Command of evidence

1. Passage: In recent years, urban planners have increasingly turned to “green roofs”
as a way to address city heat and pollution. These rooftop gardens reduce building
energy costs by providing insulation. They also absorb rainwater, helping to prevent
sewer overflows during heavy storms. Some cities have even introduced tax
incentives for developers who install green roofs. Studies show that these
installations can lower surrounding air temperatures, making neighborhoods more
comfortable during summer. Despite these benefits, critics argue that maintenance
costs remain high.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that green roofs help cool urban areas?

A) “Urban planners have increasingly turned to ‘green roofs’ as a way to address city heat
and pollution.”

B) “These rooftop gardens reduce building energy costs by providing insulation.”

C) “Studies show that these installations can lower surrounding air temperatures, making
neighborhoods more comfortable during summer.”

D) “Critics argue that maintenance costs remain high.”

2. Passage: Marine biologists have observed unusual feeding patterns among

humpback whales near Alaska. Instead of feeding alone, groups of whales have
been cooperating to corral fish into dense clusters before feeding. This technique,
called “bubble-net feeding,” involves releasing air bubbles in a circular pattern to
trap prey. Researchers believe this behavior is learned and passed down through
generations. The practice appears to improve hunting efficiency, allowing whales to
consume more food with less effort. Some scientists warn that changes in fish
populations could threaten the continuation of this behavior.

Question: Which choice best supports the idea that humpback whales learn feeding
techniques from other whales?

A) “Instead of feeding alone, groups of whales have been cooperating to corral fish into
dense clusters before feeding.”

B) “This technique, called ‘bubble-net feeding,’ involves releasing air bubbles in a circular
pattern to trap prey.”
C) “Researchers believe this behavior is learned and passed down through generations.”

D) “The practice appears to improve hunting efficiency.”

3. Passage: In the late 1800s, electric streetcars transformed transportation in

American cities. Streetcars allowed people to live farther from where they worked,
giving rise to early suburbs. Businesses also benefited from the increased
movement of customers throughout the city. Streetcar lines often spurred
development along their routes, with shops and housing springing up near stops.
However, the expansion of automobiles in the mid-20th century led to the decline of
most streetcar systems. Today, some cities are reviving streetcars as a means to
reduce traffic congestion.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that streetcars contributed to suburban
growth?

A) “Streetcars allowed people to live farther from where they worked, giving rise to early
suburbs.”

B) “Businesses also benefited from the increased movement of customers throughout the
city.”

C) “Streetcar lines often spurred development along their routes.”

D) “Some cities are reviving streetcars as a means to reduce traffic congestion.”

4. Passage: The monarch butterfly’s annual migration is one of the most remarkable
phenomena in the natural world. Each fall, millions of monarchs travel thousands of
miles from Canada and the northern United States to central Mexico. Along the way,
they rely on specific plants, especially milkweed, for food and reproduction. In
recent decades, habitat loss and pesticide use have drastically reduced the
availability of these plants. As a result, conservation groups have been working to
restore milkweed habitats along migration routes. Without these efforts, the
monarch population could decline even further.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that monarchs depend on milkweed for
survival?

A) “Millions of monarchs travel thousands of miles from Canada and the northern United
States to central Mexico.”
B) “They rely on specific plants, especially milkweed, for food and reproduction.”

C) “Habitat loss and pesticide use have drastically reduced the availability of these
plants.”

D) “Conservation groups have been working to restore milkweed habitats.”

5. Passage: In 2003, astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope detected faint
light from what appeared to be the most distant galaxy ever observed at that time.
This discovery provided a glimpse into the early universe, only a few hundred million
years after the Big Bang. Studying such galaxies helps scientists understand how
the first stars and galaxies formed. The light from these distant objects takes
billions of years to reach Earth, meaning astronomers are effectively looking back in
time. Newer telescopes now aim to detect even older and more distant galaxies.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that observing distant galaxies reveals the
universe’s past?

A) “Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope detected faint light from what
appeared to be the most distant galaxy ever observed at that time.”

B) “This discovery provided a glimpse into the early universe.”

C) “The light from these distant objects takes billions of years to reach Earth, meaning
astronomers are effectively looking back in time.”

D) “Newer telescopes now aim to detect even older and more distant galaxies.” 6.

6. Passage: The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 set off a
cascade of ecological changes. Wolves preyed on elk, whose numbers had grown too large
in the absence of natural predators. With fewer elk grazing riverbanks, vegetation such as
willows and aspens began to recover. This, in turn, created better habitats for species like
beavers and songbirds. Even river channels changed, as plant growth stabilized banks and
reduced erosion. Ecologists consider this a prime example of a “trophic cascade,” where
changes at the top of the food chain affect the entire ecosystem.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that wolves helped restore Yellowstone’s
vegetation?

