Read the passage below and choose one correct answer for each question:           Stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and related objects, such as overs (envelopes or packages with stamps on them). It is one of the world's most popular hobbies, with estimates of the number of collectors ranging up to 20 million in the United States alone.           Many casual collectors enjoy accumulating stamps without worrying about the tiny details, but the creation of a large or comprehensive collection generally requires some philatelic knowledge. This is especially important for those who intend to spend large amounts for stamps.           Stamp collectors are an important source of revenue for some small countries who create limited runs of elaborate stamps designed mainly to be bought by stamp collectors. The stamps produced by these countries far exceed the postal needs of the countries.          Some collectors, observing the generally rising prices of rare stamps, have taken to Philatelic Investment. Rare stamps are among the most portable of tangible investments, and are easy to store. They offer an attractive alternative to art, other collectible investments, and precious metals.   1. The estimated number of stamp collectors in the United States is ____________. A. 30 million B. 20 million C. 10 million D. 15 million 2. Philatelic knowledge is especially important for ______________ . A. many casual collectors enjoy B. some small countries C. those who intend to spend large amounts for stamps D. the postal needs of the countries 3. Why have some collectors taken to Philatelic Investment? A. Because they have observed the generally rising prices of stamps. B. Because they have observed the generally rising prices of rare stamps. C. Because they have observed the generally low prices of stamps. D. Because they haven’t observed the generally rising prices of stamps. 4. The word they in paragraph 4 refers to ________________.  A. Stamp collectors B. Small countries C. Rare stamps D. The prices of rare stamps 5. Which of the following is NOT true about rare stamps? A. They are among the most portable of tangible investments. B. They are are easy to store. C. They are an important source of revenue. D. They offer an attractive alternative to art.   Read the passage below and choose one correct answer for each question:        The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 117 million acres and 5,000 miles of rivers in 32 countries. The main purpose is to protect and restore the Earth's most critical natural places for both people and nature continues. Members of the Nature Conservancy have worked with local fishermen to complete the nation's first private buyout of ocean-going fishing trawlers and helped to develop a federal ban on bottom trawling in 3.8 million acres of ocean off the California coast. They participated in the single largest private land conservation sale in the history of the Southern United States and purchased 280,000 acres of forest across 11 states from International Paper.       They are increasing their innovative science-based work in diverse locations to reduce or slow the causes of climate change and help natural areas to cope. We try to protect forests throughout the world to halt the devastating effect deforestation has on our climate and more.       They will engage decision-makers worldwide to recognize the monetary value of “ecosystem services” adding a persuasive economic rational to aesthetic and ethical arguments for conserving nature and reward its good stewardship.   1. The Nature Conservancy has protected more than . A. 117 million acres and 5,000 miles of rivers in 30 countries B. 117 million acres and 6,000 miles of rivers in 32 countries C. 117 million acres and 5,000 miles of rivers in 32 countries D. 17 million acres and 5,000 miles of rivers in 32 countries 2. Members of the Nature Conservancy participated in the single largest private land conservation sale in the history of the Southern United States to ____________ . A. complete the nation's first private buyout of ocean-going fishing trawlers B. develop a federal ban on bottom trawling in 3.8 million acres of ocean off the California coast C. protect forests throughout the world to halt the devastating effect deforestation has on our climate and more D. purchased 280,000 acres of forest across 11 states from International Paper 3. What are they going to do to reduce or slow the causes of climate change? A. They are going to engage decision-makers worldwide. B. They are going to increase their innovative science-based work in diverse locations. C. They are going to work with local fishermen to complete the nation's first private buyout of ocean-going fishing trawlers. D. They are going to protect and restore the Earth's most critical natural places. 4. How many countries whose 5,000 miles of rivers has been protected by the Nature Conservancy? A. 22. B. 52. C. 32. D. 42. 5. Why do they want to protect forests throughout the world? A. Because they want the devastating effect that deforestation has on our climate and more to be halted. B. Because they want to add a persuasive economic rational to aesthetic and ethical arguments for conserving nature and reward its good stewardship. C. Because they want to recognize the monetary value of “ecosystem services.” D. Because they want to slow the causes of climate change and help natural areas to cope.