Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.
Passage
The Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, was arguably the largest U.S. disaster of the nineteenth century, killing hundreds of people and destroying four square miles of the city of Chicago. Coincidentally, on the exact same day, a huge forest fire engulfed the remote town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, burning 1.5 million acres of land. The Chicago Fire received all the headlines, but the Peshtigo Fire is actually the deadliest fire in American history.
According to the passage, why did the Peshtigo Fire receive little news coverage?
- A. The damage from the Peshtigo Fire was not as widespread as the damage from the Great Chicago Fire
- B. Because it was a forest fire, the Peshtigo Fire really did not affect too many people
- C. The Peshtigo Fire happened on the same day as a fire in a much bigger city
- D. Residents of Peshtigo never reported that the fire had occurred
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The Peshtigo Fire received little news coverage primarily because it coincided with the Great Chicago Fire, which captured the media's attention due to its larger urban impact. Option A is incorrect; while the damage was significant, the timing overshadowed it. Option B misrepresents the fire's impact, as it affected many residents despite being a forest fire. Option D is inaccurate; residents did report the fire, but their voices were drowned out by the focus on Chicago, highlighting the influence of media priorities rather than a lack of acknowledgment.
The Peshtigo Fire received little news coverage primarily because it coincided with the Great Chicago Fire, which captured the media's attention due to its larger urban impact. Option A is incorrect; while the damage was significant, the timing overshadowed it. Option B misrepresents the fire's impact, as it affected many residents despite being a forest fire. Option D is inaccurate; residents did report the fire, but their voices were drowned out by the focus on Chicago, highlighting the influence of media priorities rather than a lack of acknowledgment.
Other Related Questions
Why does the author mention that only men signed the Mayflower Compact?
- A. To show the similarities between the Compact and the Constitution
- B. To suggest that the Compact was not a perfect model of government
- C. To indicate that men were better lawmakers than women
- D. To imply that only men were on board the Mayflower
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The mention of only men signing the Mayflower Compact highlights the limitations of this early governance document, suggesting it was not a perfect model of government. It reflects the societal norms of the time, where women's voices were excluded from formal political processes, indicating a lack of representation. Option A incorrectly suggests a direct comparison with the Constitution, which is not the focus. Option C perpetuates a gender bias that is not supported by the text. Option D misinterprets the context; while only men signed, it does not imply that only men were aboard the Mayflower, as historical records show women were present as well.
The mention of only men signing the Mayflower Compact highlights the limitations of this early governance document, suggesting it was not a perfect model of government. It reflects the societal norms of the time, where women's voices were excluded from formal political processes, indicating a lack of representation. Option A incorrectly suggests a direct comparison with the Constitution, which is not the focus. Option C perpetuates a gender bias that is not supported by the text. Option D misinterprets the context; while only men signed, it does not imply that only men were aboard the Mayflower, as historical records show women were present as well.
Our math teacher claimed that calculus, despite its complexities, were as easy as any other subject.
- A. were as
- B. was as
- C. is to be
- D. to be
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In this context, the subject "calculus" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Was as" correctly matches the singular subject, indicating that calculus is being compared to other subjects in the past. Option A, "were as," incorrectly uses the plural verb "were," which does not agree with the singular noun "calculus." Option C, "is to be," implies a future action or state, which does not fit the intended meaning of comparing past experiences. Option D, "to be," lacks a verb and does not form a complete thought, making it grammatically incorrect.
In this context, the subject "calculus" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Was as" correctly matches the singular subject, indicating that calculus is being compared to other subjects in the past. Option A, "were as," incorrectly uses the plural verb "were," which does not agree with the singular noun "calculus." Option C, "is to be," implies a future action or state, which does not fit the intended meaning of comparing past experiences. Option D, "to be," lacks a verb and does not form a complete thought, making it grammatically incorrect.
The author of Passage 1 would probably say that the claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 ("Someday... notice") are
- A. disappointing and inaccurate
- B. stimulating and insightful
- C. optimistic but vague
- D. alarming but truthful
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 are likely viewed as disappointing and inaccurate because they may contradict the author's perspective in Passage 1, which emphasizes realism over idealism. Option B, "stimulating and insightful," misinterprets the author's critical stance; the claims are not presented as thought-provoking. Option C, "optimistic but vague," overlooks the author's likely skepticism towards vague claims that lack concrete support. Option D, "alarming but truthful," fails to capture the author's likely rejection of the claims as factual, indicating a more critical viewpoint.
The claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 are likely viewed as disappointing and inaccurate because they may contradict the author's perspective in Passage 1, which emphasizes realism over idealism. Option B, "stimulating and insightful," misinterprets the author's critical stance; the claims are not presented as thought-provoking. Option C, "optimistic but vague," overlooks the author's likely skepticism towards vague claims that lack concrete support. Option D, "alarming but truthful," fails to capture the author's likely rejection of the claims as factual, indicating a more critical viewpoint.
According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world, in the far distant past, one vast land mass.
- A. the world, in the far distant past
- B. the world, being in the far distant past
- C. the world were, in the far distant past
- D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.