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TPO 5-2 The Origin of the Pacific Island People

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  1. origin
    the place where something begins
    The Origin of the Pacific Island People
  2. region
    the extended spatial location of something
    The greater Pacific region, traditionally called Oceania, consists of three cultural areas: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
  3. consist
    have its essential character
    The greater Pacific region, traditionally called Oceania, consists of three cultural areas: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
  4. cultural
    relating to the shared knowledge and values of a society
    The greater Pacific region, traditionally called Oceania, consists of three cultural areas: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
  5. area
    the extent of a two-dimensional surface within a boundary
    The greater Pacific region, traditionally called Oceania, consists of three cultural areas: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
  6. contain
    hold or have within
    Melanesia, in the southwest Pacific, contains the large islands of New Guinea, the Solomons, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.
  7. primarily
    for the most part
    Micronesia, the area north of Melanesia, consists primarily of small scattered islands.
  8. scatter
    cause to separate and go in different directions
    Micronesia, the area north of Melanesia, consists primarily of small scattered islands.
  9. define
    show the form or outline of
    Polynesia is the central Pacific area in the great triangle defined by Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand.
  10. population
    the people who inhabit a territory or state
    Before the arrival of Europeans, the islands in the two largest cultural areas, Polynesia and Micronesia, together contained a population estimated at 700,000.
  11. estimate
    judge tentatively
    Before the arrival of Europeans, the islands in the two largest cultural areas, Polynesia and Micronesia, together contained a population estimated at 700,000.
  12. encounter
    come together
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  13. absence
    the state of being not present
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  14. linguistic
    consisting of or related to language
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  15. biological
    pertaining to life and living things
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  16. data
    a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  17. fanciful
    indulging in or influenced by the imagination
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  18. exclusive
    admitting or accepting only a particular group
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  19. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
    Speculation on the origin of these Pacific islanders began as soon as outsiders encountered them, in the absence of solid linguistic, archaeological, and biological data, many fanciful and mutually exclusive theories were devised.
  20. implicitly
    without ever expressing so clearly
    Many older theories implicitly deprecated the navigational abilities and overall cultural creativity of the Pacific islanders.
  21. deprecate
    express strong disapproval of; deplore
    Many older theories implicitly deprecated the navigational abilities and overall cultural creativity of the Pacific islanders.
  22. ability
    the quality of having the means or skills to do something
    Many older theories implicitly deprecated the navigational abilities and overall cultural creativity of the Pacific islanders.
  23. overall
    involving only main features
    Many older theories implicitly deprecated the navigational abilities and overall cultural creativity of the Pacific islanders.
  24. creativity
    the ability to bring something into existence
    Many older theories implicitly deprecated the navigational abilities and overall cultural creativity of the Pacific islanders.
  25. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    For example, British anthropologists G. Elliot Smith and W. J. Perry assumed that only Egyptians would have been skilled enough to navigate and colonize the Pacific.
  26. anthropologist
    a social scientist specializing in the study of humanity
    For example, British anthropologists G. Elliot Smith and W. J. Perry assumed that only Egyptians would have been skilled enough to navigate and colonize the Pacific.
  27. assume
    take to be the case or to be true
    For example, British anthropologists G. Elliot Smith and W. J. Perry assumed that only Egyptians would have been skilled enough to navigate and colonize the Pacific.
  28. navigate
    direct carefully and safely
    For example, British anthropologists G. Elliot Smith and W. J. Perry assumed that only Egyptians would have been skilled enough to navigate and colonize the Pacific.
  29. infer
    conclude by reasoning
    They inferred that the Egyptians even crossed the Pacific to found the great civilizations of the New World (North and South America).
  30. civilization
    a society in an advanced state of social development
    They inferred that the Egyptians even crossed the Pacific to found the great civilizations of the New World (North and South America).
  31. drift
    be in motion due to some air or water current
    In 1947 Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl drifted on a balsa-log raft westward with the winds and currents across the Pacific from South America to prove his theory that Pacific islanders were Native Americans (also called American Indians).
