Reading Comprehension

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage - I
Picture perfect, a healthy happy baby. Then at fifteen months, just like every other baby, Russell Rollins got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. He had a very physical reaction to those vaccines including a high pitched scream and days of high-pitched crying and listlessness, says his father. Ten years later those problems continue. Russell Rollins is autistic. How do you describe what you go through as the parent of an autistic child? asks Rusty Dornin. It's a living hell. It's a living hell for everyone involved. It's a living hell for my son, who suffers terribly from this disorder, says his father. And it's a struggle that most autistic kids go through in the classroom. Here at the ABC School for Autistic Children, classes are full. Are you seeing bigger numbers? More kids knocking at the door to get in places like this? asks Rusty Dornin. The director of the school replies, Yes, both in our school and in our in home services, even in comparison to last year. We probably have fifteen more kids than we had the year previous.
And parents are asking questions. No one knows what causes the brain development disorder. But Rick Rollins, who has become an activist for autism, thinks the vaccine is connected. Thirty-three percent of new families with children with autism believe the vaccine played a role in the development of their child's autism. But a recent well-respected Danish study found no links between vaccinations and autism. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't believe the measles vaccine is a problem. But he says a concern about what is in some vaccinations is justified. Byrd applauds the removal last year of a small amount of mercury used as a preservative in some vaccines. To have anything that is potentially harmful packaged with something that is supposed to be entirely good is a bad package.” Byrd authored a recently study that ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. He believes what is happening here is probably happening nationwide. California has the only system for registering autistic children.
There is no biological test for autism. Some researchers believe there could be a connection between genetics and the environment. Rick Rollins knows vaccines are only one possibility. Do you believe there could be other factors? asks Rusty Dornin. Absolutely! I don't think anyone in any area of research in autism believes there is one single cause. We worry day and night about his future. Who is going to take care of him when we are gone? asks Rick Rollins.

Passage - II
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy, and, at the time of birth, has become a complex organ with distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. Scientists are learning that a number of problems may interfere with the brain's development. For example, certain types of cells may migrate to places in the brain where they are not meant to be. Some parts of the brain's intricate communication network may disrupt the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings and actions. Among the possible factors contributing to autism is heredity. Several studies involving twins suggest that autism can be inherited. This is also supported by findings that suggest parents who have one child with autism are at slightly increased risk for having more than one child with autism. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of the genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a unsceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single trigger that causes autism to develop. Another potential factor in the development of autism is the pregnancy period itself. As the brain grows and develops during pregnancy, anything that disrupts normal brain development may have lifelong effects on the child's sensory, language, social and mental functioning. For this reason, certain conditions, such as the mother's health during pregnancy or problems involving the delivery, are being researched to see if they interfere with normal brain development. Individuals who have certain medical conditions seem to be more at risk for autism. These conditions include Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). An area of controversy and concern in the autism community is the link between vaccinations and autism. In particular, vaccines which contained thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) are believed by some to be associated with the development of autism.Another area of controversy is whether the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked with autism. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, a recent Danish study of the health records of over 530,000 children in Europe found that the rate of autism was virtually the same for children who had received the MMR vaccine and those who had not. While many researchers note that there is no definitive proof of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, most agree that more research is needed.

How is Passage II related to Passage I?

