Datasets:

psroy

/

mini-platypus-scienceqa-two

like 0

### Instruction: The time period after the Civil War is usually called Reconstruction (1865–1877). What does it mean to reconstruct something? A: to analyze something B: to forget something entirely C: to build something again D: to destroy something ### Response:

The prefix re- means "again." The word construct means "to build." So, reconstruct means "to build something again." After the war, the Confederate states rejoined the Union states. The border states were Southern states that had never seceded. In 1861, the Civil War started when 11 Southern states seceded, or withdrew from the country. The seceded states tried to form a new country called the Confederate States of America. The two sides of the war, the Confederacy and the Union, fought for over four years. The Confederate states lost the war in 1865. During Reconstruction, Americans debated what to do with the former Confederate states.

### Instruction: Select the living thing. A: stop sign B: van C: rhinoceros beetle D: house ### Response:

A rhinoceros beetle is a living thing. Rhinoceros beetles grow and respond to their environment. They need food and water. Rhinoceros beetles are made up of many cells. A stop sign is not a living thing. Stop signs do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water. A van is not a living thing. A van does not have all the traits of a living thing. Vans need energy, but they do not eat food. They get energy from gasoline or electricity. Vans do not grow. A house is not a living thing. Houses do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water.

### Instruction: Select the mammal. A: penguin B: keel-billed toucan C: American bullfrog D: koala ### Response:

A koala is a mammal. It has fur and feeds its young milk. Koalas sleep for up to 20 hours a day! A penguin is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Penguins live near water. Penguins cannot fly! They use their wings to swim. A keel-billed toucan is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Toucans have large beaks. A toucan's beak can be half as long as its body. An American bullfrog is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Frogs live near water or in damp places. Most frogs lay their eggs in water.

### Instruction: Select the living thing. A: cave B: cobra C: toy car D: ferris wheel ### Response:

A toy car is not a living thing. If this toy car is wound up, it will roll forward. But toy cars do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow. They do not need food or water. A cave is not a living thing. A cave may have animals or plants living inside. But a cave does not have all the traits of a living thing. A cave does not need food or water. A cobra is a living thing. Cobras grow and respond to their environment. They need food and water. Cobras are made up of many cells. A ferris wheel is not a living thing. A ferris wheel does not have all the traits of a living thing. It moves in a circle, but it does not grow. It does not need food or water.

### Instruction: Select the bird. A: manta ray B: emerald hummingbird C: grass frog D: green iguana ### Response:

A green iguana is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Iguanas are a type of lizard. Iguanas eat plants and fruit. An emerald hummingbird is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Hummingbirds can fly backwards and upside-down! A manta ray is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Rays have a different shape than many other fish. Rays are large and flat. They have wide, triangle-shaped fins that help them swim long distances. A grass frog is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Frogs live near water or in damp places. Most frogs lay their eggs in water.

### Instruction: What does this Works Cited entry indicate about the cited work? Verducci, Tom. "David Ortiz on Cubs' Kris Bryant and Why Hitting Is Harder than Ever." Sports Illustrated 28 Apr. 2015: n. pag. Web. 10 May 2015. A: It doesn't have a date of publication. B: The author's first name is Tom. C: The author's first name is David. ### Response:

Look closely at the Works Cited entry: Verducci, Tom. "David Ortiz on Cubs' Kris Bryant and Why Hitting Is Harder than Ever." Sports Illustrated 28 Apr. 2015: n. pag. Web. 10 May 2015. You can tell that the author's first name is Tom because the author's name appears last name first at the beginning of the entry.

### Instruction: Select the bird. A: dwarf crocodile B: human C: gray crowned crane D: wombat ### Response:

A wombat is a mammal. It has fur and feeds its young milk. Wombats have strong claws on their front feet. They use their claws to dig underground holes called burrows. A human is a mammal. It has hair and feeds its young milk. Humans are a type of animal called a primate. Monkeys and apes are also primates. A dwarf crocodile is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Crocodiles hunt their prey in or near water. A gray crowned crane is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Cranes wade in shallow water to look for food. Cranes eat insects, worms, and plants.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Every major league baseball player hits with a wooden bat. So, to improve my hitting, I've switched from an aluminum bat to a wooden one. A: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against B: false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other C: circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself ### Response:

The text argues that because professional baseball players hit with a wooden bat, the speaker thinks her hitting will improve if she switches to a wooden bat. However, this is not necessarily true. Professional baseball players hit with a wooden bat because it's required by the rules of professional baseball. So, they aren't professional players because they use a wooden bat. Rather, they use a wooden bat because they're professional players. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as false causation.

### Instruction: Select the amphibian. A: wombat B: barn owl C: helmeted iguana D: African bullfrog ### Response:

An African bullfrog is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Frogs live near water or in damp places. Most frogs lay their eggs in water. A wombat is a mammal. It has fur and feeds its young milk. Wombats have strong claws on their front feet. They use their claws to dig underground holes called burrows. A barn owl is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Barn owls live on every continent except Antarctica. A helmeted iguana is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Iguanas are a type of lizard. Iguanas eat plants and fruit.

### Instruction: Select the amphibian. A: great crested newt B: robin C: blue-footed booby D: helmeted iguana ### Response:

A great crested newt is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Some newts live in water. Other newts live on land but lay their eggs in water. A blue-footed booby is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Blue-footed boobies live on tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean. A helmeted iguana is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Iguanas are a type of lizard. Iguanas eat plants and fruit. A robin is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. A robin is a songbird. It sings different songs at different times of the day.

### Instruction: Select the gas. A: plate B: air inside a soccer ball C: baseball cap D: ballet shoes ### Response:

The air inside a soccer ball is a gas. A gas expands to fill a space. The air fills all the space inside the soccer ball. If air leaks out, it will expand into the space around the ball. A baseball cap is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. If you put a baseball cap on your head, the baseball cap will still have a size and shape of its own. A plate is a solid. If someone drops a plate, it may break into pieces. But each piece will still have a size and shape of its own. A ballet shoe is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. When a dancer wears a ballet shoe, it may bend a little. But the ballet shoe still has a size and shape of its own.

### Instruction: Select the solid. A: marbles B: rain C: coffee D: air inside a soccer ball ### Response:

Coffee is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you pour coffee into a different container, the coffee will take the shape of that container. But the coffee will still take up the same amount of space. A marble is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. A marble can be made of clear or colored glass. The air inside a soccer ball is a gas. A gas expands to fill a space. The air fills all the space inside the soccer ball. If air leaks out, it will expand into the space around the ball. Rain is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you put rainwater into a bucket, the rainwater will take the shape of the bucket. But the rainwater will still take up the same amount of space.