A) “Wolves preyed on elk, whose numbers had grown too large in the absence of natural
predators.”
 B) “With fewer elk grazing riverbanks, vegetation such as willows and aspens began to
recover.”

C) “Better habitats were created for species like beavers and songbirds.”

D) “River channels changed as plant growth stabilized banks and reduced erosion.”

7. Passage: In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first person to
reach the South Pole. His success was due in part to careful planning and the use of
dog sled teams. Unlike rival Robert Falcon Scott, Amundsen chose a route with
fewer crevasses and established supply depots along the way. His team also wore
fur clothing, which provided better insulation than the wool used by Scott’s group.
As a result, Amundsen’s expedition returned safely, while Scott and his team
perished on their return journey. Historians often cite Amundsen’s meticulous
preparation as the key to his victory.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that Amundsen’s choice of equipment
contributed to his success?

A) “His success was due in part to careful planning and the use of dog sled teams.”

B) “He chose a route with fewer crevasses.”

C) “His team also wore fur clothing, which provided better insulation than the wool used
by Scott’s group.”

D) “Scott and his team perished on their return journey.”

8. Passage: A recent archaeological dig in southern France uncovered a collection of

40,000-year-old beads made from shells. The shells had small holes drilled into
them, suggesting they were worn as necklaces or sewn onto clothing. Researchers
believe these beads served as more than decoration; they likely conveyed
information about the wearer’s identity, such as group affiliation or social status.
The discovery provides evidence that early humans engaged in symbolic
communication through personal adornment. This supports theories that complex
social structures existed earlier than previously thought.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that the beads were used for
communication?
A) “The shells had small holes drilled into them.”

B) “They were worn as necklaces or sewn onto clothing.”

C) “Researchers believe these beads conveyed information about the wearer’s identity.”

D) “The discovery supports theories that complex social structures existed earlier than
previously thought.”

9. Passage: Solar power installations have grown rapidly over the past decade. The
cost of photovoltaic panels has dropped by more than 80%, making solar energy
more accessible. In many regions, solar power is now cheaper than electricity from
fossil fuels. Governments have further encouraged adoption through subsidies and
tax incentives. As technology improves, solar panels are becoming more efficient at
converting sunlight into usable energy. Environmental advocates point to solar
power as a critical tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that solar energy has become affordable?

A) “The cost of photovoltaic panels has dropped by more than 80%.”

B) “In many regions, solar power is now cheaper than electricity from fossil fuels.”

C) “Governments have encouraged adoption through subsidies and tax incentives.”

D) “Solar panels are becoming more efficient at converting sunlight into usable energy.”

10. Passage: The giant squid, long a creature of myth and sailors’ tales, remained
unseen by scientists until the early 2000s. These elusive animals inhabit deep
ocean waters, making direct observation nearly impossible. In 2004, Japanese
researchers captured the first photographs of a live giant squid in its natural habitat.
The images revealed the squid’s massive size and long, curling tentacles. Since
then, a handful of videos have provided more insight into the species’ behavior.
Despite these advances, much about the giant squid’s life cycle remains unknown.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that giant squids are difficult to observe?

A) “They inhabit deep ocean waters, making direct observation nearly impossible.”

B) “Japanese researchers captured the first photographs of a live giant squid in 2004.”

C) “The images revealed the squid’s massive size.”

D) “Much about the giant squid’s life cycle remains unknown.”

11. Passage: For centuries, farmers in the Andes have cultivated potatoes in terraced
fields high above sea level. These terraces prevent soil erosion and allow for
irrigation in steep terrain. The farmers grow dozens of potato varieties, each
adapted to different microclimates and resistant to specific pests. This biodiversity
acts as a safeguard: if one variety fails due to disease, others can still thrive.
Scientists now study these traditional farming methods for insights into sustainable
agriculture.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that Andean farmers protect their crops
by planting many varieties? A) “Farmers cultivate potatoes in terraced fields high above
sea level.”

B) “They grow dozens of potato varieties, each adapted to different microclimates and
resistant to specific pests.”

C) “Terraces prevent soil erosion and allow for irrigation.”

D) “Scientists now study these methods for insights into sustainable agriculture.”

12. Passage: The Apollo 11 mission in 1969 marked the first time humans set foot on
the Moon. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin spent over two hours
collecting samples and conducting experiments. These lunar rocks provided
evidence about the Moon’s geological history and its similarities to Earth. Some
scientists argue that studying the Moon helps us understand the early history of the
entire solar system. The mission also inspired generations to pursue careers in
science and engineering.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that Apollo 11 advanced scientific
knowledge about the Moon?

A) “Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin spent over two hours collecting samples
and conducting experiments.”

B) “The lunar rocks provided evidence about the Moon’s geological history and its
similarities to Earth.”

C) “Some scientists argue that studying the Moon helps us understand the early solar
system.”
D) “The mission inspired generations to pursue careers in science.”

