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 1
It seems humorous now, but when the telephone made its debut, Western Union executives described it as having "too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication." Someday we might be chuckling over similar claims about social networking sites like Facebook. Some people have declared that communicating through computer screens is a weak substitute for in-person interactions. But many others counter that social media encourage more frequent contact with others and thus enrich our real-life relationships. For these people, social networking sites are an invaluable method of communicating with friends, colleagues, and even family members.
Passage 2
A poll conducted in the United States revealed that nearly half of all citizens believe that social networking is a fad that will quickly pass out of favor. I agree with those people. Social media sites can be fun, but they aren't really important. Just as grabbing a candy bar isn't as nutritionally sound as sitting down for a full meal, having a "conversation" via a social media site is not as fulfilling as socializing with a friend face-to-face. As people come to this realization, they will step away from their computers and make plans to see their friends in person.
The author of Passage 2 would most likely say that the opinion held by the "people" mentioned in the third sentence of Passage 1 ("Some people have declared") is
- A. accurate
- B. unsupported
- C. misguided
- D. amusing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
Other Related Questions
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below)? High-tech teams around the world are working on projects designed to enhance people's telepresence "their sense of physically being in a location even when they are actually thousands of miles away.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. telepresence', their
- C. telepresence.' Their
- D. telepresence' their
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains the original structure and punctuation, effectively conveying the intended meaning without introducing errors. The phrase "telepresence" is correctly followed by a quotation mark, and the sentence flows logically. Option B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a period after "telepresence," which disrupts the sentence's clarity and structure. Option C improperly replaces the comma with a period, creating a fragment because "Their sense..." would then be a standalone sentence without proper connection to the previous thought. Option D lacks the necessary punctuation to separate the two ideas, resulting in a confusing and grammatically incorrect construction.
Option A maintains the original structure and punctuation, effectively conveying the intended meaning without introducing errors. The phrase "telepresence" is correctly followed by a quotation mark, and the sentence flows logically. Option B incorrectly uses a comma instead of a period after "telepresence," which disrupts the sentence's clarity and structure. Option C improperly replaces the comma with a period, creating a fragment because "Their sense..." would then be a standalone sentence without proper connection to the previous thought. Option D lacks the necessary punctuation to separate the two ideas, resulting in a confusing and grammatically incorrect construction.
What does the passage suggest about the light bulbs used in the first train signaling systems?
- A. They were very fragile.
- B. They were all the same color.
- C. They were only illuminated at night.
- D. They were also used to signal automobile drivers.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.
The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.
The passage is mainly discussing the Mississippi River's
- A. depth
- B. length
- C. width
- D. location
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The passage primarily focuses on the Mississippi River's width, detailing its varying measurements at different points along its course. This emphasis on width highlights its significance in navigation and ecology. Option A, depth, is not the main topic; while depth may be mentioned, it does not receive the same level of attention. Option B, length, is also a lesser focus, as the passage does not delve into the river's overall distance. Option D, location, is addressed but serves more as context rather than the central theme. Thus, width emerges as the key aspect discussed in the passage.
The passage primarily focuses on the Mississippi River's width, detailing its varying measurements at different points along its course. This emphasis on width highlights its significance in navigation and ecology. Option A, depth, is not the main topic; while depth may be mentioned, it does not receive the same level of attention. Option B, length, is also a lesser focus, as the passage does not delve into the river's overall distance. Option D, location, is addressed but serves more as context rather than the central theme. Thus, width emerges as the key aspect discussed in the passage.
During his long career, Bob Dylan has won many awards for his songwriting, performing, and recording. they include Grammy, Golden Globe, and Academy awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- A. recording, they include
- B. recording, he won
- C. recording, including
- D. recording, and includes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C, "recording, including," effectively connects the list of awards to the subject, Bob Dylan, without creating grammatical issues. It introduces examples of the awards he has won in a fluid manner. Option A, "recording, they include," is incorrect because "they" lacks a clear antecedent, leading to confusion about what "they" refers to. Option B, "recording, he won," disrupts the parallel structure by shifting the focus to past achievements rather than presenting them as current accolades. Option D, "recording, and includes," incorrectly combines tenses, suggesting a mix of past and present that does not fit the context.
Option C, "recording, including," effectively connects the list of awards to the subject, Bob Dylan, without creating grammatical issues. It introduces examples of the awards he has won in a fluid manner. Option A, "recording, they include," is incorrect because "they" lacks a clear antecedent, leading to confusion about what "they" refers to. Option B, "recording, he won," disrupts the parallel structure by shifting the focus to past achievements rather than presenting them as current accolades. Option D, "recording, and includes," incorrectly combines tenses, suggesting a mix of past and present that does not fit the context.