Free Passage Reading MCQs with Answers

413 Passage Reading MCQs from English, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Passage reading requires identifying the central idea, supporting facts, author's purpose, tone, sequence and conclusions supported by the text. Questions may also test inference, vocabulary in context, reference words and the difference between information stated directly and meaning implied by the passage.

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413 questions · page 15 of 21

281. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too.What caused the fire that damaged the upper levels of the Coliseum?

  • A. A bolt of lightning
  • B. Rowdy people who came to watch the events
  • C. An attacking army
  • D. An angry mob

Explanation: The passage specifically states that the Colosseum was struck by lightning in the year 217, which caused a fire that damaged the upper…

Correct answer: A bolt of lightning

282. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too.For which purpose was the Coliseum not used?

  • A. People fought other people in it
  • B. It was a private castle
  • C. People fought animals in it
  • D. It was a meeting place for the government

Explanation: The Colosseum was not used as a meeting place for the government. It was used for public spectacles like gladiatorial contests and animal…

Correct answer: It was a meeting place for the government

283. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too. Which caused the most damage to the Coliseum?

  • A. Fires
  • B. Earthquakes
  • C. Wars
  • D. Hurricanes

Explanation: This is correct. The passage indicates that the worst damage to the Colosseum occurred in 1349 due to a major earthquake, which caused the…

Correct answer: Earthquakes

284. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too.What did the people do with the stones that they took from the Coliseum?

  • A. They repaired buildings
  • B. They sold them
  • C. They used them as weapons
  • D. They used them as tombstones

Explanation: This is correct. The passage mentions that people took stones from the Colosseum and used them to repair houses and churches.

Correct answer: They repaired buildings

285. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too.Which best defines the word gruesome as it is used in the second paragraph?

  • A. Exciting
  • B. Funny
  • C. Horrifying
  • D. Boring

Explanation: The word "gruesome" in the passage is used to describe the violent and horrifying nature of the events that took place in the Colosseum.

Correct answer: Horrifying

286. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too. Which best describes the main Idea In the last paragraph?

  • A. This is about all the things the Coliseum has been used for throughout history
  • B. This is about how the Colosseum is a popular place to visit today
  • C. This is about how the Colosseum is a symbol that many people know
  • D. This is about how the Colosseum is used today

Explanation: This is correct. The last paragraph emphasizes that the Colosseum is a major tourist attraction today and highlights its significance in…

Correct answer: This is about how the Colosseum is a popular place to visit today

287. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too.Which is not a way in which the Coliseum was damaged over the years?

  • A. Earthquake
  • B. Tornado
  • C. Lightning
  • D. Fire

Explanation: The passage does not mention a tornado causing damage to the Colosseum. The documented damages were from lightning, fire, and an earthquake.

Correct answer: Tornado

288. The ancient Colosseum or Coliseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest of its kind. They started building it in 70 AD under the supervision of emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. The site chosen was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalized stream ran. It took ten years to build. The Colosseum in Rome represents a lifestyle that we today are only able to study but never experience. The Coliseum has been used in many ways. In ancient Rome, men fought each other in it. They fought against lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! It was dreadful. But most of the people loved It. As many as 80,000 Romans would pack inside to watch. These gruesome events went on until 523. The Coliseum has been damaged many times over the years. It was struck by lightning in the year 217. This started a fire. Much of the Coliseum is made of Travertine, limestone, concrete and volcanic stone. But the fire damaged the upper levels which were made of wood. This damage took many years to repair. It was not finished until the year 240. The worst damage happened in 1349. A mighty earthquake shook Rome and the Coliseum. The south side of the building collapsed. Pieces of the arena were all over the ground. Many people took the fallen stones. Others took stones from the seating areas. They used them to repay houses and churches. The Romans of those days were not connected to the Coliseum. It had last been used as a castle. Before that it was a graveyard. It has been hundreds of years since the games. The damage to the Coliseum was never repaired. It's good thing the outer wall of it still stands strong. Today the Coliseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions. People from all over the world come to Italy to see it. It has even appeared on the back of a coin. I guess that makes it a symbol that many people want too. Which statement would the author most likely agree with?

