Monday Sept 24
Period 1 read passage and answer the following question
Passage IV
NATURAL SCIENCE: This passage is adapted from the article “How to Build a Baby’s Brain” by Sharon Begley (©1997 by Newsweek, Inc.). In this
selection, the term neuron refers to a specialized cell of the nervous system, and tomography refers to a method of producing three-dimensional
images of internal structures.
You cannot see what is going on inside your newborn’s brain. You cannot see the electrical activity as
her eyes lock onto yours and, almost instantaneously, a
neuron in her retina makes a connection to one in her
5brain’s visual cortex that will last all her life. The
image of your face has become an enduring memory in
her mind. And you cannot see the explosive release of a
neurotransmitter—brain chemical—as a neuron from
your baby’s ear, carrying the electrically encoded
10sound of “ma,” connects to a neuron in her auditory
cortex. “Ma” has now commandeered a cluster of cells
in the infant’s brain that will, as long as the child lives,
respond to no other sound.
You cannot see any of this. But Dr. Harry Chugani
15can come close. With positron-emission tomography
PET), Chugani, a pediatric neurobiologist, watches the
regions of a baby’s brain turn on, one after another, like
city neighborhoods having their electricity restored
after a blackout. He can measure activity in the primi20tive brain stem and sensory cortex from the moment the
baby is born. He can observe the visual cortex burn
with activity in the second and third months of life. He
can see the frontal cortex light up at 6 to 8 months. He
can see, in other words, that the brain of a baby is still
25forming long after the child has left the womb—not
merely growing bigger, but forming the microscopic
connections responsible for feeling, learning and
remembering.
Scientists are just now realizing how experiences
30after birth, rather than something innate, determine the
actual wiring of the human brain. Only 15 years ago
neuroscientists assumed that by the time babies are
born, the structure of their brains had been genetically
determined. But by 1996, researchers knew that was
35wrong. Instead, early-childhood experiences exert a
dramatic and precise impact, physically determining
how the intricate neural circuits of the brain are wired.
Since then they have been learning how those experiences shape the brain’s circuits.
40At birth, the brain’s 100 billion or so neurons form
more than 50 trillion connections (synapses). The genes
the baby carries have already determined his brain’s
basic wiring. They have formed the connections in the
brain stem that will make the heart beat and the lungs
45respire. But that’s all. Of a human’s 80,000 different
genes, fully half are believed to be involved in forming
and running the central nervous system. Yet even that
doesn’t come close to what the brain needs. In the first
months of life, the number of synapses will increase 20-
50fold—to more than 1,000 trillion. There simply are not
enough genes in the human species to specify so many
connections.
That leaves experience—all the signals that a baby
receives from the world. Experience seems to exert its
55effects by strengthening synapses. Just as a memory
will fade if it is not accessed from time to time, so
synapses that are not used will also wither away in a
process called pruning. The way to reinforce these
wispy connections has come to be known as stimula60tion. Contrary to the claims of entrepreneurs preying on
the anxieties of new parents, stimulation does not mean
subjecting a toddler to flashcards. Rather, it is something much simpler—sorting socks by color or listening
to the soothing cadences of a fairy tale. In the most
65extensive study yet of what makes a difference, Craig
Ramey of the University of Alabama found that it was
blocks, beads, peekaboo and other old-fashioned measures that enhance cognitive, motor and language
development—and, absent traumas, enhance them per70manently.
The formation of synapses (synaptogenesis) and
their pruning occurs at different times in different parts
of the brain. The sequence seems to coincide with the
emergence of various skills. Synaptogenesis begins in
75the motor cortex at about 2 months. Around then,
infants lose their “startle” and “rooting” reflexes and
begin to master purposeful movements. At 3 months,
synapse formation in the visual cortex peaks; the brain
is fine-tuning connections allowing the eyes to focus on
80an object. At 8 or 9 months the hippocampus, which
indexes and files memories, becomes fully functional;
only now can babies form explicit memories of, say,
how to move a mobile. In the second half of the first
year, finds Chugani, the prefrontal cortex, the seat of
85forethought and logic, forms synapses at such a rate
that it consumes twice as much energy as an adult
brain. That furious pace continues for the child’s first
decade of life.
Monday September 24
Period 1 Read the passage and answer the following question:
The main point of this passage is to:
A. illustrate the importance of genetics in the formation of a baby’s brain.
B. illustrate the importance of stimulation and experience in the formation of a baby’s brain.
C. indicate the great need for conducting further research on babies’ brains.
D. compare the latest research on babies’ brains with similar research conducted fifteen years ago.
Period 2 Read the passage and answer the following question:
When she compares a baby’s brain to city neighborhoods, the author is most nearly illustrating her point that:
F. neurotransmitters are actually brain chemicals.
G. regions of the brain are awakened through experience.
H. the visual cortex allows a baby to recognize specific images.
J. a baby’s brain has about 1,000 trillion synapses.
Period 3 Read the passage and answer the following question:
Which of the following would the author of the passage be LEAST likely to recommend as a way to strengthen the synapses of a baby’s brain?
