(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
In the context of the passage, what sentence should be inserted immediately after sentence 11 (reproduced below)? Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
- A. No one will ever really know why rats do what they do
- B. Mason is probably biased anyway because it was her experiment.
- C. More research must be done to arrive at an answer.
- D. Some scientists will complain no matter what
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Inserting "More research must be done to arrive at an answer" after sentence 11 effectively emphasizes the ongoing debate and the need for further investigation into the behaviors of rats. This aligns with the speculative tone of the discussion. Option A, while true, does not contribute to the dialogue about the necessity of additional research. Option B introduces bias but distracts from the main focus on research requirements. Option D generalizes scientists' behavior without addressing the specific context of Mason's argument, making it less relevant to the passage's intent.
Inserting "More research must be done to arrive at an answer" after sentence 11 effectively emphasizes the ongoing debate and the need for further investigation into the behaviors of rats. This aligns with the speculative tone of the discussion. Option A, while true, does not contribute to the dialogue about the necessity of additional research. Option B introduces bias but distracts from the main focus on research requirements. Option D generalizes scientists' behavior without addressing the specific context of Mason's argument, making it less relevant to the passage's intent.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 (reproduced below)?
Compounding the problem is that food distribution system's currently require a lot of energy.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. systems
- C. systems's
- D. systems
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The best version clarifies the possessive form needed in the sentence. "Systems" (option D) is incorrect because it lacks the possessive, which is essential to indicate ownership of the energy requirement. Option B, "systems," does not convey possession either. Option A, "as it is now," does not address the grammatical structure needed in this context. The correct choice, "systems's," correctly indicates that the energy requirement belongs to the food distribution system, ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy in the sentence.
The best version clarifies the possessive form needed in the sentence. "Systems" (option D) is incorrect because it lacks the possessive, which is essential to indicate ownership of the energy requirement. Option B, "systems," does not convey possession either. Option A, "as it is now," does not address the grammatical structure needed in this context. The correct choice, "systems's," correctly indicates that the energy requirement belongs to the food distribution system, ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy in the sentence.
In context, how should the underlined part of sentence 6 (reproduced below) be revised? The rats eating the chocolate themselves.
- A. would have eaten
- B. could have eaten
- C. had eaten
- D. have eaten
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The phrase "the rats eating the chocolate themselves" requires a revision to align with the present tense context of the sentence. Option D, "have eaten," effectively conveys a completed action relevant to the present, indicating that the rats have consumed the chocolate. Option A, "would have eaten," suggests a conditional scenario that does not fit the context. Option B, "could have eaten," implies potentiality rather than a completed action. Option C, "had eaten," indicates a past action that is no longer relevant to the present context. Thus, only option D maintains the intended meaning and tense consistency.
The phrase "the rats eating the chocolate themselves" requires a revision to align with the present tense context of the sentence. Option D, "have eaten," effectively conveys a completed action relevant to the present, indicating that the rats have consumed the chocolate. Option A, "would have eaten," suggests a conditional scenario that does not fit the context. Option B, "could have eaten," implies potentiality rather than a completed action. Option C, "had eaten," indicates a past action that is no longer relevant to the present context. Thus, only option D maintains the intended meaning and tense consistency.
In context, which of the following sentences would best be inserted between sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)?
They say we could save a great deal of energy by addressing the problem of food waste. The "sell by" dates on foods are typically very conservative and result in people throwing away perfectly edible items.
- A. Better labeling might help
- B. Many people regularly buy more food than they need.
- C. Certain types of produce spoil more quickly than others.
- D. Canned foods last much longer than fresh items
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively connects the idea of food waste with the potential solution of better labeling. Improved labeling can help consumers understand the actual freshness of products, reducing unnecessary waste. Option B, while relevant to food consumption, does not directly address the issue of food waste or how to mitigate it. Option C focuses on spoilage rates of produce, which, although informative, does not provide a solution to the waste problem. Option D compares canned and fresh foods but fails to connect to the overarching theme of improving food labeling to reduce waste.
Option A effectively connects the idea of food waste with the potential solution of better labeling. Improved labeling can help consumers understand the actual freshness of products, reducing unnecessary waste. Option B, while relevant to food consumption, does not directly address the issue of food waste or how to mitigate it. Option C focuses on spoilage rates of produce, which, although informative, does not provide a solution to the waste problem. Option D compares canned and fresh foods but fails to connect to the overarching theme of improving food labeling to reduce waste.