Assignment 6

1. _____ Subject areas in science, math, and engineering express ideas using technical words and phrases. (33 pts.)

2. _____ A word chosen for its connotation expresses not just an idea but also a feeling. (33 pts.)

3. _____ Words or phrases that express ideas in creative, unusual, or unexpected ways. (33 pts.)

A. Figurative Meaning

B. Technical Meaning

C. Connotative Meaning

.

Example

Type of Meaning

Why the Author Uses It.

Snatch up its meal

To suggest that the wasp takes the meal suddenly, perhaps rudely.

Ovipositor, or egg laying organ, is found in the abdomen

Eyes seem borrowed from the face of a space alien

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a large river canyon in Arizona. It is over 220 miles long and over a mile deep in some places. Its widest point is 18 miles wide. The canyon is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Over millions of years, the Colorado River wore away rocks as it passed through the area. Slowly, the river made the path deeper and deeper. Now, the canyon is surrounded by steep walls on either side, while the river continues to flow at the bottom of the canyon.

Besides its large size, the Grand Canyon is also known for its magnificent colors. The canyon is made of layers of rock, and each layer of rock has a different depth and color. Geologist have identified almost 40 different layers of rock exposed by the river’s erosion.

The climate in canyon area is primarily desert, with both high and low temperatures. The upper rims of the canyon often receive snowfall. The air quality is usually very high, although dust storms and smoke from fi res can change the air.

The Grand Canyon is home to variety of plants and animals. Plants range from various species of cactus to pine forests. Many types of animals live in the area, including the bald eagle, bobcats, bats and gila monsters. Six different kinds of rattlesnakes have been identified in the area.

Native Americans have inhabited the area for around 3,000 years. Spanish conquistadors first explored the area in 1540. Later, Spanish priests and explorers returned in 1776. However, they did not stay, as they found the canyon impassable.

Arizona became part of the United States in 1848, and the first geological studies were completed on the Grand Canyon in 1856. Today, the canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park. About five million tourists visit the park each year.

Domestic animals like cats and dogs are commonly kept as pets in the United States and around the world. However, some people have begun to keep more exotic animals as pets. Some of these animals include primates, such as squirrel and capuchin monkeys; snakes, such as ball pythons and corn snakes; and arachnids, such as tarantulas and scorpions. Despite the growing popularity of having an exotic animal as a pet, they are not well suited to living with humans and can sometimes cause illness or injury. Most, but not all, exotic pets are wild animals. These animals, including chimpanzees and tigers, are not suited for a life with human beings. They usually live in environments that are nothing like the environments they have access to in the wild. Many animals will not have the space they need to roam around. Additionally, exotic animals require specialized diets and care. They cannot be fed regular pet or human food, and typical veterinarians will probably not be able to treat them. When animals do not get the care and attention they need, they can end up sick and malnourished. Exotic pets are also carriers of zoonotic diseases, which they can pass on humans. Some diseases that can pass from animals to humans include rabies, salmonella, and monkeypox. Although there have been few outbreaks so far, the spread of diseases is always a possibility, especially since the exotic pet trade has been increasing. Another way that exotic pets can harm their owners is through injury. No matter how well-trained an exotic pet supposedly is, it is still a wild animal and may lash out. People have been mauled by pet chimpanzees, bears, and big cats. Having an exotic pet may seem like a fun and unique experience, but the reality is likely much less pleasant. Many people are ill-equipped to provide their exotic pets with the care they need to thrive and live healthily. Also, people are in danger of developing illnesses or being injured when they own an exotic pet. These animals are better left in the wild than in people's homes.

Among recent technological advances, drone technology is unique in how widely it is applied across many human activities.  Drones fly far and wide across the world, and because they require no pilot, they can be flown into dangerous situations with little risk to human life. There are $10 plastic drones that are popular toys. There are also thousand-dollar drones that take pictures from high in the sky. Drones are used in  surveillance, keeping an eye on large crowds without being noticed or even keeping track of livestock on large ranches. Drones have even been used for military purposes. There are many types of drones, but they all share some characteristics. The most useful aspect of drones is their ability to  hover, neither rising nor falling, enabling their operators to place them in just the perfect spot in the air. Drones use rotors, or propellers attached to motors, to fly. Most drones are made with three or more  rotors, which enable them to  ascend into the sky, descend toward the ground, and move left and right and every direction possible. As drone technology continues to progress, we are likely to see them growing more and more common in our everyday lives.