### Instruction: Select the plant. A: Barrel cactuses grow in the ground. B: Gorillas eat leaves, fruits, and insects. C: Honey bees walk and fly. D: Kangaroos hop and swim. ### Response:

A kangaroo is an animal. It hops and swims. Kangaroos hop to move around. They use their large tails for balance while hopping. A gorilla is an animal. It eats leaves, fruits, and insects. Gorillas live in groups called troops. A honey bee is an animal. It walks and flies. A honey bee is an insect. Honey bees live in large groups called colonies. A barrel cactus is a plant. It grows in the ground. A barrel cactus is covered in spines. The spines protect the barrel cactus from being eaten by animals.

### Instruction: Select the gas. A: rain B: baseball cap C: air inside a tire D: ring ### Response:

A baseball cap is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. If you put a baseball cap on your head, the baseball cap will still have a size and shape of its own. The air inside a tire is a gas. A gas expands to fill a space. The air in a tire expands to fill all the space inside the tire. If air leaks out, it will expand into the space around the tire. Rain is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you put rainwater into a bucket, the rainwater will take the shape of the bucket. But the rainwater will still take up the same amount of space. A ring is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. A ring keeps its shape, even when you take it off your finger.

### Instruction: Select the mammal. A: California toad B: gray crowned crane C: giraffe D: western rattlesnake ### Response:

A gray crowned crane is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Cranes wade in shallow water to look for food. Cranes eat insects, worms, and plants. A California toad is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Toads do not have teeth! They swallow their food whole. A giraffe is a mammal. It has hair and feeds its young milk. Giraffes eat mostly leaves that are too high up for other animals to reach. A western rattlesnake is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Rattlesnakes have fangs they can use to inject venom into their prey.

### Instruction: Select the animal. A: Apple trees can grow fruit. B: Vultures eat mammals and birds. C: Dandelions can grow small yellow flowers. D: Pine trees have green leaves. ### Response:

An apple tree is a plant. It can grow fruit. People have been growing apples for thousands of years. There are more than 7,500 types of apples! A vulture is an animal. It eats mammals and birds. Vultures usually do not hunt live animals. They eat animals that are already dead! This behavior is called scavenging. A pine tree is a plant. It has green leaves. Pine tree seeds grow in cones. Trees that grow cones are called conifers. A dandelion is a plant. It can grow small yellow flowers. Dandelion seeds can be blown long distances by the wind.

### Instruction: Which of these things did the Thirteen Colonies have at the start of the Revolutionary War? A: their own national bank B: their own national navy C: none of the above D: their own national government ### Response:

At the start of the Revolutionary War, the colonies were still ruled by Great Britain. They were not a separate country. So, they did not have many of the things most countries have. No national government: The Thirteen Colonies had no way to write laws together. They also had no way to collect taxes to support a war. No national navy: The Thirteen Colonies did not have a navy. The colonists had never fought a war at sea. No national bank: Wars are expensive. A national bank can help a country raise money by borrowing from its people or other countries. Without a national bank, the Thirteen Colonies had no easy way to pay for a war.

### Instruction: Which text uses the word terribly in its traditional sense? A: After the birth of their child, Brooke and Edwin hardly slept; for weeks, the newborn baby cried terribly throughout the night. B: After the birth of their child, Brooke and Edwin were terribly exhausted; for weeks, the newborn baby cried throughout the night. ### Response:

The first text uses terribly in its traditional sense: in a terrible manner. After the birth of their child, Brooke and Edwin hardly slept; for weeks, the newborn baby cried terribly throughout the night. The second text uses terribly in its nontraditional sense: extremely; very. After the birth of their child, Brooke and Edwin were terribly exhausted; for weeks, the newborn baby cried throughout the night. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word terribly because it is considered more standard.

### Instruction: Select the reptile. A: salmon B: human C: green chameleon D: piranha ### Response:

A green chameleon is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Chameleons eat insects. They use their long, sticky tongues to catch their prey. A human is a mammal. It has hair and feeds its young milk. Humans are a type of animal called a primate. Monkeys and apes are also primates. A salmon is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Unlike most other fish, salmon can live in both fresh water and salt water. A piranha is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Piranhas have sharp teeth. Piranhas hunt in groups. A group of piranhas can eat a large animal.

### Instruction: Select the amphibian. A: olive toad B: emu C: rabbit D: anchovy ### Response:

An anchovy is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. An anchovy is a small fish that lives in the ocean. Like some other types of fish, anchovies swim in large groups called schools. A rabbit is a mammal. It has fur and feeds its young milk. Rabbits live underground in burrows. A group of rabbit burrows is called a warren. An olive toad is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Toads do not have teeth! They swallow their food whole. An emu is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Emus cannot fly, but they can run very fast. They run to avoid predators.

### Instruction: The Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous documents in United States history. A declaration of independence is a document created by the people of one country to say they are no longer part of another country. Which of the following is an example of a declaration of independence? A: a document saying that the United States had won World War II B: a document stating that the United States was no longer part of the British Empire C: a document declaring that the United States would no longer allow slavery D: a document describing the major laws of the federal government ### Response:

A declaration of independence is a document that states that the people of one country will no longer be part of another country. So, the United States's Declaration of Independence stated that the people of the United States would no longer be part of the British Empire. Many people believe that the laws of the United States are in the Declaration of Independence, but that is not correct. Those laws are in the Constitution.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? The Boston Red Sox failed to win the World Series for eighty-six years after they traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. Fans believed this to be the "Curse of the Bambino," or punishment for selling "The Bambino" to another team. A: slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences B: false dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist C: false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other ### Response:

The text argues that trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees led to the Red Sox's losing streak. However, that's not necessarily true. For instance, the team might have just had some bad luck. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as false causation.

### Instruction: Select the mammal. A: hippopotamus B: great white shark C: arroyo toad D: great crested newt ### Response:

An arroyo toad is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Toads do not have teeth! They swallow their food whole. A great crested newt is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Some newts live in water. Other newts live on land but lay their eggs in water. A great white shark is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Great white sharks can live for up to 70 years. A hippopotamus is a mammal. It has hair and feeds its young milk. Hippopotamuses keep cool by lying in mud or water.

