Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Flats which are both comfortable and reasonably priced are few and far between in the current context of economic crisis.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Despite modern advances, most people still have an irrational fear of hospitals and anesthetics.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
His new yacht is certainly an ostentatious display of his wealth.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
The actor's presence on screen was undeniable, even in minor roles.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Many animals, like the otter who uses a stone to crack mussel shells, are capable of using objects in the natural environment as rudimentary tools.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Those who advocate for doctor-assisted suicide say the terminally ill should not have to suffer.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
With the dawn of space exploration, the notion that atmospheric conditions on Earth may be unique in the solar system was strengthened.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Companies should be careful not to fall foul of government safety regulations or they might have to pay a heavy fine.
_____ so incredible is that these insects successfully migrate to places they have never seen.
He has been unable to find a job _____ with his ability as an accountant.
Choose the best option that best fits each of the blanks to complete the passage.
Having a roof over your head is a necessity that we in the western world have into an art form - a stylish place to dwell is now intrinsic to our happiness. But the way we live also has to keep pace with rapidly changing lifestyles and as our towards the environment change, we're becoming more aware that our homes need to tread more lightly on the earth. Architects are to this creative challenge, designing inspiring buildings that respond both to our modern lives, and to our growing sense of environmental responsibility. These new buildings boast contemporary aesthetics while encouraging us to live more responsibly by using resources. From innovative designs of tiny capsule dwellings to elegant family homes with robust green features, sustainable ideas are permeating modern design. And it seems we're on the verge of a seismic shift. One idea doing the rounds is that because our aspirations have changed, we can now be content with far fewer possessions. This concept Horden Cherry Lee to design the micro-compact home, a sleek pad only two cubic meters in size, spacious enough for two people to live in for short periods. Professor Horden justifies these compact proportions in of our modern habits: status is increasingly gained by having a high degree of mobility rather than merely owning things.
Reading the text and answer the following questions.
Population ecology is the science that measures changes in population size and composition and identifies the causes of these fluctuations. Population ecology is not concerned solely with the human population. In ecological terms, a population consists of the individuals of one species that simultaneously occupy the same general area, rely on the same resources, and are affected by similar environmental factors. The characteristics of a population are shaped by its size and by the interactions among individuals and between individuals and their environment.
Population size is a balance between factors that increase numbers and factors that decrease numbers. Some factors that increase populations are favourable light and temperature, adequate food supply, suitable habitat, ability to compete for resource, and ability to adapt to environmental change. Factors that decrease populations are insufficient or excessive light and temperature, inadequate food supply, unsuitable or destroyed habitat, too many competitors for resources, and inability to adapt to environmental change.
Another important characteristic of any population is its density. Population density is the number of individuals per unit, such as the number of maple trees per square kilometer in a county. Ecologists can rarely determine population size by actually counting all individuals within geographical boundaries. Instead, they often use a variety of sampling techniques to estimate densities and total population sizes. For example, they might estimate the number of black bears in a national park by counting individuals in a few sample plots representative of the whole park. In some cases, they estimate population size through indirect indicators, such as the number of nests or burrows, or signs such as tracks or droppings.
Another important population characteristic, dispersion, is the pattern of spaciousness among individuals within the population's geographical boundaries. Various species are distributed in their habitats in different ways to take better advantage of food supplies and shelter, and to avoid predators or find prey. Within a population's range, densities may vary greatly because not all areas provide equally suitable habitat, and also because individuals space themselves in relation to other members of the population.
Three possible patterns of dispersion are clumped, uniform, and random. A clumped dispersion pattern means that individuals are gathered in patches throughout their habitat. Clumping often results from the irregular distribution of resources needed for survival and reproduction. For example, fallen trees keep the forest floor moist, and many forest insects are clumped under logs where the humidity is to their liking. Clumping may also be associated with mating, safety, or other social behavior. Crane flies, for example, swarm in great numbers, a behavior that increases mating chances, and some fish swim in large schools so they are less likely to be eaten by predators.
A uniform or evenly spaced distribution results from direct interactions among individuals in the population. For example, regular spacing of plants may result from shading and competitions for water. In animal populations, uniform distribution is usually caused by competition for some resources or by social interactions that set up individual territories for feeding, breeding, or testing.
Random spacing occurs in the absence of strong attraction or repulsion among individuals in a population. Overall, random patterns are rare in nature, with most populations showing a tendency toward either clumped or uniform distribution.
Populations change in size, structure, and distribution as they respond to changes in environmental conditions. Four main variables - births, deaths, immigration and emigration - determine the rate of change in the size of the population over time. A change in the birth rate or death is the major way that most populations respond to changes in resource availability. Members of some animal species can avoid or reduce the effects of another with more favorable environmental conditions, thus altering the population's dispersion.
The passage mainly discusses the _____.
According to the passage, all of the following factors cause the population of a species to increase in size EXCEPT _____.
What can you infer from the third paragraph?
The word "patches" paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to _____.
How does the behavior of clumping benefit species in their natural environments?
Which of the following situations would be most likely to result in a uniform dispersion pattern?
What is true about the random pattern of dispersion?
The author mentions immigration and emigration in the last paragraph to _____.
Nancy and James are talking about their school days.
Nancy: I think school days are the best time of our lives.
James: ______. We had sweet memories together then.
Ben: I think people should be allowed to smoke on trains and buses. Don’t you?
John: _____ But it's acceptable if they smoke in private settings.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
“Why don't you participate in the volunteer work in summer,” said Sophie.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
“You shouldn’t have leaked our confidential report to the press, Frank!” said Jane.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
It is reported that the harvest had been wiped out due to heavy frost.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
Every soldier will have to use a radio after landing.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
Electronic devices are bad for your eyes. Their radiation is very harmful.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
The peasants prepared for the worst concerning the natural disaster. They walked on air when they found themselves bypassed by the hurricane.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
Greenpeace has realized the seriousness of environmental pollution. It urges the government worldwide to take action soon.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
Thomas felt so fatigued after his five-hour brain surgery. That feeling was something he hadn't expected.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
His wife gave birth to their first child. He understood what true responsibility meant.
Read the text and choose the correct answers.
Every year, thousands of people successfully order goods from mail order catalogs. However, some (1) _____ find that the goods they ordered look nothing like the pictures, arrive damaged, or don't arrive at all. Here are some tips to help protect yourself when you shop through the mail.
Choose the correct answer for (1).
Choose the correct answer for (2).
Choose the correct answer for (5).
Write an academic essay of about 250 words on the following topic.
People say that a country will benefit greatly if its students study abroad. To what extent do you agree or disagree?