Passage 1: In a recent survey concerning plagiarism among scholars, two University of Alabarma economists asked 1,200 of their colleagues if they believed their work had ever been stolen. A startling 40 percent answered yes. While not a random sample, the responses still represent hundreds of cases of alleged plagiarism. Very few of them will ever be dragged into the sunlight. That's because academia often discourages victims from seeking justice, and when they do, tends to ignore their complaints. 'It's like cockroaches,' says the author of a recent book about academic fraud. 'For every one you see on the floor, there are a hundred behind the stove.' Passage 2: Words belong to the person who wrote them. There are few simpler ethical notions than this, particularly as society directs more and more energy toward the creation of intellectual property. In the past 30 years, copyright laws have been strengthened, fighting piracy has become an obsession with w Hollywood, and, in the worlds of academia and publishing, plagiarism has gone from being bad literary manners to something close to a felony. When a noted historian was recently found to have lifted passages from other historians, she was asked to resign from the board of the Pulitzer Prize committee. And why not? If she had robbed a bank, she would have been fired the next day.
The author quoted in Passage 1 would likely argue that the historian’s having 'lifted passages from other historians' (sentence 4, Passage 2) is:
- A. an example of academic collaboration
- B. deserving of harsh punishment
- C. far from an isolated incident
- D. a comparatively recent problem
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The author in Passage 1 likely views the historian's practice of lifting passages as a common occurrence in the field, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend rather than an isolated case. This aligns with option C, emphasizing the prevalence of such practices among historians. Option A misinterprets the act as collaboration, which typically involves mutual consent and acknowledgment, whereas lifting passages often lacks proper attribution. Option B is incorrect as it implies a punitive view that the author does not express. Lastly, option D suggests a recent emergence of this issue, contradicting the author's perspective that it has long been a part of historical writing.
The author in Passage 1 likely views the historian's practice of lifting passages as a common occurrence in the field, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend rather than an isolated case. This aligns with option C, emphasizing the prevalence of such practices among historians. Option A misinterprets the act as collaboration, which typically involves mutual consent and acknowledgment, whereas lifting passages often lacks proper attribution. Option B is incorrect as it implies a punitive view that the author does not express. Lastly, option D suggests a recent emergence of this issue, contradicting the author's perspective that it has long been a part of historical writing.
Other Related Questions
The author of Passage 2 would likely respond to the actions attributed to 'academia' in the fifth sentence of Passage 1 ('academia...complaints') by asserting that:
- A. these actions are consistent with the approach common in publishing
- B. academic plagiarism has usually been misrepresented in surveys
- C. universities increasingly treat plagiarism as a serious offense
- D. colleges should provide amnesty to researchers accused of plagiarism
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The assertion in Passage 2 likely aligns with the view that universities are taking a stronger stance against plagiarism, reflecting a growing seriousness about academic integrity. This perspective supports option C, as it highlights an evolving attitude within academia. Option A misrepresents the author's likely stance, as it suggests acceptance of the status quo in publishing rather than a critique of it. Option B incorrectly implies that the author believes surveys misrepresent plagiarism, which may not be the focus of their argument. Option D suggests a leniency that contradicts the seriousness implied in Passage 2, as it undermines the accountability that academia is increasingly emphasizing.
The assertion in Passage 2 likely aligns with the view that universities are taking a stronger stance against plagiarism, reflecting a growing seriousness about academic integrity. This perspective supports option C, as it highlights an evolving attitude within academia. Option A misrepresents the author's likely stance, as it suggests acceptance of the status quo in publishing rather than a critique of it. Option B incorrectly implies that the author believes surveys misrepresent plagiarism, which may not be the focus of their argument. Option D suggests a leniency that contradicts the seriousness implied in Passage 2, as it undermines the accountability that academia is increasingly emphasizing.
The third paragraph (sentences 5–8) indicates that in the past, the narrator's father had
- A. survived a shipwreck
- B. served as a soldier
- C. failed to become a professional radio operator
- D. learned Morse code from his own father
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The third paragraph reveals that the narrator's father had military experience, indicating he served as a soldier. This aligns with option B. Option A, "survived a shipwreck," is incorrect as the text does not mention any maritime incidents. Option C, "failed to become a professional radio operator," is not supported by the text, which does not discuss any failures related to this profession. Option D, "learned Morse code from his own father," is also inaccurate since the paragraph does not reference any familial teaching of Morse code. Each incorrect option fails to connect with the details provided in the paragraph.
The third paragraph reveals that the narrator's father had military experience, indicating he served as a soldier. This aligns with option B. Option A, "survived a shipwreck," is incorrect as the text does not mention any maritime incidents. Option C, "failed to become a professional radio operator," is not supported by the text, which does not discuss any failures related to this profession. Option D, "learned Morse code from his own father," is also inaccurate since the paragraph does not reference any familial teaching of Morse code. Each incorrect option fails to connect with the details provided in the paragraph.
The author mentions the best-seller lists and the Book-of-the-Month Club primarily to emphasize Raintree County's:
- A. limited readership
- B. enduring appeal
- C. commercial success
- D. artistic aspirations
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The mention of best-seller lists and the Book-of-the-Month Club highlights Raintree County's commercial success, showcasing its popularity and significant sales in the literary market. Option A, "limited readership," is incorrect, as the references suggest a wide audience rather than a restricted one. Option B, "enduring appeal," while relevant, does not directly address the immediate financial success indicated by best-seller rankings. Option D, "artistic aspirations," is also off-target, as the focus is more on market performance than on artistic merit. Thus, the emphasis lies squarely on the book's commercial achievements.
The mention of best-seller lists and the Book-of-the-Month Club highlights Raintree County's commercial success, showcasing its popularity and significant sales in the literary market. Option A, "limited readership," is incorrect, as the references suggest a wide audience rather than a restricted one. Option B, "enduring appeal," while relevant, does not directly address the immediate financial success indicated by best-seller rankings. Option D, "artistic aspirations," is also off-target, as the focus is more on market performance than on artistic merit. Thus, the emphasis lies squarely on the book's commercial achievements.
The purpose of this passage is most likely to:
- A. present factual information about Egyptian culture
- B. make the case that Egypt is a worthwhile place to visit
- C. suggest a theory about the building of the ancient Egyptian monuments
- D. offer a survey of ancient Roman civilization
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B effectively captures the passage's intent by highlighting Egypt as an appealing travel destination. The text likely emphasizes its rich history, stunning monuments, and vibrant culture to persuade readers to consider visiting. Option A is incorrect as it implies a purely informative approach without the persuasive element. Option C misinterprets the passage's aim by focusing on a specific theory rather than promoting tourism. Lastly, Option D is off-topic, as it shifts the focus to ancient Roman civilization, which is unrelated to the discussion of Egypt.
Option B effectively captures the passage's intent by highlighting Egypt as an appealing travel destination. The text likely emphasizes its rich history, stunning monuments, and vibrant culture to persuade readers to consider visiting. Option A is incorrect as it implies a purely informative approach without the persuasive element. Option C misinterprets the passage's aim by focusing on a specific theory rather than promoting tourism. Lastly, Option D is off-topic, as it shifts the focus to ancient Roman civilization, which is unrelated to the discussion of Egypt.