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 scientists who discovered the skeleton of "Ardi"-short for Ardipithecus ramidus-think she may represent a breakthrough in the study of human origins. The fossils show that Ardi walked upright, and that her teeth resemble modern human teeth more closely than they do those of a chimpanzee. Curiously, though, her feet were capable of grasping, something chimps need in order to climb in trees. "This is huge," says Carol Ward of the University of Missouri. "This is the biggest discovery since the 'Lucy' skeleton of the 1970s."
The author uses a direct quotation (sentence 4) to
- A. present a skeptical opinion about Ardi
- B. provide eyewitness testimony about Ardi
- C. place Ardi in the context of other discoveries
- D. give a physical description of Ardi
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The use of a direct quotation in sentence 4 serves to place Ardi within the broader context of other significant discoveries, highlighting its relevance and importance in the field. This contextualization helps readers understand Ardi's significance in relation to other findings. Option A is incorrect; the quotation does not express skepticism but rather situates Ardi among other discoveries. Option B is also wrong, as the quotation does not provide firsthand eyewitness testimony. Lastly, option D is misleading; the quotation does not focus on a physical description of Ardi but emphasizes its contextual importance.
The use of a direct quotation in sentence 4 serves to place Ardi within the broader context of other significant discoveries, highlighting its relevance and importance in the field. This contextualization helps readers understand Ardi's significance in relation to other findings. Option A is incorrect; the quotation does not express skepticism but rather situates Ardi among other discoveries. Option B is also wrong, as the quotation does not provide firsthand eyewitness testimony. Lastly, option D is misleading; the quotation does not focus on a physical description of Ardi but emphasizes its contextual importance.
Other Related Questions
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)? These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens. The robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
- A. These robots, while being equipped with cameras and video screens, allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings, interact more personally with their coworkers
- B. These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens, moreover, they allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
- C. Equipped with cameras and video screens, these robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
- D. In order to allow the workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers, these robots are equipped with cameras and video screens
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C effectively combines the two sentences by starting with a participial phrase, "Equipped with cameras and video screens," which succinctly conveys essential information about the robots while maintaining clarity. This structure emphasizes the robots' capabilities and their purpose in a streamlined manner. Option A introduces unnecessary complexity with "while being," making the sentence less direct and harder to follow. Option B uses "moreover," which is inappropriate for connecting the two ideas and creates a run-on sentence that disrupts the flow. Option D alters the focus by suggesting that the robots are equipped solely for the purpose of allowing interaction, which misrepresents the original intent and adds unnecessary wording.
Option C effectively combines the two sentences by starting with a participial phrase, "Equipped with cameras and video screens," which succinctly conveys essential information about the robots while maintaining clarity. This structure emphasizes the robots' capabilities and their purpose in a streamlined manner. Option A introduces unnecessary complexity with "while being," making the sentence less direct and harder to follow. Option B uses "moreover," which is inappropriate for connecting the two ideas and creates a run-on sentence that disrupts the flow. Option D alters the focus by suggesting that the robots are equipped solely for the purpose of allowing interaction, which misrepresents the original intent and adds unnecessary wording.
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 author includes and defines the words "gargouille" and "gurgulio" primarily to
- A. describe the physical appearance of gargoyles
- B. connect the name and function of gargoyles
- C. establish the geographical origin of gargoyles
- D. suggest the artistic and cultural value of gargoyles
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The inclusion and definition of "gargouille" and "gurgulio" serve to connect the names of these figures with their function as water spouts, emphasizing their practical purpose in architecture. Option A is incorrect as the definitions focus more on the names rather than physical descriptions. Option C is not supported, as the terms do not specifically indicate geographical origins but rather their meanings. Option D suggests a focus on artistic value, which is not the primary intent of defining these terms; the emphasis is on their functional role rather than their cultural significance.
The inclusion and definition of "gargouille" and "gurgulio" serve to connect the names of these figures with their function as water spouts, emphasizing their practical purpose in architecture. Option A is incorrect as the definitions focus more on the names rather than physical descriptions. Option C is not supported, as the terms do not specifically indicate geographical origins but rather their meanings. Option D suggests a focus on artistic value, which is not the primary intent of defining these terms; the emphasis is on their functional role rather than their cultural significance.
The historic town library is just passed the intersection of Main Street and the more residential Frederick Street.
- A. passed
- B. pass
- C. past
- D. passing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
In this context, "past" is the appropriate choice as it refers to a location beyond a point—in this case, the intersection. - **A: passed** is the past tense of "pass," which does not fit the sentence's need for a preposition indicating location. - **B: pass** is the base form of the verb and does not convey the intended meaning of being beyond the intersection. - **D: passing** suggests an ongoing action, which is not suitable here as the sentence describes a static location relative to the intersection. Thus, "past" effectively communicates that the library is located beyond the intersection.
In this context, "past" is the appropriate choice as it refers to a location beyond a point—in this case, the intersection. - **A: passed** is the past tense of "pass," which does not fit the sentence's need for a preposition indicating location. - **B: pass** is the base form of the verb and does not convey the intended meaning of being beyond the intersection. - **D: passing** suggests an ongoing action, which is not suitable here as the sentence describes a static location relative to the intersection. Thus, "past" effectively communicates that the library is located beyond the intersection.