With so many problems to solve in the field of genetics, the specific genetic sequences that form the unique characteristics of a mule, the offspring of a horse and a donkey, were both less important and, due to their specificity in the genome, simply hard to see. But new technology that isolates individual genes for research has allowed scientists to zero in on two fascinating genetic constructions in mules: chromosomal translocations and inversions. The lessons being learned in this research may have consequences that can dramatically improve human health.

Based on the context of the passage, the phrase “zero in” most likely means

Knowing that he didn’t have time to walk home between the end of his soccer practice and the time of his dentist appointment, John killed that half-hour flipping through magazines in the grocery store.

Based on the context of the prompt, the word “killed” most nearly means:

Matthew: I had never been to a church like that before, so I felt really out of place when everyone knew exactly which hand movements to do at each part of the prayer.

Joshua: So what did you do?

Matthew: I watched the person next to me with laser focus and just did everything that she did, as quickly as I could so it would look like I knew what I was doing.

Which of the following figures of speech would make the most sense for Joshua to respond with?

At the final track meet of the year, Brittany ran like the wind on her way to a first place finish and new school record.

The figure of speech “ran like the wind” most nearly means that Brittany ran

The phrase “Blin eats like a _______” means that he eats _______.

Which of the following combinations would NOT complete the blanks above with a commonly-used figure of speech?

If someone is described as being “larger than life,” that figure of speech means that they are

If someone is described as being “as sharp as a knife” that figure of speech means that they are

While acknowledging that the investment in the project is indeed costly - and in fact would be the most ever spent on a project of its type -  advocates argue that the expense would not be _________ given that the benefits will pay off in the long run.

Which of the following words best fills in the blank above?

Once a timid child terrified of public speaking, Hannah benefitted from the self-confidence of team sports and the mentorship of an excellent teacher.  So it was no surprise how proud Hannah’s father was to see her looking so ______ on the debate stage.

Which of the following words best fills in the blank above?

Tarik had studied hard for the exam and knew that he had mastered the material. But given how hard he had worked and how nervous he was the night before the exam, he had to admit that he was pleasantly _______ when he finally saw the A next to his name when results were released.

Which of the following words best fills in the blank above?