3. What is the best definition of drone based on information in the passage? (5 points)

A. An aircraft that requires no pilot.

B. A low, continuous humming sound.

C. A male bee in a colony of social bees.

D. A person who speaks in a boring way.

4. Based on the passage, surveillance means (5 points)

A. useful tools.

B. secret watching.

C. quiet hovering.

D. fast flying.

5. Based on the passage, the best definition of hover is (5 points)

A. to remain up in the air.

B. to land safely upon the ground.

C. to fly quick in many directions.

D. to be able to watch large crowds.

6. What is a rotor? (5 points)

A. a method of flying.

B. a drone watching a large crowd.

C. A propeller attached to a motor.

7. What is the best synonym of ascend based on the information in the passage? (5 points)

A. fall

B. turn

C. rise

D. speed

Today, it’s impossible to imagine television without the genre of shows known as reality television. These shows have a familiar formula: follow a group of normal people as they take part in their normal lives, perform skills and compete, or flounder in personal dramas like dating. Shows like  The Bachelor,  Survivor,  Big Brother, and  American Idol draw millions of viewers despite their repetitive storylines. One reason for the popularity of reality programs is that they feature authentic people rather than actors. Viewers like the connection they feel to another person, especially a person they perceive as being similar to them, almost as if they could easily change places. Many young people believe that  Survivor started the reality television trend, but the real seed that bloomed into reality television was a 1973 PBS documentary called  An American Family. This was the first time America got to see a real family on TV, with real problems including divorce and coming to terms with homosexuality. The importance and popularity of the program inspired the creation of  The Real World, which was shown on MTV beginning in 1995. Compared to the deep, meaningful look  An American Family allowed viewers to have,  The Real World was initially considered shallow by critics. But the public embraced it, and 25 years later, reality television only appears to be gaining steam.

8. Which word in paragraph 3 helps the reader understand connotation of “deep?” (5 points)

A. Considered B. Popularity

C. Meaningful D. Inspired

9. In paragraph 1, the word “flounder” has (5 points)

A. a negative connotation as struggle.

B. a positive connotation as mature.

C. a positive connotation as explore.

D. a negative connotation as explode.

10. The phrase “seed that bloomed” in paragraph 3 connotates (5 points)

A. the love a mother has for her children

B. the growth of a flower or tree.

C. the beginning of something.

D. the end of something beautiful.

11. The word “authentic” in paragraph 2 has (5 points)

A. a negative connotation as boring

B. a positive connotation as beautiful.

C. a positive connotation as relatable.

D. a negative connotation as expensive.

12. Which of these words is closest in meaning to “steam,” as it used in paragraph 3? (5 points)

A. Noise B. Weight C. Vapor D. Strength

Nuclear power can help fill the world’s energy needs. Unfortunately, it comes with many serious drawbacks. First, if there are accidents with nuclear energy, the accidents can be very serious. For example, an accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 killed dozens of people from burn injuries and acute radiation sickness. The radioactive pollution it released has led to long-term health effects for people and animals living in the surrounding areas. These health effects include increased mortality, greater incidences of cancer, and physical abnormalities. Another point is that although nuclear power does not cause greenhouse gas pollution, it can still impact other parts of the environment. Nuclear waste takes hundreds of years to break down before it is no longer dangerous. To allow it to break down safely, it has to be stored deep underground. However, stored waste has leaked in the past, poisoning the environment. Building nuclear power plants is much more expensive than other types of power plants. It can also take up to 10 years to complete construction. Many communities may not want to deal with these difficulties. Finally, uranium, the fuel needed for nuclear energy, is not renewable. While there is plenty of uranium for now, eventually it will run out.

Marion Mahony Griffin

(1) Marion Mahony Griffin (1871-1961) was one of the first licensed females architects in the world and had a career that spanned several decades. She has an original member of the Prairie School, an architectural style that developed in the 19th and 20th century in the United States, and helped the style spread to countries around the world. Her architectural drawings were some of the best in the field and were integral to the designs of both Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's preeminent architects, and Walter Burley Griffin, her husband and another prominent architect.

(2) Mahony graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) with a degree in architecture in 1894. She was the second woman to do so. Afterwards, she returned to her hometown of Chicago to work in her cousin's architecture firm. It was here where she met Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1895, Wright hired Mahony as his first employee, and she became an important contributor his work. Her watercolor depictions of buildings and landscapes became a signature of Wright's architectural style, and many of her drawings were featured in the  Wasmuth Portfolio, which helped spread Wright's designs around the world. However, Mahony's work was often understated or went uncredited during this time. Mahony worked with Wright and his studio for nearly fifteen years before moving on to other work.