13. Passage: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, with some
species capable of growing nearly a meter in a single day. This rapid growth makes
bamboo a valuable renewable resource. It can be harvested without killing the
plant, as new shoots quickly replace the cut stalks. In many countries, bamboo is
used in construction, furniture making, and even as a source of paper.
Environmentalists promote bamboo cultivation as a sustainable alternative to
logging hardwood forests.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that bamboo can be harvested
sustainably?

A) “Some species can grow nearly a meter in a single day.”

B) “Bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant, as new shoots quickly replace the
cut stalks.”

C) “Bamboo is used in construction and furniture making.”

D) “It is a sustainable alternative to logging hardwood forests.”

14. Passage: In 1928, biologist Alexander Fleming noticed that mold growing in one of
his petri dishes had killed the surrounding bacteria. The mold was identified as
Penicillium notatum, which produces a substance that kills many types of harmful
bacteria. This discovery led to the development of penicillin, the first widely used
antibiotic. During World War II, penicillin saved countless lives by preventing
infections in wounded soldiers. The discovery marked the beginning of the antibiotic
era in medicine.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that Fleming’s discovery was medically
important?

A) “Fleming noticed that mold had killed the surrounding bacteria.”

B) “The mold was identified as Penicillium notatum.”

C) “During World War II, penicillin saved countless lives by preventing infections in
wounded soldiers.”
D) “The discovery marked the beginning of the antibiotic era in medicine.”

15. Passage: The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the city but also
paved the way for major urban improvements. Wooden buildings were replaced
with structures made of brick and stone, reducing the risk of future fires. The city’s
streets were widened, and a more organized street plan emerged. Although the
disaster displaced thousands, it also spurred economic growth as rebuilding efforts
created jobs and demand for materials. Historians often point to the fire as a turning
point in London’s urban development.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that the fire led to safer building
practices?

A) “Wooden buildings were replaced with structures made of brick and stone.”

B) “The city’s streets were widened.”

C) “The disaster displaced thousands.”

D) “Rebuilding efforts created jobs and demand for materials.”

16. Passage: Bees play a vital role in pollinating crops, contributing to the production of
fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, many of these foods would become
scarce and expensive. In recent years, however, bee populations have been
declining due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and disease. Farmers and scientists are
working together to create pollinator-friendly environments, such as planting
wildflowers and reducing chemical use. Protecting bees is essential for global food
security.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that bees are essential to agriculture?

A) “Bees play a vital role in pollinating crops, contributing to the production of fruits,
vegetables, and nuts.”

B) “Many foods would become scarce and expensive without them.”

C) “Bee populations have been declining due to pesticide use.”

D) “Farmers and scientists are working together to help bees.”

17. Passage: The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th
century, revolutionized the spread of information in Europe. Books could now be
 produced more quickly and cheaply than ever before. This made literacy more
accessible to the general public, as books were no longer limited to the wealthy
elite. The printing press also played a key role in the spread of new scientific and
religious ideas, fueling movements such as the Reformation.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that the printing press made books more
widely available?

A) “Books could be produced more quickly and cheaply than ever before.”

B) “Literacy became more accessible to the general public.”

C) “Books were no longer limited to the wealthy elite.”

D) “The printing press fueled movements such as the Reformation.”

18. Passage: Deep-sea hydrothermal vents support unique ecosystems that thrive
without sunlight. Instead, these communities rely on bacteria that convert
chemicals from the vent water into energy through a process called
chemosynthesis. Tube worms, giant clams, and unusual species of shrimp are
among the animals found here. The discovery of these vents in the late 1970s
changed scientists’ understanding of where life can exist, suggesting that life might
also be possible in extreme environments on other planets or moons.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that hydrothermal vents support life
without sunlight?

A) “These communities rely on bacteria that convert chemicals into energy through
chemosynthesis.”

B) “Tube worms, giant clams, and unusual shrimp live here.”

C) “The vents were discovered in the late 1970s.”

D) “The discovery changed scientists’ understanding of life’s limits.”

19. Passage: In the 19th century, the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad
connected the eastern and western United States by rail for the first time. This
drastically reduced travel time across the country, from months to about a week.
The railroad facilitated the movement of goods, people, and information,
contributing to the growth of new towns and markets. It also played a role in the
 migration of settlers to the West. However, it displaced many Indigenous
communities and disrupted their traditional lands.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that the railroad encouraged westward
migration?

A) “Travel time across the country was reduced from months to about a week.”

B) “It facilitated the movement of goods, people, and information.”

C) “It contributed to the growth of new towns and markets.”

D) “It played a role in the migration of settlers to the West.”