  32. current
    occurring in or belonging to the present time
    In 1947 Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl drifted on a balsa-log raft westward with the winds and currents across the Pacific from South America to prove his theory that Pacific islanders were Native Americans (also called American Indians).
  33. prove
    establish the validity of something
    In 1947 Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl drifted on a balsa-log raft westward with the winds and currents across the Pacific from South America to prove his theory that Pacific islanders were Native Americans (also called American Indians).
  34. native
    belonging to one by birth
    In 1947 Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl drifted on a balsa-log raft westward with the winds and currents across the Pacific from South America to prove his theory that Pacific islanders were Native Americans (also called American Indians).
  35. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
    Later Heyerdahl suggested that the Pacific was peopled by three migrations: by Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest of North America drifting to Hawaii, by Peruvians drifting to Easter Island, and by Melanesians.
  36. migration
    the movement of persons from one locality to another
    Later Heyerdahl suggested that the Pacific was peopled by three migrations: by Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest of North America drifting to Hawaii, by Peruvians drifting to Easter Island, and by Melanesians.
  37. style
    how something is done or how it happens
    In 1969 he crossed the Atlantic in an Egyptian-style reed boat to prove Egyptian influences in the Americas.
  38. influence
    a power to affect persons or events
    In 1969 he crossed the Atlantic in an Egyptian-style reed boat to prove Egyptian influences in the Americas.
  39. contrary
    exact opposition
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  40. theorist
    someone who constructs hypotheses
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  41. overwhelming
    very intense
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  42. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  43. physical
    involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  44. anthropology
    science of the origins and social relationships of humans
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  45. linguistics
    the scientific study of language
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  46. archaeology
    the branch of anthropology that studies prehistoric people
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  47. prevailing
    most frequent or common
    Contrary to these theorists, the overwhelming evidence of physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology shows that the Pacific islanders came from Southeast Asia and were skilled enough as navigators to sail against the prevailing winds and currents.
  48. requirement
    necessary activity
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  49. successful
    having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  50. colonization
    the act of settling a group of people in a new place
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  51. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  52. appropriate
    suitable for a particular person, place, or situation
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  53. skill
    an ability that has been acquired by training
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  54. domesticated
    converted or adapted to use in the home
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  55. marginal
    at or constituting a border or edge
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  56. condition
    a mode of being or form of existence of a person or thing
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  57. varied
    characterized by diversity
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  58. inventory
    a detailed list of all the items in stock
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  59. implement
    a piece of equipment or a tool used for a specific purpose
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  60. technique
    a practical method or art applied to some particular task
    The basic cultural requirements for the successful colonization of the Pacific islands include the appropriate boat-building, sailing, and navigation skills to get to the islands in the first place, domesticated plants and gardening skills suited to often marginal conditions, and a varied inventory of fishing implements and techniques.
  61. prerequisite
    something that is needed or obligatory in advance
    It is now generally believed that these prerequisites originated with peoples speaking Austronesian languages (a group of several hundred related languages) and began to emerge in Southeast Asia by about 5000 B.C.E.
  62. originate
    come into existence; take on form or shape
    It is now generally believed that these prerequisites originated with peoples speaking Austronesian languages (a group of several hundred related languages) and began to emerge in Southeast Asia by about 5000 B.C.E.
  63. relate
    give an account of
    It is now generally believed that these prerequisites originated with peoples speaking Austronesian languages (a group of several hundred related languages) and began to emerge in Southeast Asia by about 5000 B.C.E.
  64. emerge
    come out into view, as from concealment
    It is now generally believed that these prerequisites originated with peoples speaking Austronesian languages (a group of several hundred related languages) and began to emerge in Southeast Asia by about 5000 B.C.E.
  65. culture
    all the knowledge and values shared by a society
    The culture of that time, based on archaeology and linguistic reconstruction, is assumed to have had a broad inventory of cultivated plants including taro, yarns, banana, sugarcane, breadfruit, coconut, sago, and rice.
  66. base
    lowest support of a structure
    The culture of that time, based on archaeology and linguistic reconstruction, is assumed to have had a broad inventory of cultivated plants including taro, yarns, banana, sugarcane, breadfruit, coconut, sago, and rice.