### Instruction: What does this Works Cited entry indicate about the cited work? Blake, William. The Complete Poetry and Prose of William Blake. Ed. David V. Erdman. New York: Anchor, 1988. Print. A: It is a book. B: It is a short story. C: It is a poem. ### Response:

Look closely at the Works Cited entry: Blake, William. The Complete Poetry and Prose of William Blake. Ed. David V. Erdman. New York: Anchor, 1988. Print. You can tell that the cited work is a book because of the entry's formatting. Book entries always include the book title in italics followed by the place of publication, the publisher name, and the year of publication. (There may be additional information between the book title and the place of publication, such as an editor or translator name.)

### Instruction: Select the amphibian. A: loon B: giraffe C: tiger salamander D: seahorse ### Response:

A giraffe is a mammal. It has hair and feeds its young milk. Giraffes eat mostly leaves that are too high up for other animals to reach. A tiger salamander is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Tiger salamanders often live in underground burrows. A seahorse is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Seahorses live in shallow, warm water. They can use their tails to hold on to plants. A loon is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Loons usually live near lakes. They dive in the water to hunt for food.

### Instruction: Select the vertebrate. A: woodpecker B: castor bean tick C: grasshopper D: red-spotted purple butterfly ### Response:

A woodpecker is a bird. Like other birds, a woodpecker is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A grasshopper is an insect. Like other insects, a grasshopper is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A red-spotted purple butterfly is an insect. Like other insects, a red-spotted purple butterfly is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A castor bean tick is an insect. Like other insects, a castor bean tick is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.

### Instruction: Is the student text plagiarized? A: Yes, because it fails to use quotation marks. B: No, it is not plagiarized. C: Yes, because it fails to use quotation marks and fails to cite the source. D: Yes, because it fails to cite the source. ### Response:

The student text is plagiarized. It uses the source's exact words without quotation marks, and it also fails to cite the source. It has been said that the new technologies of the digital era have yielded great headlines, but modest economic results. Source: Paul Krugman, "The Big Meh." Published in The New York Times 25 May 2015. At this point, the whole digital era, spanning more than four decades, is looking like a disappointment. New technologies have yielded great headlines, but modest economic results.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Teens shouldn't get cell phones. It's just a matter of time before they'll stop seeing friends in real life—they'll just text each other from their rooms. A: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against B: slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences C: false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other ### Response:

The text argues that having cell phones will lead to teenagers no longer meeting in real life. However, this argument offers only an extreme outcome and ignores other more likely outcomes. For instance, teenagers may sometimes meet friends in real life and sometimes just text with friends. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as the slippery slope fallacy.

### Instruction: Select the plant. A: Wombats eat plants. B: Wolves eat animals. C: Dahlias can grow colorful flowers. D: Dung beetles walk and run. ### Response:

A wombat is an animal. It eats plants. Wombats have strong claws. They use their claws to dig tunnels called burrows. A dung beetle is an animal. It walks and runs. Dung beetles eat animal waste, which is called dung. They roll the dung into balls to store for later. A dahlia is a plant. It can grow colorful flowers. Dahlia plants grow in the wild in Central America. But people grow dahlias in gardens all over the world! A wolf is an animal. It eats other animals. Wolves often live in family groups. A wolf family group is called a pack.

### Instruction: Which text uses the word random in its traditional sense? A: The final challenge of the contest was really random: participants had to choose three restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate. B: For the final challenge of the contest, participants had to choose three random restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate. ### Response:

The first text uses random in its traditional sense: made or occurring without a definite pattern. For the final challenge of the contest, participants had to choose three random restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate. The second text uses random in its nontraditional sense: odd or out of place. The final challenge of the contest was really random: participants had to choose three restaurants in town and serenade diners as they ate. Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word random because it is generally considered incorrect.

### Instruction: Select the wetland ecosystem. A: This ecosystem has: daily flooding and draining of seawater water that is rich in nutrients many different types of organisms B: This ecosystem has: land that is covered with water during most of the year soil that is rich in nutrients other water ecosystems nearby ### Response:

A wetland is a type of ecosystem. It has land that is covered with water during most of the year, soil that is rich in nutrients, and other water ecosystems nearby. Choice 1 is a wetland ecosystem. It is covered with water for most of the year. Wetlands also have soil that is rich in nutrients. Choice 2 is a tide pool ecosystem. Several times each day, it floods with seawater. Then the water drains back into the ocean.

### Instruction: Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? A: Several competent city council members have been elected in Newport, but the mayor's office has prevented the council members from significantly influencing policy. B: The citizens of Newport have elected several competent city council members, but the mayor's office has prevented them from significantly influencing policy. ### Response:

The second answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun them could refer to the citizens or several competent city council members. The citizens of Newport have elected several competent city council members, but the mayor's office has prevented them from significantly influencing policy. The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Several competent city council members have been elected in Newport, but the mayor's office has prevented the council members from significantly influencing policy.

### Instruction: Select the liquid. A: thread B: milk C: air inside a tire D: tortoise shell ### Response:

The air inside a tire is a gas. A gas expands to fill a space. The air in a tire expands to fill all the space inside the tire. If air leaks out, it will expand into the space around the tire. Thread is a solid that can be bent or tangled. But it still has a size and shape of its own. A tortoise shell is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. A tortoise shell is made of a solid called keratin, just like your fingernails! Milk is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you pour milk into a different container, the milk will take the shape of that container. But the milk will still take up the same amount of space.

### Instruction: What does this Works Cited entry indicate about the cited work? Norman, Howard. "Advice of the Fatherly Sort." I Hate to Leave This Beautiful Place. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. 1–40. Print. A: Norman Howard is the publisher. B: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is the publisher. C: Howard Norman is the publisher. ### Response:

Look closely at the Works Cited entry: Norman, Howard. "Advice of the Fatherly Sort." I Hate to Leave This Beautiful Place. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. 1–40. Print. You can tell that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is the publisher by looking at the publisher name, which appears after the place of publication.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? In September, we removed the vending machines on our school's campus. By April, we saw an increase in the tenth grade boys' math scores on state tests. Clearly, there's a link. A: bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct B: false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other C: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something ### Response:

The text argues that removing the school's vending machines helped increase the tenth grade boys' math scores. However, the fact that one event followed the other doesn't mean that there is necessarily a connection. For example, it may simply be a coincidence, or there may be a third factor that caused both events. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as false causation.

