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Vocabulary

Part I, Synonyms
Directions
For questions 1 to 3, choose the word or group of words that has the same meaning or similar meaning as the bolded word. Select the letter of the correct answer.

Example

1. Something that is rigid is …
   1. Cold
   2. Stiff
   3. Tall
   4. light

Part II, Word meanings 
Directions
For questions 4 to 6, decide on the meaning of the bolded word by using the other words in the sentence. Select the letter of the correct answer.

Example

1. He had to comply with all the rules.  Comply means…
   1. disagree
   2. follow
   3. begin
   4. manage

Part III, Word usage 
Directions
For questions 7 and 8, choose the sentence that has the same meaning of the word that is in bold from the original statement. Select the letter of the correct answer.

Example
They will permit you to use the car.

Which sentence has the same meaning for the word permit?

1. He needed a permit to enter.
2. Do you have a permit for that gun?
3. The movie theatre will permit teenagers.
4. That dog needs a special permit.

Reading Comprehension

Part I, Text
Directions
For questions 9 to 11, use the provided text to answer the questions, Circle the letter of the correct answer.

Example
When they arrived at the site there was water everywhere despite the freezing temperature (below 0^oC). They quickly surveyed the area to find the source of the flood.
 

1. What season is it?
   1. summer
   2. spring
   3. fall
   4. winter

2. The situation is …
   1. unexpected
   2. predictable
   3. routine
   4. emergency

Rasps and Files
     Files form, trim and smooth anything made of metal, wood and even plastic. Their strong, narrow steel ridges can be used to sharpen blades, carve shapes and remove burrs from rough edges. Files used for wood are called rasps. They are coarser than a file for metal. Both have a serrated pattern of rough metal points that tear away at the surface of the material. Files and rasps are used to even a rough surface before it is sanded to a smooth finish. There is a wide range of files and rasps available with different tooth coarseness, size, shape and pattern. Each one is designed for a specific application.

Reading Comprehension continued

Part II, Chart
Directions
For questions 12 to 16, use the following chart and information.  Select the letter of the correct answer.

Construction Timetable

Stage	Time	Week #
Foundation & site preparation	3 Weeks	1 - 3
Framing	3 - 4 Weeks	5 - 7
Exterior finish	1 Week	8
Mechanical rough - in	4 Weeks	9 - 12
Insulation	1 - 2 Weeks	13 - 14
Interior finish	5 -6 Weeks	15 - 20
Landscaping	2 Weeks	21 - 22
Walkthrough	1 Week	23*

*Delays such as inclement weather or the lack of available materials or labour can add a considerable amount of time.

Building a house can take many months.  To begin, the lot has to be purchased, the house designed, building permits granted, and materials and labour arranged for.
 
Foundation and Site Work
Before the house is constructed, the site must be cleared and graded.  Trees, large rocks and old buildings may need to be removed.  Once this is complete, excavation for the foundation is dug.  Most foundations are made of poured concrete.
 
Framing
Once the foundation is finished, the floor, walls and roof are built. The frame is the skeleton of the building. The conventional approach is to build the home from 2x4 pieces of lumber, known as stick-built construction.
 
The Exterior 
This stage finishes the outside and protects the inside from the elements. A variety of materials are available such as brick, stucco and vinyl siding.
 
Mechanical Rough-Ins
Once the interior of the house is properly protected from the elements, the plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are installed.
 
Insulation
This ensures your home will stay comfortable during extreme temperatures. Insulation is added to the exterior walls and the roof.
 
Interior Finishes
Once everything behind the walls is complete, the flooring, drywall, tiles and cabinetry are installed, and the home is painted. This is the most time-consuming portion of the construction, unlike the mechanical rough-ins; subcontractors in the interior finish phase cannot work simultaneously.
 
Landscaping
This step can occur any time after the exterior finish is complete, but it's usually done concurrently with interior finishing.
 
Walkthrough
A final walk-through is the time to ensure that everything is complete.


Example
When they arrived at the site there was water everywhere despite the freezing temperature (below 0^oC). They quickly surveyed the area to find the source of the flood.

This timetable suggests the house will be completed construction in…

1. 6 months
2. 24 months
3. 30 months
4. 1 year

Part III, Illustration
Directions
For questions 17 to 19, use figure 1 to answer the questions, Select the letter of the correct answer...

Example
The purpose of flashing is likely to…

1. prevent rain from entering the building
2. seal a drain
3. support an iron pipe
4. collect waste material

Reading Comprehension continued

Part IV, Table
Directions
For questions 20 to 22, use the following table and information. Select the letter of the correct answer.

Example
A Class D symbol indicates the material may be…

1. frightening
2. contagious
3. an eye irritant
4. harmful over a long term

Part V, Text
Directions
For questions 23 to 25, use the following text information to answer the questions.  Select the letter of the correct answer.

      Safety in the workplace is the responsibility of the employer, the employee and the public. The employer must provide a clean, well-lit and well-ventilated work environment. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act (AHSA) gives details on their legal responsibility to their staff. Employees also have a responsibility to look after one another. For example, if you see someone not wearing safety glasses in a situation where an eye injury is possible, you must let them know. It is the employees' responsibility to use personal protective equipment to protect themselves from injury. The public can also help protect workers from unnecessary hazards. Accidents and injuries are costly to everyone in terms of health care.

Example
Who is responsible for workplace safety?

1. the supervisor, maintenance worker and customer
2. the business owner, the manager and staff
3. the trades person, supervisor and technician
4. the employer, manager and staff