(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 of the following statements does the passage most directly counter?
- A. Having a non-arts job stifles and detracts from an artist's creative work.
- B. For people working in non-arts professions, art is more than just an entertaining distraction.
- C. The poetry of William Carlos Williams exemplifies autobiographical poetry.
- D. The public's interest in the arts has declined over the last century.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A is countered by the passage, as it argues that non-arts jobs can actually enhance an artist’s creativity rather than stifle it. This directly challenges the notion that such employment detracts from artistic work. Option B reinforces the idea that art holds significant value for those in non-arts professions, aligning with the passage's themes rather than contradicting them. Option C discusses William Carlos Williams' work, which is not addressed in the passage, making it irrelevant to the main argument. Option D suggests a decline in public interest, which is not a focus of the passage, further distancing it from the central argument presented.
Option A is countered by the passage, as it argues that non-arts jobs can actually enhance an artist’s creativity rather than stifle it. This directly challenges the notion that such employment detracts from artistic work. Option B reinforces the idea that art holds significant value for those in non-arts professions, aligning with the passage's themes rather than contradicting them. Option C discusses William Carlos Williams' work, which is not addressed in the passage, making it irrelevant to the main argument. Option D suggests a decline in public interest, which is not a focus of the passage, further distancing it from the central argument presented.
Which choice best describes the passage's overall structure?
- A. It shifts from a domestic setting to an outdoor setting, then back to a domestic setting.
- B. It shifts from a lighthearted situation to a serious situation, then back to a lighthearted situation.
- C. It shifts from the characters' present to their past, then back to the characters' present.
- D. It shifts from one character's perspective to another's, then back to the first character's perspective.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The passage effectively transitions between the characters' present experiences and their past memories, allowing readers to understand their motivations and growth. This structure enhances character development and emotional depth. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a shift in physical settings rather than temporal ones. Option B misrepresents the tone of the passage; while there may be moments of levity, the primary focus is on the characters' reflections. Option D incorrectly emphasizes perspective shifts; the passage primarily centers on time rather than viewpoint changes. Thus, the movement between present and past is the key structural element.
The passage effectively transitions between the characters' present experiences and their past memories, allowing readers to understand their motivations and growth. This structure enhances character development and emotional depth. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a shift in physical settings rather than temporal ones. Option B misrepresents the tone of the passage; while there may be moments of levity, the primary focus is on the characters' reflections. Option D incorrectly emphasizes perspective shifts; the passage primarily centers on time rather than viewpoint changes. Thus, the movement between present and past is the key structural element.
The sixth paragraph (sentences 14–17) suggests that on the first day of kindergarten, Evan felt:
- A. happy to be surrounded by so many other children for the first time
- B. excited by everything he expected to learn
- C. resentful of being indoors after spending most of the summer outside
- D. upset by unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The sixth paragraph highlights Evan's feelings of discomfort and anxiety as he navigates a new environment. This suggests he was upset by the unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings, aligning with option D. Option A misinterprets his feelings; while being around other children can be exciting, the text emphasizes his unease rather than happiness. Option B focuses on his excitement for learning, which is not supported by the text's portrayal of his initial emotional state. Lastly, option C incorrectly suggests resentment towards being indoors; the emphasis is on his overall discomfort rather than frustration with a specific situation.
The sixth paragraph highlights Evan's feelings of discomfort and anxiety as he navigates a new environment. This suggests he was upset by the unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings, aligning with option D. Option A misinterprets his feelings; while being around other children can be exciting, the text emphasizes his unease rather than happiness. Option B focuses on his excitement for learning, which is not supported by the text's portrayal of his initial emotional state. Lastly, option C incorrectly suggests resentment towards being indoors; the emphasis is on his overall discomfort rather than frustration with a specific situation.
Where in the passage should the following sentence be inserted? Other New Yorkers say they are in favor of the bike lanes just for keeping bicyclists off the sidewalks.
- A. After sentence 1
- B. After sentence 3
- C. After sentence 9
- D. After sentence 12
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Inserting the sentence after sentence 12 effectively captures the contrasting viewpoints on bike lanes, highlighting public support while addressing concerns about sidewalk safety. This placement enhances the flow of the passage by concluding the discussion on community opinions regarding bike lanes. Option A, after sentence 1, disrupts the introduction of the topic, as it introduces a specific opinion too early. Option B, after sentence 3, fails to provide context for the differing opinions, leading to confusion. Option C, after sentence 9, does not align with the passage's progression, as it occurs before a more comprehensive discussion of the implications of bike lanes.
Inserting the sentence after sentence 12 effectively captures the contrasting viewpoints on bike lanes, highlighting public support while addressing concerns about sidewalk safety. This placement enhances the flow of the passage by concluding the discussion on community opinions regarding bike lanes. Option A, after sentence 1, disrupts the introduction of the topic, as it introduces a specific opinion too early. Option B, after sentence 3, fails to provide context for the differing opinions, leading to confusion. Option C, after sentence 9, does not align with the passage's progression, as it occurs before a more comprehensive discussion of the implications of bike lanes.