English Comprehension Passages Quiz

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| By Catherine Halcomb
Catherine Halcomb
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Quizzes Created: 1384 | Total Attempts: 6,201,414
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English Comprehension Passages Quiz - Quiz

Take the online quiz and practice with our comprehension passages. Pursue the text for specific details and answer the multiple choice questions.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

    • A.

      Companies should include both introverted and extroverted workers on teams

    • B.

      There are advantages to being sensitive and introverted

    • C.

      Children who are sensitive are more deliberate when playing a game

    • D.

      Introverts simply prefer less stimulation than others do

    Correct Answer
    B. There are advantages to being sensitive and introverted
    Explanation
    The passage highlights the advantages of being sensitive and introverted. It suggests that these traits can bring unique strengths to individuals and teams.

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  • 2. 

    According to the passage, children with sensitive temperaments are more likely to be which of the following?

    • A.

      Empathetic

    • B.

      Risk-taking

    • C.

      Antisocial

    • D.

      Noisy

    Correct Answer
    A. Empathetic
    Explanation
    The passage states that children with sensitive temperaments are more likely to be empathetic. This suggests that these children are more attuned to the emotions and feelings of others, leading them to be more understanding and compassionate.

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  • 3. 

    According to the passage, the partnership between Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak is an example of which of the following?

    • A.

      The negative consequences of a mixture of different personality types in the workplace

    • B.

      A successful collaboration between two introverts

    • C.

      A successful collaboration between an introvert and an extrovert

    • D.

      A combination of people who should "run the world"

    Correct Answer
    C. A successful collaboration between an introvert and an extrovert
    Explanation
    The passage suggests that the partnership between Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak was a successful collaboration between an introvert and an extrovert. It implies that Jobs, known for his charismatic and outgoing personality, complemented Wozniak, who was more introverted and focused on technical aspects. This combination of different personality types contributed to their success in co-founding Apple Inc.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following is the best summary of the second paragraph?

    • A.

      Some children respond more dramatically than others to unfamiliar and startling events

    • B.

      Observing how children respond to stimuli is the best way to study different kinds of social behavior

    • C.

      Children who are perceived as "shy" are actually more sensitive than other children to stimuli in their environments

    • D.

      If sensitivity in a child is not corrected by around age 2, that child will grow up to be an oversensitive adult

    Correct Answer
    C. Children who are perceived as "shy" are actually more sensitive than other children to stimuli in their environments
    Explanation
    The second paragraph suggests that children who are perceived as "shy" are actually more sensitive than other children to stimuli in their environments. This implies that their sensitivity may be a contributing factor to their shyness.

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  • 5. 

    Based on the passage, which of the following activities would an introvert most likely prefer?

    • A.

      Enjoying a quiet dinner with a handful of friends

    • B.

      Going alone to a club to enjoy loud dance music

    • C.

      Accompanying one friend to a crowded street festival

    • D.

      Participating solo in a sport called "extreme ice-slope surfing"

    Correct Answer
    A. Enjoying a quiet dinner with a handful of friends
    Explanation
    Introverts are typically described as individuals who gain energy from spending time alone or in small, intimate settings. They tend to prefer quieter and more low-key activities rather than large, crowded gatherings. Enjoying a quiet dinner with a handful of friends aligns with these characteristics, as it allows for a more intimate and relaxed social interaction. Therefore, an introvert would most likely prefer this activity over the others listed.

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  • 6. 

    According to the passage, which of the following is an effect of rear-wheel steering on a forklift?

    • A.

      The front wheels carry most of the load

    • B.

      The driver may have some difficulty in controlling the forklift

    • C.

      There is a danger that the forklift will tip over

    • D.

      The forklift driver may have little visibility

    Correct Answer
    A. The front wheels carry most of the load
    Explanation
    Rear-wheel steering on a forklift causes the front wheels to carry most of the load. This means that the weight of the load being lifted is primarily supported by the front wheels, while the rear wheels provide steering and stability.

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  • 7. 

    Which one of the following identifies a pair of things or ideas between which the author draws a contrast?

    • A.

      Driving a forklift and driving a car

    • B.

      The turning radius of a forklift and the turning radius of a car

    • C.

      A warehouse with clearly marked aisles, and a highway with clearly marked lanes

    • D.

