1. The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, marked a major turning point in Earth's ecology and humans' relationship with their environment. The onset of industrialization, coupled with the growing use of fossil fuels and the large-scale extraction of mineral resources, has led to a sustained period of pollution, environmental degradation, and social change. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of this passage?

2. The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, marked a major turning point in Earth's ecology and humans' relationship with their environment. The onset of the Industrial Revolution led to a population explosion and urbanization, resulting in the depletion of natural resources and increased pollution. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of this passage?

3. The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core. This theory, developed in the 1960s, explains many geological phenomena, including the formation of mountains, the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the distribution of fossils across continents that are now widely separated. The movement of these plates is driven by convection currents in the mantle and can cause plates to collide, pull apart, or slide past each other. Plate tectonics has revolutionized our understanding of the Earth's geological processes and continues to be a fundamental concept in Earth sciences. According to the passage, what drives the movement of tectonic plates?

4. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life and is visible from outer space. However, climate change and ocean acidification pose significant threats to its survival. What is the primary purpose of this passage?

5. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II with the aim of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. The UN has 193 member states and works on a wide range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment, and refugee protection to disaster relief, counter-terrorism, disarmament, and human rights. Despite its many achievements, the UN faces criticism for its bureaucratic structure, the veto power held by permanent members of the Security Council, and its perceived inability to prevent all conflicts. What is the primary goal of the United Nations as stated in this passage?

6. Photosynthesis is a complex process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organism's activities. This chemical energy is stored in carbohydrate molecules, such as sugars, which are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process. Photosynthesis is crucial for life on Earth as it provides the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat. Based on this passage, which of the following is NOT a product of photosynthesis?

7. The periodic table of elements, developed by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869, is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. The table's structure allows for the prediction of chemical properties of elements, including those that had not yet been discovered at the time of its creation. The periodic table has been refined over time, with new elements being added as they are discovered or synthesized. Today, it remains a fundamental tool in chemistry, providing a systematic way to understand the relationships between elements. What is the main function of the periodic table as described in this passage?

8. The "Pareto principle," also known as the "80/20 rule," states that for many outcomes, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes. This principle was named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who observed in 1896 that about 80% of Italy's land was owned by 20% of the population. The Pareto principle has been applied to various fields, including business (where it's often observed that 80% of sales come from 20% of clients), software (80% of errors come from 20% of code), and even personal time management. It's important to note that the 80/20 ratio is not exact and can vary, but the principle illustrates that a minority of causes often lead to a majority of results. This concept can be useful in prioritizing tasks and focusing on the most impactful activities. According to the passage, what does the Pareto principle primarily illustrate?

9. Democracy is a system of government in which power ultimately comes from the people, typically through elected representatives. It is characterized by free and fair elections, protection of individual rights, and the rule of law. While democracy is widely considered a desirable form of government, it faces challenges such as voter apathy, the influence of money in politics, and the potential for majority tyranny. Based on this passage, which of the following is not mentioned as a characteristic of democracy?

10. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized the spread of information in Europe. Before this invention, books were handwritten and expensive, making them accessible only to the wealthy and educated elite. The printing press allowed for mass production of books, leading to increased literacy rates and the dissemination of new ideas. Which of the following best describes the impact of the printing press, according to the passage?