Kavya Shivashankar of Olathe, Kansas, can spell words that most people cannot or would not ever use in a sentence. Laodicean was the final word that earned the eighth grader the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship in 2009. She outlasted 10 other finalists—all exceptional spellers—to claim victory. It was Kavya's fourth attempt to win the contest after being a finalist in the contest in 2006, 2007, and 2008, finishing in tenth, eighth, and fourth places, respectively.
Do It!
In 2009, Shivashankar _________ her competition.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A surpassed
B underestimated
C embraced
D rebuked
A surpassed
Archaeologists were surveying the location of the Battle of Gallipoli. This was a famous fight that took place in Turkey during World War I. In 1973, the site became a national park. People often visit the park's memorials and graves. Because of this, people did not want archaeologists to dig there. So, instead of upsetting the soil, researchers used a type of radar that can look underground. They paired this technique with satellite technology. The researchers mapped 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of dugouts, trenches, and tunnels.
Do It!
The public _________ the archaeologists' plans.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A assigned
B influenced
C perfected
D submitted
D submitted
Modern explorers of Borneo's forests see orangutans less often than they did in the past. Scientists have examined several possible causes. It could be that the forests do not produce as much food as they used to. The soil may have become less healthy and, therefore, less able to produce food. Habitat destruction has long been identified as the greatest threat to orangutans. However, a new study indicates that hunting may play a greater role than once thought. According to the study, hunting has not only resulted in fewer orangutans; it has also made the surviving animals less social.
Do It!
The orangutans are _________.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A beckoning
B hobbling
C withdrawing
D trespassing
C withdrawing
Conflict during the Civil War escalated dramatically in 1861. President Lincoln followed General Scott's Anaconda Plan. The Union forces wrapped around the South like a giant constrictor snake. Union troops set up blockades along the southern U.S. coast. This was intended to prevent the transport of Confederate troops and supplies by sea. Capturing Hatteras Inlet in North Carolina was crucial to the Anaconda Plan. Hatteras Inlet had helped Southerners get through the Union blockade. The inlet was a hole in the "snake" that the Union was building.
Do It!
The Anaconda Plan would _________ the Confederate army.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A weaken
B dissolve
C impress
D benefit
A weaken
The sunflower family is the largest plant family on Earth, encompassing more than 24,000 species, including lettuce, artichokes, dandelions, and other plants. The sunflower's genome is 3.5 billion letters long, only slightly longer than the human genome. Researchers are now mapping the sunflower's DNA sequence to identify genes responsible for agriculturally important traits. Some of these traits include seed oil content, flowering, and drought and pest tolerance. Once researchers identify these genes, they aspire to crossbreeding a new species of sunflower with all the desirable traits. The new variety could improve crop yields and create a renewable fuel source that could replace fossil fuels.
Do It!
A _________ sunflower offers many benefits.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A pungent
B hybrid
C sterile
D premature
B hybrid
Sarah Partan, a specialist in animal behavior, is the creator of a mechanical squirrel named Rocky. Partan's team of undergraduate students is using Rocky to observe squirrels in their natural environment. They're hoping to decode the squirrels' communication methods and social cues. They also want to understand the animal's survival instincts. Partan constantly updates Rocky's technology. She also refines the robot's actions to make it seem more squirrel-like. Rocky's movements are controlled by basic computer programs. The robot contains tiny speakers that play recordings of real squirrels. The real squirrels don't seem to notice that Rocky is mounted on a board.
Do It!
For her study, Partan must _________ the squirrels.
Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected
A infect
B conceal
C deceive
D classify