  67. reconstruction
    the activity of building something again
    The culture of that time, based on archaeology and linguistic reconstruction, is assumed to have had a broad inventory of cultivated plants including taro, yarns, banana, sugarcane, breadfruit, coconut, sago, and rice.
  68. broad
    having great extent from one side to the other
    The culture of that time, based on archaeology and linguistic reconstruction, is assumed to have had a broad inventory of cultivated plants including taro, yarns, banana, sugarcane, breadfruit, coconut, sago, and rice.
  69. cultivated
    developed by human care and for human use
    The culture of that time, based on archaeology and linguistic reconstruction, is assumed to have had a broad inventory of cultivated plants including taro, yarns, banana, sugarcane, breadfruit, coconut, sago, and rice.
  70. possess
    have ownership of
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  71. foundation
    the basis on which something is grounded
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  72. effective
    producing or capable of producing an intended result
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  73. maritime
    relating to ships or navigation
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  74. adaptation
    the process of adjusting or conforming to new conditions
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  75. variety
    a category of things distinguished by a common quality
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  76. overseas
    beyond or across the ocean
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  77. voyage
    a journey to some distant place
    Just as important, the culture also possessed the basic foundation for an effective maritime adaptation, including outrigger canoes and a variety of fishing techniques that could be effective for overseas voyaging.
  78. argument
    a dispute where there is strong disagreement
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  79. settle
    become resolved, fixed, established, or quiet
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  80. accidentally
    without intention; in an unintentional manner
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  81. reasonable
    showing sound judgment
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  82. feat
    a notable achievement
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  83. accomplished
    highly skilled
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  84. deliberate
    carefully thought out in advance
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  85. expedition
    an organized group of people undertaking a journey
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  86. stock
    a supply of something available for future use
    Contrary to the arguments of some that much of the pacific was settled by Polynesians accidentally marooned after being lost and adrift, it seems reasonable that this feat was accomplished by deliberate colonization expeditions that set out fully stocked with food and domesticated plants and animals.
  87. computer
    a machine for performing calculations automatically
    Detailed studies of the winds and currents using computer simulations suggest that drifting canoes would have been a most unlikely means of colonizing the Pacific.
  88. simulation
    the act of imitating the behavior of some situation
    Detailed studies of the winds and currents using computer simulations suggest that drifting canoes would have been a most unlikely means of colonizing the Pacific.
  89. likely
    having a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    These expeditions were likely driven by population growth and political dynamics on the home islands, as well as the challenge and excitement of exploring unknown waters.
  90. political
    involving or characteristic of governing or social power
    These expeditions were likely driven by population growth and political dynamics on the home islands, as well as the challenge and excitement of exploring unknown waters.
  91. dynamics
    mechanics concerned with forces that cause motions of bodies
    These expeditions were likely driven by population growth and political dynamics on the home islands, as well as the challenge and excitement of exploring unknown waters.
  92. challenge
    a call to engage in a contest or fight
    These expeditions were likely driven by population growth and political dynamics on the home islands, as well as the challenge and excitement of exploring unknown waters.
  93. explore
    travel to or penetrate into
    These expeditions were likely driven by population growth and political dynamics on the home islands, as well as the challenge and excitement of exploring unknown waters.
  94. derived
    formed or developed from something else; not original
    Because all Polynesians, Micronesians, and many Melanesians speak Austronesian languages and grow crops derived from Southeast Asia, all these peoples most certainly derived from that region and not the New World or elsewhere.
  95. certainly
    definitely or positively
    Because all Polynesians, Micronesians, and many Melanesians speak Austronesian languages and grow crops derived from Southeast Asia, all these peoples most certainly derived from that region and not the New World or elsewhere.
  96. presence
    current existence
    The undisputed pre-Columbian presence in Oceania of the sweet potato, which is a New World domesticate, has sometimes been used to support Heyerdahl’s “American Indians in the Pacific” theories.