A. Reading to a baby
B. Playing peekaboo with a baby
C. Teaching a baby with flashcards
D. Showing a baby how to distinguish red socks from blue blocks
Period 4 Read the passage and answer the following question:
The last paragraph suggests that the formation of synapses occurs most rapidly:
F. during the first two months of a child’s life.
G. during the first nine months of a child’s life.
H. from the time a child is about six months old until that child is about ten years old.
J. from the time a child is about one year old until that child is well into adolescence
Period 5 Read the passage and answer the following question:
As it is used in line 30, the phrase something innate most nearly means:
A. a memory.
B. learned behavior.
C. physical immaturity.
D. an inherited trait.
Period 6 Read the passage and answer the following question:
The fifth paragraph (lines 53–70) suggests that one of the main causes of pruning is:
F. a lack of stimulation.
G. an insufficient number of genes.
H. the use of flashcards.
J. the strengthening of synapses.
Period 7 Read the passage and answer the following question:
The passage states that, in terms of development, the average baby should be able to:
F. focus his or her eyes on an object at two months of age.
G. develop a “startle” reflex at about two months of age.
H. make logical connections between ideas at about four months of age.
J. form explicit memories at about nine months of age.
Answers for Monday Sept 24
1st period
The best answer is B because throughout the passage, the author focuses primarily on "how experiences after birth, rather than something innate,
determine the actual wiring of the human brain" (lines 29-31). The third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs particularly focus on this topic by showing how
"early-childhood experiences exert a dramatic and precise impact" (lines 35-36) on the brain's circuits and how "experience seems to exert its effects
by strengthening synapses" (lines 54-55). The author goes on to say that the way to reinforce these developing synapses "has come to be known as
stimulation" (lines 59-60).
The best answer is NOT A. Although the fourth paragraph explains that genetics determine the basic structure of the baby's brain, the main portion
of the passage focuses primarily on the importance of experience and stimulation in determining "the actual wiring of the human brain" (lines 30-31).
The best answer is NOT C because even though the passage suggests that further research on babies' brains will be conducted, this is a minor
part of the passage, not the main point.
The best answer is NOT D because although the passage mentions the assumptions of neuroscientists fifteen years ago, this is a minor detail in
the passage, not the main point.
2nd period
The best answer is G. In the second paragraph, the author uses the analogy of restoring electricity to city neighborhoods after a blackout to help
explain how a neurobiologist, by using PET, can watch "regions of a baby's brain turn on, one after another" (line 17) as the baby grows older and
has more and more experiences.
The best answer is NOT F. Although the first paragraph states that neurotransmitters are brain chemicals, this definition is not part of the author's
comparison of a baby's brain to a city neighborhood, which is clarified in the second paragraph.
The best answer is NOT H. Although the last paragraph indicates that the visual cortex allows a baby to recognize images, this fact is not part of
the author's comparison of a baby's brain to a city neighborhood, which is clarified in the second paragraph.
The best answer is NOT J. The fourth paragraph explains that in the first months of life, a baby's brain has more than 1,000 trillion synapses, but
this fact is not part of the author's comparison of a baby's brain to a city neighborhood, which is clarified in the second paragraph.
3rd period
The best answer is C. This question asks the test taker to choose the LEAST likely way to strengthen a baby's synapses. Lines 61-62 clearly state
that "stimulation does not mean subjecting a toddler to flashcards." This suggests that flashcards are not the preferred way to strengthen brain
connections.
The best answer is NOT A because the author suggests that "listening to the soothing cadences of a fairy tale" (lines 63-64) is a good way to
strengthen a baby's synapses.
The best answer is NOT B because the author suggests that "peekaboo and other old-fashioned measures" (lines 67-68) are good ways to
strengthen a baby's synapses.
The best answer is NOT D because the author suggests that "sorting socks by color" (line 63) is a good way to strengthen a baby's synapses.
4th period
The best answer is H. Support for this choice is stated directly in lines 83-88: "In the second half of the first year . . . , the prefrontal cortex . . . forms
synapses at such a rate that it consumes twice as much energy as an adult brain. That furious pace continues for the child's first decade of life."
The best answer is NOT F because the formation of synapses "begins in the motor cortex at about 2 months" (lines 74-75).
The best answer is NOT G because the "furious pace" of forming synapses "continues for the child's first decade of life" (lines 87-88).