      Driving a  forklift in reverse and walking backward

    Correct Answer
    A. Driving a forklift and driving a car
    Explanation
    The author draws a contrast between driving a forklift and driving a car.

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  • 8. 

    Together, the passage and the graphic support which of the following conclusions?

    • A.

      A forklift should never carry a load taller than the forklift itself

    • B.

      A forklift should travel backward only when traveling downhill

    • C.

      A forklift cannot drive uphill unless it is carrying a load

    • D.

      A forklift that is traveling downhill with a heavy load should travel backward

    Correct Answer
    D. A forklift that is traveling downhill with a heavy load should travel backward
    Explanation
    The passage and the graphic suggest that a forklift should travel backward when traveling downhill with a heavy load. This conclusion can be drawn from the fact that the graphic shows a forklift traveling backward while carrying a heavy load downhill, and the passage mentions that this is the recommended method for maintaining stability and control in such situations.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following best describes the author's purpose?

    • A.

      To inform drivers of cars about the differences between driving a car and driving a forklift

    • B.

      To warn the general public about the dangers of forklifts

    • C.

      To explain safe practices to forklift drivers

    • D.

      To describe the difference between skilled and unskilled forklift drivers

    Correct Answer
    C. To explain safe practices to forklift drivers
    Explanation
    The author's purpose is to explain safe practices to forklift drivers. This can be inferred from the given answer choice, which states that the author aims to provide information on safe practices specifically to forklift drivers. The other answer choices either focus on informing drivers of cars about the differences between driving a car and a forklift, warning the general public about the dangers of forklifts, or describing the difference between skilled and unskilled forklift drivers, which are not the main focus of the author's purpose.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

    • A.

      The author lists potential dangers of forklift driving and explains how to avoid them

    • B.

      The author states that forklift driving is dangerous and gives examples of forklift accidents to support that idea

    • C.

      The author lists the features of forklifts and describes their benefits

    • D.

      The author explains the pros and cons of forklift driving to present a balanced picture of the value of forklifts.

    Correct Answer
    A. The author lists potential dangers of forklift driving and explains how to avoid them
    Explanation
    The passage describes the potential dangers of forklift driving and provides explanations on how to avoid these dangers. The author does not state that forklift driving is dangerous and provide examples of accidents, nor does the author solely list the features and benefits of forklifts. Additionally, the author does not present a balanced picture of the value of forklifts by explaining the pros and cons. Instead, the focus is on the potential dangers and ways to prevent them.

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  • 11. 

    The author of passage 1 most likely notes that the majority of GMO crops are cultivated by "small, resource-poor farmers in developing countries" in order to

    • A.

      Highlight how GMO foods can be harmful to struggling farmers

    • B.

      Suggest that GMO foods can be beneficial for struggling farmers

    • C.

      Illustrate how GMO foods can be more expensive for consumers

    • D.

      Explain why GMO crops often fail

    Correct Answer
    B. Suggest that GMO foods can be beneficial for struggling farmers
    Explanation
    The author of passage 1 most likely notes that the majority of GMO crops are cultivated by "small, resource-poor farmers in developing countries" in order to suggest that GMO foods can be beneficial for struggling farmers.

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  • 12. 

    Passage 2 is primarily concerned with

    • A.

      The uses and misuses of GMO foods

    • B.

      The origin and development of GMO foods

    • C.

      The unexpected benefits of GMO foods

    • D.

      The safety and reliability of GMO foods

    Correct Answer
    D. The safety and reliability of GMO foods
    Explanation
    The passage discusses the safety and reliability of GMO foods. It explores the concerns and controversies surrounding GMO foods, as well as the scientific research and regulations in place to ensure their safety. The passage does not focus on the uses, misuses, origin, or development of GMO foods, but instead, it primarily addresses the issue of their safety and reliability.

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  • 13. 

    What can be inferred from the first paragraph of passage 2?

    • A.

      American physicians, as a group, are completely unaware of the potential dangers of GMOs

    • B.

      The labels of some foods containing GMO ingredients do not indicate that the products contain genetically modified ingredients

    • C.

      GMO foods have been proven to cause certain chronic conditions

    • D.

      Independent safety testing has been completed for most GMO foods

    Correct Answer
    B. The labels of some foods containing GMO ingredients do not indicate that the products contain genetically modified ingredients
    Explanation
    The first paragraph of passage 2 implies that the labels of some foods containing GMO ingredients do not accurately indicate that the products contain genetically modified ingredients.

