Read the following early draft of an essay and then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement
Passage
(1) Calling someone a rat may be complimentary. (2) In one experiment, University of Chicago neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages: in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) Instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calls. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
In context, how should the underlined part of sentence 6 (reproduced below) be revised? The rats eating the chocolate themselves.
- A. would have eaten
- B. could have eaten
- C. had eaten
- D. have eaten
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The phrase "the rats eating the chocolate themselves" requires a revision to align with the present tense context of the sentence. Option D, "have eaten," effectively conveys a completed action relevant to the present, indicating that the rats have consumed the chocolate. Option A, "would have eaten," suggests a conditional scenario that does not fit the context. Option B, "could have eaten," implies potentiality rather than a completed action. Option C, "had eaten," indicates a past action that is no longer relevant to the present context. Thus, only option D maintains the intended meaning and tense consistency.
The phrase "the rats eating the chocolate themselves" requires a revision to align with the present tense context of the sentence. Option D, "have eaten," effectively conveys a completed action relevant to the present, indicating that the rats have consumed the chocolate. Option A, "would have eaten," suggests a conditional scenario that does not fit the context. Option B, "could have eaten," implies potentiality rather than a completed action. Option C, "had eaten," indicates a past action that is no longer relevant to the present context. Thus, only option D maintains the intended meaning and tense consistency.
Other Related Questions
In context, adjusting capitalization as needed, which of the following would most appropriately be inserted at the beginning of sentence 10 (reproduced below)?
The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calls
It is true that:
- A. It is true that
- B. They point out that
- C. They claim it is obvious that
- D. It appears that
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B, "They point out that," effectively introduces the sentence by indicating that a specific viewpoint or observation is being made about the jailbreaking rats' behavior. This phrasing suggests a direct reference to a previous argument or evidence, enhancing the clarity of the statement. Option A, "It is true that," is too vague and does not connect to any preceding discussion, making it less effective. Option C, "They claim it is obvious that," implies a level of certainty that may not be warranted, potentially misrepresenting the argument's intent. Option D, "It appears that," introduces ambiguity and weakens the assertiveness needed in this context, making it less suitable than option B.
Option B, "They point out that," effectively introduces the sentence by indicating that a specific viewpoint or observation is being made about the jailbreaking rats' behavior. This phrasing suggests a direct reference to a previous argument or evidence, enhancing the clarity of the statement. Option A, "It is true that," is too vague and does not connect to any preceding discussion, making it less effective. Option C, "They claim it is obvious that," implies a level of certainty that may not be warranted, potentially misrepresenting the argument's intent. Option D, "It appears that," introduces ambiguity and weakens the assertiveness needed in this context, making it less suitable than option B.
In context, which of the following is best to do with sentence 9 (reproduced below)?
They say we could save a great deal of energy by addressing the problem of food waste.
- A. Replace 'They say' with 'Researchers assert that'
- B. Insert 'probably' before 'save'
- C. Replace 'by addressing' with 'if we would address'
- D. Replace 'problem' with 'problems'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A enhances the sentence's credibility by specifying the source of the claim, making it more authoritative. "Researchers assert that" clearly indicates that the statement is based on scientific findings, which is essential for persuasive writing. Option B weakens the statement by introducing uncertainty with "probably," which diminishes the impact of the claim about energy savings. Option C changes the meaning by suggesting a conditional scenario rather than a straightforward assertion, which can confuse the reader. Option D alters the focus from a specific issue to a broader context, which may dilute the intended message about food waste.
Option A enhances the sentence's credibility by specifying the source of the claim, making it more authoritative. "Researchers assert that" clearly indicates that the statement is based on scientific findings, which is essential for persuasive writing. Option B weakens the statement by introducing uncertainty with "probably," which diminishes the impact of the claim about energy savings. Option C changes the meaning by suggesting a conditional scenario rather than a straightforward assertion, which can confuse the reader. Option D alters the focus from a specific issue to a broader context, which may dilute the intended message about food waste.
Which version of the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below) most effectively elaborates on the idea presented at the beginning of the sentence?
In spite of his concern over time constraints the occasion was an important one!- he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. the event would be held in the nation's capital!-
- C. only two days until the ceremony!-
- D. the president would hear him recite!-
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed?
Any given instance of this practice may seem trivial, but the amount of waste quickly adds up.
- A. Before sentence 2
- B. Before sentence 4
- C. Before sentence 7
- D. Before sentence 13
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Placing the sentence before sentence 4 effectively emphasizes the significance of the practice being discussed, highlighting how seemingly minor actions contribute to larger waste issues. This context sets up a contrast between the triviality of individual instances and their cumulative impact. Option A, before sentence 2, lacks the necessary context to connect the triviality of the practice to its consequences. Option C, before sentence 7, is too far along in the discussion, diminishing the impact of the statement. Option D, before sentence 13, would disrupt the flow of ideas, as it is too late in the narrative to introduce the concept of cumulative waste effectively.
Placing the sentence before sentence 4 effectively emphasizes the significance of the practice being discussed, highlighting how seemingly minor actions contribute to larger waste issues. This context sets up a contrast between the triviality of individual instances and their cumulative impact. Option A, before sentence 2, lacks the necessary context to connect the triviality of the practice to its consequences. Option C, before sentence 7, is too far along in the discussion, diminishing the impact of the statement. Option D, before sentence 13, would disrupt the flow of ideas, as it is too late in the narrative to introduce the concept of cumulative waste effectively.