Question 1

Kenneth receives a 6% commission on all of his real estate sales. Half of his commission goes to his broker. What is Kenneth's part of the commission on $250,000 in sales?

Accepted Answer

Considering what Kenneth's commission is, rather than the entire 6% commission, will make the calculation here easier. Kenneth actually gets 3% commission, after giving the broker his portion. So, our task is to multiply .03 (the decimal for 3%) x $250,000 to get $7,500.
Key Takeaway: Do all simplification that you can prior to doing the calculation. These are little things that can speed you up and give you that tiny edge.

Question 2

3/5 of workers at a company have enrolled in the 403(b) program. If 24 workers have enrolled in the program, how many workers are employed at this company?

Accepted Answer

40 workers. Think of this in terms of a ratio: 3 parts of 5 are enrolled in the program. Those 3 parts are equal to 24; therefore, 1 part equals 8. So, the total number of workers is 5x8, or 40.
Key Takeaway: Fractions, percentages, decimals, and ratios are closely related. Understanding how to convert between these different forms will allow you to solve a wide variety of problems quickly and accurately.

Question 3

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
According to the passage, which of the following institutions in the U.S. does NOT require the TOEFL?

Accepted Answer

According to the passage, high schools in the U.S. do NOT require the TOEFL. All of the other options require the TOEFL.

Question 4

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
According to the author, which of the following is a reason that our livelihood depends on coral reefs?

Accepted Answer

According to the author, a reason that our livelihood depends on coral reefs is because they protect our beaches from erosion. Answer A is false, because they DO protect our coasts from storms. They act as natural barriers to WEAKEN, NOT strengthen, the force of hurricanes. Their enormous structures play the role of refuge for endangered animals NOT expose them to threat.

Question 5

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
The word "federal", in bold after the (2) in paragraph 2, is closest in meaning to

Accepted Answer

The word "federal" is closet in meaning to "of, or relating to, the central government of the country"; in this case, the United States of America. Answer A is incorrect, because the central government of a state is termed "state government". Both answers B and D are incorrect, because they are too vague, and are therefore not the best answers to the question.

Question 6

The Electoral College of the U.S. Did you know that the President and the Vice President aren't elected by (1) popular vote in the U.S.? Essentially, every four years, it isn't the American people who elect the rulers of our nation. Instead, when a registered voter casts his or her vote for President and Vice President, he or she also votes for an unknown "elector", or voting member, who will cast a ballot in a separate election that ultimately will choose the president. Thus, by voting for a Democrat presidential candidate, for example, a voter is really voting for a member of the Electoral College who is expected--but not required--to vote along (2) party lines, too.
You might be thinking, "Then, why do we vote?" Historically, before the (3) advent of television and radio, the Electoral College was established to avoid unfairness. People who lived in bigger cities, where there tends to be a more concentrated, greater population, had more of an advantage of knowing about the candidates compared to those who lived in more rural, secluded areas.
The electors, which are chosen by popular vote, are divided up among each state and the District of Columbia. The amount of voting members in each state is equal to the number of members of Congress. In total, there are 538 electors: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus the three (4) constituents from the District of Columbia.
In almost every state electors are selected on a "winner-take-all" basis. To be more precise, the candidate for elector that wins the most votes in a state becomes elector for that state. During an election, each elector is required to cast one vote for President and another vote for Vice President. The presidential candidate that receives the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) for the offices of President or Vice President is elected to that (5) office.
According to the author, what is the different between popular vote and electoral vote?

Accepted Answer

According to the author, the electoral vote decides the election of the President and the popular vote decides the election of the elector. The electoral vote is made by the ELECTOR, NOT the people who, on the contrary, cast the popular vote. The electoral vote decides the election of the presidential candidates: both President and Vice President. The popular vote elects the elector of the Electoral College.

