Paragraph Comprehension – Test 3

About 7 million light-duty electric vehicles are on the road worldwide, and this number is expected to grow to 129 million by the year 2030. The growth in electric vehicles has been propelled by a combination of falling lithium ion battery prices and electric-vehicle subsidies and mandates around the world. Other changes include the rapid growth in ride-sharing and car-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, and increasing interest in the development of autonomous technologies for vehicles. These significant changes require an update to authorizations around vehicle technology research to reflect modern transportation needs.

According to the passage, what is spurring the growth in electric vehicles?

Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.

What does the passage above suggest?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source with zero emissions that captures the radiant light and heat of the sun to create useful energy, including electricity, heat, and chemicals. The most prevalent uses of solar energy are photovoltaic cells, in which solar energy is used to dislodge electrons for use as electricity. Other common forms of solar energy include concentrating solar power in  which light from the sun is focused on a pipe or tower of  liquid until it reaches high temperatures and can be used for electricity or heat, and solar thermal in which direct light  and heat from the sun is used for heating.

According to the above passage, what is ultimately produced by photovoltaic cells?

Microloans provide credit for entrepreneurs who need small-dollar loans and are unable to obtain such financing through conventional lending. In the U.S., direct loans and grants to non-profit intermediaries generate loans of up to $50,000 to entrepreneurs and small business owners. These intermediaries also provide technical assistance to borrowers, which may include management and marketing training. Women-owned firms receive almost half of the microloans issued, African Americans receive about one-third, and Hispanics get most of the rest. The average loan size is about $14,000 and the average interest rate is 7.6 percent.

According to the passage, what percent of microloans are issued to Hispanics?

Researchers have discovered that bodily proteins can affect the length of time it takes for athletes to recover from concussions. Using an ultrasensitive test that can detect minute amounts of protein, researchers tested blood serum from athletes and identified two blood proteins that were associated with the length of time need before the athletes were ready to resume play. Amounts of two proteins, tau protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, were found to be significantly different in athletes who needed less or more than 14 days to return. The researchers hope that further study will help predict which athletes will need more time to recover from a concussion and resume activity.

According to the passage, what is the current goal of the researchers?

The “STAR Method” is designed to help anyone quit smoking. Set a quit date. It is important to set a quit date as soon as possible. Giving yourself a short period to quit will keep you focused and motivated to achieve your goal. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers. It is important to share your goal to quit with those you interact frequently. Anticipate challenges to the upcoming quit attempt. Particularly during the critical first few weeks, which are the hardest due to potential nicotine withdrawal. Remove tobacco products from your environment.
It’s best to rid yourself of such temptations by making a smoke free house, avoiding smoking areas, and asking your peers to not smoke around you.

According to the above passage, what is the major challenge during the first few weeks of smoking cessation?

Unsolicited robocalls are among the top consumer complaints in the United States. Robocalls are likely to increase and continue to be a major concern for consumers, according to the Federal Trade Commission. A large number of illegal robocalls are spoofed calls, where the caller masks their real telephone number. Nearly 50 percent of all calls to mobile phones are scam robocalls. Total annual robocalls exceed 5 billion per year. A growing trend is for these unwanted calls to automatically leave a ringless voicemail message, also known as “direct to voicemail calls.”

According to the report, how many calls to mobile phones are scam robocalls?

Neotropical migratory birds are bird species that breed in North America and winter in the tropics. Some of these species are endangered species, and many are popular for bird watching. These birds also play an important role in pest control and pollination for agriculture. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has targeted 4.5 million acres of bird habitat lands to support conservation to maintain healthy bird populations.

According to the passage, where do neotropical birds go in the wintertime?

“Smart manufacturing” uses technology to integrate all  aspects of manufacturing, allowing for real-time management of  energy, productivity, and costs across factories and companies.  The industrial sector represents roughly 20 percent of the U.S. economy and accounts for one-third of domestic energy consumption. In a 2012 report by General Electric, improvements in automation and control through smart manufacturing are estimated to add $10 to $15 trillion to global gross domestic product over the next 20 years. This includes $5 to $25 billion annually in energy savings for electricity alone.

According to the passage, how much of the U.S. economy is made up of the industrial sector?

Although the energy industry is expanding rapidly in the U.S., employers are having trouble finding qualified workers. Nearly three-quarters of such companies found it “difficult” or “very difficult” to find employees with the necessary experience and education. Meanwhile, as the energy sector grows more diverse, an even bigger variety of technical qualifications and skillsets will be required. To deal with these issues, the U.S. Department of Energy has launched a program of educational outreach to colleges and businesses. Also, a pilot program at the Labor Department is training energy sector employees to increase the pool of workers.

According to the passage, about what percentage of energy companies are having problems finding qualified workers?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.

What is the conclusion of this passage?