Passage Reading and English Comprehension

English Ivy betrays its poor reputation as a nuisance by its unparalleled ability to provide shade. By seamlessly covering the exterior of a building, it works as a natural insulator, blocking the sun and decreasing air conditioning costs. This means big savings for both building tenants and homeowners alike. And it can happen quickly, too. Under the proper conditions, established English Ivy can grow to cover an area of roughly 500 square feet per year. Given that most homes have a roof measuring roughly 2000 square feet, ivy-friendly homeowners can rest assured that their roofs will be completely covered in about four years. When considering growth rates of newly planted ivy, just remember the old adage: First year, it sleeps. Second year, it creeps. Third year, it leaps! For English Ivy, this is especially true.

Now, detractors may take this opportunity to remind readers about how invasive English Ivy can be. For what ivy enthusiast hasn't been cautioned about its ability to burrow holes, fracture windows, and even deteriorate brick? But be warned. Oftentimes, this suggestion is taken to the comical extreme. Naysayers take a strange pleasure in spinning yarns about a particularly malevolent strand of ivy—one that slips in through the cracks on a hot summer night, silently strangling homeowners in their sleep. Admittedly, this can be a funny story to tell. But are we to believe such a tale? The intelligent gardener will quickly dismiss such rubbish for what it is.

1609. The primary purpose of the passage is to

	(a) highlight the reasons why English Ivy’s fast growth rate is beneficial
	(b) argue that English Ivy is an essential plant for homeowners
	(c) educate readers about how to use English Ivy to insulate their homes
	(d) defend the reputation of English Ivy

1610. As used in paragraph 1, which is the best definition for betrays?

	(a) gives away
	(b) contradicts
	(c) reveals
	(d) supports

1611. In paragraph 1, the author states, “Given that most homes have a roof measuring roughly 2000 square feet, ivy-friendly homeowners can rest assured that their roofs will be completely covered in about four years.” Which of the following logical mistakes does the author make in drawing this conclusion?

I. English Ivy will not cover the area of most roofs in 4 years if it only grows 500 square feet per year
II. Most homes may not have the proper conditions necessary for English Ivy to grow at the specified rate
III. Newly planted ivy does not grow as fast as established ivy

	(a) I only
	(b) II only
	(c) I and II only
	(d) II and III only

1612. As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for deteriorate?

	(a) wear away
	(b) shield
	(c) add to
	(d) climb on

1613. Based on information in paragraph 1, which of the following would most likely be considered an insulator?

	(a) an umbrella
	(b) an automobile
	(c) suntan lotion
	(d) a winter jacket

1614. As used in paragraph 2, which is the best antonym for malevolent?

	(a) wary
	(b) sensitive
	(c) virtuous
	(d) injured

1615. This passage would most likely be found

	(a) in a scholarly journal about botany
	(b) in a magazine article about gardening
	(c) in a letter from one gardener to another
	(d) on a website identifying different types of plants

1616. The author's tone can best be described as

	(a) passionate
	(b) indignant
	(c) argumentative
	(d) persuasive

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