(3) After leaving Wright's studio Mahony would go on to form a partnership with Walter Burley Griffin, a fellow architect who had also worked with Wright. They married in 1911 and often worked collaboratively on designs. In 1913, the two of them won an international competition to design the new capital city of Australia, Canberra. They moved to Australia in 1914 to supervise the building of the city. While there, Mahony was in charge of the Sydney office and completed many private architectural commissions. Later, Walter was invited to design a library for the University of Lucknow in India. Mahony went with him and once again took charge of the office there, overseeing many of the building designs.

(4) Mahony eventually returned to the United States in 1939 after Walter's sudden death in 1937. After settling in Chicago again, she mostly retired from her architectural career and spent the remaining years of her life working on an expansive memoir. She passed away in 1961 at 90 years old. Although there are few architectural work attributed to her specifically, Mahony was an influential figure in many designs both in the United States and other countries. In addition to her work supporting Frank Lloyd Wright, she, along with her husband, helped spread the Prairie School style to both Australia and India. She was an important figure in the world of architecture and should be recognized as such.

However, Mahony’s work was often understated or went uncredited during this time.

18: 

Based on the passage, which of these is likely a  cardinal direction? (5 points)

In May 2020, American astronauts were launched into space from American territory for the first time since the end of the shuttle program in 2011. Between 2011 and 2020, all space missions flown by American astronauts had taken off from foreign soil. The mission, called SpaceX Demo-2, was also the first spaceflight ever undertaken by a commercial company rather than by a publicly-funded space agency like NASA. The ship flown in the mission was the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The Crew Dragon uses the Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 was the first rocket to successfully land vertically and undamaged, rather than just crashing into the ocean or ground. This means the Falcon 9 is not obliterated after each flight and is therefore reusable. The SpaceX Demo-2 mission marks an earth-shaking development in space exploration. Now that wealthy private citizens and businesses can get their hands dirty, innovation will be rapid and will no longer be held back by the lethargic movements of government.

1. _ _B_ Subject areas in science, math, and engineering express ideas using technical words and phrases. (33 pts.)

2. __ _C__A word chosen for its connotation expresses not just an idea but also a feeling. (33 pts.)

3. __ A__Words or phrases that express ideas in creative, unusual, or unexpected ways. (33 pts.)

A. Figurative Meaning

B. Technical Meaning

C. Connotative Meaning

.

Example

Type of Meaning

Why the Author Uses It.

Snatch up its meal

connotative

To suggest that the wasp takes the meal suddenly, perhaps rudely.

Ovipositor, or egg laying organ, is found in the abdomen

Technical

To communicate precisely which part of the wasp is being described.

Eyes seem borrowed from the face of a space alien

figurative

To suggest that the eyes seem strange, unearthly, or eerie.

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a large river canyon in Arizona. It is over 220 miles long and over a mile deep in some places. Its widest point is 18 miles wide. The canyon is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Over millions of years, the Colorado River wore away rocks as it passed through the area. Slowly, the river made the path deeper and deeper. Now, the canyon is surrounded by steep walls on either side, while the river continues to flow at the bottom of the canyon.

Besides its large size, the Grand Canyon is also known for its magnificent colors. The canyon is made of layers of rock, and each layer of rock has a different depth and color. Geologist have identified almost 40 different layers of rock exposed by the river’s erosion.

The climate in canyon area is primarily desert, with both high and low temperatures. The upper rims of the canyon often receive snowfall. The air quality is usually very high, although dust storms and smoke from fi res can change the air.

The Grand Canyon is home to variety of plants and animals. Plants range from various species of cactus to pine forests. Many types of animals live in the area, including the bald eagle, bobcats, bats and gila monsters. Six different kinds of rattlesnakes have been identified in the area.

Native Americans have inhabited the area for around 3,000 years. Spanish conquistadors first explored the area in 1540. Later, Spanish priests and explorers returned in 1776. However, they did not stay, as they found the canyon impassable.

Arizona became part of the United States in 1848, and the first geological studies were completed on the Grand Canyon in 1856. Today, the canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park. About five million tourists visit the park each year.

