It was a faint voice that Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant heard in history’s first
phone call. But, in effect, the statement, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you” was
a deafening thunderclap. The world took notice and technology quickly accelerated from
that day in 1876. The telephone was destined to become one of the most influential
inventions of all time.
What does the author mean by comparing the first call to a thunderclap?
The call did not work nearly as well as expected.
The technology they used could not control volume.
The impact of the call was very important in history.
The impact of the call was very important in history.
One of the first diving suits was made of leather. Sixty-foot breathing tubes
connected to the suit. Oxygen was pumped through the tubes, enabling the diver to
breathe underwater. A major improvement to the diving suit was the metal helmet.
This permitted the diver to endure greater pressure and to explore deeper
underwater environments. But divers wanted a more convenient way to breathe
underwater. Eventually, air tanks that divers could carry on their backs were
developed.
Why couldn't divers venture into deeper water without helmets?
They needed helmets to carry oxygen.
The pressure of the water was too great.
The breathing tubes were not convenient.
The pressure of the water was too great.
The sound of barking welcomed a hopeful Margo to the animal shelter. "You left
a message about a little black terrier," said Margo. She felt numb, accompanying
the volunteer into the dog run, until suddenly Margo saw those chocolate brown
eyes and that wagging, curly black tail. Her dog leaped into her arms, his formerly
smooth coat now caked with dirt. Margo buried her face into his fur, certain she'd
never felt anything so wonderful in her life.
What detail in the passage shows that Margo cares deeply for her dog?
She recognizes specific details of how her dog looks.
She is hopeful as she hears barking in the shelter.
She buries her face in his fur even though it is dirty.
She buries her face in his fur even though it is dirty.
Alexander Fleming had no idea on the morning of September 28, 1928, that he was
about to save millions of lives. Returning to his lab after vacation, Fleming began sorting
through his experiments. He discovered that mold had invaded a culture dish in which
colonies of Staphylococcus bacteria were growing. The area adjacent to the mold was
clear; the mold had prevented bacterial growth. That serendipitous accident led to the
development of the antibiotic penicillin. It was fourteen years before penicillin was used
on a patient, but its potential was quickly realized. It was among the most significant
medical discoveries in history, for which Fleming was awarded the Nobel prize.
Which fictional technique used in this passage helps the reader comprehend the
importance of the subject?
Extreme exaggeration is used throughout the passage, which identifies it as opinion rather than fact.
A dramatic statement is used in the first sentence to grab readers' attention for the story that follows.
Including personal details about Fleming helps set the scene for the surprise that concludes the passage.
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A dramatic statement is used in the first sentence to grab readers' attention for the story that follows.
Super Shoe Plaza is having its annual end-of-summer clearance sale! Come in
to Super Shoe Plaza today to take advantage of deep discounts on the most
popular name brands. There's no better time to save money, and no better place to
save than Super Shoe Plaza.
What is the effect of repetition in this advertisement?
It makes the store's name more memorable to the reader.
It emphasizes the importance of buying name-brand shoes.
It helps the reader understand the best way to save money.
It makes the store's name more memorable to the reader.
The actors' guild was able to put on a spectacular theatrical production. This is
truly impressive, since the guild operates on a shoestring.
What is the meaning of the expression on a shoestring?
out of the public eye
up on a tightrope
with very little money