1.
Hourglass is a glass container for measuring time, in which ________ moves from the top half through a narrow middle part to the bottom half in exactly one hour.
Correct Answer
B. Sand
Explanation
An hourglass is a glass container for measuring time, in which sand moves from the top half through a narrow middle part to the bottom half in exactly one hour. The sand is carefully calibrated to flow at a consistent rate, allowing it to accurately measure the passage of time.
2.
A metaphor is a way of describing something by comparing it to something else that has ________ qualities, without using the words “like” or “as.”
Correct Answer
C. Similar
Explanation
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by stating that one thing is another thing, without using the words "like" or "as". In this context, the correct answer is "similar" because a metaphor describes something by comparing it to something else that shares similar qualities.
3.
While the immigrant labour force that’s coming into the United States looks like an hourglass, the American workforce is more like a ___________, where there’s very few at the top and very few at the bottom.
Correct Answer
C. Diamond
Explanation
The correct answer is diamond because a diamond shape represents a distribution where there are very few at the top and very few at the bottom, similar to the American workforce. In a diamond shape, the majority of the population falls in the middle, while the numbers decrease as you move towards the top and bottom. This implies that there is a small number of highly skilled and highly paid individuals at the top, a small number of low-skilled and low-paid individuals at the bottom, and a larger number of middle-skilled and middle-paid individuals in between.
4.
The reason there are openings in the ____________ labour market is that for many Americans, they’ve moved up from a poverty-level job to a middle-level job.
Correct Answer
A. Low wage
Explanation
The reason there are openings in the low wage labour market is that for many Americans, they've moved up from a poverty-level job to a middle-level job. This suggests that individuals who were previously in low wage jobs have been able to improve their economic status and secure better-paying positions. As a result, there are now vacancies in the low wage labour market that need to be filled by new workers.
5.
Immigrants from around the world have historically contributed to the national economy and the regional economy ________________.
Correct Answer
B. In all sorts of ways
Explanation
Immigrants from around the world have historically contributed to the national economy and the regional economy in all sorts of ways. This means that immigrants have made various contributions to both the national and regional economies. These contributions can include economic growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, innovation, cultural diversity, and skills enhancement. Immigrants bring their talents, expertise, and work ethic, which positively impact the economy at different levels. Their contributions can be seen in industries such as technology, healthcare, agriculture, education, and many others. Overall, immigrants play a crucial role in driving economic development and prosperity in diverse ways.
6.
Immigrants form many parts of the California workforce and have ____________________ impacts on the economy.
Correct Answer
C. Both positive and negative
Explanation
Immigrants form a significant part of the California workforce, and their impacts on the economy are both positive and negative. On the positive side, immigrants contribute to economic growth by filling labor market gaps, starting businesses, and paying taxes. They also bring diverse skills, knowledge, and cultural perspectives that can foster innovation and entrepreneurship. On the negative side, immigrants may face challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and social services, which can strain public resources. Additionally, increased competition for jobs can lead to lower wages for some native-born workers. Overall, the economic impacts of immigrants in California are a combination of positive and negative effects.
7.
On the ________ side, the debate often centres on their use of public services/state resources, (such as school system, the health system.) some people spill costs of their existence over onto other people.
Correct Answer
B. Cost
Explanation
The correct answer is "cost". In the given sentence, the debate is centered around the use of public services and state resources by a certain group of people. This implies that the discussion revolves around the financial burden or expense associated with their existence, which is why the term "cost" fits best in this context.
8.
In the filed where we compete for jobs, which is _________ end of the service and the knowledge economy, there are simply not enough U.S. citizens for these jobs. The pool is simply not there.
Correct Answer
A. The highest
Explanation
The correct answer is "the highest." This is because the sentence is discussing the competition for jobs in a specific field, and it states that there are not enough U.S. citizens for these jobs. This implies that the demand for workers in this field is high, making it the highest end of the service and knowledge economy.
9.
A skilled worker who has skills that are in demand in the United States is allowed in on a visa called ____________. These visas are becoming increasingly hard to get.
Correct Answer
C. H-1B visa
Explanation
The H-1B visa is a visa that allows skilled workers with in-demand skills to work in the United States. This visa has become increasingly difficult to obtain due to the high demand for skilled workers and the limited number of visas available each year.
10.
Every year, some 200,000 immigrants come to California in search of freedom and opportunity. Bringing _________ levels of education and skills, they create opportunities and benefits for our economy and society. But they also present us with challenges and costs.
Correct Answer
B. Diverse
Explanation
The word "diverse" is the correct answer because it fits logically in the context of the sentence. The sentence states that immigrants bring different levels of education and skills, implying that they have a variety of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity in education and skills can create opportunities and benefits for the economy and society. Therefore, "diverse" accurately describes the range of education and skills that immigrants bring to California.
11.
As a wealthy economy, the U.S. draws large numbers of low skilled immigrants. At the same time, the U.S. is drawing in the best and the brightest from other parts of the world.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the United States, being a wealthy economy, attracts a significant number of low skilled immigrants who are seeking better economic opportunities. Additionally, the U.S. also attracts highly skilled individuals from other parts of the world due to its reputation as a hub for innovation, research, and higher education. This combination of low skilled and highly skilled immigrants contributes to the diverse labor force and intellectual capital in the country.
12.
On a more standard ____________ level, the Bay Area is very well-connected to the rest of the world, through trade flow, through migration flows. That is due almost exclusively to the presence of such a large number of immigrants who are able to build bridges to other dynamic parts of the world economy.
Correct Answer
B. Economic
Explanation
The correct answer is economic. The passage states that the Bay Area is well-connected to the rest of the world through trade flow and migration flows. This indicates that the connection is primarily based on economic factors, such as trade and business opportunities. The presence of a large number of immigrants who can build bridges to other parts of the world economy further supports the economic nature of the connection.