45. In lines 17-18, the author mentions the "expansion of halite crystals...by heating and of sulfates and similar salts by hydration" in order to
(A) present an alternative theory about crystal growth
(B) explain how some rocks are not affected by salt
(C) simplify the explanation of crystal prying and wedging
(D) introduce additional means by which crystals destroy rocks

41. What is the passage mainly about? (A) The destructive effects of salt on rocks. (B) The impressive salt rocks in Death Valley. (C) The amount of salt produced in Death Valley. (D) The damaging effects of salt on roads and highways.

42. The word "it" in line 9 refers to (A) salty water (B) groundwater table (C) capillary action (D) sediment

43. The word "exert" in line 14 is closest in meaning to (A) put (B) reduce (C) replace (D) control

44. In lines 13-17, why does the author compare tree roots with growing salt crystals? (A) They both force hard surfaces to crack. (B) They both grow as long as water is available. (C) They both react quickly to a rise in temperature. (D) They both cause salty water to rise from the groundwater table.

46. The word "durable" in line 19 is closest in meaning to (A) large (B) strong (C) flexible (D) pressured

47. The word "shattered" in line 20 is closest in meaning to (A) arranged (B) dissolved (C) broken apart (D) gathered together

48. The word "dominant" in line 22 is closest in meaning to (A) most recent (B) most common (C) least available (D) least damaging

49. According to the passage, which of the following is true about the effects of salts on rocks? (A) Only two types of salts cause prying and wedging. (B) Salts usually cause damage only in combination with ice. (C) A variety of salts in all kinds of environments can cause weathering. (D) Salt damage at the seashore is more severe than salt damage in Death Valley,

50. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about rocks that are found in areas where ice is common? (A) They are protected from weathering. (B) They do not allow capillary action of water. (C) They show similar kinds of damage as rocks in Death Valley. (D) They contain more carbonates than sulfates.

1. What is the passage mainly about? (A) The musical compositions that best illustrate the developments during the European Renaissance (B) The musical techniques that were in use during the European Renaissance (C) The European Renaissance as a cultural development that included changes in musical style (D) The ancient Greek and Roman musical practices used during the European Renaissance