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage - I
Picture perfect, a healthy happy baby. Then at fifteen months, just like every other baby, Russell Rollins got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. He had a very physical reaction to those vaccines including a high pitched scream and days of high-pitched crying and listlessness, says his father. Ten years later those problems continue. Russell Rollins is autistic. How do you describe what you go through as the parent of an autistic child? asks Rusty Dornin. It's a living hell. It's a living hell for everyone involved. It's a living hell for my son, who suffers terribly from this disorder, says his father. And it's a struggle that most autistic kids go through in the classroom. Here at the ABC School for Autistic Children, classes are full. Are you seeing bigger numbers? More kids knocking at the door to get in places like this? asks Rusty Dornin. The director of the school replies, Yes, both in our school and in our in home services, even in comparison to last year. We probably have fifteen more kids than we had the year previous.
And parents are asking questions. No one knows what causes the brain development disorder. But Rick Rollins, who has become an activist for autism, thinks the vaccine is connected. Thirty-three percent of new families with children with autism believe the vaccine played a role in the development of their child's autism. But a recent well-respected Danish study found no links between vaccinations and autism. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't believe the measles vaccine is a problem. But he says a concern about what is in some vaccinations is justified. Byrd applauds the removal last year of a small amount of mercury used as a preservative in some vaccines. To have anything that is potentially harmful packaged with something that is supposed to be entirely good is a bad package.” Byrd authored a recently study that ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. He believes what is happening here is probably happening nationwide. California has the only system for registering autistic children.
There is no biological test for autism. Some researchers believe there could be a connection between genetics and the environment. Rick Rollins knows vaccines are only one possibility. Do you believe there could be other factors? asks Rusty Dornin. Absolutely! I don't think anyone in any area of research in autism believes there is one single cause. We worry day and night about his future. Who is going to take care of him when we are gone? asks Rick Rollins.

Passage - II
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy, and, at the time of birth, has become a complex organ with distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. Scientists are learning that a number of problems may interfere with the brain's development. For example, certain types of cells may migrate to places in the brain where they are not meant to be. Some parts of the brain's intricate communication network may disrupt the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings and actions. Among the possible factors contributing to autism is heredity. Several studies involving twins suggest that autism can be inherited. This is also supported by findings that suggest parents who have one child with autism are at slightly increased risk for having more than one child with autism. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of the genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a unsceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single trigger that causes autism to develop. Another potential factor in the development of autism is the pregnancy period itself. As the brain grows and develops during pregnancy, anything that disrupts normal brain development may have lifelong effects on the child's sensory, language, social and mental functioning. For this reason, certain conditions, such as the mother's health during pregnancy or problems involving the delivery, are being researched to see if they interfere with normal brain development. Individuals who have certain medical conditions seem to be more at risk for autism. These conditions include Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). An area of controversy and concern in the autism community is the link between vaccinations and autism. In particular, vaccines which contained thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) are believed by some to be associated with the development of autism.Another area of controversy is whether the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked with autism. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, a recent Danish study of the health records of over 530,000 children in Europe found that the rate of autism was virtually the same for children who had received the MMR vaccine and those who had not. While many researchers note that there is no definitive proof of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, most agree that more research is needed.

It can be gathered from Passage I that Epidemiologist is a person who

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage - I
Picture perfect, a healthy happy baby. Then at fifteen months, just like every other baby, Russell Rollins got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. He had a very physical reaction to those vaccines including a high pitched scream and days of high-pitched crying and listlessness, says his father. Ten years later those problems continue. Russell Rollins is autistic. How do you describe what you go through as the parent of an autistic child? asks Rusty Dornin. It's a living hell. It's a living hell for everyone involved. It's a living hell for my son, who suffers terribly from this disorder, says his father. And it's a struggle that most autistic kids go through in the classroom. Here at the ABC School for Autistic Children, classes are full. Are you seeing bigger numbers? More kids knocking at the door to get in places like this? asks Rusty Dornin. The director of the school replies, Yes, both in our school and in our in home services, even in comparison to last year. We probably have fifteen more kids than we had the year previous.
And parents are asking questions. No one knows what causes the brain development disorder. But Rick Rollins, who has become an activist for autism, thinks the vaccine is connected. Thirty-three percent of new families with children with autism believe the vaccine played a role in the development of their child's autism. But a recent well-respected Danish study found no links between vaccinations and autism. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't believe the measles vaccine is a problem. But he says a concern about what is in some vaccinations is justified. Byrd applauds the removal last year of a small amount of mercury used as a preservative in some vaccines. To have anything that is potentially harmful packaged with something that is supposed to be entirely good is a bad package.” Byrd authored a recently study that ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. He believes what is happening here is probably happening nationwide. California has the only system for registering autistic children.
There is no biological test for autism. Some researchers believe there could be a connection between genetics and the environment. Rick Rollins knows vaccines are only one possibility. Do you believe there could be other factors? asks Rusty Dornin. Absolutely! I don't think anyone in any area of research in autism believes there is one single cause. We worry day and night about his future. Who is going to take care of him when we are gone? asks Rick Rollins.

