1. Weddings put a substantial amount of stress on the bride, the groom, and their families. There is a large amount of planning that goes into a wedding, but the expenses are the major source of grief. The cake, the dress, and meals must all be purchased. The hall must be rented, the dj hired, and the invitations bought. By the time all is said and done, even a relatively simple wedding can cost in excess of $10,000. The main idea expressed in the

2. Organic food has become quite popular in the last number of years, but the price of organic foods still prevents many people from eating them on a regular basis. People choose to buy organic foods because they are becoming more concerned about what types of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides are in their food. Organic food is usually relatively easily obtained by visiting a grocery store or a farmer's market, and the selection of foods is also quite good. People don't eat organic food because

3. Obesity in the Western world has reached epidemic levels. While exercise is important to maintaining a healthy weight, healthy eating is even more important. Even the most active people cannot burn off hundreds of excess calories if they are consumed on a daily basis. It can be concluded that

4. At one time, people who wanted to be writers had to write a query letter to a magazine and then wait weeks, sometimes months, for a response, which was usually a rejection. Today, with blogs, virtually anybody can put their work out there for others to view. It's as easy as setting up your blog, naming it, and posting anything you want: opinions, poems, short stories, news articles, etc. Of course, while people who have blogs may choose to call themselves writers or journalists, it's unlikely they are making a living by putting their random thoughts out there into cyberspace. It can be concluded that

5. Malaria is a dangerous disease that is still common in many countries. It is carried and transmitted to humans by female mosquitoes. When they bite humans or animals, the malaria parasite is introduced into the human's or animal's bloodstream. The parasites travel to the liver. There, they multiply, and soon they infect red blood cells. Malaria symptoms like fever will begin to be experienced at this point. After the malaria parasites infect the red blood cells

6. Racism is still a widespread problem in North America. For example, one man of Arab descent was held at an airport for hours for no apparent reason. The man said he was later told that officials thought he was carrying a bomb. An African-American woman was passed over for a promotion. She says the job went to a less qualified applicant. The author is constructing her argument by

7. Cats are by far a superior pet compared to dogs. They are perfect for the working person, as they don't mind being left alone during the day. In addition, they are very easy to litter train. They require little care or effort, and are much cheaper to feed compared to dogs. The author's purpose in writing this passage is

8. Mitosis refers to the process of cell division that occurs in most higher life forms. During interphase, all of the genetic material within the cell is replicated. Then, the strands that contain the genetic material, which are known as chromatin, become compacted and condensed. Centrosomes then move to opposite ends of the cells, after which the nucleus contained in the original single cell disintegrates. Immediately before the chromatin becomes compacted,

9. Studies have shown again and again that birth order strongly influences the person one will eventually become. Oldest children have been shown to be more responsible and perform better in school. Younger children tend to do less well in school and be more free spirited. Cindy is a good example. She graduated on the Dean's list, and her parents report she always did her chores as a child. It can be concluded that

10. Using animals for fur is a barbaric practice that should be stopped. All across the world, animals are killed every day just to provide fashionable clothing. Fur is no longer necessary as it may once have been. There are now synthetic materials that can keep people just as warm during the winter months. In addition, the conditions on many fur farms are inhumane. Considering that fur-bearing animals are suffering to provide unnecessary luxury items, it is impossible to justify this sort of cruelty to animals. The main idea expressed in this

11. Many people feel that summer water sports are dangerous. While accidents do occur, the vast majority are preventable. For example, boating is a relatively safe activity, provided that life vests are worn and a reasonable speed is maintained. When diving, it's important to know the area well and be certain that water is deep enough. Finally, alcohol should never be consumed while engaging in water sports or activities. Following these simple tips would prevent many accidents. The main idea expressed in the passage is

12. Beowulf is an epic poem that is important because it is often viewed as the first significant work of English literature. Although it was first written in 700A.D., it is thought to be even hundreds of years older than that. It is believed that the story of Beowulf was told for centuries before it ever made its way on to paper. It is still taught today in various schools and universities.Beowulf is a significant poem because

13. Knowing how to perform CPR properly can save another person's life. If you come across someone who is in trouble, call 911 right away. Then, lay them on their back. Next, open their airway by raising the chin. After this, but before beginning mouth to mouth, spend a few moments to determine whether they are breathing. If not, mouth to mouth and chest compressions will be necessary. Before checking to see whether a person is breathing

14. Racism is still a widespread problem in North America. For example, one man of Arab descent was held at an airport for hours for no apparent reason. The man said he was later told that officials thought he was carrying a bomb. An African-American woman was passed over for a promotion. She says the job went to a less qualified applicant. The author is constructing her argument by

15. Beowulf is an epic poem that is important because it is often viewed as the first significant work of English literature. Although it was first written in 700A.D., it is thought to be even hundreds of years older than that. It is believed that the story of Beowulf was told for centuries before it ever made its way on to paper. It is still taught today in various schools and universities.Beowulf is a significant poem because