  97. domesticate
    make fit for cultivation and service to humans
    The undisputed pre-Columbian presence in Oceania of the sweet potato, which is a New World domesticate, has sometimes been used to support Heyerdahl’s “American Indians in the Pacific” theories.
  98. coast
    the shore of a sea or ocean
    As Patrick Kirch, an American anthropologist, points out, rather than being brought by rafting South Americans, sweet potatoes might just have easily been brought back by returning Polynesian navigators who could have reached the west coast of South America.
  99. accord
    concurrence of opinion
    According to paragraph 1, all of the following are true statements about Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia EXCEPT:
  100. paragraph
    one of several distinct subdivisions of a text
    According to paragraph 1, all of the following are true statements about Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia EXCEPT:
  101. boundary
    the line indicating the limit or extent of something
    ○ Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand mark the boundaries of Polynesia.
  102. author
    a person who writes professionally
    By stating that the theories are “mutually exclusive” the author means that ○ if one of the theories is true, then all the others must be false ○ the differences between the theories are unimportant ○ taken together, the theories cover all possibilities ○ the theories support each other 3.
  103. difference
    the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
    By stating that the theories are “mutually exclusive” the author means that ○ if one of the theories is true, then all the others must be false ○ the differences between the theories are unimportant ○ taken together, the theories cover all possibilities ○ the theories support each other 3.
  104. passage
    the act of moving from one state or place to the next
    The word “overwhelming” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ powerful ○ favorable ○ current ○ reasonable 4.
  105. meaning
    the message that is intended or expressed or signified
    The word “overwhelming” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ powerful ○ favorable ○ current ○ reasonable 4.
  106. researcher
    a scientist devoted to systematic investigation
    According to paragraph 2, which of the following led some early researchers to believe that the Pacific islanders originally came from Egypt?
  107. connect
    fasten or put together two or more pieces
    ○ Linguistic, archaeological, and biological data connected the islands to Egypt.
  108. claim
    assert or affirm strongly
    ○ Egyptian accounts claimed responsibility for colonizing the Pacific as well as the Americas.
  109. responsibility
    the social force that binds you to a course of action
    ○ Egyptian accounts claimed responsibility for colonizing the Pacific as well as the Americas.
  110. characteristic
    typical or distinctive
    ○ They tried to account for the origin of the characteristic features of the languages spoken by Pacific islanders.
  111. feature
    a prominent attribute or aspect of something
    ○ They tried to account for the origin of the characteristic features of the languages spoken by Pacific islanders.
  112. opportunity
    a possibility from a favorable combination of circumstances
    The word “implements” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ skills ○ tools ○ opportunities ○ practices 7.
  113. practice
    a customary way of operation or behavior
    The word “implements” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ skills ○ tools ○ opportunities ○ practices 7.
  114. mention
    make reference to
    All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 3 as required for successful colonization of the Pacific islands EXCEPT ○ knowledge of various Austronesian languages ○ a variety of fishing techniques ○ navigational skills ○ knowledge of plant cultivation 8.
  115. require
    have need of
    All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 3 as required for successful colonization of the Pacific islands EXCEPT ○ knowledge of various Austronesian languages ○ a variety of fishing techniques ○ navigational skills ○ knowledge of plant cultivation 8.
  116. knowledge
    the result of perception, learning, and reasoning
    All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 3 as required for successful colonization of the Pacific islands EXCEPT ○ knowledge of various Austronesian languages ○ a variety of fishing techniques ○ navigational skills ○ knowledge of plant cultivation 8.
  117. cultivation
    production of food by preparing the land to grow crops
    All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 3 as required for successful colonization of the Pacific islands EXCEPT ○ knowledge of various Austronesian languages ○ a variety of fishing techniques ○ navigational skills ○ knowledge of plant cultivation 8.