Passage - II
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy, and, at the time of birth, has become a complex organ with distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. Scientists are learning that a number of problems may interfere with the brain's development. For example, certain types of cells may migrate to places in the brain where they are not meant to be. Some parts of the brain's intricate communication network may disrupt the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings and actions. Among the possible factors contributing to autism is heredity. Several studies involving twins suggest that autism can be inherited. This is also supported by findings that suggest parents who have one child with autism are at slightly increased risk for having more than one child with autism. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of the genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a unsceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single trigger that causes autism to develop. Another potential factor in the development of autism is the pregnancy period itself. As the brain grows and develops during pregnancy, anything that disrupts normal brain development may have lifelong effects on the child's sensory, language, social and mental functioning. For this reason, certain conditions, such as the mother's health during pregnancy or problems involving the delivery, are being researched to see if they interfere with normal brain development. Individuals who have certain medical conditions seem to be more at risk for autism. These conditions include Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). An area of controversy and concern in the autism community is the link between vaccinations and autism. In particular, vaccines which contained thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) are believed by some to be associated with the development of autism.Another area of controversy is whether the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked with autism. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, a recent Danish study of the health records of over 530,000 children in Europe found that the rate of autism was virtually the same for children who had received the MMR vaccine and those who had not. While many researchers note that there is no definitive proof of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, most agree that more research is needed.

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage - I
Picture perfect, a healthy happy baby. Then at fifteen months, just like every other baby, Russell Rollins got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. He had a very physical reaction to those vaccines including a high pitched scream and days of high-pitched crying and listlessness, says his father. Ten years later those problems continue. Russell Rollins is autistic. How do you describe what you go through as the parent of an autistic child? asks Rusty Dornin. It's a living hell. It's a living hell for everyone involved. It's a living hell for my son, who suffers terribly from this disorder, says his father. And it's a struggle that most autistic kids go through in the classroom. Here at the ABC School for Autistic Children, classes are full. Are you seeing bigger numbers? More kids knocking at the door to get in places like this? asks Rusty Dornin. The director of the school replies, Yes, both in our school and in our in home services, even in comparison to last year. We probably have fifteen more kids than we had the year previous.
And parents are asking questions. No one knows what causes the brain development disorder. But Rick Rollins, who has become an activist for autism, thinks the vaccine is connected. Thirty-three percent of new families with children with autism believe the vaccine played a role in the development of their child's autism. But a recent well-respected Danish study found no links between vaccinations and autism. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't believe the measles vaccine is a problem. But he says a concern about what is in some vaccinations is justified. Byrd applauds the removal last year of a small amount of mercury used as a preservative in some vaccines. To have anything that is potentially harmful packaged with something that is supposed to be entirely good is a bad package.” Byrd authored a recently study that ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. He believes what is happening here is probably happening nationwide. California has the only system for registering autistic children.
There is no biological test for autism. Some researchers believe there could be a connection between genetics and the environment. Rick Rollins knows vaccines are only one possibility. Do you believe there could be other factors? asks Rusty Dornin. Absolutely! I don't think anyone in any area of research in autism believes there is one single cause. We worry day and night about his future. Who is going to take care of him when we are gone? asks Rick Rollins.

Passage - II
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy, and, at the time of birth, has become a complex organ with distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. Scientists are learning that a number of problems may interfere with the brain's development. For example, certain types of cells may migrate to places in the brain where they are not meant to be. Some parts of the brain's intricate communication network may disrupt the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings and actions. Among the possible factors contributing to autism is heredity. Several studies involving twins suggest that autism can be inherited. This is also supported by findings that suggest parents who have one child with autism are at slightly increased risk for having more than one child with autism. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of the genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a unsceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single trigger that causes autism to develop. Another potential factor in the development of autism is the pregnancy period itself. As the brain grows and develops during pregnancy, anything that disrupts normal brain development may have lifelong effects on the child's sensory, language, social and mental functioning. For this reason, certain conditions, such as the mother's health during pregnancy or problems involving the delivery, are being researched to see if they interfere with normal brain development. Individuals who have certain medical conditions seem to be more at risk for autism. These conditions include Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). An area of controversy and concern in the autism community is the link between vaccinations and autism. In particular, vaccines which contained thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) are believed by some to be associated with the development of autism.Another area of controversy is whether the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked with autism. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, a recent Danish study of the health records of over 530,000 children in Europe found that the rate of autism was virtually the same for children who had received the MMR vaccine and those who had not. While many researchers note that there is no definitive proof of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, most agree that more research is needed.

