Passage 1: I have always been wary of cats, and now, walking alongside a 500-pound African black-maned lion, I know why. They remind me there is something higher than I am on the food chain. Josef, the lion beside me, is trained—'the best lion in the business,' his owner says, beaming. Josef has starred in movies and posed for film animators. Josef is a big-time Hollywood cat. But Josef is not tame. No big cat ever is—a difficult fact to ignore as we climb the hills near the ranch Josef calls home. He strides with the fluidity of unfurling silk, deliberately—not an ounce of tentativeness in each footfall. 'Cats don't rent; they own,' it is said. Lions own everything in sight. Passage 2: From Cathy Newman, 'Nature's Masterwork: CATS.' ©1997 by National Geographic Society. While packs of cave bears and saber-toothed tigers may once have terrorized early humanity, most regions of our planet have since been stripped of their descendants. And due to a variety of factors, many other 'man-eating' species now face the possibility of extinction. Their disappearance from Earth is a sobering prospect, not least because of the role they play in keeping us humble. The possibility of being prey, rather than agents of planetary dominion, keeps us acutely aware of our membership within the natural world. The emotions inspired by such possibilities remind us that the world is a dangerous, yet beautiful, place.
In context, the second quotation in Passage 1 ('Cats... own') serves to:
- A. Present an alternative view of a troubling situation
- B. Reinforce an observation by using a metaphor
- C. Warn the reader of an existing danger
- D. Cite an authority to support a point
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The second quotation in Passage 1 uses a metaphor to illustrate the unique and independent nature of cats, effectively reinforcing the observation that they possess a distinct personality. This figurative language emphasizes the author's point, making it more relatable and engaging. Option A is incorrect as the quotation does not present an alternative view; it rather supports the existing perspective on cats. Option C misinterprets the intent, as there is no warning about danger in the quotation. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation does not reference an authority but instead relies on metaphorical language to convey its message.
The second quotation in Passage 1 uses a metaphor to illustrate the unique and independent nature of cats, effectively reinforcing the observation that they possess a distinct personality. This figurative language emphasizes the author's point, making it more relatable and engaging. Option A is incorrect as the quotation does not present an alternative view; it rather supports the existing perspective on cats. Option C misinterprets the intent, as there is no warning about danger in the quotation. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation does not reference an authority but instead relies on metaphorical language to convey its message.
Other Related Questions
What is a central theme of the passage?
- A. No two people are likely to recall the same event in the same way.
- B. One person can have a profound effect on another person's life.
- C. Individuals can endure great obstacles by working together for a common purpose.
- D. The lives of most adults differ greatly from the futures they'd imagined as children.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B highlights the profound impact one person can have on another's life, which is a central theme of the passage. This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experiences and relationships, illustrating how individuals can inspire or change each other. Option A, while relevant, focuses on subjective memory rather than the transformative power of relationships. Option C discusses teamwork and shared goals, which may be present but does not capture the essence of individual influence. Option D reflects on the disparity between childhood dreams and adult realities, which, although poignant, diverges from the primary theme of personal impact and connection.
Option B highlights the profound impact one person can have on another's life, which is a central theme of the passage. This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experiences and relationships, illustrating how individuals can inspire or change each other. Option A, while relevant, focuses on subjective memory rather than the transformative power of relationships. Option C discusses teamwork and shared goals, which may be present but does not capture the essence of individual influence. Option D reflects on the disparity between childhood dreams and adult realities, which, although poignant, diverges from the primary theme of personal impact and connection.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion in sentence 11 (reproduced below)? Although Powers had been born in Georgia and remained in the same region, throughout her life, her quilt exhibited a number of stylistic similarities to the large, appliquéd cotton cloths used in festivals by the Fon people of Dahomey.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. region throughout her life,
- C. region throughout her life
- D. region, throughout her life
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C eliminates unnecessary words, enhancing clarity and flow. By removing "throughout her life," the sentence remains grammatically correct while emphasizing the relationship between Powers’ origins and her quilt's stylistic influences. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is wordy and less direct. Option B introduces a comma that disrupts the sentence's rhythm, making it awkward. Option D incorrectly retains the comma, which separates elements that should be connected, leading to confusion about the timeline of Powers' life and her quilt's stylistic features.
Option C eliminates unnecessary words, enhancing clarity and flow. By removing "throughout her life," the sentence remains grammatically correct while emphasizing the relationship between Powers’ origins and her quilt's stylistic influences. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is wordy and less direct. Option B introduces a comma that disrupts the sentence's rhythm, making it awkward. Option D incorrectly retains the comma, which separates elements that should be connected, leading to confusion about the timeline of Powers' life and her quilt's stylistic features.
Which of the following statements does the passage most directly counter?
- A. Having a non-arts job stifles and detracts from an artist's creative work.
- B. For people working in non-arts professions, art is more than just an entertaining distraction.
- C. The poetry of William Carlos Williams exemplifies autobiographical poetry.
- D. The public's interest in the arts has declined over the last century.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A is countered by the passage, as it argues that non-arts jobs can actually enhance an artist’s creativity rather than stifle it. This directly challenges the notion that such employment detracts from artistic work. Option B reinforces the idea that art holds significant value for those in non-arts professions, aligning with the passage's themes rather than contradicting them. Option C discusses William Carlos Williams' work, which is not addressed in the passage, making it irrelevant to the main argument. Option D suggests a decline in public interest, which is not a focus of the passage, further distancing it from the central argument presented.
Option A is countered by the passage, as it argues that non-arts jobs can actually enhance an artist’s creativity rather than stifle it. This directly challenges the notion that such employment detracts from artistic work. Option B reinforces the idea that art holds significant value for those in non-arts professions, aligning with the passage's themes rather than contradicting them. Option C discusses William Carlos Williams' work, which is not addressed in the passage, making it irrelevant to the main argument. Option D suggests a decline in public interest, which is not a focus of the passage, further distancing it from the central argument presented.
The sixth paragraph (sentences 14–17) suggests that on the first day of kindergarten, Evan felt:
- A. happy to be surrounded by so many other children for the first time
- B. excited by everything he expected to learn
- C. resentful of being indoors after spending most of the summer outside
- D. upset by unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The sixth paragraph highlights Evan's feelings of discomfort and anxiety as he navigates a new environment. This suggests he was upset by the unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings, aligning with option D. Option A misinterprets his feelings; while being around other children can be exciting, the text emphasizes his unease rather than happiness. Option B focuses on his excitement for learning, which is not supported by the text's portrayal of his initial emotional state. Lastly, option C incorrectly suggests resentment towards being indoors; the emphasis is on his overall discomfort rather than frustration with a specific situation.
The sixth paragraph highlights Evan's feelings of discomfort and anxiety as he navigates a new environment. This suggests he was upset by the unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings, aligning with option D. Option A misinterprets his feelings; while being around other children can be exciting, the text emphasizes his unease rather than happiness. Option B focuses on his excitement for learning, which is not supported by the text's portrayal of his initial emotional state. Lastly, option C incorrectly suggests resentment towards being indoors; the emphasis is on his overall discomfort rather than frustration with a specific situation.