CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
In an archaeological survey, aerial images suggested a rectangular structure beneath a field. Rather than treating the difficulty as unavoidable, the team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating. The change produced a noticeable result: the combined evidence identified a smaller area where excavation was most likely to be informative. Yet the experience was not a perfect solution; the method could not reveal every feature without digging. The case therefore illustrates that combining independent evidence can narrow uncertainty before expensive or destructive investigation.
Which is the best title for the passage?
A. Equal Effort, Fairer Comparison
B. When the Measuring Place Changes
C. Evidence Before Excavation
D. Counting Under Comparable Conditions
Correct Answer: C
The best title reflects the central problem and the response discussed in the passage.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
In an archaeological survey, aerial images suggested a rectangular structure beneath a field. Rather than treating the difficulty as unavoidable, the team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating. The change produced a noticeable result: the combined evidence identified a smaller area where excavation was most likely to be informative. Yet the experience was not a perfect solution; the method could not reveal every feature without digging. The case therefore illustrates that combining independent evidence can narrow uncertainty before expensive or destructive investigation.
What does the word “non-invasive” most nearly mean as used in the passage?
A. take priority over or replace a rule or decision
B. not requiring entry, cutting, or physical intrusion
C. irregular and unpredictable
D. observe something regularly to detect change
Correct Answer: B
In this passage, “non-invasive” means not requiring entry, cutting, or physical intrusion.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
In an archaeological survey, aerial images suggested a rectangular structure beneath a field. Rather than treating the difficulty as unavoidable, the team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating. The change produced a noticeable result: the combined evidence identified a smaller area where excavation was most likely to be informative. Yet the experience was not a perfect solution; the method could not reveal every feature without digging. The case therefore illustrates that combining independent evidence can narrow uncertainty before expensive or destructive investigation.
Which inference is best supported by the passage?
A. The same intervention will produce identical results in every setting without modification.
B. Because a limitation remained, the intervention should be considered completely ineffective.
C. Complex problems can be solved only by expensive technology rather than by changes in procedure or behaviour.
D. A reasonable inference is that combining independent evidence can narrow uncertainty before expensive or destructive investigation.
Correct Answer: D
The passage reports an improvement together with a limitation, so the supported inference is cautious rather than absolute.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
In an archaeological survey, aerial images suggested a rectangular structure beneath a field. Rather than treating the difficulty as unavoidable, the team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating. The change produced a noticeable result: the combined evidence identified a smaller area where excavation was most likely to be informative. Yet the experience was not a perfect solution; the method could not reveal every feature without digging. The case therefore illustrates that combining independent evidence can narrow uncertainty before expensive or destructive investigation.
What action was taken in response to the problem?
A. The team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating.
B. The team compared sites using equal sampling effort and reported the number of observations alongside species counts.
C. Analysts documented the relocation and compared the series with nearby stations.
D. Researchers standardized future counts to the same early-morning period.
Correct Answer: A
The action is stated directly after the passage describes the initial problem.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
In an archaeological survey, aerial images suggested a rectangular structure beneath a field. Rather than treating the difficulty as unavoidable, the team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating. The change produced a noticeable result: the combined evidence identified a smaller area where excavation was most likely to be informative. Yet the experience was not a perfect solution; the method could not reveal every feature without digging. The case therefore illustrates that combining independent evidence can narrow uncertainty before expensive or destructive investigation.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The passage mainly argues that the method could not reveal every feature without digging.
B. The passage proves that one intervention can remove every limitation in a complex problem.
C. The passage mainly describes a weather station moved from an open field to a growing urban area during a long record.
D. The passage shows that combining independent evidence can narrow uncertainty before expensive or destructive investigation.
Correct Answer: D
The main idea combines the response, its result, and the broader lesson stated in the passage.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
At a materials laboratory, the first sign of trouble was that two technicians recorded slightly different values from the same sample. Instead of relying only on warnings or assumptions, the lab reviewed calibration, repeated the test, and compared the measurement procedure step by step. Afterward, the difference was traced to how long each sample had been allowed to cool. The outcome was encouraging but qualified, because some small variation remained even after the procedure was standardized. Taken together, these details support a broader conclusion: measurement depends on procedure, so hidden differences in method can create apparent disagreement.