In Passage I, critics accuse John Hutar of

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage – I
The homeless have long been a political issue in San Francisco, but now there are competing campaign-style signs on how to handle panhandlers. First, the Hotel Council put up placards that say the starving artist you see on the street is really a con artist, or when you give to a panhandler, you're really donating for crack. The Hotel Council's president, John M. Hutar, says the signs are necessary to get attention. They're to the point. They are meant to provoke thought, said Hutar. Some have said we're mean spirited, and that's not what we set out to achieve. Now you know your critics say these ads are cruel and that you are bashing the homeless and the poor, what do you say to that? asks Hank Plante. One hundred-fifty people died on the streets of San Francisco last year; that is very cruel, replies Hutar. The council recommends that people donate directly to agencies that help the poor, rather than giving to panhandlers. But it's all too much for long time San Francisco legislator State Senator John Burton, D-San Francisco, who has put up his own signs. It reminds people that Jesus gave money to poor people in the streets of Galilee, Burton said of the signs. St. Francis was a street beggar in Assisi. I've given money to women in the streets, and I know they feed their kids with it. I've given money to Vietnam vets, and I know they buy blankets or things to keep them warm. I just want people to know that there's another side to the issue, and they ought to think about this. I guess if some people had their way and Saint Francis showed up here, we would probably arrest him.” Burton paid for the signs personally out of his campaign account, which is appropriate since this is a campaign, as the homeless becomes a hot political issue in this election year.
From freeways to Haight Ashbury to Fishermen’s Wharf, panhandlers are everywhere in San Francisco. Since the days of the Barbary Coast, San Francisco has been soft on beggars and panhandlers. This acceptance of the homeless has encouraged other poor and needy to move to the city. Now the homeless plight is having an economic effect on tourism. In 2001, hotel vacancies for conferences in San Francisco were at the lowest level in eight years. Hotel owners feel this drop is due to increased numbers of panhandlers on the streets. The hotels have spent \$65,000 on their ad campaign asking people to give to agencies that aid the needy instead of to individuals. San Francisco has been known as a popular city for tourists, but most visitors don’t want to be confronted by the homeless on a daily basis.

Passage – II
Outreach workers believe this city has the same number of homeless people living on its streets as San Francisco does -- even though its population is 10 times larger. It's a startling contrast that has prompted serious self-examination in the City by the Bay. Mayor Willie Brown's homeless chief has flown in repeatedly to learn how New York City tracks the help given to homeless people, and to study a shelter system that offers long-term treatment for mental illness and substance abuse, as well as education, counseling and employment services. Supervisor Gavin Newsom, considered a likely candidate for mayor in 2003, recently sent an aide to visit a New York shelter, and this month he proposed reforms featuring an independent Department of Homeless Services, modeled on New York's. It's time to look at outcomes and performance. It's not for lack of expenditures that San Francisco's homeless efforts have been so ineffective at getting people off the pavement, Newsom said. The main thing Newsom wants imported from New York is a centralized intake process for homeless people seeking aid. New York maintains a profile of every person given shelter -- including a photo fingerprint scan and history of services provided. George Smith, director of the Mayor's Office on homelessness, agrees. New York City's programs have built-in accountability, Smith said. That's missing in our city. We give out our money to the nonprofits and turn it over to the wind. Even this won't be accomplished without a fight in San Francisco. As far back as 1996, a key city planning document placed top priority on creation of a central intake system for the homeless in San Francisco, but the idea has been opposed by the Coalition on Homelessness, a vocal nonprofit advocacy group. Such a system would invade the privacy of homeless people, coalition spokesman Paul Boden says. I don't believe that every homeless program political hack . . . should be privy to the confidential information of people just because they happen to be homeless, said Boden. Political opposition is just one of the obstacles San Francisco faces as it attempts to emulate New York's success in reducing the number of people living on its streets. Fundamental differences exist between the two cities. Foremost, New York City operates under a 1981 court order requiring it to provide shelter to all in need. That decree resulted from litigation brought by homeless advocates who cited state constitutional language that aid, care and support of the needy are public concerns and shall be provided by the state and by such of its subdivisions. California's constitution has no such provision, Boden said. New York City also controls the five boroughs covering most of its metropolitan region, while San Francisco is ringed by other jurisdictions that have no coordinated approach to homelessness. New York state also contributes more money to homeless services than California, pouring at least \$150 million into New York City's shelter system alone. California spends about \$2 million on homeless programs in San Francisco, just \$91 million statewide.