( The Grand Canyon 2012)

Domestic animals like cats and dogs are commonly kept as pets in the United States and around the world. However, some people have begun to keep more exotic animals as pets. Some of these animals include primates, such as squirrel and capuchin monkeys; snakes, such as ball pythons and corn snakes; and arachnids, such as tarantulas and scorpions. Despite the growing popularity of having an exotic animal as a pet, they are not well suited to living with humans and can sometimes cause illness or injury. Most, but not all, exotic pets are wild animals. These animals, including chimpanzees and tigers, are not suited for a life with human beings. They usually live in environments that are nothing like the environments they have access to in the wild. Many animals will not have the space they need to roam around. Additionally, exotic animals require specialized diets and care. They cannot be fed regular pet or human food, and typical veterinarians will probably not be able to treat them. When animals do not get the care and attention they need, they can end up sick and malnourished. Exotic pets are also carriers of zoonotic diseases, which they can pass on humans. Some diseases that can pass from animals to humans include rabies, salmonella, and monkeypox. Although there have been few outbreaks so far, the spread of diseases is always a possibility, especially since the exotic pet trade has been increasing. Another way that exotic pets can harm their owners is through injury. No matter how well-trained an exotic pet supposedly is, it is still a wild animal and may lash out. People have been mauled by pet chimpanzees, bears, and big cats. Having an exotic pet may seem like a fun and unique experience, but the reality is likely much less pleasant. Many people are ill-equipped to provide their exotic pets with the care they need to thrive and live healthily. Also, people are in danger of developing illnesses or being injured when they own an exotic pet. These animals are better left in the wild than in people's homes.

Among recent technological advances, drone technology is unique in how widely it is applied across many human activities.  Drones fly far and wide across the world, and because they require no pilot, they can be flown into dangerous situations with little risk to human life. There are $10 plastic drones that are popular toys. There are also thousand-dollar drones that take pictures from high in the sky. Drones are used in  surveillance, keeping an eye on large crowds without being noticed or even keeping track of livestock on large ranches. Drones have even been used for military purposes. There are many types of drones, but they all share some characteristics. The most useful aspect of drones is their ability to  hover, neither rising nor falling, enabling their operators to place them in just the perfect spot in the air. Drones use rotors, or propellers attached to motors, to fly. Most drones are made with three or more  rotors, which enable them to  ascend into the sky, descend toward the ground, and move left and right and every direction possible. As drone technology continues to progress, we are likely to see them growing more and more common in our everyday lives.

3. What is the best definition of drone based on information in the passage? (5 points)

A. An aircraft that requires no pilot.

B. A low, continuous humming sound.

C. A male bee in a colony of social bees.

D. A person who speaks in a boring way.

4. Based on the passage, surveillance means (5 points)

A. useful tools.

B. secret watching.

C. quiet hovering.

D. fast flying.

5. Based on the passage, the best definition of hover is (5 points)

A. to remain up in the air.

B. to land safely upon the ground.

C. to fly quick in many directions.

D. to be able to watch large crowds.

6. What is a rotor (5 points)

A. a method of flying.

B. a drone watching a large crowd.

C. A propeller attached to a motor.

7. What is the best synonym of ascend based on the information in the passage? (5 points)

A. fall

B. turn

C. rise

D. speed

Today, it’s impossible to imagine television without the genre of shows known as reality television. These shows have a familiar formula: follow a group of normal people as they take part in their normal lives, perform skills and compete, or flounder in personal dramas like dating. Shows like  The Bachelor,  Survivor,  Big Brother, and  American Idol draw millions of viewers despite their repetitive storylines. One reason for the popularity of reality programs is that they feature authentic people rather than actors. Viewers like the connection they feel to another person, especially a person they perceive as being similar to them, almost as if they could easily change places. Many young people believe that  Survivor started the reality television trend, but the real seed that bloomed into reality television was a 1973 PBS documentary called  An American Family. This was the first time America got to see a real family on TV, with real problems including divorce and coming to terms with homosexuality. The importance and popularity of the program inspired the creation of  The Real World, which was shown on MTV beginning in 1995. Compared to the deep, meaningful look  An American Family allowed viewers to have,  The Real World was initially considered shallow by critics. But the public embraced it, and 25 years later, reality television only appears to be gaining steam.