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  • 14. 

    The two passages primarily disagree about whether or not

    • A.

      GMO foods can help support a growing world population

    • B.

      GMO foods are better able to withstand drought and insect infestation than natural foods

    • C.

      GMO foods are largely a positive development for global food production

    • D.

      Scientists who study GMO foods are worthy of recognition

    Correct Answer
    C. GMO foods are largely a positive development for global food production
    Explanation
    The two passages primarily disagree about whether or not GMO foods are largely a positive development for global food production.

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  • 15. 

    Passage 2 cites the example of a major crop failure in South Africa to illustrate the dangers of planting with GMO seeds. Which paragraph in passage 1 provides a counterexample that weakens this position?

    • A.

      Paragraph 1

    • B.

      Paragraph 2

    • C.

      Paragraph 4

    • D.

      Paragraph 5

    Correct Answer
    C. ParagrapH 4
    Explanation
    Paragraph 4 provides a counterexample that weakens the position in Passage 2. It discusses the success of GMO crops in countries like the United States, Canada, and Brazil, where they have been widely adopted and have led to increased yields and reduced pesticide use. This counterexample challenges the argument made in Passage 2 by presenting evidence that GMO seeds can be beneficial and successful in certain contexts.

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  • 16. 

    Who is the narrator in this passage?

    • A.

      A servant

    • B.

      A hired plowboy

    • C.

      A young horse

    • D.

      A child

    Correct Answer
    C. A young horse
    Explanation
    The correct answer is a young horse because in the passage, the narrator refers to themselves as a "young horse" and describes their experiences and observations from their perspective.

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  • 17. 

    What is the setting of the story?

    • A.

      A town

    • B.

      A racetrack

    • C.

      A forest

    • D.

      A farm

    Correct Answer
    D. A farm
    Explanation
    The correct answer is a farm. This can be inferred from the options provided, as the other options (a town, a racetrack, and a forest) are not typically settings for a story that involves animals and farming activities.

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  • 18. 

    The narrator's account of his youth can best be described as

    • A.

      Melancholy

    • B.

      Contented

    • C.

      Regretful

    • D.

      Humorous

    Correct Answer
    B. Contented
    Explanation
    The narrator's account of his youth can best be described as contented because throughout the narrative, the narrator expresses a sense of satisfaction and happiness with his past experiences. He reminisces about fond memories, cherishes the moments of joy, and reflects on the positive aspects of his youth. The tone of the narrative is generally upbeat and optimistic, indicating a contented perspective on the past.

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  • 19. 

    The narrator would most likely describe the master in this story as

    • A.

      Affectionate and protective

    • B.

      Arrogant and abusive

    • C.

      Playful and light-hearted

    • D.

      Bold and aggressive

    Correct Answer
    A. Affectionate and protective
    Explanation
    The narrator would most likely describe the master in this story as affectionate and protective because throughout the story, the master shows a deep love and care for the narrator. He is described as being gentle and kind towards the narrator, always ensuring their safety and well-being. The master's actions and behavior indicate a strong sense of affection and protectiveness towards the narrator, suggesting that this is the most fitting description for him in the story.

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  • 20. 

    The mother's speech in paragraph 3 most likely serves to

    • A.

      Correct the narrator for playing too roughly

    • B.

      Assure the narrator will grow up to win races like his grandfather

    • C.

      Reprimand the narrator for insulting the master

    • D.

      Accuse the narrator of stealing blackberries

    Correct Answer
    A. Correct the narrator for playing too roughly
    Explanation
    The mother's speech in paragraph 3 most likely serves to correct the narrator for playing too roughly. This can be inferred from the fact that the mother is addressing the narrator's behavior and advising him to be more gentle. The other options, such as assuring the narrator will grow up to win races, reprimanding the narrator for insulting the master, or accusing the narrator of stealing blackberries, are not supported by the information given in the paragraph.

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  • 21. 

    A student in ______________ diagnosed with strep throat

    • A.

      You're child's class has ben

    • B.

      Your child's class have been

    • C.

      Your children's class has been,

    • D.

      Your child's class has been

    Correct Answer
    D. Your child's class has been
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "your child's class has been." This is the correct answer because it uses the possessive form "your child's" to indicate that the student in question is a part of your child's class. The verb "has been" is used to indicate that the student has been diagnosed with strep throat.

