¹Do you have a favorite season? ²Winter, fall, and spring have many advantages. ³However, summertime is my favorite season because it offers the tranquility of the beach as well as the exhilaration of outdoor sports. ⁴First, sitting on the other side of a sand dune, hidden by sea oats and sedge, I like looking at the Atlantic Ocean, scanning for dolphins and pelicans. ⁵Looking at something larger than I am gives me a sense of awe and gratitude and provides a backdrop for some deep musings. ⁶Second, summertime provides me with the chance to go sailing, surfing, and hiking along the shore. ⁷The exercise enhances my sense of well being and creates a feeling of optimism.

	a. sailing and surfing.
	b. summertime.
	c. seasons at the beach.
	d. ways to develop optimism.

	a. sentence 1.
	b. sentence 2.
	c. sentence 3.
	d. sentence 4.

¹A rite of passage, according to psychologists, is an event that prompts movement from one stage of life to another. ²Weddings and graduations are two examples of new beginnings that are considered significant rites of passage. ³For the bride and groom, a wedding signifies the covenant of fidelity and the couple's public declaration of love. ⁴Making the promise for life before loved ones is the first step to their new life together. ⁵Graduations also signify a rite of passage. ⁶Tests will not be scheduled, and paperwork will no longer be graded on a curve. ⁷Whether it is a high school or college graduation, students acknowledge they are beginning a new path on their journey.

	a. a psychologist's view of life.
	b. stages of life.
	c. new beginnings in life.
	d. the importance of weddings.

	a. sentence 1.
	b. sentence 2.
	c. sentence 3.
	d. sentence 7.

¹A growing trend in many organizations is to find opportunities to serve others in a community effort. ²While participants expect to provide aid to people less fortunate, they often discover something else. ³A community effort to complete a project such as building a house can provide gratifying results. ⁴First, participants learn the art of cooperation. ⁵Working with a diverse group to accomplish a monumental task such as laying cinder block walls in 112º heat or cutting wood for doors with only a hand saw offers an understanding of what can be done as they connect with others. ⁶In addition, participants learn the art of communication. ⁷As a result, they also learn that people are more alike than different. ⁸Finally, workers gain a sense of pride and confidence from knowing they helped build something that will shelter a family and provide a venue for happy memories.

	a. sentence 1.
	b. sentence 2.
	c. sentence 3.
	d. sentence 4.

¹Coveted sports cars are impressive status symbols signifying affluence, competence, and privilege. ²People rationalize that they are purchasing a Corvette, BMW Z3, or even a Dodge Viper for their safety record, their quality construction, or the value they are receiving in a high-performance car. ³However, they are also saying, "Look at me! I can afford this expensive vehicle, so I am obviously successful." ⁴A truly successful person, however, does not necessarily need to spend a small fortune on transportation. ⁵For example, Barbara Walters does not even own a driver's license. ⁶However, a very wealthy driver can rightfully rationalize, "I am financially secure, and I deserve an expensive toy because I worked hard for it." ⁷Consequently, the car is more than just a fun diversion.

	a. sentence 1.
	b. sentence 2.
	c. sentence 3.
	d. sentence 7.