1. A new invention claims to solve the energy crisis. What criteria should you use to evaluate this claim?

A. The inventor's qualifications and credentials.
B. The technology's cost-effectiveness and affordability.
C. Evidence of independent testing and scientific validation.
D. Testimonials from celebrities and public figures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When evaluating a claim about solving the energy crisis, it is crucial to look for evidence of independent testing and scientific validation. This ensures that the technology has been rigorously assessed and verified by experts in the field, providing credibility to the invention's effectiveness. Testimonials from celebrities and public figures (option D) may not provide reliable information about the technology's actual capabilities. The inventor's qualifications and credentials (option A) are important but do not guarantee the technology's success. Cost-effectiveness and affordability (option B) are significant factors but should be considered alongside scientific validation to assess the overall impact and feasibility of the invention.

2. The author expresses concern about the...

A. high cost and limited efficiency of traditional fossil fuel power plants.
B. unpredictable weather patterns and their impact on renewable energy production.
C. increasing dependence on technology and potential cybersecurity risks.
D. negative environmental consequences of renewable energy infrastructure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The passage's focus on managing the intermittency of renewable energy due to weather conditions implies concern about B.

3. A solution is considered saturated when...

A. More solute can be dissolved
B. The solvent starts to evaporate
C. The solution becomes cloudy
D. It reaches a specific temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The solvent starts to evaporate.' A solution is considered saturated when the solvent can no longer dissolve any more solute at a given temperature. When the solvent starts to evaporate, it means that the solution is becoming more concentrated and reaching its saturation point. This is a key indicator of a saturated solution. The other options do not accurately describe the concept of a saturated solution, making them incorrect choices.

4. A doctor prescribes 150 milligrams of medication to be taken orally every 12 hours. How many grams should the patient take per dose?

A. 0.015 grams
B. 0.15 grams
C. 1.5 grams
D. 15 grams

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 1 gram is equal to 1000 milligrams. Divide the dosage in milligrams (150 mg) by the conversion factor (1000 mg/gram) to find the dosage in grams: 150 mg / 1000 mg/gram = 0.15 grams.

5. What is the process by which RNA molecules are modified after transcription but before translation?

A. Replication
B. Splicing
C. Editing
D. Packaging

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Replication: Replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce a new DNA molecule. This process does not involve RNA molecules. B) Splicing: Splicing is the process by which non-coding regions (introns) are removed from pre-mRNA and the remaining coding regions (exons) are joined together to form mature mRNA. This process occurs after transcription but before translation. C) Editing: While RNA molecules can undergo editing processes such as RNA editing, this term is not commonly used to describe the modification of RNA molecules after transcription. D) Packaging: Packaging refers to the process by which DNA is condensed and organized into chromatin in eukaryotic cells. This term is not typically used to describe the modification of RNA molecules after transcription.

6. Which of the following is NOT a function of the cardiovascular system?

A. Transporting oxygen to cells
B. Maintaining blood pressure
C. Carrying waste products to the kidneys for removal
D. Initiating the immune response

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cardiovascular system is responsible for transporting oxygen to cells (option A), maintaining blood pressure (option B), and carrying waste products to the kidneys for removal (option C). However, initiating the immune response (option D) is not a function of the cardiovascular system. The immune response is primarily carried out by the immune system, which includes organs like the spleen and lymph nodes. While the cardiovascular system does play a role in immune function by transporting immune cells and antibodies, it is not responsible for initiating the immune response. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.