning with the theme of art appreciation and exploration at the Louvre.

A) Personal memento
A "personal memento" suggests a sentimental item with individual significance, which diverges from the broader context of valuable artworks within a museum. While personal mementos can be treasured, they do not convey the idea of sought-after art objects that visitors to the Louvre are likely to seek.

B) Hard-earned cash
"Hard-earned cash" refers specifically to money earned through labor, which is unrelated to the museum's focus on art and artifacts. This term shifts the context entirely from artistic value to financial value, making it an unsuitable substitute for "treasure" in this scenario.

C) Desired artwork
"Desired artwork" aligns perfectly with the context, as it denotes art pieces that visitors are eager to see and appreciate. This substitution retains the meaning of "treasure" as something valuable that people hope to find and engage with in the museum.

D) Lost valuables
"Lost valuables" implies items that have been misplaced or stolen, which does not fit the narrative of appreciating art within the Louvre. While they may be considered treasures in some contexts, the emphasis on loss detracts from the intent of finding and admiring art.

E) Family heirloom
A "family heirloom" is typically a treasured item passed down through generations, which again emphasizes personal significance rather than the collective value of artworks in a museum setting. This choice does not capture the essence of the sought-after pieces found in the Louvre.

Conclusion
In the context of the Louvre museum, "treasure" refers to valuable artworks that visitors are eager to discover. The term "desired artwork" serves as an effective substitute, maintaining the focus on art appreciation. Other options either shift the meaning to more personal or financial contexts, fail to address the artistic theme, or imply loss, making them unsuitable replacements.

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Question 3

One of the most successful Black inventors following the Civil War was Elijah McCoy. McCoy's basic invention, a 'drip cup,' ended complaints of waste and cost by making it unnecessary to stop and restart engines to lubricate them. McCoy opened the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company in Detroit, Michigan, to develop and market his inventions. He worked with such intensity from 1873 to 1899 that he received 25 patents for different types of lubricators. The confidence inspired by the reliability of his lubricating devices was such that the phrase 'the real McCoy' was coined to describe machinery that contained the McCoy device, and this phrase became a part of the English language.

The primary purpose of the passage is to

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) D

Rationale

describe McCoy's success as an inventor.

The passage primarily highlights Elijah McCoy's achievements and innovations, particularly focusing on his invention of the 'drip cup' and the subsequent impact of his work, which led to his recognition as a successful inventor. This emphasis on his accomplishments underlines the significance of his contributions to engineering and industry.

A) contrast McCoy's success with other inventors during the Civil War
This option suggests a comparison between McCoy and other inventors, which is not present in the passage. The text solely focuses on McCoy's inventions and achievements without referencing other inventors or contrasting their success.

B) present a brief biography of McCoy
While the passage includes biographical elements, such as McCoy's background and the establishment of his company, it does not aim to provide a comprehensive biography. Instead, it primarily emphasizes his success as an inventor, making this option too broad to be the main purpose.

C) describe the development of one of McCoy's inventions
Although the passage mentions the 'drip cup' and its function, it does not delve into the detailed process of its development. The focus is more on McCoy's overall success and impact as an inventor rather than a specific invention's evolution.

E) discuss McCoy's contributions to the English language
The mention of the phrase 'the real McCoy' is a minor detail in the passage and serves to illustrate the impact of his inventions rather than being the primary focus. Thus, this option misrepresents the main theme of the passage.

Conclusion
The passage centers on Elijah McCoy's notable success as an inventor, particularly highlighting his innovative lubricating devices and the legacy of reliability associated with his work. By emphasizing his achievements, the text conveys the significance of his contributions to industry and culture, making option D the most accurate representation of the primary purpose of the passage.

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Question 4

One of the most successful Black inventors following the Civil War was Elijah McCoy. McCoy's basic invention, a 'drip cup,' ended complaints of waste and cost by making it unnecessary to stop and restart engines to lubricate them. McCoy opened the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company in Detroit, Michigan, to develop and market his inventions. He worked with such intensity from 1873 to 1899 that he received 25 patents for different types of lubricators. The confidence inspired by the reliability of his lubricating devices was such that the phrase 'the real McCoy' was coined to describe machinery that contained the McCoy device, and this phrase became a part of the English language.

According to the passage, 'the real McCoy' originally referred to

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) A

Rationale

machinery that contained the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy.