### Instruction: Select the bird. A: grass frog B: arroyo toad C: penguin D: coral snake ### Response:

A coral snake is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Coral snakes spend most of their time underground or hiding under leaves. A grass frog is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Frogs live near water or in damp places. Most frogs lay their eggs in water. An arroyo toad is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Toads do not have teeth! They swallow their food whole. A penguin is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Penguins live near water. Penguins cannot fly! They use their wings to swim.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Don't feel bad about serving your children that sweet fruit punch with high fructose corn syrup in it. It's derived from real corn, so it must not cause the same health problems as completely artificial sweeteners. A: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something B: appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good C: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against ### Response:

The text argues that drinks with high fructose corn syrup aren't bad for you because high fructose corn syrup is derived from a natural ingredient. However, a sweetener isn't necessarily healthy just because it's derived from a natural ingredient. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as an appeal to nature.

### Instruction: Select the animal. A: Redwood trees have small leaves. B: Aloe vera has spiny leaves. C: Oak trees can have thick branches. D: Koalas eat leaves. ### Response:

Aloe vera is a plant. It has spiny leaves. Aloe vera leaves contain a watery liquid. People use this liquid in lotion and medicine. An oak tree is a plant. It can have thick branches. Acorns grow on oak trees. Acorns are small nuts with a seed inside. A redwood tree is a plant. It has small leaves. Redwood trees have fuzzy reddish-brown bark. Their bark helps protect redwood trees from fires. A koala is an animal. It eats leaves. Koalas spend most of their time in trees. They sleep for up to 20 hours a day!

### Instruction: Select the animal. A: Oak trees can have thick branches. B: Cherry trees can grow white or pink flowers. C: Yellow jackets drink nectar and fruit. D: Daffodils have a green stem. ### Response:

An oak tree is a plant. It can have thick branches. Acorns grow on oak trees. Acorns are small nuts with a seed inside. A yellow jacket is an animal. It drinks nectar and eats fruit. A yellow jacket is an insect. Yellow jackets have two wings. A cherry tree is a plant. It can grow white or pink flowers. Many types of cherry trees come from Japan. Some of these trees have flowers, but no cherries! A daffodil is a plant. It has a green stem. Most daffodil plants grow a single flower.

### Instruction: Select the bird. A: sea otter B: western toad C: salmon D: common crane ### Response:

A sea otter is a mammal. It has fur and feeds its young milk. Sea otters have very thick fur. Their fur keeps them warm in cold water. A western toad is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Toads do not have teeth! They swallow their food whole. A common crane is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. Cranes wade in shallow water to look for food. Cranes eat insects, worms, and plants. A salmon is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Unlike most other fish, salmon can live in both fresh water and salt water.

### Instruction: In 1774, people across the colonies knew that they needed to respond to the Intolerable Acts. However, they disagreed about how to respond. How did they resolve this disagreement? A: They took a vote of all white men in all the colonies. B: The colonies split into two groups, and each group responded separately. C: The colonists asked George Washington to decide for them. D: Each colony sent representatives to a meeting to discuss the options. ### Response:

In 1774, people in the colonies sent representatives to a meeting to discuss how to respond to the Intolerable Acts. This meeting, which took place from September to October, came to be known as the First Continental Congress. The Congress included 52 delegates, or representatives, from 12 colonies. Only Georgia chose not to participate.

### Instruction: Select the living thing. A: swing set B: koala C: brick wall D: bathtub ### Response:

A brick wall is not a living thing. Brick walls do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water. A swing set is not a living thing. Swing sets do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water. A bathtub is not a living thing. Bathtubs do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water. A koala is a living thing. Koalas grow and respond to their environment. They need food and water. Koalas are made up of many cells.

### Instruction: Select the liquid. A: hair clip B: arrowhead C: screwdriver D: rain puddle ### Response:

A hair clip is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. You can use a hair clip to keep your hair out of your face because the hair clip keeps its shape. An arrowhead is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. An arrowhead is made of rock. A screwdriver is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. This screwdriver has a metal blade and a plastic handle. Both metal and plastic are solids. A rain puddle is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you collect rainwater in a bucket, the rainwater will take the shape of the bucket. But the rainwater will still take up the same amount of space.

### Instruction: Select the vertebrate. A: rock lobster B: earthworm C: yellow jacket D: gray crowned crane ### Response:

A yellow jacket is an insect. Like other insects, a yellow jacket is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A rock lobster is a crustacean. Like other crustaceans, a rock lobster is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. An earthworm is a worm. Like other worms, an earthworm is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has a soft body. A gray crowned crane is a bird. Like other birds, a gray crowned crane is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.

### Instruction: Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? A: Even after Danny warned Alice to be careful, she dropped his handmade ceramic bowl on her foot and broke it. B: Even after Danny warned Alice to be careful, she broke his handmade ceramic bowl when she dropped it on her foot. ### Response:

The second answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun it could refer to his handmade ceramic bowl or her foot. Even after Danny warned Alice to be careful, she dropped his handmade ceramic bowl on her foot and broke it. The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Even after Danny warned Alice to be careful, she broke his handmade ceramic bowl when she dropped it on her foot.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: Ennio Morricone composed the music for the 1969 spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West. B: The 1969 spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West is director Sergio Leone's worst movie. ### Response:

The second sentence states a fact. Ennio Morricone composed the music for the 1969 spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West. It can be proved by looking up information about Ennio Morricone in a movie database. The first sentence states an opinion. The 1969 spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West is director Sergio Leone's worst movie. Worst shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about which movie is a director's best or worst.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? We cannot have shorter prison sentences, even for low-level criminals. It would only be a matter of time before all prison sentences were reduced and violent offenders were roaming the streets! A: ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself B: bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct C: slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences ### Response:

The text argues that going easy on low-level criminals will lead to going easy on violent criminals, too. However, there is no reason why easing penalties for low-level criminals must necessarily lead to changes to penalties for violent criminals. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as the slippery slope fallacy.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? I don't trust Professor Hurst's findings. Another researcher at her university was caught falsifying data. So, it's likely Professor Hurst has, too. A: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something B: slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences C: false dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist ### Response:

The text argues that Professor Hurst's research is untrustworthy because someone else at her university was caught falsifying data. However, this isn't necessarily true. The practices of one researcher at a university do not necessarily reflect the practices of another researcher at the same university. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? The two authors of this study claim that social media can be healthy for adolescents. However, neither author attended a top-ranked medical school, so you can't trust their research. A: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against B: circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself C: ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself ### Response:

The text argues that the two authors' research on adolescents and social media can't be trusted because neither author attended a top-ranked medical school. This is a personal attack on the authors' qualifications that isn't relevant to whether their research is valid. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as ad hominem.

