Reading Comprehension: Science and History Passages

What is the passage about?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Although antibiotics may get a criticism for their prevalence and overuse, life before them was fraught with untamable infection and few defensive tools. Penicillin was the first antibiotic, a discovery that happened in 1929 when a young bacteriologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, was making some alterations in his lab. After having been on vacation, he returned to work to find that a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria had been left uncovered; and he noticed that mold on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum, and upon further research found that it could kill other bacteria and could be given to small animals without ill effect. A decade later, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain picked up where Fleming left off and isolated the bacteria-killing substance found in the mold – penicillin. The three won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases. A laboratory worker measures purified penicillin into bottles. In this process, the substance is freeze-dried and the ice evaporated off under vacuum. The powder left behind is penicillin.

Which of the following statements is true?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Although antibiotics may get a criticism for their prevalence and overuse, life before them was fraught with untamable infection and few defensive tools. Penicillin was the first antibiotic, a discovery that happened in 1929 when a young bacteriologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, was making some alterations in his lab. After having been on vacation, he returned to work to find that a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria had been left uncovered; and he noticed that mold on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum, and upon further research found that it could kill other bacteria and could be given to small animals without ill effect. A decade later, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain picked up where Fleming left off and isolated the bacteria-killing substance found in the mold – penicillin. The three won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases. A laboratory worker measures purified penicillin into bottles. In this process, the substance is freeze-dried and the ice evaporated off under vacuum. The powder left behind is penicillin.

What did Alexander find in further research after identifying penicillin notatum?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Although antibiotics may get a criticism for their prevalence and overuse, life before them was fraught with untamable infection and few defensive tools. Penicillin was the first antibiotic, a discovery that happened in 1929 when a young bacteriologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, was making some alterations in his lab. After having been on vacation, he returned to work to find that a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria had been left uncovered; and he noticed that mold on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum, and upon further research found that it could kill other bacteria and could be given to small animals without ill effect. A decade later, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain picked up where Fleming left off and isolated the bacteria-killing substance found in the mold – penicillin. The three won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases. A laboratory worker measures purified penicillin into bottles. In this process, the substance is freeze-dried and the ice evaporated off under vacuum. The powder left behind is penicillin.

What is the passage about?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Here is another intriguing wonder to the world. The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's triangle, is a triangular area of the Atlantic Ocean (305,000 sq km) where the disappearances of ships, airplanes, and boats has led to the belief that supernatural forces inhabit this area of the sea. Many planes, ships, and boats are believed to have disappeared in this triangle without a trace. This includes the disappearance of over 1,000 seamen and airmen. In most of these disappearances, it is the fact that no distress signal was ever received from the disappearing ships or planes that enhances the cloud of mystery that surrounds them. Although violent storms and downward air currents frequently occur in the area, scientists have not revealed anything extremely peculiar. Boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle are formed by drawing an imaginary line from Melbourne, Florida, to Bermuda, to Puerto Rico and back to Florida. Could there truly be an unnatural force at work in this geographical triangle or are these disappearances merely a coincidence? Numerous people remain unwilling to step over the boundary line into the Devil's Triangle. It is still an unsolved puzzle for scientists all over the world.

Which word in the passage means to make small changes to something in order to improve or repair it?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Nobody knew that one of America's first beloved cereals was invented by accident. It all started with Will Keith Kellogg, his interest in medicine and a bout of forgetfulness. Kellogg used to help his brother, who worked as a doctor at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, with patients and their diets. One day he was conducting research with his brother and helping cook meals for patients, Kellogg stumbled upon a discovery that would change his life. Responsible for making bread dough one day, Kellogg accidentally left his main ingredient, boiled wheat, sitting out for several hours. When he came back to roll the ingredient into dough, the wheat became flaky. Curious to see what would happen, Kellogg baked the flaky dough anyway, creating a crunchy and flaky snack. The flakes were a hit with patients, so Kellogg embarked on a mission to enhance the product for large-scale sale. Will Kellogg tinkered with his recipe and finally settled on using corn as a main ingredient for the flakes. He launched his business, 'The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flakes Company', in 1906, which eventually came to be known as the Kellogg's company that sells Corn Flakes, other cereals and convenience foods today.