Question 7

The Different Tests for English as a Second Language If you are a learner of English as a Second (or third) Language, the decision of which test to take could be (1) overwhelming. If you are a student from China that wants to study Physics in the U.S., should you take the TOEFL or the TOEIC? Which is the best test to take in order to study in the U.K.? This passage is designed to help (2) inform the student of English as a Second Language (ESL) of the different tests that are out there.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or more commonly known as TOEFL ("toe full"), was designed by a professor from Stanford University. Its purpose is to examine a student's ability to understand and use English in settings of (3) higher learning in the United States. Meaning it can be required for admission to colleges and universities all over the country. In addition, businesses, government agencies, and scholarship program (among other institutions) may require the TOEFL.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC, pronounced "toe ick") is a less popular evaluation tool than the TOEFL that measures someone's everyday use of English. Although there are some agencies that use the TOEIC in the U.S., this test is highly (4) prevalent in Japan to prepare workers to succeed in international environments. The main difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC is that one is (5) geared toward students, and the other is tailored to workers.
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS ("eeeelts"), is managed by several institutions in the United Kingdom. This test has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. It is mainly used in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There are also several thousand institutions that employ it in the U.S. It is required for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The interesting feature of this test, compared to the others, is that it incorporated a variety of accents in its listening portion in an effort to avoid linguistic bias.
So, how do you know which test to take? The best route to take is to contact the institution you are planning to join and see what test they require. Happy studying!
According to the author, what is the best approach to knowing, which test to take?

Accepted Answer

According to the author, you should contact the institution that you plan to join so they can inform you of the test they require.

Question 8

Which of the following sentences contains a redundant word or phrase?

Accepted Answer

The sentence "We are now using GPS surveying technology combined together with GIS mapping" contains a redundant phrase. To avoid redundancy the word "together" should be eliminated. It is important to avoid any word or phrase that conveys an idea already stated or implied in a sentence.

Question 9

In July 2009, unemployment in Michigan reached 15%. The number of workers was 4,900,000. Approximately how many were unemployed?

Accepted Answer

15% of 4.9 million people is 735,000 unemployed.
Key Takeaway: To find 15% of a 2-digit number, follow these steps:
First, multiply the number by 3 (49 x 3 = 147).
Then, divide that answer by 2 (147/2 = 73.5).
Move the decimal point. Rather than counting, use your intuition in this case. 15% should move the decimal 1 from the original millions number. (73.5 becomes 735,000).
The amount of the discount in this problem is $13.50, so the sale price is $76.50.
Key Takeaway: This works for multiplying by 1.5, 15, 150 and so on down the line so long as you keep your decimals right.

Question 10

Dottie's Chocolates produces boxes of 25 chocolate drops for selling. How many chocolate drops would Dottie need to make to fill 60 boxes?

Accepted Answer

25 x 60 = 1,500. To multiply a number by 25, just add two zeroes to the end of the number and divide by 4. In this case, change 60 to 6000, then divide by 4, which equals 1500.
Key Takeaway: It is always easiest to calculate if you can manipulate numbers in terms of ones, tens, and hundreds.

Question 11

A video store is offering a 7% discount on previously viewed videos. If the regular price of a video is $9.99, how much will the discount be?

Accepted Answer

7% of 9.99 is 70 cents.
The regular price is approximately $10, so think about what 1% of that is - 10 cents. 2% would be 20 cents, 3% would be 30 cents, and so on. This is another question we want you to get fast.
Key Takeaway: In this case, the key is to recognize that you are working with a number that can be rounded ($9.99) to something ($10) that is very easy to work with. So get yourself in the habit of rounding numbers like $19.87 and $101.15.

Question 12

The use of which of the following phrases will result in the most effective version of the given sentence?
The watershed group's board announced their anonymous approval of the new contract during the quarterly membership meeting.

Accepted Answer

The use of the phrase "its unanimous approval" results in the most effective version of the given sentence. In the original sentence, the pronoun their does not agree in number with its antecedent board and should be changed to its. Anonymousappears to be used inappropriately, and therefore it should be changed to unanimous.