### Instruction: Select the animal. A: Dung beetles walk and run. B: Pear trees have green leaves. C: Pine trees have green leaves. D: Oak trees can have thick branches. ### Response:

A dung beetle is an animal. It walks and runs. Dung beetles eat animal waste, which is called dung. They roll the dung into balls to store for later. An oak tree is a plant. It can have thick branches. Acorns grow on oak trees. Acorns are small nuts with a seed inside. A pine tree is a plant. It has green leaves. Pine tree seeds grow in cones. Trees that grow cones are called conifers. A pear tree is a plant. It has green leaves. Wild pear trees grow in Europe, north Africa, and Asia.

### Instruction: Select the vertebrate. A: green iguana B: julia butterfly C: black orb weaver spider D: bull ant ### Response:

A bull ant is an insect. Like other insects, a bull ant is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. Like other spiders, a black orb weaver spider is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A julia butterfly is an insect. Like other insects, a julia butterfly is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A green iguana is a reptile. Like other reptiles, a green iguana is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Eva claims that the Greenwood Ferrets' new quarterback is better than their old one. I think Eva is being unfair: the Ferrets' old quarterback wasn't a terrible player. A: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something B: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against C: circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself ### Response:

The text argues that Eva thinks the Ferrets' old quarterback was a terrible player. But this misrepresents Eva's argument. Eva only claims that the Ferrets' new quarterback is better. This argument doesn't necessarily imply that the old quarterback was a bad player. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a straw man.

### Instruction: Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? A: Sarah asked Erica to make a flourless chocolate cake for their book club meeting because she has a gluten allergy. B: Because Erica has a gluten allergy, Sarah asked her to make a flourless chocolate cake for their book club meeting. ### Response:

The first answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun she could refer to Sarah or Erica. Sarah asked Erica to make a flourless chocolate cake for their book club meeting because she has a gluten allergy. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Because Erica has a gluten allergy, Sarah asked her to make a flourless chocolate cake for their book club meeting.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: Sheryl Swoopes was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 along with Shaquille O'Neal. B: Sheryl Swoopes was the best basketball player at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. ### Response:

The first sentence states a fact. Sheryl Swoopes was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 along with Shaquille O'Neal. It can be proved by consulting the Basketball Hall of Fame website. The second sentence states an opinion. Sheryl Swoopes was the best basketball player at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Best shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about what makes a person the best basketball player.

### Instruction: Which text uses the word travesty in its traditional sense? A: Because the bank robbers were acquitted on a technicality, many people called the trial's outcome a travesty of justice. B: Although no one was injured in the bank robbery, the event was a travesty for the bank. ### Response:

The second text uses travesty in its traditional sense: a ridiculous imitation; a parody. Because the bank robbers were acquitted on a technicality, many people called the trial's outcome a travesty of justice. The first text uses travesty in its nontraditional sense: a disappointment or a tragedy. Although no one was injured in the bank robbery, the event was a travesty for the bank. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word travesty because it is considered more standard.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? According to the university brochure, the majors with the most students are Economics and Computer Science. Therefore, you should declare one of these majors if you want to have a successful career. A: slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences B: bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct C: false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other ### Response:

The text argues that it's best to major in Economics or Computer Science because they are the most popular majors. However, the fact that a major is popular doesn't necessarily mean you have to pursue it in order to have a successful career. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as the bandwagon fallacy.

### Instruction: Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? A: According to Katie, Willie Mays hit 660 career home runs, although Joe DiMaggio had a higher batting average. She said that he is her favorite player. B: According to Katie, Willie Mays hit 660 career home runs, although Joe DiMaggio had a higher batting average. She said that Mays is her favorite player. ### Response:

The first answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun he could refer to Joe Di Maggio or Willie Mays. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. He has been replaced with Mays. According to Katie, Willie Mays hit 660 career home runs, although Joe DiMaggio had a higher batting average. She said that Mays is her favorite player.

### Instruction: Select the liquid. A: pair of dice B: water droplets C: spoon D: chalk ### Response:

Chalk is a solid. You can easily break chalk into pieces. But each piece will still have a size and shape of its own. Water droplets are a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you collect water droplets in a bucket, they will take the shape of the bucket. But the water droplets will still take up the same amount of space. A spoon is a solid. You can bend a spoon. But it will still have a size and shape of its own. A pair of dice is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. When you roll a pair of dice, the dice have a shape of their own. They are still cubes when they stop rolling.

### Instruction: Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? A: Mrs. Hancock told her friend that she needs to exercise on a regular basis and get more sleep in order to have more energy throughout the day. B: Mrs. Hancock told her friend to exercise on a regular basis and get more sleep in order to have more energy throughout the day. ### Response:

The first answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun she could refer to Mrs. Hancock or her friend. Mrs. Hancock told her friend that she needs to exercise on a regular basis and get more sleep in order to have more energy throughout the day. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Mrs. Hancock told her friend to exercise on a regular basis and get more sleep in order to have more energy throughout the day.

### Instruction: Complete the sentence. In this chemical reaction, nitrogen is a (). A: product B: reactant ### Response:

Read the underlined text carefully. Look for information about what happens to nitrogen in this chemical reaction. Did you know that lightning helps provide nutrients to plants on Earth? When lightning strikes, the air around it becomes extremely hot. This leads to the formation of nitric oxide from the nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air. Nitric oxide plays an important role in helping plants grow. The underlined text tells you that when nitrogen and oxygen combine, nitric oxide is formed. When nitrogen and oxygen react, or go through a chemical change, their atoms are rearranged to form nitric oxide. Because nitrogen reacts in this chemical reaction, nitrogen is a reactant.

### Instruction: Select the animal. A: Loons walk, fly, and swim. B: Basil has green leaves. C: Maple trees have star-shaped leaves. D: Mango trees have many leaves. ### Response:

A maple tree is a plant. It has star-shaped leaves. Maple trees have green leaves in the spring and summer. In the fall, their leaves turn yellow, red, or brown. A mango tree is a plant. It has many green leaves. Mango trees can grow to over 100 feet tall! A loon is an animal. It walks, flies, and swims. A loon is a bird. Loons live near lakes and dive in the water to hunt for food. Basil is a plant. It has green leaves. Basil leaves are used in cooking.

### Instruction: Complete the statement. Trichlorofluoromethane is (). A: a compound B: an elementary substance ### Response:

You can tell whether trichlorofluoromethane is an elementary substance or a compound by counting the number of atomic symbols in its chemical formula. An atomic symbol consists of either one capital letter or a capital letter followed by one or two lowercase letters. The chemical formula for trichlorofluoromethane, CCl3 F, contains three atomic symbols: C for carbon, Cl for chlorine, and F for fluorine. So, the formula tells you that trichlorofluoromethane is composed of three chemical elements bonded together. Since trichlorofluoromethane is composed of multiple chemical elements bonded together, trichlorofluoromethane is a compound.

