Reading Comprehension — Set 8
Questions 71–80 of 120
In the social policy passage, 'equity' most closely refers to:
Correct Answer: B. Fairness and justice in distribution and opportunity
'Equity' in social contexts means fairness and ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources. Unlike equality (same treatment), equity provides what individuals need based on their circumstances.
The word 'volatility' in the financial passage most likely means:
Correct Answer: B. Rapid and unpredictable changes in price or value
'Volatility' describes rapid fluctuations or instability, particularly in market prices. High volatility indicates significant uncertainty and potential for substantial gains or losses.
What does 'infrastructure' most likely refer to in the development passage?
Correct Answer: B. Basic systems and facilities needed for operation of society
'Infrastructure' encompasses essential systems including roads, bridges, utilities, telecommunications, and public services. Adequate infrastructure is foundational for economic development and quality of life.
In the cultural passage, 'indigenous' most closely means:
Correct Answer: B. Native to or originating in a particular place
'Indigenous' refers to peoples and cultures native to particular regions, having originated there rather than arriving through migration or colonization. Indigenous knowledge systems reflect centuries of local adaptation.
The term 'biodiversity' most likely refers to:
Correct Answer: B. The variety of species and ecosystems in a region
'Biodiversity' describes the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms within an area or globally. High biodiversity indicates ecosystem health and resilience.
What does 'autonomous' most likely mean in the technology passage?
Correct Answer: B. Able to operate independently without external control
'Autonomous' describes systems capable of self-governance and independent operation. Autonomous vehicles, for example, navigate and make decisions without human intervention.
In the agriculture passage, 'yield' most closely refers to:
Correct Answer: B. The quantity of crop produced per unit area
'Yield' in agriculture indicates the amount of crops harvested from a given area. Higher yields mean more food production per acre, improving food security.
The word 'consensus' most likely means:
Correct Answer: B. General agreement among most people or groups
'Consensus' indicates broad agreement, often representing widespread acceptance across different groups. Scientific consensus about climate change means the majority of experts agree on its reality and human causes.
What does 'collaborate' most likely mean in the scientific passage?
Correct Answer: B. Work together toward common goals
'Collaborate' refers to working jointly with others to achieve shared objectives. Scientific collaboration pools expertise and resources, accelerating discovery.
In the environmental passage, 'ecosystem' most closely refers to:
Correct Answer: B. A group of interacting species and their physical environment
'Ecosystem' describes communities of organisms interacting with their environment. Ecosystems include producers, consumers, and decomposers linked through energy and nutrient flows.