Question 13

Etiquette, which is sometimes unwritten, is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior of people. It usually reflects the cultures and traditions of countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second largest country in African. It is also known as Congo (Kinshasa) or DRC. With over 200 ethnic groups represented the people of the Congo have a wide variety of customs, traditions, and values. They vary from place to place and group to group, especially when it comes to living in urban areas and rural areas. Therefore the etiquette rules differs depending on where a person lives.
Congolese that live in urban areas tend to have more Western customs and traditions. It is important to greet each other, and inquire about each others situation before other matters are discussed. Greetings consists of speaking, shaking their hands, and smiling. In the rural areas, men and women do not shake hands. Men will shake the hands of other men. Some women will greet men by clapping their hands and bowing slightly.
When dining in the Congo hands should be washed before and after eating. People should only eat with their right hands, especially if they are eating with their fingers. Men and women use separate communal bowls; often, women may sit together. When eating out of a communal bowl, people eat from the space directly in front of them. When utensils are used, the left hand holds the fork and the right hand holds the knife.
Dressing in the Congo is greatly influenced by the Western world, however, they are mixed with traditional clothing such as kikwembe, abacos, or a dashiki. The nicer a person look, the more respect he or she will receive. Jewelry is often made from wood, ivory bones, or shells. Many people in rural areas walk barefoot, but sandals and slippers are commonly worn.
What is the main idea of this passage?

Accepted Answer

While etiquette differs in rural and urban areas, there are specific codes of behavior that should be adhered to in the Congo. This sentence includes the main points of the passage. Traditions differ in urban and rural areas, but are equally important. The passage does not explicitly state that rural etiquette is more traditional, nor is there any indication that etiquette is dying out.

Question 14

94% of Jim's income last year came from his salary. The rest came from awards his prize winning poodle won in dog shows. If he won $9,600 in dog shows, what was his total income?

Accepted Answer

$160,000.
In this case, 94% is a pretty lousy number to work with. 6% is much better.
If 6% equals $9,600, then 1% = $1,600. Thus, 100% is equal to $160,000.
Key Takeaway: This question is all about speed. By finding easy numbers to work with, you can do this question in a flash.

Question 15

DOMA and Its Demise Many same-sex couples, as well their allies, celebrated when "The Defense of Marriage Act", known as DOMA, was overturned by the Supreme Court in the summer of 2013. Homosexual couples, who were legally recognized as a (1) union in their state of residence, were finally able to enjoy the same benefits at the national level that their heterosexual counterparts have always enjoyed. Nevertheless, the United States has a long way to go before marriage equality is universal.
DOMA was a (2) federal law that was first enacted in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. It sought to block same-sex couples that were legally married (in states that recognized same-sex marriages), from receiving federal marriage benefits. Under DOMA, the government determined that the word "spouse" was to refer to a heterosexual married couple, thus effectively excluding same-sex spouses from the laws applicable to opposite-sex spouses. Therefore, heterosexual married couples were protected under federal law and homosexual married couples were left unprotected.
Countless same-sex couples felt (3) discriminated against under DOMA and believed that the law was (4) unconstitutional. The Obama Administration, years later, decided it would no longer justify DOMA in court. During the first year of Obama's second term in office, the law was struck down, and now same-sex couples, who reside in states like Hawaii and Iowa, share the same federal benefits as opposite-sex couples. However, until all of the states in the Union make same-sex marriage legal, the US will not get first place in the (5) race toward equality for everyone.
According to paragraph 3, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Many NOT few, same-sex couples felt they were treated unfairly under DOMA. All of the other sentences are true, according to the paragraph three of the passage.

Question 16

A business has decided to resurface a floor section in their warehouse. The section is a square that measures 15 feet on one side. How much is the area that needs to be resurfaced?

Accepted Answer

15 x 15 is 225 square feet.
Key Takeaway: To square any number that ends in 5, use this trick.
Take the first digit of the number, in this case 1. Multiply that by itself and the next consecutive digit, which is 2.
So far, we have 1 x (1+1) = 1 x 2 = 2. Then, simply put 25 on the end, which results in 225. This trick works for squaring any number that ends in 5.

Question 17

It is sunny on 83% of the 120 days Silver Slides Waterpark is open on average. How many days will Silver Slides be open this summer?

Accepted Answer

100. 83% is equal to approximately 5/6. 5/6 times 120 is equal to 100.
Key Takeaway: Covert tricky percentages into fractions that are easy to work with.