### Instruction: Select the gas. A: oxygen B: hammer C: ruler D: clothespin ### Response:

Oxygen is a gas. A gas expands to fill a space. Oxygen can be stored in metal tanks. If oxygen leaks out of the tank, the oxygen will expand into the space around the tank. A clothespin is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. You can open or close a clothespin. But it will still have a size and shape of its own. A ruler is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. If you put a ruler in a box, the ruler will keep its shape. A hammer is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. A hammer is made of iron and wood. Both iron and wood are solids.

### Instruction: What does this Works Cited entry indicate about the cited work? Taylor, David A. "Homestay among the Ruins in Cambodia." The Washington Post 23 Apr. 2015: n. pag. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. A: Taylor is the author's first name. B: It doesn't have page numbers. C: It is a short story. ### Response:

Look closely at the Works Cited entry: Taylor, David A. "Homestay among the Ruins in Cambodia." The Washington Post 23 Apr. 2015: n. pag. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. You can tell that the cited work has no available page numbers because the entry contains the abbreviation n. pag, which means no pages.

### Instruction: Select the vertebrate. A: red-kneed tarantula B: giant octopus C: red-tailed hawk D: castor bean tick ### Response:

Like other tarantulas, a red-kneed tarantula is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. Like other octopuses, a giant octopus is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has a soft body. A castor bean tick is an insect. Like other insects, a castor bean tick is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A red-tailed hawk is a bird. Like other birds, a red-tailed hawk is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins, which is about a girl named Karana, is a beautiful novel. B: Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on the true story of a girl stranded on an island for eighteen years. ### Response:

The second sentence states a fact. Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on the true story of a girl stranded on an island for eighteen years. It can be proved by reading the information on the book jacket. The first sentence states an opinion. Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins, which is about a girl named Karana, is a beautiful novel. Beautiful shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about what makes a novel beautiful.

### Instruction: Complete the sentence. In this chemical reaction, propane is a (). A: reactant B: product ### Response:

Read the underlined text carefully. Look for information about what happens to propane in this chemical reaction. Have you ever eaten food that was cooked on a grill? Some grills are powered by propane gas. The propane combines with oxygen in the air to make carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. This process releases energy in the form of heat, creating a flame that cooks the food. The underlined text tells you that when propane and oxygen combine, carbon dioxide and water are formed. When propane and oxygen react, or go through a chemical change, their atoms are rearranged to form carbon dioxide and water. Because propane reacts in this chemical reaction, propane is a reactant.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: Harry Houdini, born Erich Weisz, used "Houdini" as his stage name to pay homage to famous French magician Robert Houdin. B: Harry Houdini was a mediocre magician, but many people considered him to be a skilled escape artist. ### Response:

The first sentence states a fact. It can be verified by looking up how Harry Houdini chose his stage name in a biography or Houdini's own writing. Harry Houdini, born Erich Weisz, used "Houdini" as his stage name to pay homage to famous French magician Robert Houdin. The second sentence states an opinion. Mediocre indicates a personal judgment. Harry Houdini was a mediocre magician, but many people considered him to be a skilled escape artist.

### Instruction: Select the vertebrate. A: Canadian lynx B: hissing cockroach C: day octopus D: yellow jacket ### Response:

A yellow jacket is an insect. Like other insects, a yellow jacket is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. Like other octopuses, a day octopus is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has a soft body. A Canadian lynx is a mammal. Like other mammals, a Canadian lynx is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A hissing cockroach is an insect. Like other insects, a hissing cockroach is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.

### Instruction: Select the invertebrate. A: saturn butterfly B: robin C: Galapagos giant tortoise D: ground squirrel ### Response:

A saturn butterfly is an insect. Like other insects, a saturn butterfly is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A ground squirrel is a mammal. Like other mammals, a ground squirrel is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A Galapagos giant tortoise is a reptile. Like other reptiles, a Galapagos giant tortoise is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A robin is a bird. Like other birds, a robin is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.

### Instruction: Select the vertebrate. A: common octopus B: turkey vulture C: hissing cockroach D: praying mantis ### Response:

Like other octopuses, a common octopus is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has a soft body. A praying mantis is an insect. Like other insects, a praying mantis is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A turkey vulture is a bird. Like other birds, a turkey vulture is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A hissing cockroach is an insect. Like other insects, a hissing cockroach is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? I pulled Kenny off the project because his work was sloppy. While we're at it, let's pull Eva off the project, too. I haven't reviewed her work, but she's friends with Kenny, so we cannot rely on the quality of her work either. A: false dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist B: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something C: appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good ### Response:

The text argues that Eva's work is low quality because her friend's work is low quality. However, the work of Eva's friend does not necessarily reflect the quality of Eva's work. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association.

### Instruction: Compare the motion of two humpback whales. Which humpback whale was moving at a lower speed? A: a humpback whale that moved 60kilometers in 10hours B: a humpback whale that moved 30kilometers in 10hours ### Response:

Look at the distance each humpback whale moved and the time it took to move that distance. One humpback whale moved 30 kilometers in 10 hours. The other humpback whale moved 60 kilometers in 10 hours. Notice that each humpback whale spent the same amount of time moving. The humpback whale that moved 30 kilometers moved a shorter distance in that time. So, that humpback whale must have moved at a lower speed.

### Instruction: Is this a run-on sentence? During the Civil War, the Union blocked the port of New Orleans, preventing the shipment of coffee, devoted coffee drinkers began mixing chicory with their coffee to make it last longer. A: no B: yes ### Response:

This is a run-on sentence. It is a comma splice formed from two sentences run together, joined by just a comma. During the Civil War, the Union blocked the port of New Orleans, preventing the shipment of coffee, devoted coffee drinkers began mixing chicory with their coffee to make it last longer. Here is one way to fix the run-on sentence: During the Civil War, the Union blocked the port of New Orleans, preventing the shipment of coffee. As a result, devoted coffee drinkers began mixing chicory with their coffee to make it last longer.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Carrie said there's no way Scotland's Loch Ness Monster is real, but she's not even Scottish, so there's no way she could really know. A: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against B: appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good C: ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself ### Response:

The text argues that Carrie's claim that the Loch Ness Monster isn't real is not valid because she's not Scottish. This is a personal attack on Carrie's background that isn't relevant to whether her claim is valid. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as ad hominem.