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage - I
Picture perfect, a healthy happy baby. Then at fifteen months, just like every other baby, Russell Rollins got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. He had a very physical reaction to those vaccines including a high pitched scream and days of high-pitched crying and listlessness, says his father. Ten years later those problems continue. Russell Rollins is autistic. How do you describe what you go through as the parent of an autistic child? asks Rusty Dornin. It's a living hell. It's a living hell for everyone involved. It's a living hell for my son, who suffers terribly from this disorder, says his father. And it's a struggle that most autistic kids go through in the classroom. Here at the ABC School for Autistic Children, classes are full. Are you seeing bigger numbers? More kids knocking at the door to get in places like this? asks Rusty Dornin. The director of the school replies, Yes, both in our school and in our in home services, even in comparison to last year. We probably have fifteen more kids than we had the year previous.
And parents are asking questions. No one knows what causes the brain development disorder. But Rick Rollins, who has become an activist for autism, thinks the vaccine is connected. Thirty-three percent of new families with children with autism believe the vaccine played a role in the development of their child's autism. But a recent well-respected Danish study found no links between vaccinations and autism. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't believe the measles vaccine is a problem. But he says a concern about what is in some vaccinations is justified. Byrd applauds the removal last year of a small amount of mercury used as a preservative in some vaccines. To have anything that is potentially harmful packaged with something that is supposed to be entirely good is a bad package.” Byrd authored a recently study that ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. He believes what is happening here is probably happening nationwide. California has the only system for registering autistic children.
There is no biological test for autism. Some researchers believe there could be a connection between genetics and the environment. Rick Rollins knows vaccines are only one possibility. Do you believe there could be other factors? asks Rusty Dornin. Absolutely! I don't think anyone in any area of research in autism believes there is one single cause. We worry day and night about his future. Who is going to take care of him when we are gone? asks Rick Rollins.

Passage - II
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy, and, at the time of birth, has become a complex organ with distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. Scientists are learning that a number of problems may interfere with the brain's development. For example, certain types of cells may migrate to places in the brain where they are not meant to be. Some parts of the brain's intricate communication network may disrupt the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings and actions. Among the possible factors contributing to autism is heredity. Several studies involving twins suggest that autism can be inherited. This is also supported by findings that suggest parents who have one child with autism are at slightly increased risk for having more than one child with autism. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of the genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a unsceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single trigger that causes autism to develop. Another potential factor in the development of autism is the pregnancy period itself. As the brain grows and develops during pregnancy, anything that disrupts normal brain development may have lifelong effects on the child's sensory, language, social and mental functioning. For this reason, certain conditions, such as the mother's health during pregnancy or problems involving the delivery, are being researched to see if they interfere with normal brain development. Individuals who have certain medical conditions seem to be more at risk for autism. These conditions include Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). An area of controversy and concern in the autism community is the link between vaccinations and autism. In particular, vaccines which contained thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) are believed by some to be associated with the development of autism.Another area of controversy is whether the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked with autism. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, a recent Danish study of the health records of over 530,000 children in Europe found that the rate of autism was virtually the same for children who had received the MMR vaccine and those who had not. While many researchers note that there is no definitive proof of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, most agree that more research is needed.

In Passage II, what does the sentence “In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)” , signifies?

