Questions 1-11 are based on the following passage.
Passage 1 is adapted from Eugene C. Robertson, “The Interior of the Earth” ©2011 by U.S. Geological Surve Passage 2 is adapted from USGS, "Hotspots: Mantle Thermal Plumes." ©1999 by U.S. Geological Survey.
1 The main purpose of Passage 1 is to
A) highlight the research being done on the Earth’s geological variations
B) introduce now findings regarding the effect of plate collisions in different locations
C) discuss the impact of earthquakes and volcanoes on the Earth’s geological structure
D) provide basic information about the Earth’s layers and the process of plate tectonic
2 Which statement about the Earth’s crust accurately reflects the point of view of the author of Passage 1?
A) It is too intricate and complicated in its geological makeup to be studied in-depth
B) It is the best-understood layer of the Earth’s shell, despite making up a small portion of it
C) It is easily reachable, easy to study, and makes up the most stable part of the Earth’s shell
D) It is brittle, complex and equal in thickness to the Earth’s layers of mantle and core
3 Which idea is presented in Passage 1 but NOT in Passage 2?
A) Our knowledge of the Earth’s crust is increasing, thanks to the ongoing work of scientists
B) The Earth’s plates have shifted a great deal over millions of years
C) Some earthquakes and volcanoes happen in the interiors of plates
D) Some of the Earth’s most prominent geological features result from plates colliding
4 In explaining plate tectonics, both passages make use of which kind of evidence?
A) Geological records
B) Expert testimony
C) Long-running experiments
D) Hypothetical scenarios
5 Both passages make the point that plate boundaries
A) move at a rapid pace due to frequent collisions
B) are the location of many global "hotspots."
C) are the site of most earthquakes and volcanoes
D) explain how Hawaii has so many volcanoes
6 In line 9, “steadily” most nearly means
A) consistently
B) evenly
C) calmly
D) faithfully
7. By referring to Wilson’s idea as “ingenious” (line 43), the author of Passage 2 signifies that the idea was
A) creative and well-researched
B) inventive and compelling
C) imaginative but impractical
D) shrewd but misleading
8 It can reasonably be inferred from Passage 2 that the hotspot theory
A) can be supported by comparing the volcanic rocks of two different islands
B) has yet to be proved due in part to a lack of evidence from multiple locations
C) has been recently altered after a thorough study of Hawaiian volcano sites
D) won’t be able to be confirmed with certainty until volcanoes get older and erode
9 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the precious question?
A) lines 44-46(“Wilson…time”)
B) lines 46-51(“This…volcanism”)
C) lines 62-65(“According…hotspot”)
D) lines 68-72(“By…formed”)
10 How would the author of Passage 1 most likely respond to the hotspot theory in Passage 2?
A) With approval, because it helps refine scientists’ knowledge of the composition of the Earth
B) With disapproval, because it contradicts the idea that volcanoes generally occur at plate edges
C) With caution, because the plates move so slowly that there is not yet evidence to support it
D) With support, because it may help explain the formation of the Himalayas
11 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?
A) lines 7-11 (“Our…computers”)
B) lines 12-16 (“Because…core”)
C) lines 22-27 (“By…volcanoes”)
D) lines 27-32 (“Collisions…grow”)
