(1) In the late 1800s, quilt making in the southern United States was generally characterized by simple, repetitive patterns or mass-produced commercial designs. (2) The pictorial quilts created by a former slave named Harriet Powers, however, were remarkable for their bold storytelling techniques and unique subject matter. (3) Powers's best-known pictorial quilt was commissioned in 1898. (4) The hand- and machine-sewn quilt measured 69 by 105 inches and consisted of 15 panels. (5) It is not clear when or where Powers learned to sew. (6) In the center of the quilt, the 'falling of the stars' illustrates the hours-long Leonid meteor shower that captivated people on November 13, 1833. (7) Another panel depicts icicles forming on the breath of a mule and a man with a sack of frozen meal, illustrating. (8) the unusual weather on February 10, 1895, when temperatures fell below zero in Georgia. (9) The minimalism of Powers's cotton appliqué human shapes stands in juxtaposition to the large scale of such events. (10) In addition to its artistic merit, Powers's quilt is distinctive for its incorporation of traditional West African design. (11) Although Powers had been born in Georgia and remained in the same region throughout her life, her quilt exhibits a number of stylistic similarities to the large, appliquéd cotton cloths used in festivals by the Fon people of Dahomey. (12) Most conspicuously, both use flat, dyed, and printed shapes that appear at first glance to be placed in arbitrary positions. (13) The quilt Powers made, along with her transcribed descriptions of the scenes in each panel, carries special significance. (14) Authentic artworks and firsthand accounts are relatively rare, so to have such a work preserved along with detailed commentary from its creator is invaluable. (15) The quilt eventually became the property of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. (16) Powers herself has become an honored part of American art history.
Which choice most effectively combines sentences 7 and 8 (reproduced below) at the underlined portion? Another panel depicted icicles forming on the breath of a mule and a man with a sack of frozen meal. The unusual weather on February 10, 1895, when temperatures fell below zero in Georgia.
- A. meal, highlighting the unusual weather
- B. meal, by the weather that was unusual
- C. meal, that the weather was unusual
- D. meal, when the unusual weather
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively combines the sentences by using "highlighting," which clearly indicates that the icicles and frozen meal illustrate the unusual weather conditions. This maintains a strong connection between the imagery and the context of the weather event. Option B introduces "by the weather that was unusual," which is awkward and less direct, weakening the connection between the two ideas. Option C's phrasing, "that the weather was unusual," is vague and does not create a clear link between the images and the weather conditions. Option D, while somewhat effective, lacks the clarity of A, as "when the unusual weather" does not emphasize how the images relate to the weather event.
Option A effectively combines the sentences by using "highlighting," which clearly indicates that the icicles and frozen meal illustrate the unusual weather conditions. This maintains a strong connection between the imagery and the context of the weather event. Option B introduces "by the weather that was unusual," which is awkward and less direct, weakening the connection between the two ideas. Option C's phrasing, "that the weather was unusual," is vague and does not create a clear link between the images and the weather conditions. Option D, while somewhat effective, lacks the clarity of A, as "when the unusual weather" does not emphasize how the images relate to the weather event.
Other Related Questions
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.
The passage is an example of which rhetorical strategy?
- A. Claim–evidence
- B. Compare–contrast
- C. Quotation–analysis
- D. Definition–example
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The passage employs a definition followed by an example, illustrating concepts clearly. This strategy effectively clarifies ideas by providing context through real-world applications, enhancing understanding. Option A, claim-evidence, focuses on supporting assertions with data, which is not the primary approach here. Option B, compare-contrast, would involve analyzing similarities and differences, which is absent in the text. Option C, quotation-analysis, centers on interpreting cited material, whereas the passage defines terms directly rather than quoting sources. Thus, the use of definition and example stands out as the dominant rhetorical strategy.
The passage employs a definition followed by an example, illustrating concepts clearly. This strategy effectively clarifies ideas by providing context through real-world applications, enhancing understanding. Option A, claim-evidence, focuses on supporting assertions with data, which is not the primary approach here. Option B, compare-contrast, would involve analyzing similarities and differences, which is absent in the text. Option C, quotation-analysis, centers on interpreting cited material, whereas the passage defines terms directly rather than quoting sources. Thus, the use of definition and example stands out as the dominant rhetorical strategy.
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.
According to the author of Passage 2, fierce animal species inspire what feeling in humans?
- A. Humor
- B. Humility
- C. Bravery
- D. Arrogance
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Fierce animal species evoke a sense of humility in humans, as they remind us of our place in the natural world and the power of these creatures. This recognition fosters respect for their strength and survival instincts. Option A, humor, does not align with the serious nature of the relationship between humans and fierce animals. Option C, bravery, may seem plausible, but the author emphasizes a reflective, rather than combative, response to these animals. Option D, arrogance, contradicts the intended message, as fierce animals inspire admiration and respect, not a sense of superiority.
Fierce animal species evoke a sense of humility in humans, as they remind us of our place in the natural world and the power of these creatures. This recognition fosters respect for their strength and survival instincts. Option A, humor, does not align with the serious nature of the relationship between humans and fierce animals. Option C, bravery, may seem plausible, but the author emphasizes a reflective, rather than combative, response to these animals. Option D, arrogance, contradicts the intended message, as fierce animals inspire admiration and respect, not a sense of superiority.