20. Passage: Mangrove forests line tropical and subtropical coastlines, where they
serve as a buffer against storm surges and coastal erosion. Their dense root
systems trap sediment, stabilize shorelines, and provide nurseries for fish and other
marine life. Unfortunately, mangrove forests are being cleared for development and
shrimp farming. Conservationists warn that losing these habitats could worsen the
impacts of climate change in coastal areas. Efforts are underway to restore and
protect mangrove ecosystems worldwide.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that mangroves protect coastlines?

A) “They serve as a buffer against storm surges and coastal erosion.”

B) “Their dense root systems trap sediment and stabilize shorelines.”

C) “They provide nurseries for fish and marine life.”

D) “They are being cleared for development.”

21. Passage: The Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903 lasted only 12 seconds,
but it marked the beginning of a new era in transportation. Their success was the
result of years of experimentation with gliders, engines, and wing designs. The
brothers also developed a three-axis control system, which allowed pilots to steer
aircraft effectively. This innovation remains a fundamental principle of modern
airplane design.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that the Wright brothers improved aircraft
control?
A) “Their success was the result of years of experimentation.”

B) “They developed a three-axis control system.”

C) “This system allowed pilots to steer aircraft effectively.”

D) “This innovation remains a fundamental principle of modern design.”

22. Passage: Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the
world. Modern wind turbines can produce electricity even at relatively low wind
speeds. Offshore wind farms, where winds are stronger and more consistent, can
generate large amounts of power for coastal cities. However, some communities
oppose wind projects due to concerns about noise and impacts on bird
populations. Despite these challenges, wind energy remains a key part of reducing
reliance on fossil fuels.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that offshore wind farms can produce
significant power?

A) “Modern wind turbines can produce electricity even at low wind speeds.”

B) “Offshore wind farms have stronger and more consistent winds.”

C) “They can generate large amounts of power for coastal cities.”

D) “Some communities oppose wind projects.”

23. Passage: The Rosetta Stone, discovered in Egypt in 1799, provided the key to
deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The stone bears the same text in three
scripts: Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphic. Scholars used their knowledge of Greek
to work out the meanings of the hieroglyphs. This breakthrough opened the door to
translating countless inscriptions and documents, greatly expanding our
understanding of ancient Egyptian history and culture.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that the Rosetta Stone made it possible to
read hieroglyphs?

A) “The stone bears the same text in three scripts.”

B) “Scholars used their knowledge of Greek to work out the meanings of the hieroglyphs.”

C) “The breakthrough allowed the translation of countless inscriptions.”

D) “It expanded our understanding of Egyptian history.”

24. Passage: In the early 20th century, Marie Curie conducted pioneering research on
radioactivity, a term she coined. She discovered the elements polonium and
radium, both of which are radioactive. Her work not only advanced the
understanding of atomic science but also led to medical applications, such as
using radiation to treat cancer. Curie remains the only person to have won Nobel
Prizes in two different scientific fields—Physics and Chemistry.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that Curie’s research had medical
applications?

A) “She discovered polonium and radium.”

B) “Her work advanced the understanding of atomic science.”

C) “It led to the use of radiation to treat cancer.”

D) “She won Nobel Prizes in two fields.”

25. Passage: Invasive species can cause severe ecological damage by outcompeting
native plants and animals. For example, the zebra mussel, introduced to North
America in the 1980s, quickly spread through freshwater lakes and rivers. It clogs
water intake pipes, disrupts food chains, and damages ecosystems. Efforts to
control its spread include inspecting and cleaning boats before they move between
bodies of water.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that zebra mussels harm ecosystems?

A) “They were introduced to North America in the 1980s.”

B) “They clog water intake pipes.”

C) “They disrupt food chains and damage ecosystems.”

D) “Efforts to control their spread include inspecting boats.”

26. Passage: The discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure by James Watson and
Francis Crick in 1953 revolutionized biology. Understanding the structure revealed
how genetic information is stored and copied within cells. This insight paved the
way for advances in medicine, forensics, and biotechnology. Today, DNA analysis is
used for everything from diagnosing diseases to solving crimes.
Question: Which choice best supports the claim that discovering DNA’s structure
advanced medicine?

A) “It revealed how genetic information is stored and copied.”

B) “It paved the way for advances in medicine, forensics, and biotechnology.”

C) “DNA analysis is used to solve crimes.”

D) “It was discovered in 1953.”

27. Passage: Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as battery
technology improves. Modern EVs can travel hundreds of miles on a single charge,
and charging stations are becoming more widespread. In addition to being cheaper
to operate over time, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution in
cities. Many governments are offering incentives to encourage drivers to switch
from gasoline-powered cars to electric ones.

Question: Which choice best supports the claim that EVs help reduce urban air pollution?

A) “EVs can travel hundreds of miles on a single charge.”

B) “Charging stations are becoming more widespread.”

C) “EVs produce no tailpipe emissions.”

D) “Governments offer incentives for drivers to switch.”