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  • 22. 

    Watch your child for strep ______________ sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and headache.

    • A.

      Symptoms. Such as

    • B.

      Symptoms, the best known are

    • C.

      Symptoms, such as

    • D.

      Symptoms examples are

    Correct Answer
    C. Symptoms, such as
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "symptoms, such as". This is because the sentence is asking the reader to watch for specific symptoms that may indicate strep throat. The phrase "such as" is used to introduce examples of these symptoms, which include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and headache.

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  • 23. 

    If your child __________________

    • A.

      Will develop any of these symptoms, take them to the doctor

    • B.

      Develops any of these symptoms, take him or her to the doctor

    • C.

      Will develop any of these symptoms, take him or her to the doctor

    • D.

      Developed any of these symptoms, take them to the doctor.

    Correct Answer
    B. Develops any of these symptoms, take him or her to the doctor
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "develops any of these symptoms, take him or her to the doctor." This answer is correct because it uses the correct verb tense and pronoun agreement. It is important to take the child to the doctor if they develop any of the mentioned symptoms.

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  • 24. 

    Which revision will improve the effectiveness of the paragraph? Begin a new paragraph with

    • A.

      Sentence 3

    • B.

      Sentence 4

    • C.

      Sentence 5

    • D.

      Sentence 6

    Correct Answer
    C. Sentence 5
    Explanation
    Beginning a new paragraph with sentence 5 will improve the effectiveness of the paragraph. This is because sentence 5 likely introduces a new idea or topic that is distinct from the previous sentences. Starting a new paragraph with sentence 5 will help to clearly separate this new idea and provide a logical structure to the paragraph.

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  • 25. 

    _______________________ prevent rheumatic fever

    • A.

      In addition, antibiotics may

    • B.

      In addition antibiotics may

    • C.

      Additionally antibiotics, may

    • D.

      When taking antibiotics, may

    Correct Answer
    A. In addition, antibiotics may
  • 26. 

    ______________ medicine for 24 hours, he or she may return to school

    • A.

      After the fever is gone and your child has taken

    • B.

      Your child must have no fever and having taken

    • C.

      Your child, once having no fever and having taken

    • D.

      The fever must be gone and once your child is taking.

    Correct Answer
    A. After the fever is gone and your child has taken
  • 27. 

    Most of us can _____________ with little damage to our finances

    • A.

      Bet on a football game, or buy a lottery ticket

    • B.

      Make bets on football games, or lottery tickets

    • C.

      Bet on a football game or buy a lottery ticket

    • D.

      Place bets on football games, or on lottery tickets

    Correct Answer
    C. Bet on a football game or buy a lottery ticket
    Explanation
    Most of us can bet on a football game or buy a lottery ticket with little damage to our finances. This means that engaging in these activities does not pose a significant financial risk for most people.

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  • 28. 

    In contrast, compulsive gamblers cannot stop even  when their behavior _____________ to ruin their lives

    • A.

      Had threatened

    • B.

      Will threaten

    • C.

      Threatens

    • D.

      Having threatened

    Correct Answer
    C. Threatens
    Explanation
    Compulsive gamblers are unable to stop their behavior even when it threatens to ruin their lives. This implies that their behavior is currently posing a threat to their well-being and future. The word "threatens" is the correct answer as it is in the present tense, indicating that the danger is ongoing and immediate.

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  • 29. 

    Which sentence would be most effective if inserted at the beginning of paragraph B?

    • A.

      Compulsive gamblers have a lot of problems

    • B.

      Some people engage in compulsive gambling

    • C.

      Gamblers escape from negative emotions

    • D.

      Compulsive gamblers display a number of consistent traits

    Correct Answer
    D. Compulsive gamblers display a number of consistent traits
    Explanation
    The sentence "Compulsive gamblers display a number of consistent traits" would be most effective if inserted at the beginning of paragraph B because it sets the topic and provides a clear introduction to the discussion about the traits of compulsive gamblers. This sentence establishes the focus of the paragraph and prepares the reader for the subsequent information that will be presented.

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  • 30. 

    They need to gamble with more and more money in order to enjoy _____________ money increases their desire to gamble.

    • A.

      It. Losing

    • B.

      It but losing

    • C.

      It, losing

    • D.

