The Alaska pipeline starts at the frozen edge of the Arctic Ocean. It stretchessouthward across the largest and northernmost state in the United States, ending at a remote ice-free seaport village nearly 800 miles from where it begins. It is massive in size and extremely complicated to operate. The pipe is 4 feet in diameter, and up to 2 million barrels (or 84 million gallons) of crude oil can be pumped through it daily. The pipeline cost approximately $8 billion and is by far the biggest and most expensive construction project ever undertaken by private industry. In fact, no single business could raise that much money, so 8 major oil companies formed a consortium in order to share the costs. Each company controlled oil rights to particular shares of land in the oil fields and paid into the pipeline-construction fund according to the size of its holdings. How many companies shared the costs of constructing the pipeline?

To prepare for a career in engineering, a student must begin planning in high school. Mathematics and science should form the core curriculum. For example, in a school where sixteen credit hours are required for high school graduation, four should be in mathematics, one each in chemistry, biology or physics. The remaining credits should include four in English and at least three in the humanities and social sciences.The average entering freshman in engineering should have achieved at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in his or her high school. Although deficiencies can be corrected during the first year, the students who need additional work should expect to spend five instead of four years to complete a degree. What is the average grade point for an entering freshman in engineering?

Critical reading is a demanding process. To read critically, you must slow down your reading and, with a pencil in hand, perform specific operations on the text. Mark up the text with your reactions, conclusions, and questions. When you read, become an active participant.Q.1 This paragraph best supports the statement that

When winding an old clock, it is important not to over wind it. Over winding occurs when the mainspring is almost fully wound, but the operator continues to turn the winding key. This causes the main spring to coil too tightly, and might even break it.Q.1 This paragraph best supports the statement that

Fear drains color from our faces, makes our teeth chatter, our hearts pound, our breath quickens, and our knees knock. Fear chums our stomachs, raises goosebumps, and causes jitters. Fear also raises feelings of anxiety and distrust, and may even cause us to change our behaviors. Obsessive fear can become a phobia that keeps us from enjoying life. What idea does the writer suggest?

There are two kinds of jewelry that I make. There is commercial jewelry class rings,necklaces, the kinds of things most people wear. I sell these items to meet my expenses for raw materials, supplies, and to make my living. The other, more creative work I do makes me feel that I am developing as a craftsperson.The author of this passage implies that:

An increase in the median income of the middle class does not cause average levels of education for the middle class to go up. If they did, then countries with the highest median income of the middle class would also have the highest levels of education for this class. In fact, when the median income of the middle class is made suitably comparable for different countries (accounting for inflation, currency fluctuations and purchasing power parity), there is no such co-relation.Which of the following can be correctly inferred from the statements above?