8. Which word in paragraph 3 helps the reader understand connotation of “deep?” (5 points)

A. Considered B. Popularity

C. Meaningful D. Inspired

9. In paragraph 1, the word “flounder” has (5 points)

A. a negative connotation as struggle.

B. a positive connotation as mature.

C. a positive connotation as explore.

D. a negative connotation as explode.

10. The phrase “seed that bloomed” in paragraph 3 connotates (5 points)

A. the love a mother has for her children

B. the growth of a flower or tree.

C. the beginning of something.

D. the end of something beautiful.

11. The word “authentic” in paragraph 2 has (5 points)

A. a negative connotation as boring

B. a positive connotation as beautiful.

C. a positive connotation as relatable.

D. a negative connotation as expensive.

12. Which of these words is closest in meaning to “steam,” as it used in paragraph 3?

A. Noise B. Weight C. Vapor D. Strength

Nuclear power can help fill the world’s energy needs. Unfortunately, it comes with many serious drawbacks. First, if there are accidents with nuclear energy, the accidents can be very serious. For example, an accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 killed dozens of people from burn injuries and acute radiation sickness. The radioactive pollution it released has led to long-term health effects for people and animals living in the surrounding areas. These health effects include increased mortality, greater incidences of cancer, and physical abnormalities. Another point is that although nuclear power does not cause greenhouse gas pollution, it can still impact other parts of the environment. Nuclear waste takes hundreds of years to break down before it is no longer dangerous. To allow it to break down safely, it has to be stored deep underground. However, stored waste has leaked in the past, poisoning the environment. Building nuclear power plants is much more expensive than other types of power plants. It can also take up to 10 years to complete construction. Many communities may not want to deal with these difficulties. Finally, uranium, the fuel needed for nuclear energy, is not renewable. While there is plenty of uranium for now, eventually it will run out.

Marion Mahony Griffin

(1) Marion Mahony Griffin (1871-1961) was one of the first licensed females architects in the world and had a career that spanned several decades. She has an original member of the Prairie School, an architectural style that developed in the 19th and 20th century in the United States, and helped the style spread to countries around the world. Her architectural drawings were some of the best in the field and were integral to the designs of both Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's preeminent architects, and Walter Burley Griffin, her husband and another prominent architect.

(2) Mahony graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) with a degree in architecture in 1894. She was the second woman to do so. Afterwards, she returned to her hometown of Chicago to work in her cousin's architecture firm. It was here where she met Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1895, Wright hired Mahony as his first employee, and she became an important contributor his work. Her watercolor depictions of buildings and landscapes became a signature of Wright's architectural style, and many of her drawings were featured in the  Wasmuth Portfolio, which helped spread Wright's designs around the world. However, Mahony's work was often understated or went uncredited during this time. Mahony worked with Wright and his studio for nearly fifteen years before moving on to other work.

(3) After leaving Wright's studio Mahony would go on to form a partnership with Walter Burley Griffin, a fellow architect who had also worked with Wright. They married in 1911 and often worked collaboratively on designs. In 1913, the two of them won an international competition to design the new capital city of Australia, Canberra. They moved to Australia in 1914 to supervise the building of the city. While there, Mahony was in charge of the Sydney office and completed many private architectural commissions. Later, Walter was invited to design a library for the University of Lucknow in India. Mahony went with him and once again took charge of the office there, overseeing many of the building designs.

(4) Mahony eventually returned to the United States in 1939 after Walter's sudden death in 1937. After settling in Chicago again, she mostly retired from her architectural career and spent the remaining years of her life working on an expansive memoir. She passed away in 1961 at 90 years old. Although there are few architectural work attributed to her specifically, Mahony was an influential figure in many designs both in the United States and other countries. In addition to her work supporting Frank Lloyd Wright, she, along with her husband, helped spread the Prairie School style to both Australia and India. She was an important figure in the world of architecture and should be recognized as such.

However, Mahony’s work was often understated or went uncredited during this time.

18: 

Based on the passage, which of these is likely a  cardinal direction? (5 points)

In May 2020, American astronauts were launched into space from American territory for the first time since the end of the shuttle program in 2011. Between 2011 and 2020, all space missions flown by American astronauts had taken off from foreign soil. The mission, called SpaceX Demo-2, was also the first spaceflight ever undertaken by a commercial company rather than by a publicly-funded space agency like NASA. The ship flown in the mission was the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The Crew Dragon uses the Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 was the first rocket to successfully land vertically and undamaged, rather than just crashing into the ocean or ground. This means the Falcon 9 is not obliterated after each flight and is therefore reusable. The SpaceX Demo-2 mission marks an earth-shaking development in space exploration. Now that wealthy private citizens and businesses can get their hands dirty, innovation will be rapid and will no longer be held back by the lethargic movements of government.

( Learning Farm 2020)