(1) The poet Robert Frost appreciated the many literary honors that had been bestowed upon him, but nothing could match the sense of pride that overwhelmed him in 1961. (2) He had received an invitation from President-Elect John F. Kennedy to read a poom at the inauguration. (3) The poet was gratified, at the age of eighty-six, to be part of what he saw as the dawning of a new cultural age. (4) He knew that he was the first poet to participate in these prestigious ceremonies, therefore, he contemplated which poem would be appropriate for the occasion.
(5) The president-elect initially suggested that the poet compose new verse specifically for the event. (6) The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner (7) it was not customary for him to write a
commissioned poem for a certain occasion. (8) The president then requested one of the post's well-known pieces, "The Gift Outright," whose subject was the history and the future of the land. (9) The post concurred because he believed the theme captured the spirit of the event. (10) He was confident he could recite the piece impeccably in the commanding voice warranted by the distinguished gathering
(11) He devoted himself to the task of creating a new poem, which he would read before he recited the familiar selection. (12) Upon further reflection, Frost decided that such an auspicious occasion merited original verse. (13) He saw this event, which would be witnessed by millions, as an opportunity to further the cause of the arts in society. (14) In spite of his concem over time constraints-the occasion was an important anet-he resolved to compose a relevant tribule
(15) As the immanent poet wrote, he contemplated the dual purpose of his new poem. (16) He wanted not only to honor the new president in a way that would touch the hearts of the audience but also to inspire others to appreciate the arts. (17) He proceeded with an enthusiasm befitting his notable role
Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)?
The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion
- A. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, and the reason for that was because it was not customary for hien to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
- B. The post expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
- C. Because the poet,expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion
- D. The poet expressed reluctance, because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively combines the two sentences by clearly linking the poet's reluctance to the reason behind it, maintaining coherence and clarity. The phrase "the reason for that was because" emphasizes the connection between the two ideas. Option B, while concise, lacks the explicit connection that option A provides, making it less effective in conveying the relationship between the reluctance and the custom. Option C incorrectly begins with "Because," which disrupts the sentence structure and implies causation in a way that confuses the intended meaning. Option D introduces an unnecessary comma, which disrupts the flow and clarity of the sentence, making it less effective than option A.
Option A effectively combines the two sentences by clearly linking the poet's reluctance to the reason behind it, maintaining coherence and clarity. The phrase "the reason for that was because" emphasizes the connection between the two ideas. Option B, while concise, lacks the explicit connection that option A provides, making it less effective in conveying the relationship between the reluctance and the custom. Option C incorrectly begins with "Because," which disrupts the sentence structure and implies causation in a way that confuses the intended meaning. Option D introduces an unnecessary comma, which disrupts the flow and clarity of the sentence, making it less effective than option A.
Other Related Questions
Where would the following sentence best fit in the passage? The results of two new experiments suggest that rats are surprisingly selfless.
- A. After sentence 1
- B. After sentence 3
- C. After sentence 8
- D. After sentence 11
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Placing the sentence after sentence 8 effectively introduces the new findings about rats, enhancing the flow of information regarding their behavior. This position allows for a natural transition into discussing the implications of these experiments. Option A is too early in the passage, as it lacks context for the experiments. Option B, following sentence 3, interrupts the narrative progression and does not align with the preceding content. Option D, after sentence 11, is too late, as it would disrupt the conclusion by introducing new information that should precede it. Thus, option C is the most logical placement.
Placing the sentence after sentence 8 effectively introduces the new findings about rats, enhancing the flow of information regarding their behavior. This position allows for a natural transition into discussing the implications of these experiments. Option A is too early in the passage, as it lacks context for the experiments. Option B, following sentence 3, interrupts the narrative progression and does not align with the preceding content. Option D, after sentence 11, is too late, as it would disrupt the conclusion by introducing new information that should precede it. Thus, option C is the most logical placement.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)?
I've enjoyed the diversity here, and wanting to learn as much as I can about the different sorts of people who live here.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. here and had been wanting
- C. here and I also wanted
- D. here, and I want
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C improves clarity and grammatical structure by maintaining parallelism in the sentence. The phrase "I also wanted" aligns with "I've enjoyed," creating a balanced structure that clearly expresses both enjoyment and desire. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is awkward and lacks parallelism. Option B introduces a tense inconsistency with "had been wanting," which disrupts the flow and clarity of the sentence. Option D, while clearer than A, uses "I want," which shifts the meaning to the present instead of reflecting a past desire, making it less appropriate in context.
Option C improves clarity and grammatical structure by maintaining parallelism in the sentence. The phrase "I also wanted" aligns with "I've enjoyed," creating a balanced structure that clearly expresses both enjoyment and desire. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is awkward and lacks parallelism. Option B introduces a tense inconsistency with "had been wanting," which disrupts the flow and clarity of the sentence. Option D, while clearer than A, uses "I want," which shifts the meaning to the present instead of reflecting a past desire, making it less appropriate in context.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6 (reproduced below)?
Early on for example my anxiety about getting lost was so bad that I was even scared to go for a walk or to take a bus or the subway.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. on for example,
- C. on, for example,
- D. on, for example
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C, "on, for example," is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma to set off the phrase "for example," which introduces an illustrative clarification of the preceding idea. This punctuation enhances clarity and improves the flow of the sentence. Option A, "as it is now," lacks necessary punctuation and fails to clarify the relationship between ideas, making the sentence awkward and confusing. Option B, "on for example," omits the comma, which disrupts the sentence's readability and does not properly highlight the example being introduced. Option D, while similar to C, incorrectly uses "on," which is unnecessary in this context and can lead to confusion.
Option C, "on, for example," is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma to set off the phrase "for example," which introduces an illustrative clarification of the preceding idea. This punctuation enhances clarity and improves the flow of the sentence. Option A, "as it is now," lacks necessary punctuation and fails to clarify the relationship between ideas, making the sentence awkward and confusing. Option B, "on for example," omits the comma, which disrupts the sentence's readability and does not properly highlight the example being introduced. Option D, while similar to C, incorrectly uses "on," which is unnecessary in this context and can lead to confusion.
Which sentence should be deleted because it contains irrelevant information?
- A. Sentence 1
- B. Sentence 6
- C. Sentence 9
- D. Sentence 11
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Sentence 11 should be deleted as it introduces information that does not directly support the main topic of the paragraph. It diverges from the core argument, making it less relevant to the overall message. Sentence 1, 6, and 9, on the other hand, provide context or examples that enhance understanding of the main idea. Sentence 1 sets the stage, while sentences 6 and 9 contribute important details that are closely tied to the central theme. Removing sentence 11 helps maintain focus and clarity in the writing, ensuring that all remaining content is pertinent to the discussion.
Sentence 11 should be deleted as it introduces information that does not directly support the main topic of the paragraph. It diverges from the core argument, making it less relevant to the overall message. Sentence 1, 6, and 9, on the other hand, provide context or examples that enhance understanding of the main idea. Sentence 1 sets the stage, while sentences 6 and 9 contribute important details that are closely tied to the central theme. Removing sentence 11 helps maintain focus and clarity in the writing, ensuring that all remaining content is pertinent to the discussion.