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage - I
Picture perfect, a healthy happy baby. Then at fifteen months, just like every other baby, Russell Rollins got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. He had a very physical reaction to those vaccines including a high pitched scream and days of high-pitched crying and listlessness, says his father. Ten years later those problems continue. Russell Rollins is autistic. How do you describe what you go through as the parent of an autistic child? asks Rusty Dornin. It's a living hell. It's a living hell for everyone involved. It's a living hell for my son, who suffers terribly from this disorder, says his father. And it's a struggle that most autistic kids go through in the classroom. Here at the ABC School for Autistic Children, classes are full. Are you seeing bigger numbers? More kids knocking at the door to get in places like this? asks Rusty Dornin. The director of the school replies, Yes, both in our school and in our in home services, even in comparison to last year. We probably have fifteen more kids than we had the year previous.
And parents are asking questions. No one knows what causes the brain development disorder. But Rick Rollins, who has become an activist for autism, thinks the vaccine is connected. Thirty-three percent of new families with children with autism believe the vaccine played a role in the development of their child's autism. But a recent well-respected Danish study found no links between vaccinations and autism. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't believe the measles vaccine is a problem. But he says a concern about what is in some vaccinations is justified. Byrd applauds the removal last year of a small amount of mercury used as a preservative in some vaccines. To have anything that is potentially harmful packaged with something that is supposed to be entirely good is a bad package.” Byrd authored a recently study that ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. He believes what is happening here is probably happening nationwide. California has the only system for registering autistic children.
There is no biological test for autism. Some researchers believe there could be a connection between genetics and the environment. Rick Rollins knows vaccines are only one possibility. Do you believe there could be other factors? asks Rusty Dornin. Absolutely! I don't think anyone in any area of research in autism believes there is one single cause. We worry day and night about his future. Who is going to take care of him when we are gone? asks Rick Rollins.

Passage - II
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy, and, at the time of birth, has become a complex organ with distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. Scientists are learning that a number of problems may interfere with the brain's development. For example, certain types of cells may migrate to places in the brain where they are not meant to be. Some parts of the brain's intricate communication network may disrupt the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings and actions. Among the possible factors contributing to autism is heredity. Several studies involving twins suggest that autism can be inherited. This is also supported by findings that suggest parents who have one child with autism are at slightly increased risk for having more than one child with autism. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of the genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a unsceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single trigger that causes autism to develop. Another potential factor in the development of autism is the pregnancy period itself. As the brain grows and develops during pregnancy, anything that disrupts normal brain development may have lifelong effects on the child's sensory, language, social and mental functioning. For this reason, certain conditions, such as the mother's health during pregnancy or problems involving the delivery, are being researched to see if they interfere with normal brain development. Individuals who have certain medical conditions seem to be more at risk for autism. These conditions include Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). An area of controversy and concern in the autism community is the link between vaccinations and autism. In particular, vaccines which contained thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) are believed by some to be associated with the development of autism.Another area of controversy is whether the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked with autism. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, a recent Danish study of the health records of over 530,000 children in Europe found that the rate of autism was virtually the same for children who had received the MMR vaccine and those who had not. While many researchers note that there is no definitive proof of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, most agree that more research is needed.

Directions: Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the twin passage.

Passage - I
Picture perfect, a healthy happy baby. Then at fifteen months, just like every other baby, Russell Rollins got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. He had a very physical reaction to those vaccines including a high pitched scream and days of high-pitched crying and listlessness, says his father. Ten years later those problems continue. Russell Rollins is autistic. How do you describe what you go through as the parent of an autistic child? asks Rusty Dornin. It's a living hell. It's a living hell for everyone involved. It's a living hell for my son, who suffers terribly from this disorder, says his father. And it's a struggle that most autistic kids go through in the classroom. Here at the ABC School for Autistic Children, classes are full. Are you seeing bigger numbers? More kids knocking at the door to get in places like this? asks Rusty Dornin. The director of the school replies, Yes, both in our school and in our in home services, even in comparison to last year. We probably have fifteen more kids than we had the year previous.
And parents are asking questions. No one knows what causes the brain development disorder. But Rick Rollins, who has become an activist for autism, thinks the vaccine is connected. Thirty-three percent of new families with children with autism believe the vaccine played a role in the development of their child's autism. But a recent well-respected Danish study found no links between vaccinations and autism. Epidemiologist and pediatrician Robert Byrd doesn't believe the measles vaccine is a problem. But he says a concern about what is in some vaccinations is justified. Byrd applauds the removal last year of a small amount of mercury used as a preservative in some vaccines. To have anything that is potentially harmful packaged with something that is supposed to be entirely good is a bad package.” Byrd authored a recently study that ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. He believes what is happening here is probably happening nationwide. California has the only system for registering autistic children.
There is no biological test for autism. Some researchers believe there could be a connection between genetics and the environment. Rick Rollins knows vaccines are only one possibility. Do you believe there could be other factors? asks Rusty Dornin. Absolutely! I don't think anyone in any area of research in autism believes there is one single cause. We worry day and night about his future. Who is going to take care of him when we are gone? asks Rick Rollins.

