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 and 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?

What is all this 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.

A typical definition would describe the cicada as a large, noisy insect with long, transparent wings, predominantly found in warm regions. Going into greater detail, cicadas can be recognized by their short antennae and prominent wide-set eyes. They possess delicate, translucent wings, and their characteristic feature is their loudness. Among the animal kingdom, few creatures produce a more intense sound. Specifically, it's the male cicadas that create the cacophonous buzz, generating noise levels ranging from 80 to 100 decibels, akin to the roar of a powerful engine. This is achieved through the male cicadas' unique ability to produce a strident, high-pitched sound by vibrating two membranes on their abdomen known as tymbals, effectively turning their bodies into echo chambers or drums. In contrast, female cicadas cannot replicate this buzzing but respond with a distinctive 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 3 of 6

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

What is all this 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. 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 all this 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. 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 "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 all this 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. 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.

Unlike most others who follow along with popular trends, I am able to truly see that the beard is superior to the mustache. First, you have so much more hair and space to work with when styling a beard than you do with a mustache. You can trim and cut a beard into so many styles the Muttonchop, the Goatee, the Stubble, the Chin Strap. You can even add things to your beard: braids, beads, glitter, and color-the possibilities of what you can add to a beard are endless! There are even professional competitions that surround the stylish nature of beards.

Stimulus: 1 of 2

Which of the following can be inferred from evidence given in the passage?

Unlike most others who follow along with popular trends, I am able to truly see that the beard is superior to the mustache. First, you have so much more hair and space to work with when styling a beard than you do with a mustache. You can trim and cut a beard into so many styles the Muttonchop, the Goatee, the Stubble, the Chin Strap. You can even add things to your beard: braids, beads, glitter, and color-the possibilities of what you can add to a beard are endless! There are even professional competitions that surround the stylish nature of beards

Stimulus: 2 of 2

Which of the following is a counterclaim to the argument in the passage?