What is the passage about?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Nobody knew that one of America's first beloved cereals was invented by accident. It all started with Will Keith Kellogg, his interest in medicine and a bout of forgetfulness. Kellogg used to help his brother, who worked as a doctor at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, with patients and their diets. One day he was conducting research with his brother and helping cook meals for patients, Kellogg stumbled upon a discovery that would change his life. Responsible for making bread dough one day, Kellogg accidentally left his main ingredient, boiled wheat, sitting out for several hours. When he came back to roll the ingredient into dough, the wheat became flaky. Curious to see what would happen, Kellogg baked the flaky dough anyway, creating a crunchy and flaky snack. The flakes were a hit with patients, so Kellogg embarked on a mission to enhance the product for large-scale sale. Will Kellogg tinkered with his recipe and finally settled on using corn as a main ingredient for the flakes. He launched his business, 'The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flakes Company', in 1906, which eventually came to be known as the Kellogg's company that sells Corn Flakes, other cereals and convenience foods today.

Why was Kellogg making bread dough one day?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Nobody knew that one of America's first beloved cereals was invented by accident. It all started with Will Keith Kellogg, his interest in medicine and a bout of forgetfulness. Kellogg used to help his brother, who worked as a doctor at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, with patients and their diets. One day he was conducting research with his brother and helping cook meals for patients, Kellogg stumbled upon a discovery that would change his life. Responsible for making bread dough one day, Kellogg accidentally left his main ingredient, boiled wheat, sitting out for several hours. When he came back to roll the ingredient into dough, the wheat became flaky. Curious to see what would happen, Kellogg baked the flaky dough anyway, creating a crunchy and flaky snack. The flakes were a hit with patients, so Kellogg embarked on a mission to enhance the product for large-scale sale. Will Kellogg tinkered with his recipe and finally settled on using corn as a main ingredient for the flakes. He launched his business, 'The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flakes Company', in 1906, which eventually came to be known as the Kellogg's company that sells Corn Flakes, other cereals and convenience foods today.

Which word in the passage is the synonym of uncontrollable?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Although antibiotics may get a criticism for their prevalence and overuse, life before them was fraught with untamable infection and few defensive tools. Penicillin was the first antibiotic, a discovery that happened in 1929 when a young bacteriologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, was making some alterations in his lab. After having been on vacation, he returned to work to find that a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria had been left uncovered; and he noticed that mold on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum, and upon further research found that it could kill other bacteria and could be given to small animals without ill effect. A decade later, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain picked up where Fleming left off and isolated the bacteria-killing substance found in the mold – penicillin. The three won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases. A laboratory worker measures purified penicillin into bottles. In this process, the substance is freeze-dried and the ice evaporated off under vacuum. The powder left behind is penicillin.

What was the ingredient that prompted him to make a crunchy food for the first time?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Nobody knew that one of America's first beloved cereals was invented by accident. It all started with Will Keith Kellogg, his interest in medicine and a bout of forgetfulness. Kellogg used to help his brother, who worked as a doctor at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, with patients and their diets. One day he was conducting research with his brother and helping cook meals for patients, Kellogg stumbled upon a discovery that would change his life. Responsible for making bread dough one day, Kellogg accidentally left his main ingredient, boiled wheat, sitting out for several hours. When he came back to roll the ingredient into dough, the wheat became flaky. Curious to see what would happen, Kellogg baked the flaky dough anyway, creating a crunchy and flaky snack. The flakes were a hit with patients, so Kellogg embarked on a mission to enhance the product for large-scale sale. Will Kellogg tinkered with his recipe and finally settled on using corn as a main ingredient for the flakes. He launched his business, 'The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flakes Company', in 1906, which eventually came to be known as the Kellogg's company that sells Corn Flakes, other cereals and convenience foods today.

Which of the following statements is true?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Nobody knew that one of America's first beloved cereals was invented by accident. It all started with Will Keith Kellogg, his interest in medicine and a bout of forgetfulness. Kellogg used to help his brother, who worked as a doctor at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, with patients and their diets. One day he was conducting research with his brother and helping cook meals for patients, Kellogg stumbled upon a discovery that would change his life. Responsible for making bread dough one day, Kellogg accidentally left his main ingredient, boiled wheat, sitting out for several hours. When he came back to roll the ingredient into dough, the wheat became flaky. Curious to see what would happen, Kellogg baked the flaky dough anyway, creating a crunchy and flaky snack. The flakes were a hit with patients, so Kellogg embarked on a mission to enhance the product for large-scale sale. Will Kellogg tinkered with his recipe and finally settled on using corn as a main ingredient for the flakes. He launched his business, 'The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flakes Company', in 1906, which eventually came to be known as the Kellogg's company that sells Corn Flakes, other cereals and convenience foods today.