The phrase 'the real McCoy' originated to describe machinery that utilized McCoy's reliable lubricating devices, specifically his innovative drip cup, which improved engine efficiency by eliminating the need for frequent lubrication stops.

A) machinery that contained the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy
This choice accurately reflects the passage's explanation that 'the real McCoy' was coined to signify machinery equipped with McCoy's effective lubricating devices, exemplifying the trust and reliability associated with his inventions.

B) any device actually invented by Elijah McCoy
While this option suggests a broader application of the term to all inventions by McCoy, the passage specifically ties 'the real McCoy' to the reliability of his lubricating devices, particularly the drip cup, rather than all his inventions.

C) Elijah McCoy himself
This choice implies that the phrase refers to McCoy as a person. However, the passage clearly indicates that 'the real McCoy' pertains to the machinery utilizing his inventions, not to McCoy as an individual.

D) the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company
This option incorrectly associates the phrase with McCoy's company. The passage emphasizes that 'the real McCoy' refers to the devices themselves, not the company he established to manufacture them.

E) later versions of the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy
This choice suggests a distinction between the original and later iterations of the drip cup. The phrase 'the real McCoy' specifically references the reliability of his initial inventions, not subsequent versions.

Conclusion
The term 'the real McCoy' emerged as a testament to the trust in machinery equipped with Elijah McCoy's innovative drip cup, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability. The phrase signifies the high standard set by McCoy's inventions, distinguishing them from less dependable alternatives. Understanding this context highlights the significant impact of McCoy's contributions to engineering and the lasting legacy of his work.

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Question 5

Columbia University Business School professor Sheena S. Iyengar once conducted an experiment in which she set up a tasting booth with a variety of exotic gourmet jams at an upscale grocery store. Some× the booth had 6 different jams, and some× it had 24 different jams on display. Iyengar wanted to see whether the number of jam choices made any difference in the number of jams sold. Conventional economic wisdom, of course, says that the more choices consumers have, the more likely they are to buy, because it is easier for consumers to find the jam that perfectly fits their needs. But the researcher found the opposite to be true. Of those who stopped by the 6-choice booth, 30 percent ended up buying some jam, while only 3 percent of those who stopped by the bigger booth bought anything. Why is that? Because buying jam is a snap decision. You say to yourself, instinctively, 'I want that one.' And if given too many choices, if forced to consider much more than the unconscious is comfortable with, the buyer becomes paralyzed. Snap judgments can be made in a snap simply because there are not that many options to choose from.

The primary purpose of the passage is to

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) C

Rationale

describe an experiment that sheds light on how people make choices.

The passage focuses on an experiment conducted by Sheena S. Iyengar, which investigates how the number of choices affects consumer behavior. It highlights the surprising outcome that fewer options led to a higher purchasing rate, thus providing insight into decision-making processes among consumers.

A) summarize one scholar's analysis of a multinational business trend
This choice inaccurately frames the passage, as it does not discuss a multinational business trend but rather focuses on a specific experiment related to consumer choices in a grocery store context. The emphasis is on individual behavior rather than broad economic trends.

B) suggest that it is best for companies to make a variety of products
While the passage mentions the number of products available, it ultimately argues against the idea that having a variety of options is beneficial. Instead, it suggests that too many choices can overwhelm consumers, which contradicts the notion that companies should provide a wider range of products.

D) illustrate the conscious mental processes involved in making judgments
The passage does not delve into conscious mental processes; rather, it emphasizes snap judgments made unconsciously when faced with fewer choices. The focus is on the paralysis caused by an excess of options, which detracts from the conscious decision-making aspect.

E) compare and contrast several different methods used to sell jam to the public
This choice misrepresents the content as the passage does not compare various sales methods. Instead, it centers on a single experiment regarding consumer choice in jam, making this option irrelevant to the primary purpose of the passage.

Conclusion
The passage primarily describes an experiment by Sheena S. Iyengar that reveals how the number of options influences consumer purchasing behavior. It demonstrates that fewer choices can facilitate quicker decision-making, thereby shedding light on the nature of choice and its impact on consumer behavior. This insight is crucial for understanding how companies can better tailor their offerings to enhance sales.

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advising caution in drawing conclusions regarding the presence of pollutants in the tissue of oysters.

Desired artwork

describe McCoy's success as an inventor.

machinery that contained the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy.

describe an experiment that sheds light on how people make choices.

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