Nursing Elites

1. What is the best summary of this passage?

• A. Humans can use coloration and markings on snakes to determine whether they’re venomous.
• B. Animals use coloration to hide from predators.
• C. The scarlet kingsnake and the coral snake have nearly identical markings.
• D. Venomous snakes often have bright markings, although nonvenomous snakes can also mimic those colors.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best summary of the passage is that humans can use coloration and markings on snakes to determine whether they're venomous. The passage discusses how snake markings serve the purpose of warning predators and helping humans identify venomous snakes by their bright coloration. Choice B is incorrect because the passage focuses on how coloration helps snakes evade predators rather than hide from them. Choice C is incorrect as it only mentions two specific snakes with similar markings, which is a minor detail compared to the main point of identifying venomous snakes. Choice D is incorrect because it only partially reflects the passage, focusing solely on the relationship between markings and venom in snakes, missing the crucial aspect of human ability to discern venomous snakes based on their coloration.

2. A recycling company collects sorted materials from its clients. The materials are weighed and then processed for re-use. The chart shows the weights of various classes of materials that were collected by the company during a representative month. Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the data in the chart?

• A. Paper products, including cardboard, make up a majority of the collected materials.
• B. One quarter of the materials collected are made of glass.
• C. More plastic is collected than cardboard.
• D. Plastic and cardboard together represent a larger portion of the collected materials than glass bottles.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The chart data does not support the statement that more plastic is collected than cardboard. Looking at the chart data, we can see that paper products, including cardboard, make up the majority of the collected materials. Glass accounts for one quarter of the materials collected. When we compare plastic and cardboard, we can see that cardboard weighs more than plastic. Therefore, the statement that more plastic is collected than cardboard is not supported by the data. Additionally, combining plastic and cardboard weights still does not exceed the weight of glass bottles according to the chart.

3. What can the reader conclude from the passage above?

• A. The kingsnake is dangerous to humans.
• B. The coral snake and the kingsnake are both hunted by the same predators.
• C. It's safe to handle snakes in the woods because you can easily tell whether they're poisonous.
• D. The kingsnake changes its markings when hawks or eagles are close by.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage explains that the kingsnake mimics the venomous coral snake's markings to deter predators, particularly hawks and eagles, which cannot differentiate between the two species. This implies that both the coral snake and the kingsnake face similar threats from predators in their shared habitat. Choice A is incorrect because the passage clearly states that the kingsnake is nonvenomous, so it is not dangerous to humans. Choice C is incorrect as the passage highlights that not all snakes with flashy markings are venomous, emphasizing the need for caution. Choice D is incorrect as there is no mention of the kingsnake changing its markings in response to the presence of hawks or eagles in the passage.

4. Which of the following pairs of examples from the passage best demonstrates why the use of plastics is a divisive topic?

• A. Plastic has advantages. Plastic is difficult to recycle efficiently.
• B. Plastic is consumed by birds. Plastic is entering our food.
• C. Plastic is popular. Plastic is used for packaging.
• D. Plastic is in landfills. Plastic is in the ocean.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The examples of plastic's advantages and difficulties in recycling show why the topic is divisive. The passage mentions that plastic has advantages, but it is difficult to recycle efficiently, indicating a conflict between the benefits and environmental impact of plastics. This conflict contributes to the divisive nature of discussions surrounding the use of plastics. Choices B, C, and D do not provide contrasting examples that highlight the divisive nature of the topic.

5. Which of the following words could most logically replace the underlined word without altering the intent of the sentence?

• A. Shouted
• B. Expressed
• C. Persuaded
• D. Whispered

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the context provided, the word 'propagated' indicates that Xavier conveyed or expressed his belief to his friends. 'Expressed' is the most suitable synonym here as it aligns with the idea of communicating a belief clearly. The other options, 'shouted,' 'persuaded,' and 'whispered,' do not capture the essence of spreading or communicating an idea, making them incorrect choices.

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