Passage - II
It is generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structures or functions. The brain of a fetus develops throughout pregnancy, and, at the time of birth, has become a complex organ with distinct regions and subregions, each with a precise set of functions and responsibilities. Scientists are learning that a number of problems may interfere with the brain's development. For example, certain types of cells may migrate to places in the brain where they are not meant to be. Some parts of the brain's intricate communication network may disrupt the overall task of coordinating sensory information, thoughts, feelings and actions. Among the possible factors contributing to autism is heredity. Several studies involving twins suggest that autism can be inherited. This is also supported by findings that suggest parents who have one child with autism are at slightly increased risk for having more than one child with autism. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of the genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a unsceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single trigger that causes autism to develop. Another potential factor in the development of autism is the pregnancy period itself. As the brain grows and develops during pregnancy, anything that disrupts normal brain development may have lifelong effects on the child's sensory, language, social and mental functioning. For this reason, certain conditions, such as the mother's health during pregnancy or problems involving the delivery, are being researched to see if they interfere with normal brain development. Individuals who have certain medical conditions seem to be more at risk for autism. These conditions include Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). An area of controversy and concern in the autism community is the link between vaccinations and autism. In particular, vaccines which contained thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) are believed by some to be associated with the development of autism.Another area of controversy is whether the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked with autism. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, an expert committee concluded that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship.... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, a recent Danish study of the health records of over 530,000 children in Europe found that the rate of autism was virtually the same for children who had received the MMR vaccine and those who had not. While many researchers note that there is no definitive proof of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, most agree that more research is needed.

What are the views of the author on the career prospects for graduates in humanities?

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

It has become oddly fashionable to look down on the humanities over the last few decades. Today’s students are being told that studying the classics of English literature, the history of the twentieth century, or the ethics of privacy are a fun but useless luxury. To best prioritize our scarce education resources, we ought instead to focus on technical subjects such as math and engineering. This short-term market logic doesn’t work across the thirty-or-so-year horizon of a full career. A generation ago, lawyers made more money than investment bankers. Today, we have too many law graduates (though there appears to be data to support it’s still worth the money) and the investment banks complain about a lack of talent. It is basically impossible to project that sort of thing into the far future. We are also told that a degree in the humanities is unlikely to make you successful. But quite a few people with humanities degrees have had successful careers and, in the process, created numerous jobs.
One might think that most people starting out or running tech companies in the heart Silicon Valley would be from the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Not so, studies found that 47 percent of the 652 technology and engineering company founders surveyed held terminal degrees in the STEM fields, with 37 percent of those degrees being in either engineering or computer technology and 2 percent in mathematics. The rest graduated with a healthy combination of liberal arts, health-care and business degrees.

The term 'short term market logic' refers to

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

It has become oddly fashionable to look down on the humanities over the last few decades. Today’s students are being told that studying the classics of English literature, the history of the twentieth century, or the ethics of privacy are a fun but useless luxury. To best prioritize our scarce education resources, we ought instead to focus on technical subjects such as math and engineering. This short-term market logic doesn’t work across the thirty-or-so-year horizon of a full career. A generation ago, lawyers made more money than investment bankers. Today, we have too many law graduates (though there appears to be data to support it’s still worth the money) and the investment banks complain about a lack of talent. It is basically impossible to project that sort of thing into the far future. We are also told that a degree in the humanities is unlikely to make you successful. But quite a few people with humanities degrees have had successful careers and, in the process, created numerous jobs.
One might think that most people starting out or running tech companies in the heart Silicon Valley would be from the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Not so, studies found that 47 percent of the 652 technology and engineering company founders surveyed held terminal degrees in the STEM fields, with 37 percent of those degrees being in either engineering or computer technology and 2 percent in mathematics. The rest graduated with a healthy combination of liberal arts, health-care and business degrees.

