(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 poem 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 poet's well-known pieces, "The Gift Outright," whose subject was the history and the future of the land. (9) The poet 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 devated 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 one! he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
(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 version of the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below) most effectively elaborates on the idea presented at the beginning of the sentence?
In spite of his concern over time constraints the occasion was an important one!- he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. the event would be held in the nation's capital!-
- C. only two days until the ceremony!-
- D. the president would hear him recite!-
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.
Other Related Questions
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.
Which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 2 and 3 (reproduced below)?
I'm a country kid from rural Texas. I grew up on a ranch on the prairie.
- A. I'm a country kid from rural Texas and that's where I grew up on a ranch on the prairie.
- B. I'm a country kid from rural Texas who grew up on a ranch on the prairie
- C. I'm a country kid from rural Texas, where I lived and grew up on a ranah on the praine
- D. I'm a country kid from rural Texas, and I used to live on a ranch on the prairie where I grew up.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, making it concise and clear. It maintains the original meaning while improving flow. Option A is less effective due to the awkward phrasing "and that’s where," which disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "where I lived and grew up," making it wordy and repetitive. Option D, while grammatically correct, adds unnecessary phrases like "used to live," which complicate the sentence without enhancing its clarity or brevity. Overall, option B provides the best revision by succinctly merging the ideas.
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, making it concise and clear. It maintains the original meaning while improving flow. Option A is less effective due to the awkward phrasing "and that’s where," which disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "where I lived and grew up," making it wordy and repetitive. Option D, while grammatically correct, adds unnecessary phrases like "used to live," which complicate the sentence without enhancing its clarity or brevity. Overall, option B provides the best revision by succinctly merging the ideas.
Which change is needed in the fourth paragraph?
- A. In sentence 15, change 'immanent' to 'eminent'
- B. In sentence 15, change 'dual' to 'duel'
- C. In sentence 16, change 'inspire' to 'aspire'
- D. In sentence 17, change 'proceeded' to 'preceded'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A is necessary because "immanent" refers to something inherent or existing within, while "eminent" means distinguished or prominent, which fits the context of the paragraph. Option B is incorrect since "dual" refers to two parts, whereas "duel" signifies a contest between two individuals, which does not align with the intended meaning. Option C is not suitable because "inspire" means to motivate, while "aspire" means to aim for something. The original term correctly conveys the intended message. Option D is also wrong; "proceeded" indicates moving forward, while "preceded" means to come before, which is the intended meaning in this context.
Option A is necessary because "immanent" refers to something inherent or existing within, while "eminent" means distinguished or prominent, which fits the context of the paragraph. Option B is incorrect since "dual" refers to two parts, whereas "duel" signifies a contest between two individuals, which does not align with the intended meaning. Option C is not suitable because "inspire" means to motivate, while "aspire" means to aim for something. The original term correctly conveys the intended message. Option D is also wrong; "proceeded" indicates moving forward, while "preceded" means to come before, which is the intended meaning in this context.
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.