Boston Life Assessment Test (Advanced)
Hello and welcome to the Boston Life Assessment Test! This test will help us to determine your level of proficiency in English.
The test is comprised of three sections:
Grammar & Vocabulary, Reading, and Listening
There is no time limit for this test, but it should not take you longer than 30-35 minutes.
Please note that you should have headphone or earphone(s) to take the listening section.
1. Enter your name
2. Enter your e-mail address
3. Click the box "Start"
4. Right after completing your test, you will see immediately the test result and review for your correct and wrong answers.
Good luck!
- 1.
Student A: Did you see the teacher? She looked really angry. Do you know why she is so upset? Student B: I have no idea, but she’s been upset for a few days. Student A: _____________________________________
- A.
A. She got a bad performance review.
- B.
B. She was unhappy about something at home.
- C.
C. She might have gotten some bad news a few days ago.
- D.
D. She definitely is trying to find a new job.
Correct Answer
C. C. She might have gotten some bad news a few days ago.Explanation
The correct answer is C. Past predictive modal verbs are used to guess the cause of situations that happened in the past. If we use the simple past or simple present, we are presenting our ideas as if they were facts and not guesses we are making.Rate this question:
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- 2.
I can’t hear you that well. Could you please speak _____ ?
- A.
A. out
- B.
B. in
- C.
C. up
- D.
D. down
Correct Answer
C. C. upExplanation
The correct answer is C. Speak up is a phrasal verb that means to speak more loudly.Rate this question:
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- 3.
I can’t find my wallet anywhere. I had it in my back pack. I hope it didn’t fall ______!
- A.
A. out
- B.
B. in
- C.
C. of
- D.
D. down
Correct Answer
A. A. outExplanation
The correct answer is A. Fall out is a phrasal verb used for when an object falls from inside of something, such as a bag or drawer and not off of the surface of a table or desk.Rate this question:
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- 4.
I prefer going to the store to shopping for clothes online because at the store I can always try it _____.
- A.
A. of
- B.
B. from
- C.
C. on
- D.
D. up
Correct Answer
C. C. onExplanation
The correct answer is C. The phrasal verb try on is used when we are putting on clothes that we don’t own to see if they fit correctly and look good.Rate this question:
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- 5.
I hope my friend doesn’t mind that I can’t attend her baby shower. I would really hate to let her _____.
- A.
A. out
- B.
B. in
- C.
C. up
- D.
D. down
Correct Answer
D. D. downExplanation
The correct answer is D. The phrasal verb let down can be used figuratively to indicate disappointing someone.Rate this question:
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- 6.
He is worried about his math class. The teacher covers materials really fast and he can’t seem to keep ______.
- A.
A. on
- B.
B. up
- C.
C. in
- D.
D. out
Correct Answer
B. B. upExplanation
The correct answer is B. The phrasal verb keep up is used when someone tries to maintain the same pace as someone or something.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Person A: I know that you don’t enjoy having dinner with my boss, but it’s important for me to socialize with the people I work for and network. Person B: It’s ok. I’ll go with you to the dinner. I can put ______ with your boss for at least a couple of hours.
- A.
A. down
- B.
B. off
- C.
C. in
- D.
D. up
Correct Answer
D. D. upExplanation
The correct answer is D. The phrasal verb put up with is used as a synonym for tolerate.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Person A: How’s the weather outside? Person B: Not great. But it’s _______ nice. Bring a jacket!
- A.
A. Fairly
- B.
B. So
- C.
C. Too
- D.
D. Really
Correct Answer
A. A. FairlyExplanation
The correct answer is A. The word fairly is used to modify adjectives, by making them weaker. It can be used to mean more or less. So in this case, the weather is not very nice, but not bad.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Student A: Hey! Finish your coffee. We have to get to class in 10 minutes. Student B: I can’t drink it, yet! It’s not cool _______.
- A.
A. too
- B.
B. so
- C.
C. sufficient
- D.
D. enough
Correct Answer
D. D. enoughExplanation
The correct answer is D. We use enough to mean sufficient. It is used after an adjective in negative sentences to mean not sufficiently. In this case, the coffee is not sufficiently cool.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Student: I brought back the book, that I had borrowed! Teacher: Great! Thanks! Just put it _____ the table for me! I’ll grab it later.
- A.
A. in
- B.
B. on
- C.
C. at
Correct Answer
B. B. onExplanation
The correct answer is B. We use the preposition on to indicate on top of or on the surface of. In this case, the book will be placed on the surface of the table.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The student walked __________ to class because he didn't want to arrive late.
- A.
A. Quick
- B.
