STEP English Practice Questions - Standardized Test of English Proficiency (STEP) Exam - STEP English Practice Questions - Standardized Test of English Proficiency (STEP) Exam

Question 1

Passage: "Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using a material called silicon. When sunlight strikes silicon cells, electrons are knocked loose and begin to flow, creating an electric current. Because sunlight is free and renewable, solar power produces no fuel costs and very little pollution once panels are installed. However, solar panels generate electricity efficiently only during daylight hours, so many solar systems rely on batteries or a connection to the traditional power grid to supply electricity at night or on cloudy days." What is the main idea of the passage?

Silicon is the most expensive material used in electronics. Solar panels generate clean electricity from sunlight but need backup power sources when the sun is not shining. Batteries are more efficient than solar panels at producing electricity. Cloudy weather permanently damages solar panel cells.

Correct Answer:

Solar panels generate clean electricity from sunlight but need backup power sources when the sun is not shining.

Question 2

Passage: "Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using a material called silicon. When sunlight strikes silicon cells, electrons are knocked loose and begin to flow, creating an electric current. Because sunlight is free and renewable, solar power produces no fuel costs and very little pollution once panels are installed. However, solar panels generate electricity efficiently only during daylight hours, so many solar systems rely on batteries or a connection to the traditional power grid to supply electricity at night or on cloudy days." According to the passage, what happens when sunlight strikes silicon cells?

The silicon melts and releases heat energy. Electrons are knocked loose and begin to flow, creating an electric current. The panels automatically recharge their batteries. The silicon reflects the light back into the atmosphere.

Correct Answer:

Electrons are knocked loose and begin to flow, creating an electric current.

Question 3

Passage: "Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using a material called silicon. When sunlight strikes silicon cells, electrons are knocked loose and begin to flow, creating an electric current. Because sunlight is free and renewable, solar power produces no fuel costs and very little pollution once panels are installed. However, solar panels generate electricity efficiently only during daylight hours, so many solar systems rely on batteries or a connection to the traditional power grid to supply electricity at night or on cloudy days." Why do many solar power systems rely on batteries or the power grid?

Because silicon cells stop working permanently after one day of use. Because solar panels cannot produce electricity efficiently when there is no daylight. Because batteries generate more electricity than the panels themselves. Because government regulations require a backup grid connection.

Correct Answer:

Because solar panels cannot produce electricity efficiently when there is no daylight.

Question 4

Passage: "Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using a material called silicon. When sunlight strikes silicon cells, electrons are knocked loose and begin to flow, creating an electric current. Because sunlight is free and renewable, solar power produces no fuel costs and very little pollution once panels are installed. However, solar panels generate electricity efficiently only during daylight hours, so many solar systems rely on batteries or a connection to the traditional power grid to supply electricity at night or on cloudy days." In the passage, the word "efficiently" most nearly means:

loudly slowly effectively rarely

Correct Answer:

effectively

Question 5

Passage: "Bees play a crucial role in producing much of the food humans eat. As a bee collects nectar from a flower, pollen grains stick to its body. When the bee visits another flower, some of this pollen rubs off, fertilizing the plant and allowing it to produce seeds and fruit. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that pollinators affect about 35 percent of the world's crop production by volume. In recent decades, bee populations in several regions have declined sharply because of disease, pesticide exposure, and the loss of wildflower habitats, raising concern among farmers and researchers alike." What happens to pollen grains when a bee visits a flower?

They are destroyed by the bee's saliva. They stick to the bee's body and can be carried to another flower. They are absorbed into the bee's honey. They fall to the ground and are wasted.

Correct Answer:

They stick to the bee's body and can be carried to another flower.

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STEP English Practice Questions - Standardized Test of English Proficiency (STEP) Exam

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About this Exam

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STEP English Practice Questions - Standardized Test of English Proficiency (STEP) Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

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