Question 18

The History of Foods from the New World Imagine tomato soup without tomatoes or chili cheese fries without potatoes. Now, think about going to the movie theater to see a Hollywood feature, but neither popcorn nor chocolate are sold at the refreshment stand. What a flavorless world! Many of the most popular foods in the world have essential ingredients that have their origin in what is known as the New World. These fruits and vegetables weren't introduced to Europe until the 16th century.
The tomato, for example, was used as an ornamental plant when it arrived for the first time in Europe, because it was thought to be poisonous. Its earliest use in a recipe was published in Italy in the late-17th century. However tomatoes and corn were already the base for (1) dishes across Latin America for many centuries by the time the Spanish (2) colonists arrived there in the late-15th century.
The potato was a (3) staple food for the Incans, who inhabited the Andes region of South America. They (4) dehydrated potatoes to stockpile food supplies. Cacao (the plant that is used to make chocolate) was very important for the Aztecs and the Mayans who lived in what is now known as Mexico. The cacao plant's seeds were used as money and as a key ingredient in diverse sauces. They also ground up the seeds to make a drink in which they mixed hot water and chili powder. This is similar to our hot chocolate but unsweetened and with a bite.
Avocadoes, guava fruit, papayas, pineapples, and passion fruit (also known as maracuyá in Spanish) are some other examples of fruits that come from the Americas, and that today are known throughout the world. So, the next time you sit down at the table to eat your spaghetti, remember the (5) course the tomatoes in your sauce might have taken, from decorative centerpiece to your plate.
According to the passage, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The earliest tomato, NOT potato, recipe was found published in Italy in the late-17th century. All of the other answers are true.

Question 19

An 8-year-old boy named Albert has a 10-year-old brother named Benny. Albert joins the service at 20 leaving Benny feeling bitter that he no longer has a brother to look up to. After 7 years, Benny is finally ready to make up with Albert who has been out of the service for 5 years. How old is Albert now?

Accepted Answer

Albert is 27.
Benny is two years younger than Albert. Albert leaves to join the service at 20 and 7 years pass, making him 27. Note that it's irrelevant that Albert's been out of the service for 5 years.
Key Takeaway: Not all of us love brain teasers. If this is you - don't panic! Carefully sift through what information you have, throw out the useless information and keep what you can use.

Question 20

The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Visualize being submerged in the most (1) absolute silence to contemplate the majestic coral reefs. In the Caribbean Sea there are more than 16 thousand square miles (26 thousand square kilometers) of reefs, also known as "tropical rainforests of the sea" because of their immense biodiversity. Their extravagant, intense colors provide the ideal ecosystem for the over four thousand species of fish and thousands of species of plants that are found there.
Our lives, too, depend on these (2) formations: the coral reefs of the Caribbean protect the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean nations from hurricanes. Their enormous structures weaken the force of the storms before they arrive to the coasts, acting as natural barriers. They also protect beaches from erosion and are a refuge for many species of (3) endangered animals.
In the far eastern periphery of Cuba, the María la Gorda reef stands out from the others. In this highly protected zone, there are more than 20 species of corals that form (4) subterranean "mountain ranges", caves, and tunnels.
Unfortunately, the reefs in the Caribbean are in danger due to acts of destruction. Coastal construction and water pollution cause the water to cloud, which in turn takes away the light that the coral needs to survive. Other enemies to the coral are uncontrolled fishing, (5) excessive tourism, and the collecting of coral by scuba divers. Some experts say that 70% of the coral will disappear in some 40 years. If you are lucky enough to visit these coral reefs, please protect them. Their future depends on us.
The word "formations", bolded after the (2) in the second paragraph, on the first line of the second paragraph refers to

Accepted Answer

The word "formations" in the second paragraph refers to "reefs". In the first paragraph the coral reefs are the mentioned and expanded on, thus in the second paragraph "these formations" are still referring to the coral reefs. Answers B, C, and D were mentioned in the passage, but they come after the word formations and therefore cannot be the referent, or antecedent.

Quiz 5: Act-Workkeys-Practice-Test