…essay and then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement.
Passage
(1) The poet Robert Frost appreciated the many literary honors that had been bestowed upon him, but nothing could match the sense of pride that overwhelmed him in 1961. (2) He had received an invitation from President-Elect John F. Kennedy to read a poem at the inauguration. (3) The poet was gratified, at the age of eighty-six, to be part of what he saw as the dawning of a new cultural age. (4) He knew that he was the first poet to participate in these prestigious ceremonies, therefore, he contemplated which poem would be appropriate for the occasion.
(5) The president-elect initially suggested that the poet compose new verse specifically for the event (6) The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. (7) It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion. (8) The president then requested one of the poet's well-known pieces, "The Gift Outright," whose subject was the history and the future of the land. (9) The poet concurred because he believed the theme captured the spirit of the event. (10) He was confident he could recite the piece impeccably in the commanding voice warranted by the distinguished gathering
(11) He devoted himself to the task of creating a new poem, which he would read before he recited the familiar selection. (12) Upon further reflection, Frost decided that such an auspicious occasion merited original verse. (13) He saw this event, which would be witnessed by millions, as an opportunity to further the cause of the arts in society. (14) In spite of his concern over time constraints the occasion was an important one! he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
(15) As the immanent poet wrote, he contemplated the dual purpose of his new poem. (16) He wanted not only to honor the new president in a way that would touch the hearts of the audience but also to inspire others to appreciate the arts. (17) He proceeded with an enthusiasm befitting his notable role.
The best placement for sentence 12 within the third paragraph would be
- A. where it is now
- B. before sentence 11
- C. after sentence 13
- D. after sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Placing sentence 12 after sentence 13 allows for a logical flow of ideas, as it builds on the information presented in the preceding sentences, enhancing coherence. This positioning ensures that the reader receives a complete thought before transitioning to the next point. Option A retains the sentence in its current position, which disrupts the paragraph's flow. Option B places it too early, causing a disconnect with the context of sentence 11. Option D positions it too late, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the preceding content. Thus, option C optimally maintains the paragraph's structure and clarity.
Placing sentence 12 after sentence 13 allows for a logical flow of ideas, as it builds on the information presented in the preceding sentences, enhancing coherence. This positioning ensures that the reader receives a complete thought before transitioning to the next point. Option A retains the sentence in its current position, which disrupts the paragraph's flow. Option B places it too early, causing a disconnect with the context of sentence 11. Option D positions it too late, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the preceding content. Thus, option C optimally maintains the paragraph's structure and clarity.
Other Related Questions
Which sentence should be deleted because it contains irrelevant information?
- A. Sentence 1
- B. Sentence 6
- C. Sentence 9
- D. Sentence 11
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Sentence 11 should be deleted as it introduces information that does not directly support the main topic of the paragraph. It diverges from the core argument, making it less relevant to the overall message. Sentence 1, 6, and 9, on the other hand, provide context or examples that enhance understanding of the main idea. Sentence 1 sets the stage, while sentences 6 and 9 contribute important details that are closely tied to the central theme. Removing sentence 11 helps maintain focus and clarity in the writing, ensuring that all remaining content is pertinent to the discussion.
Sentence 11 should be deleted as it introduces information that does not directly support the main topic of the paragraph. It diverges from the core argument, making it less relevant to the overall message. Sentence 1, 6, and 9, on the other hand, provide context or examples that enhance understanding of the main idea. Sentence 1 sets the stage, while sentences 6 and 9 contribute important details that are closely tied to the central theme. Removing sentence 11 helps maintain focus and clarity in the writing, ensuring that all remaining content is pertinent to the discussion.
Which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 4 and 5 (reproduced below)? These elements created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism. Many of these elements were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land.
- A. Many of these elements created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism they were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land.
- B. These elements, many of which were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land, created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism.
- C. These elements created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism, many were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land.
- D. man directors fleeing their war-torn land, which created
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, clearly indicating that the elements created disillusionment and were brought to Hollywood by German directors. This maintains clarity and coherence. Option A incorrectly connects two independent clauses without proper punctuation, leading to a run-on sentence. Option C misuses a comma, creating a comma splice by linking two independent clauses improperly. Option D is incomplete and lacks context, failing to convey the intended meaning about the elements and their effects. Thus, B is the most effective choice for combining the ideas cohesively.
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, clearly indicating that the elements created disillusionment and were brought to Hollywood by German directors. This maintains clarity and coherence. Option A incorrectly connects two independent clauses without proper punctuation, leading to a run-on sentence. Option C misuses a comma, creating a comma splice by linking two independent clauses improperly. Option D is incomplete and lacks context, failing to convey the intended meaning about the elements and their effects. Thus, B is the most effective choice for combining the ideas cohesively.
In context, which of the following sentences would best be inserted between sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)?
They say we could save a great deal of energy by addressing the problem of food waste. The "sell by" dates on foods are typically very conservative and result in people throwing away perfectly edible items.
- A. Better labeling might help
- B. Many people regularly buy more food than they need.
- C. Certain types of produce spoil more quickly than others.
- D. Canned foods last much longer than fresh items
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively connects the idea of food waste with the potential solution of better labeling. Improved labeling can help consumers understand the actual freshness of products, reducing unnecessary waste. Option B, while relevant to food consumption, does not directly address the issue of food waste or how to mitigate it. Option C focuses on spoilage rates of produce, which, although informative, does not provide a solution to the waste problem. Option D compares canned and fresh foods but fails to connect to the overarching theme of improving food labeling to reduce waste.
Option A effectively connects the idea of food waste with the potential solution of better labeling. Improved labeling can help consumers understand the actual freshness of products, reducing unnecessary waste. Option B, while relevant to food consumption, does not directly address the issue of food waste or how to mitigate it. Option C focuses on spoilage rates of produce, which, although informative, does not provide a solution to the waste problem. Option D compares canned and fresh foods but fails to connect to the overarching theme of improving food labeling to reduce waste.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 4 (reproduced below)?
He knew that he was the first poet to participate in these prestigious ceremonies therefore, he contemplated which poem would be appropriate for the occasion
- A. (as it is now)
- B. ceremonies, therefore,
- C. ceremonies, therefore
- D. ceremonies, therefore
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In this context, option B is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma before "therefore," which is necessary to separate the two independent clauses. This punctuation helps clarify the relationship between the ideas presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making the sentence run-on and harder to read. Option C omits the comma after "therefore," which is incorrect as it still connects two independent clauses. Option D is identical to C and also fails to include the necessary comma, leading to confusion in the sentence structure. Proper punctuation enhances clarity and comprehension.
In this context, option B is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma before "therefore," which is necessary to separate the two independent clauses. This punctuation helps clarify the relationship between the ideas presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making the sentence run-on and harder to read. Option C omits the comma after "therefore," which is incorrect as it still connects two independent clauses. Option D is identical to C and also fails to include the necessary comma, leading to confusion in the sentence structure. Proper punctuation enhances clarity and comprehension.