The best answer is NOT J because the "furious pace" of forming synapses "continues for the child's first decade of life" (lines 87-88); the passage
does not say that the formation of synapses continues at that rapid pace well into adolescence.
5th period
The best answer is D because the word innate means "existing at birth." In the context of the sentence, it can easily be determined that the word
innate means something other than "experiences after birth" (lines 29-30), so it must mean "existing at birth."
The best answer is NOT A because the word innate means "existing at birth." In the context of the sentence, it can easily be determined that the
word innate means something other than "experiences after birth" (lines 29-30), so it must mean "existing at birth."
The best answer is NOT B because the word innate means "existing at birth." In the context of the sentence, it can easily be determined that the
word innate means something other than "experiences after birth" (lines 29-30), so it must mean "existing at birth."
The best answer is NOT C because the word innate means "existing at birth." In the context of the sentence, it can easily be determined that the
word innate means something other than "experiences after birth" (lines 29-30), so it must mean "existing at birth."
6th period
The best answer is F because lines 57-60 state that "synapses that are not used will also wither away in a process called pruning," and the way to
prevent pruning "has come to be known as stimulation."
The best answer is NOT G because there is no evidence anywhere in the passage to suggest that pruning is caused by an insufficient number of
genes.
The best answer is NOT H because the passage indicates that some parents think flashcards will stimulate their baby's brain and increase the
formation of synapses, which is the opposite of pruning.
The best answer is NOT J because lines 57-58 define pruning as the withering away of synapses. The strengthening of synapses, therefore, could
not cause pruning.
7th period
The best answer is J because it is the only choice that is accurate, based on information in the passage. Direct support for this choice can be found
in lines 80-82, which state that "at 8 or 9 months, the hippocampus, which indexes and files memories, becomes fully functional; only now can babies
form explicit memories."
The best answer is NOT F because it is untrue; according to lines 77-80, babies cannot focus on objects until about 3 months of age.
The best answer is NOT G because it is untrue; lines 75-76 indicate that babies are born with a startle reflex and lose this reflex around the age of
2 months.
The best answer is NOT H because there is no evidence in the passage to suggest that at the age of 4 months, a baby has the ability to make
logical connections between ideas. Rather, information in the last paragraph suggests that logic is not possible until "the second half of the first year"
(lines 83-84).
Tuesday September 25
1st period Edit
quotation marks
Quotation marks are punctuation marks (“ ”) that set off dialogue, quoted material, titles of short works, and definitions. They can also be used to
place emphasis, demonstrate sarcasm or tone, in different phrases. Quotation marks also indicate movie titles, song titles, and other titles. You
capitalize the first letter of a direct quote when the quoted material is a complete sentence.
Examples: Mr. Johnson, who was working in his field that morning, said, "The alien spaceship appeared right before my own two eyes."
The great march of "progress" has left millions impoverished and hungry.
Write down the following sentence; put in quotation marks where needed.
Come on, he said, it’s time for us to go!
2nd period quotation marks
Write down the following sentence; put in quotation marks where needed.
The quarterback told the reporter, It's quite simple. They played a better game, scored more points, and that's why we lost.
3rd period quotation marks
Quotation marks are utilized to emphasize movie titles, TV shows, play titles, and other elements like art exhibits or musical performances. Write
down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where needed.
We went to see Transformers at the theater; later we went back and saw Iron Man 2.
4th period quotation marks
Quotation marks are utilized to emphasize movie titles, TV shows, play titles, and other elements like art exhibits or musical performances. Write
down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where needed.
Last year my English class read MacBeth and this year I think we’re going to read Hamlet.
5th period quotation marks
Quotation marks are utilized to emphasize movie titles, TV shows, play titles, and other elements like art exhibits or musical performances. Write
down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where needed.
There aren’t many television series I am interested in, other than Jersey Shore, and a few cop dramas like Blue Bloods or Hawaii 5-0.
6th period quotation marks
Quotation marks are utilized to emphasize movie titles, TV shows, play titles, and other elements like art exhibits or musical performances. Write
down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where needed.
I think we’re going to be able to get tickets to see the One Direction What Makes You Beautiful tour when they come to town, but there is no
possibility of us getting tickets to the Lady Gaga Little Monsters show in Denver.
7th period quotation marks
Quotation marks are utilized to emphasize movie titles, TV shows, play titles, and other elements like art exhibits or musical performances. Write
down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where needed.
I am so excited that the University of Utah has the Speed: The Art of the Performance Automobile exhibition open late for its final few weeks here.
Answers for Tuesday September 25
1st
“Come on,” he said, “it’s time for us to go!”