B. Slow
- C.
C. Quickly
- D.
D. Slowly
Correct Answer
C. C. QuicklyExplanation
The correct answer is C. In this sentence, the missing word describes the verb walked, as in “How did the student walk?” This eliminates answers a and b which are adjectives. This leaves to two adverbs, options c and d. In this context, the student doesn't want to arrive late so answer c fits.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Person A: Where should we meet? Person B: How about ___ the corner of Main St. with Perkins St.?
- A.
A. at
- B.
B. in
- C.
C. out
- D.
D. of
Correct Answer
A. A. atExplanation
The correct answer is A. We use the preposition at to indicate a point or location that we are not going to be inside of.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Person A: Do you know any good hair salons? Person B: No. Why? What’s up? Person A: I really need to ________, but I don’t like the salon I went to last. I’d like to go to a better stylist.
- A.
A. Make my hair cut
- B.
B. Do my hair cut
- C.
C. Cut my hair
- D.
D. Get my hair cut
Correct Answer
D. D. Get my hair cutExplanation
The correct answer is D. This is because when we need something that we can not do ourselves we use the construction of get+ the participle of the verb.Rate this question:
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- 14.
If I __________ rich, I __________ travel the world.
- A.
A. would be/would
- B.
B. were/ might
- C.
C. were/ would have
- D.
D. was/had
Correct Answer
B. B. were/ mightExplanation
The correct answer is B. This sentence involves that second conditional. It is for situations that are unlikely to happen. The first part of the sentence is in the subjunctive form of the verb (which indicates that the situation is not real), while the second part of the sentence is in the future conditional (might). Answer A is incorrect because the first part is would be. Answer C is incorrect because the second part is would have. Answer D is incorrect because the second part is in the simple past. The first part of answer D could be correct in some contexts.Rate this question:
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- 15.
When my father was little, he _____________ hockey on a frozen pond by his house. He’s too old to do that now!
- A.
A. used to play
- B.
B. used to go
- C.
C. had played
- D.
D. had gone
Correct Answer
A. A. used to playExplanation
The correct answer is A. We used the phrase used to + verb to indicate past events that happened frequently in the past, but don’t happen anymore.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Boston is a fairly old city; it has the oldest subway system in the US. The subway system _________ before 1897.
- A.
A. was building
- B.
B. was built
- C.
C. had built
- D.
D. would have built
Correct Answer
B. B. was builtExplanation
The correct answer is B. This sentence structure is in the passive voice. In this case we don’t know who built the system.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Student A: I don’t feel so well. My stomach hurts. Student B: Well, why did you eat so much? It’s not good for you, you know! Student A: I know. I wish I __________ quite so much.
- A.
A. had eaten
- B.
B. would eat
- C.
C. wouldn’t have eaten
- D.
D. hadn’t eaten
Correct Answer
D. D. hadn’t eatenExplanation
The correct answer is D. When we use I wish statements to describe an action that has already occurred, we use the past perfect to describe the action.Rate this question:
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- 18.
If I saw him on Mondays, I _______ him to call you.
- A.
A. Could tell
- B.
B. Can tell
- C.
C. Told
- D.
D. Had told
Correct Answer
A. A. Could tellExplanation
The correct answer is A. This is the second conditional, which is the unreal conditional. The first part of the sentence is in the simple past (If I saw him on Mondays, but I don’t), the second part of the sentence is in the conditional could tell.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The city of Boston has great public transportation. Outside of Boston, there aren’t many options. ______ you have a car, it can be really difficult to get around.
- A.
A. Although
- B.
B. Even though
- C.
C. In spite of
- D.
D. Unless
Correct Answer
D. D. UnlessExplanation
The correct answer is D. In this case, unless is used to say except if. So in this case, except if you have a car, it can be difficult toRate this question:
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- 20.
We had a good time touring around the city, _________ the weather was not very good.
- A.
A. For this reason
- B.
B. Even though
- C.
C. In spite of
- D.
D. Because
Correct Answer
B. B. Even thoughExplanation
The correct answer is B. Even though and in spite of are both used when combining positive and negative statements. Even though is a conjunction and is used even though + clause: In spite of + verb(ing) so in this case it would have to be in spite of the weather not being very good.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Person A: Did you hear about Lucy’s new job? Person B: No. What happened? Person A: She got a promotion. Now, she’s working ______ an aerospace engineer for NASA!
- A.
A. As
- B.
B. Like
- C.
C. Of
- D.
D. How
Correct Answer
A. A. AsExplanation
The correct answer is A. The expression work as indicates that this is the job or profession you have whereas the expression work like in expressions such as “work like a dog” to describe a quality of the work.Rate this question:
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- 22.