  118. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    In paragraph 3, why does the author provide information about the types of crops grown and boats used in Southeast Asia during the period around 5000 B. C. E.? ○ To evaluate the relative importance of agriculture and fishing to early Austronesian peoples
  119. period
    an amount of time
    In paragraph 3, why does the author provide information about the types of crops grown and boats used in Southeast Asia during the period around 5000 B. C. E.? ○ To evaluate the relative importance of agriculture and fishing to early Austronesian peoples
  120. evaluate
    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
    In paragraph 3, why does the author provide information about the types of crops grown and boats used in Southeast Asia during the period around 5000 B. C. E.? ○ To evaluate the relative importance of agriculture and fishing to early Austronesian peoples
  121. relative
    not absolute or complete
    In paragraph 3, why does the author provide information about the types of crops grown and boats used in Southeast Asia during the period around 5000 B. C. E.? ○ To evaluate the relative importance of agriculture and fishing to early Austronesian peoples
  122. agriculture
    the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
    In paragraph 3, why does the author provide information about the types of crops grown and boats used in Southeast Asia during the period around 5000 B. C. E.? ○ To evaluate the relative importance of agriculture and fishing to early Austronesian peoples
  123. illustrate
    depict with a visual representation
    ○ To illustrate the effectiveness of archaeological and linguistic methods in discovering details about life in ancient times
  124. method
    a way of doing something, especially a systematic way
    ○ To illustrate the effectiveness of archaeological and linguistic methods in discovering details about life in ancient times
  125. discover
    determine the existence, presence, or fact of
    ○ To illustrate the effectiveness of archaeological and linguistic methods in discovering details about life in ancient times
  126. ancient
    belonging to times long past
    ○ To illustrate the effectiveness of archaeological and linguistic methods in discovering details about life in ancient times
  127. contrast
    the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
    ○ To contrast living conditions on the continent of Asia with living conditions on the Pacific islands
  128. continent
    one of the large landmasses of the earth
    ○ To contrast living conditions on the continent of Asia with living conditions on the Pacific islands
  129. demonstrate
    give an exhibition of to an interested audience
    ○ To demonstrate that people from this region had the skills and resources necessary to travel to and survive on the Pacific islands
  130. resource
    aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed
    ○ To demonstrate that people from this region had the skills and resources necessary to travel to and survive on the Pacific islands
  131. survive
    continue in existence after
    ○ To demonstrate that people from this region had the skills and resources necessary to travel to and survive on the Pacific islands
  132. sentence
    a string of words satisfying grammatical rules of a language
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  133. essential
    basic and fundamental
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  134. highlight
    an area of brightness in a picture
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  135. transport
    move something or somebody around
    ○ Some people have argued that the Pacific was settled by traders who became lost while transporting domesticated plants and animals.
  136. original
    preceding all others in time
    ○ The original Polynesian settlers were probably marooned on the islands, but they may have been joined later by carefully prepared colonization expeditions.
  137. probably
    with considerable certainty; without much doubt
    ○ The original Polynesian settlers were probably marooned on the islands, but they may have been joined later by carefully prepared colonization expeditions.
  138. prepare
    make ready or suitable or equip in advance
    ○ The original Polynesian settlers were probably marooned on the islands, but they may have been joined later by carefully prepared colonization expeditions.
  139. contradict
    prove negative; show to be false
    ○ Although it seems reasonable to believe that colonization expeditions would set out fully stocked, this is contradicted by much of the evidence.
  140. intentional
    done or made with purpose and will
    ○ The settlement of the Pacific islands was probably intentional and well planned rather than accidental as some people have proposed.
  141. propose
    present for consideration, examination, or criticism
    ○ The settlement of the Pacific islands was probably intentional and well planned rather than accidental as some people have proposed.
  142. mysterious
    beyond ordinary understanding
    The word “undisputed” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ mysterious ○ unexpected ○ acknowledged ○ significant 11.
  143. acknowledge
    declare to be true or admit the existence or reality of
    The word “undisputed” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ mysterious ○ unexpected ○ acknowledged ○ significant 11.
  144. significant
    rich in implication
    The word “undisputed” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ mysterious ○ unexpected ○ acknowledged ○ significant 11.
  145. explanation
    making something understandable
    According to paragraph 4, which of the following is NOT an explanation for why a group of people might have wanted to colonize the Pacific islands?
  146. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    ○ As their numbers increased, they needed additional territory.