2nd
The quarterback told the reporter,” It's quite simple. They played a better game, scored more points, and that's why we lost.” Use
quotation marks around dialogue/speaker’s comments
use quotation marks around dialogue/speaker’s comments
3rd
We went to see “Transformers” at the theater; later we went back and saw “Iron Man 2.” Use quotation marks around movie titles
4th
Last year my English class read “MacBeth” and this year I think we’re going to read “Hamlet.” Use quotation marks around play titles
5th
There aren’t many television series I am interested in, other than “Jersey Shore,” and a few cop dramas like “Blue Bloods” or “Hawaii 5-0.”
Use quotation marks around TV show titles
6th
I think we’re going to be able to get tickets to see the One Direction “What Makes You Beautiful” tour when they come to town, but there is
no possibility of us getting tickets to the Lady Gaga “Little Monsters” show in Denver. Use quotation marks around musical performance/tour titles
7th
I am so excited that the University of Utah has the “Speed: The Art of the Performance Automobile” exhibition open late for its final few
weeks here.
Use quotation marks around art exhibition titles
Wednesday September 26
1st period quotation marks review
Write down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where necessary.
Hey, she shouted down the hallway, what are you doing?
2nd period
quotation marks review
Write down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where necessary.
He said, I may forget your name, but I never forget a face.
3rd period
quotation marks review
Write down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where necessary.
The detective said, I am sure of who performed the murder.
4th period
quotation marks review
Write down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where necessary.
I really can’t believe that the horror movie series Saw has made that many millions of dollars.
5th period
quotation marks review
Write down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where necessary.
Mullen, criticizing the apparent inaction, writes, Donahue's policy was to do nothing (24).
6th period
quotation marks review
Write down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where necessary.
Phillip asked, Do you need this book?
7th period
quotation marks review
Write down the following sentence; write in quotation marks where necessary.
Does Dr. Lim always say to her students, You must work harder?
Answers for Wednesday September 26
1st period “Hey,” she shouted down the hallway, “what are you doing?”
use quotation marks around dialogue/speaker’s comments
2nd period He said, “I may forget your name, but I never forget a face.”
Use quotation marks around dialogue/speaker’s comments
3rd period The detective said, “I am sure of who performed the murder.”
Use quotation marks around dialogue/speaker’s comments
4th period I really can’t believe that the horror movie series “Saw” has made that many millions of dollars. Use quotation marks around movie titles
5th period
Mullen, criticizing the apparent inaction, writes, “Donahue's policy was to do nothing” (24). Use quotation marks around text that
you are quoting in an article or book
6th period
Phillip asked, “Do you need this book?”
use quotation marks around dialogue/speaker’s comments
7th period
Does Dr. Lim always say to her students, “You must work harder”?
use quotation marks around dialogue/speaker’s comments
Thursday September 29
1st period
quotation marks review
Always place commas and periods inside quotation marks. Example: “One famous painting is ‘Starry Night.’”
Correctly place punctuation in the following sentence:
I like the sea poem “The Revenge”
2nd period
quotation marks review
Correctly place quotation marks in the following sentence:
I had hoped, said Bob, that you would be in the play.
3rd period
quotation marks review
Correctly place quotation marks and other necessary punctuation in the following sentence:
I enjoyed the short story The Milk Pitcher the one about baseball and a cow
4th period
quotation marks review
Correctly place quotation marks and other necessary punctuation in the following sentence:
Yes Captain Smith said we can go sailing
5th period
quotation marks review
Correctly place quotation marks and other necessary punctuation in the following sentence:
I love the U2 song Where the Streets Have No Name
6th period
Quotation marks
Use quotation marks to set off words or phrases used in a special sense: technical, ironical, coined, slang, and other informal writing. For example:
Grant always uses the word “terrific.”
Place quotation marks where needed in the following sentence:
Show us how you are the expert in math.
7th period
Quotation marks
Place quotation marks where needed in the following sentence:
Why do you always say the word excellent to every statement she makes?
Answers for Thursday September 29
1st period
I like the sea poem, “The Revenge.”
Comma goes before quotation marks; end period goes inside quotation marks
2nd period “I had hoped,” said Bob, “that you would be in the play.”
Quotation marks around dialogue/speakers comments
3rd period I enjoyed the short story, “The Milk Pitcher” the one about baseball and a cow. Use quotation marks around short story title, comma
before title to introduce it, and period at end of sentence
4th period “Yes,” Captain Smith said, “we can go sailing.”
who is speaking and their dialogue/comments
Use quotation marks around dialogue; end period and commas in between
5th period I love the U2 song “Where the Streets Have No Name.” use quotation marks around song title, end period
6th period Show us how you are the “expert” in math.
Use quotation marks for emphasis on word ‘expert’
7th period Why do you always say the word “excellent” to every statement she makes? Use quotation marks for emphasis on a specific word you’re
talking about