What is all this talk of cicadas lately in the United States? You might be wondering why the media has featured it, but in fact, the discussion about cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. Let's get oriented with some background on cicadas.

What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is large, loud insect with long transparent wings and it is mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out. With delicate, translucent wings — and that not only are the cicadas loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is the male cicadas that are the noisy ones to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, with sound like the roar of a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident, high buzzing sound by vibrating two membranes on the abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.

Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees wherever the female deposits the eggs into the bank. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas especially the Magicicada. 

Stimulus 1 of 6

Which of the following events happens first after the male cicada calls to the female cicada, according to the passage?

Cicadas, those intriguing insects that emerge en masse after years of hiding underground, have captured the attention of both entomologists and the general public alike. These remarkable insects, known for their distinct chirping sounds and striking appearances, have a unique life cycle that is both fascinating and cyclical in nature.

The lifecycle of cicadas is a testament to the cyclical rhythms of nature. After spending several years in nymph form beneath the earth's surface, cicadas finally emerge during certain years in massive numbers. This phenomenon, known as a "cicada emergence," has become a subject of great interest and anticipation among enthusiasts. Entomologists study the patterns of these emergences, noting the regularity with which they occur.

What's even more captivating is the simultaneous surge of public interest that accompanies these cicada emergences. Communities come alive with discussions, articles, and even events centered around these creatures. It's as if cicadas have a way of bringing people together and rekindling their curiosity every few years.

The cyclical nature of cicada emergences can't be denied. Just like clockwork, these insects resurface, capturing our attention and reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. As the years go by and cicadas once again retreat underground, we can rest assured that their return, much like the changing seasons, is inevitable and awaited with eager anticipation.

stimulus 2 of 6

Which of the following perspectives can be inferred from the passage?

Cicadas, those intriguing insects that emerge en masse after years of hiding underground, have captured the attention of both entomologists and the general public alike. These remarkable insects, known for their distinct chirping sounds and striking appearances, have a unique life cycle that is both fascinating and cyclical in nature.

The lifecycle of cicadas is a testament to the cyclical rhythms of nature. After spending several years in nymph form beneath the earth's surface, cicadas finally emerge during certain years in massive numbers. This phenomenon, known as a "cicada emergence," has become a subject of great interest and anticipation among enthusiasts. Entomologists study the patterns of these emergences, noting the regularity with which they occur.

What's even more captivating is the simultaneous surge of public interest that accompanies these cicada emergences. Communities come alive with discussions, articles, and even events centered around these creatures. It's as if cicadas have a way of bringing people together and rekindling their curiosity every few years.

The cyclical nature of cicada emergences can't be denied. Just like clockwork, these insects resurface, capturing our attention and reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. As the years go by and cicadas once again retreat underground, we can rest assured that their return, much like the changing seasons, is inevitable and awaited with eager anticipation.

Stimulus 3 of 6

Which of the following words does the author use to express a derogatory tone?

What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is large loud insect with long transparent wings. mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out. With delicate translucent wings — and that not only as the cicadas loud but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it male hat are the noisy ones to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, with " the roar of a loud engine", This is because male cicadas make a strident high boning by vibrating two membranes on the abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.

Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees wherever the female deposits the eggs into the bank. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas especially the Magicicada. 

Stimulus 4 of 6

Which of the following best describes the theme of this passage?

What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is large. loud insect with long transparent wings. mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out. With delicate. translucent wings — and that not only as the cicadas loud. but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact. it male hat are the noisy ones to the tune of 80 to 100 dec. bels, with "ke the roar of a loud engine, This is because male cicadas make a strident. high boning by vibrating two membranes on the abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body int a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.

Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees wherever the female deposits the eggs into the bank. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas especially the Magicicada. 

Stimulus 5 of 6

Which of the following is the most likely reason male cicadas make buzzing sound?

What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is large. loud insect with long transparent wings. mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out. With delicate. translucent wings — and that not only as the cicadas loud. but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact. it male hat are the noisy ones to the tune of 80 to 100 dec. bels, with "ke the roar of a loud engine, This is because male cicadas make a strident. high boning by vibrating two membranes on the abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body int a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.

Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees wherever the female deposits the eggs into the bank. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas especially the Magicicada. 

Stimulus 6 of 6

Which of the following statements from the passage offers evidence that female cicadas do not have tymbals attached to their abdomen

Stimulus 1 of 2

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the passage?

Stimulus 2 of 2

Which of the following publications would have a different point of view of Eleanor Roosevelt compared to the author’s point of view?

I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy.

For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on this Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The healthy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example.

The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We saw ancient rums, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We climbed down to a mysterious rock formation known as the “wormhole,” a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves ad looks like houses of a terrible serpent. The wormhole will be difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Gaelic. Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier fame.

Stimulus 1 of 6

According to the passage, which of the following events happens last?

I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy.

For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on this Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The Healy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example.

The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We saw ancient rums, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We climbed down to a mysterious rock formation known as the “wormhole,” a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves ad looks like houses of a terrible serpent. The wormhole will be difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Gaelic. Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier fame.

Stimulus 2 of 6

Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?