### Instruction: By 1860, there were almost four million enslaved African American people in the United States. What is an enslaved person? A: a person who works for someone else for 4 to 7 years B: a person who is owned by someone else C: a person who is a criminal D: a person who is drafted into the army ### Response:

An enslaved person is a person who is owned by someone else. Slaveholders in the 1800 s had the power to sell, punish, and work an enslaved person. By the antebellum period, or the time period leading up to the Civil War, African American people had been enslaved in North America for over 300 years. By 1860, there were almost four million enslaved African American people in the United States.

### Instruction: In 1787, a group of representatives from the states wrote the United States Constitution. What is the Constitution? A: the announcement of the colonies' independence from Great Britain B: a list of the rights and powers that every state constitution must include C: the written plan for the government of the United States D: the peace treaty that ended the Revolutionary War ### Response:

The United States Constitution is the written plan for the government of the United States. It describes the structure and powers of the central government and is one of the country's founding documents. How was the Constitution written? The Constitution was written in 1787 by a group of representatives from the states. Their four-month meeting was later called the Constitutional Convention. The representatives created the government structure that is still in place today, more than 200 years later!

### Instruction: Select the vertebrate. A: trapdoor spider B: nautilus C: red-headed poison frog D: golden orb-weaver ### Response:

A nautilus is a mollusk. Like other mollusks, a nautilus is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. Like other spiders, a golden orb-weaver is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. Like other spiders, a trapdoor spider is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A red-headed poison frog is an amphibian. Like other amphibians, a red-headed poison frog is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.

### Instruction: Is there a sentence fragment? In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gave her husband, President John F. Kennedy, an artistically engraved whale tooth. Which was eventually buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery. A: yes B: no ### Response:

There is a sentence fragment that does not express a complete thought. In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gave her husband, President John F. Kennedy, an artistically engraved whale tooth. Which was eventually buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery. Here is one way to fix the sentence fragment: In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gave her husband, President John F. Kennedy, an artistically engraved whale tooth, which was eventually buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: The American red squirrel, or Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, looks graceful as it leaps from tree to tree. B: Born blind, baby squirrels depend on their mothers for two to three months after birth. ### Response:

The second sentence states a fact. Born blind, baby squirrels depend on their mothers for two to three months after birth. It can be proved by searching online for information about how young squirrels develop. The first sentence states an opinion. The American red squirrel, or Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, looks graceful as it leaps from tree to tree. Looks graceful shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about whether the American red squirrel looks graceful.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: The sitting U.S. president's airplane, Air Force One, is the most important symbol of the American government. B: It costs over two hundred thousand dollars per hour to fly Air Force One, the official airplane of the President of the United States. ### Response:

The second sentence states a fact. It costs over two hundred thousand dollars per hour to fly Air Force One, the official airplane of the President of the United States. It can be proved by reading about Air Force One on the White House website. The first sentence states an opinion. The sitting U.S. president's airplane, Air Force One, is the most important symbol of the American government. Most shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about which symbol of the American government is most important.

### Instruction: Is this a run-on sentence? In 1227, Genghis Khan, the Mongol leader who conquered much of Central Asia, died he was buried in an unmarked grave, and its location remains a mystery today. A: no B: yes ### Response:

This is a run-on sentence. It is formed from two sentences run together, joined without punctuation. In 1227, Genghis Khan, the Mongol leader who conquered much of Central Asia, died he was buried in an unmarked grave, and its location remains a mystery today. Here is one way to fix the run-on sentence: In 1227, Genghis Khan, the Mongol leader who conquered much of Central Asia, died. He was buried in an unmarked grave, and its location remains a mystery today.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Don't talk to me about the legacy of Napoleon! If you're not a professional historian, then there's no way you know anything about it. A: false dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist B: false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other C: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something ### Response:

The text argues that either you work as a professional historian or you don't know anything about history. However, people can be knowledgeable about history even if it isn't their profession. Furthermore, just because someone studies history, it doesn't mean that person is knowledgeable about all aspects of history. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a false dichotomy.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? My dentist recommends this toothpaste brand, but I'm reluctant to take the advice of someone with such bad taste. He has truly ugly art on the office walls, and the upholstery in his waiting room is atrocious. A: hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations B: appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good C: ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself ### Response:

The text argues that the dentist's professional recommendation is questionable because of his taste in art and furniture. This is a personal attack on the dentist that isn't relevant to whether his professional advice is valid. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as ad hominem.

### Instruction: What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Nate was enjoying the lush life his newfound riches had brought him, but he couldn't help but think of his latest cholesterol reading as a Sword of Damocles. A: ancient legend B: Shakespeare ### Response:

The source of the allusion Sword of Damocles is ancient legend. According to legend, when Damocles wished his life were as full of luxuries as that of the tyrant Dionysis, Dionysis invited Damocles to a sumptuous banquet. Above Damocles' seat at the feast, Dionysis had placed a sword, suspended only by a thin hair, demonstrating the fragile nature of fortune. The allusion Sword of Damocles means a reminder that one is vulnerable.

### Instruction: Select the one substance that is not a mineral. A: Hornblende is a pure substance. It is not made by living things. B: Fluorite is a solid. It is formed in nature. C: A turtle shell is made by a living thing. It is not a pure substance. ### Response:

Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of minerals. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of minerals. Fluorite is a mineral. A turtle shell is made by a living thing. But minerals are not made by living things. A turtle shell is not a pure substance. But all minerals are pure substances. So, a turtle shell is not a mineral. Hornblende is a mineral.

### Instruction: Select the animal. A: Fir trees have green leaves. B: Almond trees can grow many small flowers. C: Toucans eat mostly fruit. D: Apple trees can grow fruit. ### Response:

A fir tree is a plant. It has green leaves. The leaves of fir trees are called needles. An almond tree is a plant. It can grow many small flowers. Almonds were first grown by people living near the Mediterranean Sea. A toucan is an animal. It eats mostly fruit. A toucan is a bird with a large beak. A toucan's beak can be half as long as its body! An apple tree is a plant. It can grow fruit. People have been growing apples for thousands of years. There are more than 7,500 types of apples!