  • A. The Coliseum should be replaced with a building that is not damaged
  • B. The Colosseum has its place in history but it is not useful today
  • C. The Colosseum is very old and has been used for many purposes
  • D. The Colosseum should be used for fighting once again

Explanation: This is correct. The passage details the Colosseum's long history, including its various uses and significant historical events…

Correct answer: The Colosseum is very old and has been used for many purposes

289. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing.Q.1 In docking a ship, rope is:

  • A. Only a little less important than a tugboat
  • B. Absolutely essential
  • C. Helpful but not necessary
  • D. Seldom used

Explanation: The passage clearly states that a ship could not dock without the lines to moor her to her berth, making rope absolutely essential for…

Correct answer: Absolutely essential

290. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing.A monkey fist is a:

  • A. Device for weaving a rope
  • B. Slang term for a longshoreman
  • C. Rope streamer
  • D. Weight at the end of a rope

Explanation: A monkey fist is a weight, often made of a tightly knotted rope, attached to the end of a heaving line to help it be thrown more…

Correct answer: Weight at the end of a rope

291. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing.Heaving lines is?

  • A. Tied around iron posts
  • B. Ocean currents
  • C. Used as a means of getting mooring lines to shore
  • D. Used to prevent motion in the bow

Explanation: Heaving lines are thrown from the ship to the shore to help pull in the mooring lines, which are then used to secure the ship.

Correct answer: Used as a means of getting mooring lines to shore

292. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing.A ship is held to her berth by?

  • A. Wire ropes only
  • B. Wire and fiber ropes
  • C. Heaving ropes
  • D. Hundreds of ropes

Explanation: This is correct. The passage indicates that the ship is secured by both manila lines (a type of fiber rope) and wire ropes, among others.

Correct answer: Wire and fiber ropes

293. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing.Mooring ropes are?

  • A. 10 inches in diameter
  • B. 21 inches in circumference
  • C. six times thicker than heaving ropes
  • D. 9 inches in circumference

Explanation: The passage mentions that mooring lines can be as many as 9 or 10 inches in circumference.

Correct answer: 9 inches in circumference

294. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing. Which of the following is correct according to the passage?

  • A. There are more than 200 uses for rope in fishing and shipping
  • B. There are few differences in rope construction
  • C. There is equal tensile strengths in all ropes
  • D. There are no differences in the materials preferred for the making of ropes and twines

Explanation: The passage mentions that the maritime and related fishing industry find around 250 applications for rope and cordage.

Correct answer: There are more than 200 uses for rope in fishing and shipping

295. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing. The rope is:

  • A. Ordered by length
  • B. Ordered by the pound
  • C. Paid for by length
  • D. Paid for by tensile

Explanation: According to the passage, rope is ordered by length, though it is sold by the pound.

Correct answer: Ordered by length

296. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing.Which of the following are not correctly paired?

  • A. Sisal from the Philippines
  • B. Henequen from Cuba
  • C. Abaca from Central America
  • D. Sisal from the Netherlands East Indies

Explanation: The passage states that sisal is from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas, but not the Philippines.

Correct answer: Sisal from the Philippines

297. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing. As compared with manila rope, nylon rope is?

  • A. Stronger and cheaper
  • B. More elastic and more expensive
  • C. More elastic and heavier
  • D. Longer wearing and six times cheaper

Explanation: The passage states that nylon rope is more elastic and much more expensive than manila rope.

Correct answer: More elastic and more expensive

298. When a luxury liner or a cargo ship nudges into her slip after an ocean crossing, her first physical contact with land is a heaving line. These streamers with a weight at the end called a "monkey fist," arch gracefully from deck to pier. On board the ship, the heaving lines are tied to heavy, golden yellow manila mooring lines. Longshoremen quickly pull in the heaving lines until they can fasten the mooring lines to iron bollards (posts). Soon the ship is strung to her pier by four, eight, or as many as twenty-one 9- inch or 10-inch manila lines with perhaps a few wire ropes to stay motion fore and aft. The ship is secure against even the wrath of the storm or hurricane. A ship could dock without the aid of tugboats-and might have in New York in maritime strikes-but not without the lines to moor her to her berth. The maritime and the related fishing industry find perhaps 250 applications for rope and cordage. There are hundreds of different sizes, constructions, tensile strengths, and weights in rope and twine. Rope is sold by the pound but ordered by length and is measured by circumference rather than by diameter. The maritime variety is made chiefly from fibre of the abaca, or manila plant, which is imported from the Philippines and Central America. Henequen from Mexico and Cuba and sisal from Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, and other areas are also used, but chiefly for twine. Nylon is coming into increasing use, particularly by towing companies. But it is six times more expensive than manila. However, nylon is much stronger, lighter in weight, and longer-wearing than manila. It is also more elastic and particularly adaptable for ocean towing.The passage belongs to which of the following categories?

  • A. Research article
  • B. Technical information
  • C. Scientific analysis
  • D. A writing by an ocean enthusiast

Explanation: The passage provides specific details about ropes, their uses, and materials, which falls under technical information.

Correct answer: Technical information