  147. additional
    further or extra
    ○ As their numbers increased, they needed additional territory.
  148. territory
    a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
    ○ As their numbers increased, they needed additional territory.
  149. situation
    physical position in relation to the surroundings
    ○ The political situation at home made emigration desirable.
  150. emigration
    moving from one place in order to settle in another
    ○ The political situation at home made emigration desirable.
  151. desirable
    worth having or seeking or achieving
    ○ The political situation at home made emigration desirable.
  152. exploration
    travel for the purpose of discovery
    ○ They found exploration challenging and exciting.
  153. challenging
    requiring full use of your abilities or resources
    ○ They found exploration challenging and exciting.
  154. favor
    an act of gracious kindness
    ○ To present evidence in favor of Heyerdahl’s idea about American Indians reaching Oceania
  155. emphasize
    stress or single out as important
    ○ To emphasize the familiarity of Pacific islanders with crops from many different regions of the world
  156. indicate
    designate a place, direction, person, or thing
    ○ To indicate that supposed proof for Heyerdahl’s theory has an alternative explanation
  157. alternative
    one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
    ○ To indicate that supposed proof for Heyerdahl’s theory has an alternative explanation
  158. concentrate
    make denser, stronger, or purer
    Later theories concentrate on journeys in the other direction.
  159. journey
    the act of traveling from one place to another
    Later theories concentrate on journeys in the other direction.
  160. direction
    a line leading to a place or point
    Later theories concentrate on journeys in the other direction.
  161. brief
    of short duration or distance
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  162. complete
    having all necessary qualities
    Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
  163. select
    pick out or choose from a number of alternatives
    Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
  164. minor
    inferior in number or size or amount
    Some answer choices do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage.
  165. describe
    give a statement representing something
    Together, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia make up the region described as the Pacific islands, or Oceania.
  166. process
    a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
    ○It is now believed that the process of colonization required a great deal of skill, determination, and planning and could not have happened by chance.
  167. determination
    the act of finding out the properties of something
    ○It is now believed that the process of colonization required a great deal of skill, determination, and planning and could not have happened by chance.
  168. planning
    an act of formulating a program for a course of action
    ○It is now believed that the process of colonization required a great deal of skill, determination, and planning and could not have happened by chance.
  169. determined
    having been learned or found especially by investigation
    ○Using linguistic and archaeological evidence, anthropologists have determined that the first Pacific islanders were Austronesian people from Southeast Asia.
  170. isolated
    remote and separate physically or socially
    ○New evidence suggests that, rather than being isolated, Pacific islanders engaged in trade and social interaction with peoples living in Southeast Asia.
  171. engage
    consume all of one's attention or time
    ○New evidence suggests that, rather than being isolated, Pacific islanders engaged in trade and social interaction with peoples living in Southeast Asia.
  172. trade
    the commercial exchange of goods and services
    ○New evidence suggests that, rather than being isolated, Pacific islanders engaged in trade and social interaction with peoples living in Southeast Asia.
  173. social
    living together or enjoying life in communities
    ○New evidence suggests that, rather than being isolated, Pacific islanders engaged in trade and social interaction with peoples living in Southeast Asia.
  174. interaction
    mutual or reciprocal dealings or influence
    ○New evidence suggests that, rather than being isolated, Pacific islanders engaged in trade and social interaction with peoples living in Southeast Asia.
  175. society
    an extended group having a distinctive cultural organization
    ○Although early colonizers of the islands probably came from agriculture-based societies, they were obliged to adopt an economy based on fishing.
  176. obliged
    having a moral duty to do something
    ○Although early colonizers of the islands probably came from agriculture-based societies, they were obliged to adopt an economy based on fishing.
  177. adopt
    take into one's family
    ○Although early colonizers of the islands probably came from agriculture-based societies, they were obliged to adopt an economy based on fishing.
  178. economy
    the system of production and distribution and consumption
    ○Although early colonizers of the islands probably came from agriculture-based societies, they were obliged to adopt an economy based on fishing.
Created on Sat May 26 07:25:29 EDT 2012

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