Passage 1: I have always been wary of cats, and now, walking alongside a 500-pound African black-maned lion, I know why. They remind me there is something higher than I am on the food chain. Josef, the lion beside me, is trained—'the best lion in the business,' his owner says, beaming. Josef has starred in movies and posed for film animators. Josef is a big-time Hollywood cat. But Josef is not tame. No big cat ever is—a difficult fact to ignore as we climb the hills near the ranch Josef calls home. He strides with the fluidity of unfurling silk, deliberately—not an ounce of tentativeness in each footfall. 'Cats don't rent; they own,' it is said. Lions own everything in sight. Passage 2: From Cathy Newman, 'Nature's Masterwork: CATS.' ©1997 by National Geographic Society. While packs of cave bears and saber-toothed tigers may once have terrorized early humanity, most regions of our planet have since been stripped of their descendants. And due to a variety of factors, many other 'man-eating' species now face the possibility of extinction. Their disappearance from Earth is a sobering prospect, not least because of the role they play in keeping us humble. The possibility of being prey, rather than agents of planetary dominion, keeps us acutely aware of our membership within the natural world. The emotions inspired by such possibilities remind us that the world is a dangerous, yet beautiful, place.
Unlike Passage 2, Passage 1 makes use of:
- A. Scientific observation
- B. Historical allusion
- C. Personal anecdote
- D. Logical reasoning
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Passage 1 effectively employs personal anecdotes, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the author's experiences, which enhances engagement and relatability. In contrast, Passage 2 lacks this personal touch. Option A, scientific observation, is not present in either passage, as both focus on narrative rather than empirical data. Option B, historical allusion, may be found in Passage 2, but it is absent in Passage 1. Option D, logical reasoning, is utilized in both passages, but Passage 1 stands out for its personal storytelling approach, making it distinct in its method of conveying ideas.
Passage 1 effectively employs personal anecdotes, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the author's experiences, which enhances engagement and relatability. In contrast, Passage 2 lacks this personal touch. Option A, scientific observation, is not present in either passage, as both focus on narrative rather than empirical data. Option B, historical allusion, may be found in Passage 2, but it is absent in Passage 1. Option D, logical reasoning, is utilized in both passages, but Passage 1 stands out for its personal storytelling approach, making it distinct in its method of conveying ideas.
Other Related Questions
In context, the second quotation in Passage 1 ('Cats... own') serves to:
- A. Present an alternative view of a troubling situation
- B. Reinforce an observation by using a metaphor
- C. Warn the reader of an existing danger
- D. Cite an authority to support a point
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The second quotation in Passage 1 uses a metaphor to illustrate the unique and independent nature of cats, effectively reinforcing the observation that they possess a distinct personality. This figurative language emphasizes the author's point, making it more relatable and engaging. Option A is incorrect as the quotation does not present an alternative view; it rather supports the existing perspective on cats. Option C misinterprets the intent, as there is no warning about danger in the quotation. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation does not reference an authority but instead relies on metaphorical language to convey its message.
The second quotation in Passage 1 uses a metaphor to illustrate the unique and independent nature of cats, effectively reinforcing the observation that they possess a distinct personality. This figurative language emphasizes the author's point, making it more relatable and engaging. Option A is incorrect as the quotation does not present an alternative view; it rather supports the existing perspective on cats. Option C misinterprets the intent, as there is no warning about danger in the quotation. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation does not reference an authority but instead relies on metaphorical language to convey its message.
What is a central theme of the passage?
- A. No two people are likely to recall the same event in the same way.
- B. One person can have a profound effect on another person's life.
- C. Individuals can endure great obstacles by working together for a common purpose.
- D. The lives of most adults differ greatly from the futures they'd imagined as children.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B highlights the profound impact one person can have on another's life, which is a central theme of the passage. This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experiences and relationships, illustrating how individuals can inspire or change each other. Option A, while relevant, focuses on subjective memory rather than the transformative power of relationships. Option C discusses teamwork and shared goals, which may be present but does not capture the essence of individual influence. Option D reflects on the disparity between childhood dreams and adult realities, which, although poignant, diverges from the primary theme of personal impact and connection.
Option B highlights the profound impact one person can have on another's life, which is a central theme of the passage. This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experiences and relationships, illustrating how individuals can inspire or change each other. Option A, while relevant, focuses on subjective memory rather than the transformative power of relationships. Option C discusses teamwork and shared goals, which may be present but does not capture the essence of individual influence. Option D reflects on the disparity between childhood dreams and adult realities, which, although poignant, diverges from the primary theme of personal impact and connection.
Which is the best way to revise and combine the underlined portion of sentences 5 and 6 (reproduced below)? Things have recently changed: since 2006, the city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level. They installed more than 250 miles around the city's five boroughs.
- A. city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level, they installed
- B. city, which has taken bike lanes to a whole new level, installing
- C. city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level and installing
- D. city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level, installing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D effectively combines the two sentences by using a participial phrase ("installing") that succinctly links the action of installing bike lanes to the city’s achievement. This structure maintains clarity and flow, emphasizing the continuous nature of the city’s efforts. Option A incorrectly uses a comma to splice two independent clauses, creating a run-on sentence. Option B introduces an awkward relative clause ("which has taken") that disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C incorrectly uses "and installing," which suggests that the installation is a separate action rather than a continuation of the city’s achievements, leading to confusion.
Option D effectively combines the two sentences by using a participial phrase ("installing") that succinctly links the action of installing bike lanes to the city’s achievement. This structure maintains clarity and flow, emphasizing the continuous nature of the city’s efforts. Option A incorrectly uses a comma to splice two independent clauses, creating a run-on sentence. Option B introduces an awkward relative clause ("which has taken") that disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C incorrectly uses "and installing," which suggests that the installation is a separate action rather than a continuation of the city’s achievements, leading to confusion.
Which sentence should be deleted to improve the unity of the second paragraph?
- A. Sentence 3
- B. Sentence 4
- C. Sentence 5
- D. Sentence 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To enhance the unity of the second paragraph, removing Sentence 5 is most effective. This sentence introduces a topic that diverges from the main focus, disrupting the flow and coherence of the paragraph. Sentence 3 supports the central idea, while Sentence 4 provides necessary context. Sentence 6 wraps up the discussion, reinforcing the paragraph's main point. By deleting Sentence 5, the paragraph remains focused, ensuring all sentences contribute directly to the central theme, thereby improving clarity and cohesion.
To enhance the unity of the second paragraph, removing Sentence 5 is most effective. This sentence introduces a topic that diverges from the main focus, disrupting the flow and coherence of the paragraph. Sentence 3 supports the central idea, while Sentence 4 provides necessary context. Sentence 6 wraps up the discussion, reinforcing the paragraph's main point. By deleting Sentence 5, the paragraph remains focused, ensuring all sentences contribute directly to the central theme, thereby improving clarity and cohesion.