### Instruction: Complete the sentences. Bill Gates is a business leader. He became famous for (). A: playing sports B: making movies C: running for president D: working with computers ### Response:

Bill Gates is most famous for working with computers. He first became interested in computers when he was 13 years old. What were computers like when Bill Gates was 13? Bill Gates was 13 in 1969. Back then, computers were much larger and more expensive than they are today. A computer could take up a whole room! Most schools did not have enough money for one of these big computers. But Bill Gates's school had a machine called a Teletype. The Teletype connected to a computer located far away. Bill Gates had to use the Teletype to send messages to the computer.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Jackson is not qualified to run the Environmental Club. Have you seen his sister's huge, horrifically inefficient car? The planet cries whenever she turns on the ignition. A: slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences B: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something C: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against ### Response:

The text argues that Jackson isn't qualified to run the Environmental Club because his sister drives a fuel inefficient car. However, the behavior of Jackson's sister does not necessarily reflect Jackson's own behavior. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association.

### Instruction: Which text uses the word peruse in its traditional sense? A: Eddie perused a clothing catalog as he waited for his appointment, flipping through the pages distractedly. B: Eddie perused a catalog from his wife's favorite clothing store, searching for the perfect birthday gift. ### Response:

The first text uses peruse in its traditional sense: to examine in detail. Eddie perused a catalog from his wife's favorite clothing store, searching for the perfect birthday gift. The second text uses peruse in its nontraditional sense: to look through in a casual manner. Eddie perused a clothing catalog as he waited for his appointment, flipping through the pages distractedly. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word peruse because it is considered more standard.

### Instruction: What does the metaphor in this text suggest? When Malik lost his job, he was devastated. The only light in the sea of darkness was the prospect of pursuing a new career. A: There was a benefit to Malik's job loss. B: Malik felt in the dark about what to do after losing his job. ### Response:

The text uses a metaphor, comparing two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The metaphor the only light in the sea of darkness was the prospect of pursuing a new career suggests that there was a benefit to Malik's job loss. A light would be beneficial in helping someone escape a dark, difficult-to-navigate situation. Similarly, Malik's new career was beneficial in helping him escape the emotionally difficult experience of losing his job.

### Instruction: Select the animal. A: Octopuses eat animals that live underwater. B: Apple trees can grow fruit. C: Cypress trees have green leaves. D: Hydrangea bushes can grow colorful flowers. ### Response:

An octopus is an animal. It eats animals that live underwater. An octopus has two eyes and eight arms. An apple tree is a plant. It can grow fruit. People have been growing apples for thousands of years. There are more than 7,500 types of apples! A cypress tree is a plant. It has green leaves. The leaves of cypress trees are called needles. A hydrangea bush is a plant. It can grow colorful flowers. Hydrangea bushes can have blue, white, purple, or pink flowers.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? You may be impressed by Senator Murphy's work with low-income communities, but the fact remains that he graduated from an elite university. He couldn't possibly empathize with low-income constituents. A: hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations B: bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct C: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something ### Response:

The text argues that Senator Murphy can't empathize with his low-income constituents because he went to an elite university. However, going to an elite university doesn't necessarily mean you're out of touch. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association.

### Instruction: Is this a run-on sentence? The Scythians were nomadic warriors who lived in Central Asia in the ninth century BCE, before disappearing during the second century CE, they had spread westward into Eastern Europe. A: no B: yes ### Response:

This is a run-on sentence. It is a comma splice formed from two sentences run together, joined by just a comma. The Scythians were nomadic warriors who lived in Central Asia in the ninth century BCE, before disappearing during the second century CE, they had spread westward into Eastern Europe. Here is one way to fix the run-on sentence: The Scythians were nomadic warriors who lived in Central Asia in the ninth century BCE. Before disappearing during the second century CE, they had spread westward into Eastern Europe.

### Instruction: Is this a run-on sentence? In 1941, automaker Henry Ford wrote a letter to Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi to express his admiration, in response, Gandhi sent Ford a manual spinning wheel. A: yes B: no ### Response:

This is a run-on sentence. It is a comma splice formed from two sentences run together, joined by just a comma. In 1941, automaker Henry Ford wrote a letter to Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi to express his admiration, in response, Gandhi sent Ford a manual spinning wheel. Here is one way to fix the run-on sentence: In 1941, automaker Henry Ford wrote a letter to Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi to express his admiration; in response, Gandhi sent Ford a manual spinning wheel.

### Instruction: Is this a run-on sentence? At Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery, visitors will find some unusual memorials, there's even a monument to puffer fish that have died at the hands of chefs. A: no B: yes ### Response:

This is a run-on sentence. It is a comma splice formed from two sentences run together, joined by just a comma. At Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery, visitors will find some unusual memorials, there's even a monument to puffer fish that have died at the hands of chefs. Here is one way to fix the run-on sentence: At Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery, visitors will find some unusual memorials; there's even a monument to puffer fish that have died at the hands of chefs.

### Instruction: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? That advice columnist argues that people should establish their careers before they get married. It really disappoints me that he would suggest to his readers that money is more important than love. A: straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against B: guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something C: slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences ### Response:

The text argues that the columnist believes money is more important than love. However, this misrepresents the columnist's argument. The columnist only thinks that people should seek stable careers before getting married. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a straw man.

### Instruction: Select the plant. A: Penguins walk and swim. B: Humans eat plants and animals. C: Chili peppers have green leaves. D: Manta rays swim underwater. ### Response:

A chili pepper is a plant. It has many green leaves. Chili peppers give food a spicy flavor. A penguin is an animal. It walks and swims. A penguin is a bird that lives near water. Penguins cannot fly! They use their wings to swim. A manta ray is an animal. It swims underwater. Manta rays are fish. They have triangle-shaped fins. A human is an animal! Humans eat plants and animals. Humans are primates. Monkeys and apes are also primates.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: Hans Christian Andersen's version of "The Little Mermaid" is not as poignant as modern retellings of the story. B: Hans Christian Andersen produced many fairy tales, including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling," during his literary career. ### Response:

The first sentence states a fact. It can be verified by looking up the stories written by Hans Christian Andersen. Hans Christian Andersen produced many fairy tales, including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling," during his literary career. The second sentence states an opinion. Not as poignant as indicates a personal judgment. Hans Christian Andersen's version of "The Little Mermaid" is not as poignant as modern retellings of the story.

### Instruction: Which sentence states a fact? A: The plastic toothbrush was one of the most brilliant inventions in the history of the world. B: Centuries ago, the Chinese invented the toothbrush by attaching pig hairs to a bamboo handle. ### Response:

The second sentence states a fact. Centuries ago, the Chinese invented the toothbrush by attaching pig hairs to a bamboo handle. It can be proved by looking up the history of toothbrushes. The first sentence states an opinion. The plastic toothbrush was one of the most brilliant inventions in the history of the world. Most brilliant shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about whether the toothbrush was a brilliant invention.