Which of the following statements is true?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Here is another intriguing wonder to the world. The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's triangle, is a triangular area of the Atlantic Ocean (305,000 sq km) where the disappearances of ships, airplanes, and boats has led to the belief that supernatural forces inhabit this area of the sea. Many planes, ships, and boats are believed to have disappeared in this triangle without a trace. This includes the disappearance of over 1,000 seamen and airmen. In most of these disappearances, it is the fact that no distress signal was ever received from the disappearing ships or planes that enhances the cloud of mystery that surrounds them. Although violent storms and downward air currents frequently occur in the area, scientists have not revealed anything extremely peculiar. Boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle are formed by drawing an imaginary line from Melbourne, Florida, to Bermuda, to Puerto Rico and back to Florida. Could there truly be an unnatural force at work in this geographical triangle or are these disappearances merely a coincidence? Numerous people remain unwilling to step over the boundary line into the Devil's Triangle. It is still an unsolved puzzle for scientists all over the world.

Which word in the passage is the synonym of distinctive?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Here is another intriguing wonder to the world. The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's triangle, is a triangular area of the Atlantic Ocean (305,000 sq km) where the disappearances of ships, airplanes, and boats has led to the belief that supernatural forces inhabit this area of the sea. Many planes, ships, and boats are believed to have disappeared in this triangle without a trace. This includes the disappearance of over 1,000 seamen and airmen. In most of these disappearances, it is the fact that no distress signal was ever received from the disappearing ships or planes that enhances the cloud of mystery that surrounds them. Although violent storms and downward air currents frequently occur in the area, scientists have not revealed anything extremely peculiar. Boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle are formed by drawing an imaginary line from Melbourne, Florida, to Bermuda, to Puerto Rico and back to Florida. Could there truly be an unnatural force at work in this geographical triangle or are these disappearances merely a coincidence? Numerous people remain unwilling to step over the boundary line into the Devil's Triangle. It is still an unsolved puzzle for scientists all over the world.

Why is this mystery unsolved?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Here is another intriguing wonder to the world. The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's triangle, is a triangular area of the Atlantic Ocean (305,000 sq km) where the disappearances of ships, airplanes, and boats has led to the belief that supernatural forces inhabit this area of the sea. Many planes, ships, and boats are believed to have disappeared in this triangle without a trace. This includes the disappearance of over 1,000 seamen and airmen. In most of these disappearances, it is the fact that no distress signal was ever received from the disappearing ships or planes that enhances the cloud of mystery that surrounds them. Although violent storms and downward air currents frequently occur in the area, scientists have not revealed anything extremely peculiar. Boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle are formed by drawing an imaginary line from Melbourne, Florida, to Bermuda, to Puerto Rico and back to Florida. Could there truly be an unnatural force at work in this geographical triangle or are these disappearances merely a coincidence? Numerous people remain unwilling to step over the boundary line into the Devil's Triangle. It is still an unsolved puzzle for scientists all over the world.

Why were the three scientists given the Nobel Prize?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Although antibiotics may get a criticism for their prevalence and overuse, life before them was fraught with untamable infection and few defensive tools. Penicillin was the first antibiotic, a discovery that happened in 1929 when a young bacteriologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, was making some alterations in his lab. After having been on vacation, he returned to work to find that a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria had been left uncovered; and he noticed that mold on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum, and upon further research found that it could kill other bacteria and could be given to small animals without ill effect. A decade later, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain picked up where Fleming left off and isolated the bacteria-killing substance found in the mold – penicillin. The three won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases. A laboratory worker measures purified penicillin into bottles. In this process, the substance is freeze-dried and the ice evaporated off under vacuum. The powder left behind is penicillin.

How is the border of The Bermuda Triangle drawn?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Here is another intriguing wonder to the world. The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's triangle, is a triangular area of the Atlantic Ocean (305,000 sq km) where the disappearances of ships, airplanes, and boats has led to the belief that supernatural forces inhabit this area of the sea. Many planes, ships, and boats are believed to have disappeared in this triangle without a trace. This includes the disappearance of over 1,000 seamen and airmen. In most of these disappearances, it is the fact that no distress signal was ever received from the disappearing ships or planes that enhances the cloud of mystery that surrounds them. Although violent storms and downward air currents frequently occur in the area, scientists have not revealed anything extremely peculiar. Boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle are formed by drawing an imaginary line from Melbourne, Florida, to Bermuda, to Puerto Rico and back to Florida. Could there truly be an unnatural force at work in this geographical triangle or are these disappearances merely a coincidence? Numerous people remain unwilling to step over the boundary line into the Devil's Triangle. It is still an unsolved puzzle for scientists all over the world.