When I was a kid, my family _________ camping every summer near a lake. I really miss those days.
- A.
A. Would went
- B.
B. Would go
- C.
C. Had gone
- D.
D. Had been gone
Correct Answer
B. B. Would goExplanation
The correct answer is B. In spoken English in the US, people sometimes use would to describe past actions that no longer happen, similar to the way people use the construction used to.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Person A: I went antique shopping this weekend. It was really fun.Person B: Yeah? Did you buy anything special?Person A: I got a ___________________________ clock.
- A.
A. German, big, old, wooden
- B.
B. Wooden, old, big, German
- C.
C. big, old, wooden, German
- D.
D. old, German, big, wooden
Correct Answer
C. C. big, old, wooden, GermanExplanation
The correct answer is C. The order of adjectives is important when describing something using more than one adjective. These adjectives fall into the following categories: material (wooden), nationality (German), age (old) and size (big). The appropriate order for this combination of adjectives is size, age, material and nationality.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Person A: I love the weather when it’s like this. There is nothing like spring in Boston! Today is perfect. Person B: I know! It’s ______ nice. It’s not too hot and not too cold.
- A.
A. Too
- B.
B. So
- C.
C. Many
Correct Answer
B. B. SoExplanation
The correct answer is B. In this case the answer is so which is used in the same way as really or very. We cannot use too here because it is used in the negative sense (as in too much).Rate this question:
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- 25.
The teacher had to step in and _________ the fight between two students.
- A.
A. break in
- B.
B. break off
- C.
C. break down
- D.
D. break up
Correct Answer
D. D. break upExplanation
The correct answer is D. The phrasal verb break up in this context means to stop.Rate this question:
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- 26.
If he_____________ me alone, I would have been done with my project by now. I couldn't finish on time because I kept being interrupted.
- A.
A. Would have left
- B.
B. Would had left
- C.
C. Had left
- D.
D. Have left
Correct Answer
C. C. Had leftExplanation
The correct answer is C. This is the third conditional. The second part of the phrase is in the conditional past (would have forgotten) because it is based on the first part of the phrase which is in the past perfect.Rate this question:
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- 27.
If the teacher _____________ the students about the homework, they would have forgotten to do it .
- A.
A. Had remembered
- B.
B. Hadn’t remembered
- C.
C. Hadn’t reminded
- D.
D. Had reminded
Correct Answer
C. C. Hadn’t remindedExplanation
The correct answer is C. This is the third conditional, the second part of the phrase is in the conditional past (would have forgotten) because it is based on the first part of the phrase which is in the past perfect.Rate this question:
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- 28.
If I had studied for the exam, I ___________. Instead, I got a D.
- A.
A. might have passed
- B.
B. would pass
- C.
C. passed
- D.
D. could pass
Correct Answer
A. A. might have passedExplanation
The correct answer is A. This sentence uses the third conditional to describe a situation in the past, which has already concluded. The speaker is making a prediction about a different possible outcome based on changing their behavior. (In this case, the person didn't study and is guessing at what could have happened if he/she had studied.)Rate this question:
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- 29.
Person A: I didn't study very hard, so I failed my exam. I feel so dumb. Person B: Don’t feel dumb, but you definitely _______________ harder.
- A.
A. would have studied
- B.
B. had studied
- C.
C. have studied
- D.
D. should have studied
Correct Answer
D. D. should have studiedExplanation
The correct answer is D. Person B is giving his/her opinion about what would have been a good action for Person A to have taken. Should is used to give advice.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Person A: Yesterday, it flooded out on Castle Island! Person B: Really? I guess it rained _______ hard.
- A.
A. A lot
- B.
B. Many
- C.
C. Much
- D.
D. Wicked
Correct Answer
D. D. WickedExplanation
The correct answer is D. This is a colloquial expression used in Boston to replace the words very, really or extremely. In this case, it rained really hard and flooded Castle Island.Rate this question:
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- 31.
1. In this context the phrase “you guys are talking rubbish” means:
- A.
A. You are speaking the truth
- B.
B. You are talking about trash
- C.
C. You don’t know what you are talking about
- D.
D. You have a good idea
Correct Answer
C. C. You don’t know what you are talking aboutExplanation
The phrase "you guys are talking rubbish" is an expression used to dismiss or discredit someone's opinions or statements. It suggests that the person is speaking nonsense or lacks knowledge about the topic being discussed. Therefore, option c. "You don't know what you are talking about" is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the meaning of the phrase.Rate this question:
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- 32.
