The hikers had a relatively easy trek to the top of the mountain, but they found the decent more difficult than they had expected.
- A. decent
- B. descend
- C. decant
- D. descent
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The term "descent" refers to the act of going down, which aligns perfectly with the context of the hikers finding the return journey more challenging. Option A, "decent," describes something of acceptable quality, which does not fit the context of a journey. Option B, "descend," is a verb meaning to go down, but the sentence requires a noun to describe the action taken by the hikers. Option C, "decant," refers to pouring a liquid from one container to another, which is unrelated to hiking or movement. Thus, "descent" is the most appropriate choice.
The term "descent" refers to the act of going down, which aligns perfectly with the context of the hikers finding the return journey more challenging. Option A, "decent," describes something of acceptable quality, which does not fit the context of a journey. Option B, "descend," is a verb meaning to go down, but the sentence requires a noun to describe the action taken by the hikers. Option C, "decant," refers to pouring a liquid from one container to another, which is unrelated to hiking or movement. Thus, "descent" is the most appropriate choice.
Other Related Questions
In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 (reproduced below)? I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person when I was in grade school and wanted to be able to juggle like my big brother.
- A. (As it is now)
- B. In fact, I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person
- C. I first recognized this trait in myself
- D. The first time I recognize is
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C, "I first recognized this trait in myself," effectively shifts the verb tense to match the past context of the sentence, indicating a realization that occurred during grade school. This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the timeline. Option A retains the original phrasing, which creates a tense inconsistency, as "recognize" suggests a present awareness of a past experience. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while still suffering from the same tense issue. Option D, "The first time I recognize is," is awkwardly phrased and lacks clarity, failing to convey a coherent thought regarding the past experience.
Option C, "I first recognized this trait in myself," effectively shifts the verb tense to match the past context of the sentence, indicating a realization that occurred during grade school. This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the timeline. Option A retains the original phrasing, which creates a tense inconsistency, as "recognize" suggests a present awareness of a past experience. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while still suffering from the same tense issue. Option D, "The first time I recognize is," is awkwardly phrased and lacks clarity, failing to convey a coherent thought regarding the past experience.
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: A
Placement of sentence 12 where it currently is allows for a logical flow of ideas, maintaining coherence within the paragraph. It connects well with the preceding sentence, enhancing clarity and emphasizing the main point. Option B disrupts this flow by placing sentence 12 before sentence 11, which may confuse readers regarding the sequence of thoughts. Option C, placing it after sentence 13, would create a disjointed structure, as it would separate related ideas. Option D, positioning it after sentence 14, risks losing the contextual relevance, diminishing the paragraph's overall impact.
Placement of sentence 12 where it currently is allows for a logical flow of ideas, maintaining coherence within the paragraph. It connects well with the preceding sentence, enhancing clarity and emphasizing the main point. Option B disrupts this flow by placing sentence 12 before sentence 11, which may confuse readers regarding the sequence of thoughts. Option C, placing it after sentence 13, would create a disjointed structure, as it would separate related ideas. Option D, positioning it after sentence 14, risks losing the contextual relevance, diminishing the paragraph's overall impact.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Banana consumption surpassed that of apples only 20 years after they were first introduced to Americans.
- A. After sentence 3
- B. After sentence 4
- C. After sentence 6
- D. After sentence 7
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Placing the sentence after sentence 4 provides a logical flow, as it builds on the preceding discussion about the introduction of bananas to Americans and their rising popularity. This context allows readers to understand the significance of the banana's consumption surpassing apples. Option A is too early, as it lacks the necessary context about the introduction of bananas. Option C comes too late, as it may disrupt the narrative flow established earlier. Option D is also inappropriate, as it would place the information after a conclusion, making it feel disconnected from the main discussion.
Placing the sentence after sentence 4 provides a logical flow, as it builds on the preceding discussion about the introduction of bananas to Americans and their rising popularity. This context allows readers to understand the significance of the banana's consumption surpassing apples. Option A is too early, as it lacks the necessary context about the introduction of bananas. Option C comes too late, as it may disrupt the narrative flow established earlier. Option D is also inappropriate, as it would place the information after a conclusion, making it feel disconnected from the main discussion.
In many cases, they are poets and novelists, not historians, who catch the spirit of an era
- A. they are
- B. those
- C. that is
- D. it is
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The phrase "it is" effectively introduces the main idea of the sentence, emphasizing the poets and novelists' role in capturing the spirit of an era. This construction clearly states a fact about their significance. Option A, "they are," shifts focus away from the overarching statement and makes the sentence less impactful. Option B, "those," lacks the necessary clarity and directness, making the sentence feel incomplete. Option C, "that is," suggests a definition rather than emphasizing the poets and novelists' importance, weakening the statement's overall strength.
The phrase "it is" effectively introduces the main idea of the sentence, emphasizing the poets and novelists' role in capturing the spirit of an era. This construction clearly states a fact about their significance. Option A, "they are," shifts focus away from the overarching statement and makes the sentence less impactful. Option B, "those," lacks the necessary clarity and directness, making the sentence feel incomplete. Option C, "that is," suggests a definition rather than emphasizing the poets and novelists' importance, weakening the statement's overall strength.