Some cities are turning empty parking lots into small public parks. These spaces may contain trees, benches, gardens, and areas where children can play. Although they are usually much smaller than traditional parks, they can make crowded neighborhoods more pleasant. They also give residents a place to meet without traveling far from home. In some cities, local groups help design and maintain these new green spaces. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Traditional parks are becoming less popular in cities.
B. Small urban spaces can be transformed into useful community parks.
C. Children need more places to play in crowded neighborhoods.
D. Local groups are responsible for maintaining all city parks.
When Maya first began learning to play the violin, she practiced for only ten minutes each day. After several months, however, she increased her practice time to thirty minutes. She noticed that she could play difficult pieces more easily and make fewer mistakes. Her teacher also encouraged her to record herself during practice so that she could identify problems she did not notice while playing. What can be inferred about Maya?
A. She became less interested in playing the violin.
B. She believes that natural talent is more important than practice.
C. She gradually developed a more effective approach to learning.
D. She stopped making mistakes after practicing for several months.
Researchers studying sleep have found that keeping a regular sleep schedule may help people feel more rested. In one study, participants who went to bed and woke up at approximately the same time each day reported having more consistent energy during the day. The researchers suggested that a regular schedule helps the body's internal clock function more predictably. Which sentence provides the strongest evidence for the idea that a regular sleep schedule can improve daily energy?
A. Researchers studying sleep have found that keeping a regular sleep schedule may help people feel more rested.
B. Participants went to bed and woke up at approximately the same time each day.
C. Participants reported having more consistent energy during the day.
D. The bodys internal clock helps people organize their daily activities.
In the past, scientists often studied animal behavior by observing animals directly in the wild. Today, cameras and other technologies allow researchers to collect information without remaining near the animals. For example, motion-sensitive cameras can record animals at night, while small tracking devices can provide information about where animals travel. These technologies have made it possible to study behaviors that scientists might otherwise miss. Why does the author mention cameras and tracking devices?
A. To show that scientists no longer need to study animals in the wild.
B. To explain how technology has expanded the ways scientists study animals.
C. To argue that modern technology is more important than scientific observation.
D. To describe why some animals avoid researchers.
During extremely hot weather, some cities experience higher electricity use because many people turn on air conditioners at the same time. This can place additional pressure on the electrical system. To reduce this pressure, some energy companies encourage customers to use less electricity during the hottest hours of the day. They may offer lower prices during other hours to encourage people to change when they use certain appliances. Why do some energy companies offer lower electricity prices during certain hours?
A. To encourage people to buy new appliances.
B. To make air conditioners work more efficiently.
C. To encourage customers to use less electricity during periods of high demand.
D. To increase electricity use during extremely hot weather.
Many desert animals are active at night rather than during the day. Temperatures can become extremely high in the daytime, making it difficult for animals to find and conserve water. By remaining underground or resting in shaded areas during the hottest hours, these animals can **avoid** some of the dangers associated with extreme heat. What does the word “avoid” most nearly mean in the passage?
A. experience
B. prevent or stay away from
C. understand
D. increase
Both bicycles and electric bicycles can be useful for short-distance travel. A traditional bicycle, however, depends entirely on the rider's physical effort, while an electric bicycle uses a motor to provide additional assistance. This means that electric bicycles may be especially useful for people who need to travel long distances or ride up steep hills. On the other hand, traditional bicycles are generally simpler and require no battery charging. What is the main contrast presented in the passage?
A. Traditional bicycles are faster than electric bicycles.
B. Electric bicycles are more expensive than traditional bicycles.
C. The two types of bicycles require different amounts of physical effort.
D. Traditional bicycles can only be used for short distances.
Some educators argue that students should spend more time learning outdoors. They point out that outdoor activities can give students opportunities to observe natural systems directly. For example, instead of simply reading about insects, students might collect information about insects in a local park and compare their observations. Supporters believe that this kind of experience can make scientific concepts easier to understand. Which statement is the main claim supported by the passage?
A. Students should never study science inside classrooms.
B. Outdoor learning can help students understand some scientific concepts.
C. Insects are easier to study than other animals.
D. Local parks are the best places for all school activities.
A community center recently began offering free cooking classes for teenagers. The classes teach students how to prepare simple meals, read food labels, and plan a weekly food budget. After three months, organizers found that many participants were preparing meals at home more frequently. Several students also reported that they had become more confident about choosing ingredients and managing their spending. Which statement best combines information from the passage?
A. The program mainly teaches teenagers how to become professional cooks.
B. The program helps teenagers develop practical cooking and financial skills.
C. Teenagers generally prefer cooking at home to eating at restaurants.
D. Food labels are the most important part of learning how to cook.
For decades, scientists believed that some species of birds migrated mainly because of changes in temperature and daylight. Recent research, however, suggests that migration may be influenced by several factors, including food availability, weather conditions, and even changes in the Earth's magnetic field. Scientists are still investigating how these factors interact. Rather than providing a single explanation, current research presents migration as a more complex behavior than previously understood. What is the author's attitude toward the newer explanation of bird migration?
A. Certain that it completely disproves earlier research.
B. Doubtful that scientists can learn anything more about migration.
C. Open to a more complex explanation supported by ongoing research.
D. Critical of scientists for studying too many possible causes.