We can assume that her parents are ____________ people based on her description of them in the video.
- A.
A. understanding
- B.
B. strict
- C.
C. demanding
- D.
D. unhappy
Correct Answer
A. A. understandingExplanation
Based on the description of her parents in the video, we can assume that they are understanding people. This can be inferred from the way she talks about them, suggesting that they are supportive, empathetic, and open-minded.Rate this question:
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- 33.
She sees studying in the US as a good opportunity.
- A.
A. True
- B.
B. False
Correct Answer
A. A. TrueExplanation
The given statement suggests that the person sees studying in the US as a good opportunity. This implies that they have a positive perception of studying in the US and believe it will bring them benefits or advantages. Therefore, the correct answer is "True".Rate this question:
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- 34.
How did she learn to understand and speak English more fluently?
- A.
A. by going to a private ESL institute
- B.
B. by attending classes at university
- C.
C. by hanging out with students from her own country
- D.
D. by hanging out with native English speakers
Correct Answer
D. D. by hanging out with native English speakersExplanation
The correct answer is d. by hanging out with native English speakers. By spending time with native English speakers, she was able to practice speaking and listening to English in a natural and immersive environment. This allowed her to improve her fluency and understanding of the language.Rate this question:
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- 35.
How did her husband initially feel about trying this new lifestyle?
- A.
A. excited
- B.
B. angry
- C.
C. happy
- D.
D. unsure
Correct Answer
D. D. unsureExplanation
The passage does not explicitly state how her husband initially felt about trying the new lifestyle. Therefore, we can infer that he was unsure about it.Rate this question:
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- 36.
The Johnson's decided to try Zero Waste Living . . . .
- A.
A. when they moved to a larger home.
- B.
B. when they moved to a smaller home.
- C.
C. when Mr. Johnson lost his job.
- D.
D. when the children started going to school.
Correct Answer
B. B. when they moved to a smaller home.Explanation
The correct answer is b. when they moved to a smaller home. This is because adopting a zero waste lifestyle often requires downsizing and reducing consumption. Moving to a smaller home would naturally lead to the Johnson's reassessing their possessions and making a conscious effort to minimize waste.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Which one of these terms is not part of the Johnson family strategy?
- A.
A. refuse
- B.
B. reuse
- C.
C. reaffirm
- D.
D. recycle
Correct Answer
C. C. reaffirmExplanation
The Johnson family strategy focuses on reducing waste and promoting sustainability. The terms "refuse," "reuse," and "recycle" all align with this strategy as they involve minimizing waste and utilizing resources efficiently. However, "reaffirm" does not fit into this context as it does not relate to waste reduction or sustainability.Rate this question:
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- 38.
The Johnson family detractors feel that the Johnsons . . . .
- A.
A. don’t save money
- B.
B. are going overboard in their efforts
- C.
C. are lying
- D.
D. are unhappy
Correct Answer
B. B. are going overboard in their effortsExplanation
The correct answer is b. The Johnson family detractors feel that the Johnsons are going overboard in their efforts. This suggests that the detractors believe that the Johnsons are being excessive or extreme in their actions or behaviors. It implies that the Johnsons may be taking their efforts to an extreme level, which is causing concern or criticism from others.Rate this question:
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- 39.
What is NOT a benefit of this lifestyle?
- A.
A. saving money
- B.
B. saving space
- C.
C. eating healthier
- D.
D. eating vegetarian
Correct Answer
D. D. eating vegetarianExplanation
Eating vegetarian is not a benefit of this lifestyle. This suggests that there are other benefits to this lifestyle, such as saving money, saving space, and eating healthier. However, the question does not provide any information about what this lifestyle actually is, so it is not possible to provide a specific explanation for why eating vegetarian is not a benefit in this context.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson. Questions: One area that will NOT rely on biometrics for entrance is ____________.
- A.
A. the dining halls
- B.
B. computer labs
- C.
C. the gymnasium
- D.
D. the football field
Correct Answer
D. D. the football fieldExplanation
The passage is about biometrics being used for entrance in different areas. It mentions dining halls, computer labs, and the gymnasium as areas that will rely on biometrics for entrance. However, it does not mention anything about the football field, so it can be inferred that the football field will NOT rely on biometrics for entrance.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Questions: Before casinos were authorized in Atlantic City, the city . . . .
- A.
A. was a prosperous place
- B.
B. was struggling economically
- C.
C. was a beautiful, small town
- D.
D. had a lot of employment opportunities
Correct Answer
B. B. was struggling economicallyExplanation
Before the authorization of casinos in Atlantic City, the city was struggling economically. This suggests that the introduction of casinos had a positive impact on the city's financial situation, potentially bringing in more revenue and job opportunities.Rate this question:
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- 42.