Which is the best title for the passage?
A. When Participants Guess the Experiment
B. Evidence Before Excavation
C. Check the Instrument Before the Theory
D. Finding the Source of Measurement Error
Correct Answer: D
The best title reflects the central problem and the response discussed in the passage.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
At a materials laboratory, the first sign of trouble was that two technicians recorded slightly different values from the same sample. Instead of relying only on warnings or assumptions, the lab reviewed calibration, repeated the test, and compared the measurement procedure step by step. Afterward, the difference was traced to how long each sample had been allowed to cool. The outcome was encouraging but qualified, because some small variation remained even after the procedure was standardized. Taken together, these details support a broader conclusion: measurement depends on procedure, so hidden differences in method can create apparent disagreement.
What does the word “calibration” most nearly mean as used in the passage?
A. adjusting an instrument so that it measures accurately
B. deliberate duplication that provides a backup
C. a physical or mental sign of a possible condition
D. the presence of unwanted or harmful material
Correct Answer: A
In this passage, “calibration” means adjusting an instrument so that it measures accurately.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
At a materials laboratory, the first sign of trouble was that two technicians recorded slightly different values from the same sample. Instead of relying only on warnings or assumptions, the lab reviewed calibration, repeated the test, and compared the measurement procedure step by step. Afterward, the difference was traced to how long each sample had been allowed to cool. The outcome was encouraging but qualified, because some small variation remained even after the procedure was standardized. Taken together, these details support a broader conclusion: measurement depends on procedure, so hidden differences in method can create apparent disagreement.
Which inference is best supported by the passage?
A. Because a limitation remained, the intervention should be considered completely ineffective.
B. The same intervention will produce identical results in every setting without modification.
C. Complex problems can be solved only by expensive technology rather than by changes in procedure or behaviour.
D. A reasonable inference is that measurement depends on procedure, so hidden differences in method can create apparent disagreement.
Correct Answer: D
The passage reports an improvement together with a limitation, so the supported inference is cautious rather than absolute.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
At a materials laboratory, the first sign of trouble was that two technicians recorded slightly different values from the same sample. Instead of relying only on warnings or assumptions, the lab reviewed calibration, repeated the test, and compared the measurement procedure step by step. Afterward, the difference was traced to how long each sample had been allowed to cool. The outcome was encouraging but qualified, because some small variation remained even after the procedure was standardized. Taken together, these details support a broader conclusion: measurement depends on procedure, so hidden differences in method can create apparent disagreement.
What action was taken in response to the problem?
A. They used a reference sample to verify the instrument, cleaned the sensor, and repeated the measurement before changing their conclusion.
B. The lab reviewed calibration, repeated the test, and compared the measurement procedure step by step.
C. The team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating.
D. Researchers redesigned instructions so the specific hypothesis was less obvious while preserving informed consent.
Correct Answer: B
The action is stated directly after the passage describes the initial problem.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
At a materials laboratory, the first sign of trouble was that two technicians recorded slightly different values from the same sample. Instead of relying only on warnings or assumptions, the lab reviewed calibration, repeated the test, and compared the measurement procedure step by step. Afterward, the difference was traced to how long each sample had been allowed to cool. The outcome was encouraging but qualified, because some small variation remained even after the procedure was standardized. Taken together, these details support a broader conclusion: measurement depends on procedure, so hidden differences in method can create apparent disagreement.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The passage proves that one intervention can remove every limitation in a complex problem.
B. The passage mainly describes aerial images suggested a rectangular structure beneath a field.
C. The passage shows that measurement depends on procedure, so hidden differences in method can create apparent disagreement.
