DIRECTIONS:
Each passage below is accompanied by a number of questions. For some questions, you will consider how the passage might be revised to improve the expression of ideas. For other questions, you will consider how the passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage or a question may be accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a table or graph) that you will consider as you make revising and editing decisions. Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage. Other questions will direct you to a location in a passage or ask you to think about the passage as a whole. After reading each passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions of standard written English. Many questions include a “NO CHANGE” option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is.
Questions 1–11 are based on the following passage.
The Dirt on Growing Plants Without Soil With an average annual increase of approximately 83 million people, the current global population of over 7.5 billion represents a severe strain on the finite resources available on the planet. According to Jacques 1 Diouf, former Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, by 2050, the world will need to produce 70% more food to feed the additional 2.3 billion people expected by that year. And yet, this increase in food production could come at a great cost: conventional agriculture is one of the top contributors to water scarcity. One solution to this 2 more or less important issue is hydroponics, a method of growing plants without the use of soil.
1.
- NO CHANGE
- pressing
- unusually significant
- constantly thought about
Ans:/Explanation
Ans:A
2.
- NO CHANGE
- Diouf former Director-General
- Diouf former Director-General,
- Diouf, former Director-General,
Ans:/Explanation
Ans:B
Hydroponic systems use up to 10 times less water than conventional methods. When crops are planted in fields, the water 3 of the plants runs off into the environment, whereas in hydroponic systems, the water is captured and used again. Hydroponic systems come in several varieties, including ones in which the plant roots are submerged in nutrient-filled water and others in which a wick or pump provides water to the roots. 4 [1] In addition to being stingy with water, hydroponic systems provide other benefits. [2] These systems use space more efficiently than do crop fields, so they can produce more fruits and vegetables per square foot and can even be built in cities. [3] Furthermore, indoor hydroponic systems can be used in almost any climate to grow plants year-round, which enhances access to fresh, local produce for people living in colder climates. [4] An added bonus is that since 5 there grown without soil, these plants are more visually appealing. [5] This reduces the environmental impact of transporting fruits and vegetables across the country from warmer regions. 6
3.
- NO CHANGE
- for the plants runs
- from the plants running
- within the plants runs
Ans:/Explanation
Ans:B
4. At this point, the writer is considering adding the following sentence. Lettuces, endives, and fresh herbs are a few types of produce that grow well with the use of hydroponics. Should the writer make this addition here?
- Yes, because it provides examples that support the previous point.
- Yes, because it contradicts a statement made earlier in the passage.
- No, because the information is given elsewhere in the passage.
- No, because it is not relevant to the main point of the paragraph.
Ans:/Explanation
Ans:D