      It and losing

    Correct Answer
    A. It. Losing
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "it. Losing." This means that as people lose more money, their desire to gamble increases. This suggests that the enjoyment they get from gambling is tied to the thrill of potentially winning, and the more they lose, the more they are motivated to keep gambling in hopes of eventually winning back their losses.

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  • 31. 

    They may even _________________ to get the funds to continue their habit

    • A.

      Commit fraud, forgery, or theft

    • B.

      Commit fraud, forgery, or theft,

    • C.

      Commit fraud or forgery or theft

    • D.

      Commit fraud forgery or theft,

    Correct Answer
    A. Commit fraud, forgery, or theft
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "commit fraud, forgery, or theft." This answer suggests that individuals may resort to engaging in illegal activities such as fraud, forgery, or theft in order to obtain the funds necessary to sustain their habit.

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  • 32. 

    They may become anxious and _______________ may fail to live up to their obligations, causing others to stop trusting them

    • A.

      Depressed, or they

    • B.

      Depressed, they

    • C.

      Depressed. And they

    • D.

      Depressed and they

    Correct Answer
    A. Depressed, or they
    Explanation
    When individuals become anxious and depressed, it can affect their ability to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities. This can lead to others losing trust in them.

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  • 33. 

    ________________ just because they see an adorable puppy or kitten

    • A.

      Being impulsive, people often make buys at pet stores

    • B.

      People often make impulse buys at pet stores

    • C.

      Often, people buy on impulse at pet stores

    • D.

      It often happens that people buy on impulse at pet stores

    Correct Answer
    B. People often make impulse buys at pet stores
    Explanation
    The answer suggests that people frequently make spontaneous purchases at pet stores. This could be due to the presence of adorable puppies or kittens that attract their attention and trigger impulsive buying behavior.

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  • 34. 

    Unhappily, these poor creatures are likely to end up at animal shelters _____________

    • A.

      When the owner find out he can't care for the animals

    • B.

      The owners having discovered they can't take care of the animals

    • C.

      Their owners finding out that he can't take care of the animals

    • D.

      When the owners find out they can't care for the animals

    Correct Answer
    D. When the owners find out they can't care for the animals
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "when the owners find out they can't care for the animals." This answer is grammatically correct and provides a clear explanation of the situation. It states that the animals are likely to end up at animal shelters when their owners realize that they are unable to take care of them.

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  • 35. 

    _____________________ when selecting a pet

    • A.

      There are several factors to consider

    • B.

      There is several factors to consider

    • C.

      There being several factors to consider

    • D.

      There are several factors considering

    Correct Answer
    A. There are several factors to consider
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "There are several factors to consider" because it is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning. The phrase "There are several factors to consider" is a complete sentence that effectively communicates that multiple factors need to be taken into account when selecting a pet. The other options either have grammatical errors or do not convey the same meaning.

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  • 36. 

    While some pets require little care, puppies and kittens need to _________________

    • A.

      Be housebroken and to train them

    • B.

      Housebreaking and training

    • C.

      Be housebroken and trained

    • D.

      Be housebroken and training

    Correct Answer
    C. Be housebroken and trained
    Explanation
    Puppies and kittens need to be housebroken and trained because they are young and not yet accustomed to living in a human household. Housebreaking involves teaching them where it is appropriate to relieve themselves, while training involves teaching them basic commands and behaviors. By being housebroken and trained, puppies and kittens can become well-behaved and obedient pets.

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  • 37. 

    Which revision should be made to the placement of sentence 10?

    • A.

      Move sentence 10 to the beginning of paragraph B

    • B.

      Move sentence 10 to follow sentence 6

    • C.

      Move sentence 10 to the beginning of paragraph C

    • D.

      Remove sentence 10

    Correct Answer
    D. Remove sentence 10
  • 38. 

    You should be able to return the pet ________________

    • A.

      If the animal was unhealthy

    • B.

      If the animal were going to be unhealthy

    • C.

      If the animal will be unhealthy

    • D.

      If the animal is unhealthy

    Correct Answer
    D. If the animal is unhealthy
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "if the animal is unhealthy". This answer correctly uses the present tense "is" to indicate a current condition. It implies that the ability to return the pet is contingent upon the animal's current state of being unhealthy. The other options ("was", "were", "will be") use different verb tenses that do not accurately reflect the condition of the animal in the present moment.

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Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 26, 2021
    Quiz Created by
    Catherine Halcomb
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