D. The passage mainly argues that some small variation remained even after the procedure was standardized.
Correct Answer: C
The main idea combines the response, its result, and the broader lesson stated in the passage.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
A recurring challenge emerged in a medical survey: people who exercised more also reported better health, but the study was observational. The people responsible chose a practical intervention—researchers reported the association while warning that income, age, and existing health could influence both exercise and outcomes. This was followed by an observable improvement: the report avoided claiming that the survey alone proved exercise caused the difference. Still, observational evidence could still suggest useful questions for later research. The contrast between the improvement and the remaining constraint suggests that correlation can be informative without being sufficient evidence of causation.
Which is the best title for the passage?
A. Finding the Source of Measurement Error
B. Precision Is Not the Same as Representation
C. When the Measuring Place Changes
D. Association Is Not Proof of Cause
Correct Answer: D
The best title reflects the central problem and the response discussed in the passage.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
A recurring challenge emerged in a medical survey: people who exercised more also reported better health, but the study was observational. The people responsible chose a practical intervention—researchers reported the association while warning that income, age, and existing health could influence both exercise and outcomes. This was followed by an observable improvement: the report avoided claiming that the survey alone proved exercise caused the difference. Still, observational evidence could still suggest useful questions for later research. The contrast between the improvement and the remaining constraint suggests that correlation can be informative without being sufficient evidence of causation.
What does the word “association” most nearly mean as used in the passage?
A. a relationship or connection between two things
B. the use of a resource
C. arranging something for a different time
D. organized movement away from danger
Correct Answer: A
In this passage, “association” means a relationship or connection between two things.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
A recurring challenge emerged in a medical survey: people who exercised more also reported better health, but the study was observational. The people responsible chose a practical intervention—researchers reported the association while warning that income, age, and existing health could influence both exercise and outcomes. This was followed by an observable improvement: the report avoided claiming that the survey alone proved exercise caused the difference. Still, observational evidence could still suggest useful questions for later research. The contrast between the improvement and the remaining constraint suggests that correlation can be informative without being sufficient evidence of causation.
Which inference is best supported by the passage?
A. A reasonable inference is that correlation can be informative without being sufficient evidence of causation.
B. Complex problems can be solved only by expensive technology rather than by changes in procedure or behaviour.
C. Because a limitation remained, the intervention should be considered completely ineffective.
D. The same intervention will produce identical results in every setting without modification.
Correct Answer: A
The passage reports an improvement together with a limitation, so the supported inference is cautious rather than absolute.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
A recurring challenge emerged in a medical survey: people who exercised more also reported better health, but the study was observational. The people responsible chose a practical intervention—researchers reported the association while warning that income, age, and existing health could influence both exercise and outcomes. This was followed by an observable improvement: the report avoided claiming that the survey alone proved exercise caused the difference. Still, observational evidence could still suggest useful questions for later research. The contrast between the improvement and the remaining constraint suggests that correlation can be informative without being sufficient evidence of causation.
What action was taken in response to the problem?
A. Analysts documented the relocation and compared the series with nearby stations.
B. Analysts weighted the results and clearly reported the imbalance rather than presenting the figures as automatically representative.
C. The lab reviewed calibration, repeated the test, and compared the measurement procedure step by step.
D. Researchers reported the association while warning that income, age, and existing health could influence both exercise and outcomes.
Correct Answer: D
The action is stated directly after the passage describes the initial problem.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
A recurring challenge emerged in a medical survey: people who exercised more also reported better health, but the study was observational. The people responsible chose a practical intervention—researchers reported the association while warning that income, age, and existing health could influence both exercise and outcomes. This was followed by an observable improvement: the report avoided claiming that the survey alone proved exercise caused the difference. Still, observational evidence could still suggest useful questions for later research. The contrast between the improvement and the remaining constraint suggests that correlation can be informative without being sufficient evidence of causation.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The passage shows that correlation can be informative without being sufficient evidence of causation.
B. The passage mainly describes two technicians recorded slightly different values from the same sample.
C. The passage mainly argues that observational evidence could still suggest useful questions for later research.
D. The passage proves that one intervention can remove every limitation in a complex problem.
Correct Answer: A
The main idea combines the response, its result, and the broader lesson stated in the passage.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
The experience of a crop experiment shows how practical choices can affect outcomes. Initially, one fertilizer treatment appeared to increase yield in a single field. To respond, the team repeated the trial across several plots and seasons before recommending the treatment. The result was that the average benefit became smaller but more reliable. Observers also noted an important constraint: results still varied with rainfall and soil type. For that reason, the lesson is not that one measure solves everything, but that replication helps distinguish a robust effect from a result that may depend on unusual conditions.