According to the passage what subjects have become popular in the past few decades?

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

It has become oddly fashionable to look down on the humanities over the last few decades. Today’s students are being told that studying the classics of English literature, the history of the twentieth century, or the ethics of privacy are a fun but useless luxury. To best prioritize our scarce education resources, we ought instead to focus on technical subjects such as math and engineering. This short-term market logic doesn’t work across the thirty-or-so-year horizon of a full career. A generation ago, lawyers made more money than investment bankers. Today, we have too many law graduates (though there appears to be data to support it’s still worth the money) and the investment banks complain about a lack of talent. It is basically impossible to project that sort of thing into the far future. We are also told that a degree in the humanities is unlikely to make you successful. But quite a few people with humanities degrees have had successful careers and, in the process, created numerous jobs.
One might think that most people starting out or running tech companies in the heart Silicon Valley would be from the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Not so, studies found that 47 percent of the 652 technology and engineering company founders surveyed held terminal degrees in the STEM fields, with 37 percent of those degrees being in either engineering or computer technology and 2 percent in mathematics. The rest graduated with a healthy combination of liberal arts, health-care and business degrees.

Which of the following best replaces the word 'they' in sentence (7)?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Students at present are not what they were two generations ago. (2) A sense of frustration has assailed their minds. (3) They feel that the so called education does not enable them to face the economic difficulties of the modern world. (4) Hence, they develop a philosophy of pessimism resulting in defiance. (5) Greater emphasis is laid upon political than upon academic interests. (6) What is still more harmful is that politicians are exploiting this non-academic interest of the students. (7) Naturally, they lose their balance of mind and drift rudderless on the current of their impulses. (8) Sometimes they are misled by teacher – politicians.
(9) But, we need not be depressed. (10) Most of the students are yet in their teens. (11) Their minds are plastic and their hearts sensitive and impressionable. (12) If worthy ideals are set before them by teachers, guardians and other well wishers there is no reason why students should not become good useful citizens.

What is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence no. (5) below?

is laid upon political than upon academic

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Students at present are not what they were two generations ago. (2) A sense of frustration has assailed their minds. (3) They feel that the so called education does not enable them to face the economic difficulties of the modern world. (4) Hence, they develop a philosophy of pessimism resulting in defiance. (5) Greater emphasis is laid upon political than upon academic interests. (6) What is still more harmful is that politicians are exploiting this non-academic interest of the students. (7) Naturally, they lose their balance of mind and drift rudderless on the current of their impulses. (8) Sometimes they are misled by teacher – politicians.
(9) But, we need not be depressed. (10) Most of the students are yet in their teens. (11) Their minds are plastic and their hearts sensitive and impressionable. (12) If worthy ideals are set before them by teachers, guardians and other well wishers there is no reason why students should not become good useful citizens.

Which of the following best replaces the word 'assailed' in sentence (2)?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Students at present are not what they were two generations ago. (2) A sense of frustration has assailed their minds. (3) They feel that the so called education does not enable them to face the economic difficulties of the modern world. (4) Hence, they develop a philosophy of pessimism resulting in defiance. (5) Greater emphasis is laid upon political than upon academic interests. (6) What is still more harmful is that politicians are exploiting this non-academic interest of the students. (7) Naturally, they lose their balance of mind and drift rudderless on the current of their impulses. (8) Sometimes they are misled by teacher – politicians.
(9) But, we need not be depressed. (10) Most of the students are yet in their teens. (11) Their minds are plastic and their hearts sensitive and impressionable. (12) If worthy ideals are set before them by teachers, guardians and other well wishers there is no reason why students should not become good useful citizens.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

The smooth passage of the Insurance Bill through the House is the best news which the country has have in recent years.