The question of whether gambling is good for society . . .
- A.
A. is easy to answer: it is.
- B.
B. is easy to answer: it isn’t.
- C.
C. is complicated to answer.
Correct Answer
C. C. is complicated to answer.Explanation
The question of whether gambling is good for society is complicated to answer. This is because there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. On one hand, gambling can contribute to the economy by creating jobs and generating revenue through taxes. It can also provide entertainment and excitement for individuals. On the other hand, gambling can lead to addiction, financial problems, and social issues. Additionally, the impact of gambling on different communities and individuals can vary. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to whether gambling is good for society.Rate this question:
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- 43.
A problem that is NOT attributed to gambling according to the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago is:
- A.
A. people going to prison
- B.
B. jobless benefits
- C.
C. costs of medical treatment
- D.
D. homelessness
Correct Answer
D. D. homelessnessExplanation
The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago states that homelessness is not attributed to gambling. This means that gambling is not considered a significant factor in causing people to become homeless. It suggests that other factors, such as economic instability, lack of affordable housing, or mental health issues, may be more influential in contributing to homelessness.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Las Vegas is a good example of a location that has casinos and . . .
- A.
A. also has high unemployment rates.
- B.
B. also has high rates of alcoholism.
- C.
C. also has high rates of bankruptcy.
- D.
D. also has high employment rates.
Correct Answer
D. D. also has high employment rates.Explanation
Las Vegas is known for its thriving tourism industry, with millions of visitors coming each year to gamble and enjoy entertainment. This industry creates a significant number of jobs in the city, ranging from casino employees to hotel staff, performers, and other service providers. As a result, Las Vegas has high employment rates, making option d the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 45.
If the number of casinos and gambling facilities increases, then . . .
- A.
A. economic growth will continue to increase.
- B.
B. economic growth will stay the same.
- C.
C. economic growth will go down.
Correct Answer
C. C. economic growth will go down.Explanation
When the number of casinos and gambling facilities increases, it can lead to an increase in gambling addiction and related social issues. This can result in individuals spending more money on gambling instead of investing in other sectors of the economy. As a result, the overall economic growth can go down.Rate this question:
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- 46.
Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson. Which of the following is NOT a reason that the university decided to try the new system?
- A.
A. They wanted to save money.
- B.
B. They want to secure access to computers and networks.
- C.
C. They want to monitor student study habits.
- D.
D. They want to increase student security.
Correct Answer
C. C. They want to monitor student study habits.Explanation
The university decided to try the new system for reasons other than monitoring student study habits. The passage does not mention anything about monitoring student study habits as a reason for implementing the new system.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson. Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson. Which of the following is a reason that some students oppose the new system?
- A.
A. The university will use it to monitor student activities.
- B.
B. The university will use it to monitor student drinking.
- C.
C. The university will use it to monitor student study habits.
- D.
D. The university will use it to monitor student classroom hours.
Correct Answer
A. A. The university will use it to monitor student activities.Explanation
The reason that some students oppose the new system is because they believe that the university will use it to monitor their activities. This implies that the students are concerned about their privacy and autonomy being compromised by the monitoring system. They may feel that their personal lives and choices are being intruded upon by the university, which could lead to a sense of distrust and resistance towards the new system.Rate this question:
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- 48.
The President of the university is concerned that the use of biometrics could lead to more invasive data collection.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because the President of the university is concerned that the use of biometrics could lead to more invasive data collection.Rate this question:
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- 49.
Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson. At the end of the article, both the university and the students have come to an agreement.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false because the passage does not mention any agreement reached between the university and the students.Rate this question:
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.jpg "Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson.
Questions:
One area that will NOT rely on biometrics for entrance is ____________.")
.jpg "Questions:
Before casinos were authorized in Atlantic City, the city . . . .")
.jpg "The question of whether gambling is good for society . . .")
.jpg "A problem that is NOT attributed to gambling according to the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago is:")
.jpg "Las Vegas is a good example of a location that has casinos and . . .")
.jpg "If the number of casinos and gambling facilities increases, then . . .")
.jpg "Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson.
Which of the following is NOT a reason that the university decided to try the new system?")
.jpg "Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson.
Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson.
Which of the following is a reason that some students oppose the new system?")
.jpg "The President of the university is concerned that the use of biometrics could lead to more invasive data collection.")
.jpg "Press, Sherry. (2009). North Star 5 Listening and Speaking (Third Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson.
At the end of the article, both the university and the students have come to an agreement.")
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