Which is the best title for the passage?
A. Equal Effort, Fairer Comparison
B. Why One Good Result Is Not Enough
C. Evidence Before Excavation
D. Association Is Not Proof of Cause
Correct Answer: B
The best title reflects the central problem and the response discussed in the passage.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
The experience of a crop experiment shows how practical choices can affect outcomes. Initially, one fertilizer treatment appeared to increase yield in a single field. To respond, the team repeated the trial across several plots and seasons before recommending the treatment. The result was that the average benefit became smaller but more reliable. Observers also noted an important constraint: results still varied with rainfall and soil type. For that reason, the lesson is not that one measure solves everything, but that replication helps distinguish a robust effect from a result that may depend on unusual conditions.
What does the word “replication” most nearly mean as used in the passage?
A. repeating a study or test to see whether the result recurs
B. equality in meaning, value, or function
C. in a way that is easy to notice
D. the gradual wearing away of soil or rock
Correct Answer: A
In this passage, “replication” means repeating a study or test to see whether the result recurs.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
The experience of a crop experiment shows how practical choices can affect outcomes. Initially, one fertilizer treatment appeared to increase yield in a single field. To respond, the team repeated the trial across several plots and seasons before recommending the treatment. The result was that the average benefit became smaller but more reliable. Observers also noted an important constraint: results still varied with rainfall and soil type. For that reason, the lesson is not that one measure solves everything, but that replication helps distinguish a robust effect from a result that may depend on unusual conditions.
Which inference is best supported by the passage?
A. A reasonable inference is that replication helps distinguish a robust effect from a result that may depend on unusual conditions.
B. The same intervention will produce identical results in every setting without modification.
C. Complex problems can be solved only by expensive technology rather than by changes in procedure or behaviour.
D. Because a limitation remained, the intervention should be considered completely ineffective.
Correct Answer: A
The passage reports an improvement together with a limitation, so the supported inference is cautious rather than absolute.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
The experience of a crop experiment shows how practical choices can affect outcomes. Initially, one fertilizer treatment appeared to increase yield in a single field. To respond, the team repeated the trial across several plots and seasons before recommending the treatment. The result was that the average benefit became smaller but more reliable. Observers also noted an important constraint: results still varied with rainfall and soil type. For that reason, the lesson is not that one measure solves everything, but that replication helps distinguish a robust effect from a result that may depend on unusual conditions.
What action was taken in response to the problem?
A. Researchers reported the association while warning that income, age, and existing health could influence both exercise and outcomes.
B. The team compared sites using equal sampling effort and reported the number of observations alongside species counts.
C. The team compared old maps, surface finds, and a non-invasive ground survey before excavating.
D. The team repeated the trial across several plots and seasons before recommending the treatment.
Correct Answer: D
The action is stated directly after the passage describes the initial problem.
CSS - PMS - Precis & Composition
Comprehension
Read the passage and answer the question.
The experience of a crop experiment shows how practical choices can affect outcomes. Initially, one fertilizer treatment appeared to increase yield in a single field. To respond, the team repeated the trial across several plots and seasons before recommending the treatment. The result was that the average benefit became smaller but more reliable. Observers also noted an important constraint: results still varied with rainfall and soil type. For that reason, the lesson is not that one measure solves everything, but that replication helps distinguish a robust effect from a result that may depend on unusual conditions.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The passage mainly describes people who exercised more also reported better health, but the study was observational.
B. The passage mainly argues that results still varied with rainfall and soil type.
C. The passage proves that one intervention can remove every limitation in a complex problem.
D. The passage shows that replication helps distinguish a robust effect from a result that may depend on unusual conditions.
Correct Answer: D
The main idea combines the response, its result, and the broader lesson stated in the passage.