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 main idea of Passage 1 is that academic plagiarism is:
- A. becoming a primary concern among committees that review scholars' work
- B. likely more common than it seems because suspected cases often go unreported
- C. usually undetected because the stolen materials tend to be seen by few people
- D. evolving into a source of widespread disgust among scholars at universities
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The main idea of Passage 1 emphasizes the prevalence of academic plagiarism and its underreporting, making option B the most accurate choice. This highlights the hidden nature of the issue, suggesting that many cases go unrecognized. Option A focuses on the concern of committees, which is too narrow and does not capture the broader implications of plagiarism. Option C suggests that plagiarism is undetected due to limited visibility, but it overlooks the critical aspect of unreported cases. Option D implies a shift in emotional response among scholars, which, while relevant, does not address the fundamental issue of prevalence and reporting.
The main idea of Passage 1 emphasizes the prevalence of academic plagiarism and its underreporting, making option B the most accurate choice. This highlights the hidden nature of the issue, suggesting that many cases go unrecognized. Option A focuses on the concern of committees, which is too narrow and does not capture the broader implications of plagiarism. Option C suggests that plagiarism is undetected due to limited visibility, but it overlooks the critical aspect of unreported cases. Option D implies a shift in emotional response among scholars, which, while relevant, does not address the fundamental issue of prevalence and reporting.
Other Related Questions
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.
In the first two sentences ('During'… 'alley'), scientists are presented as all of the following EXCEPT:
- A. predisposed
- B. determined
- C. inherently logical
- D. overly zealous
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The portrayal of scientists in the first two sentences emphasizes their predisposition (A) and determination (B) in their pursuits, highlighting their commitment to discovery. Additionally, the term "overly zealous" (D) suggests an intense passion, which can also be a characteristic of scientists. However, the phrase "inherently logical" (C) is not supported in the text, as it does not imply that scientists are always guided by logic alone; emotions and biases can also influence their work. Thus, option C stands apart from the others.
The portrayal of scientists in the first two sentences emphasizes their predisposition (A) and determination (B) in their pursuits, highlighting their commitment to discovery. Additionally, the term "overly zealous" (D) suggests an intense passion, which can also be a characteristic of scientists. However, the phrase "inherently logical" (C) is not supported in the text, as it does not imply that scientists are always guided by logic alone; emotions and biases can also influence their work. Thus, option C stands apart from the others.
Ecologist Frank Ortega warned that the state's decision to ______ the rigid standards for disposal of toxic wastes would be construed as a signal that sloppiness in handling such wastes will be tolerated.
- A. enforce
- B. codify
- C. relax
- D. publicize
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The choice to relax the rigid standards for disposal of toxic wastes suggests a reduction in strictness, which aligns with Ortega's warning about sloppiness being tolerated. Option A, enforce, implies strengthening regulations, which contradicts Ortega's concern. Option B, codify, refers to formally establishing rules, indicating a commitment to standards rather than a reduction. Option D, publicize, focuses on making information known, which does not relate to the standards themselves. Thus, only "relax" accurately captures the potential easing of regulations that Ortega warns against.
The choice to relax the rigid standards for disposal of toxic wastes suggests a reduction in strictness, which aligns with Ortega's warning about sloppiness being tolerated. Option A, enforce, implies strengthening regulations, which contradicts Ortega's concern. Option B, codify, refers to formally establishing rules, indicating a commitment to standards rather than a reduction. Option D, publicize, focuses on making information known, which does not relate to the standards themselves. Thus, only "relax" accurately captures the potential easing of regulations that Ortega warns against.
The passage states that Russian and English are alike in that in both languages:
- A. short syllables are not accented
- B. the last syllable of words cannot be accented
- C. only one syllable in each word is accented
- D. the accent may fall on any syllable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Both Russian and English exhibit a flexible accentuation pattern, allowing the accent to potentially fall on any syllable within a word. This characteristic is evident in various examples from both languages. Option A is incorrect because, while some short syllables may not be accented, this is not a defining feature of either language. Option B is misleading; accents can occur on the last syllable in both languages, contradicting this statement. Option C is also inaccurate, as both languages allow for multiple syllables to be accented, not limiting it to just one per word.
Both Russian and English exhibit a flexible accentuation pattern, allowing the accent to potentially fall on any syllable within a word. This characteristic is evident in various examples from both languages. Option A is incorrect because, while some short syllables may not be accented, this is not a defining feature of either language. Option B is misleading; accents can occur on the last syllable in both languages, contradicting this statement. Option C is also inaccurate, as both languages allow for multiple syllables to be accented, not limiting it to just one per word.