(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 is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 4 (reproduced below)?
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
- A. (as it is now)
- B. ceremonies, therefore,
- C. ceremonies, therefore
- D. ceremonies, therefore
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In this context, option B is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma before "therefore," which is necessary to separate the two independent clauses. This punctuation helps clarify the relationship between the ideas presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making the sentence run-on and harder to read. Option C omits the comma after "therefore," which is incorrect as it still connects two independent clauses. Option D is identical to C and also fails to include the necessary comma, leading to confusion in the sentence structure. Proper punctuation enhances clarity and comprehension.
In this context, option B is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma before "therefore," which is necessary to separate the two independent clauses. This punctuation helps clarify the relationship between the ideas presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making the sentence run-on and harder to read. Option C omits the comma after "therefore," which is incorrect as it still connects two independent clauses. Option D is identical to C and also fails to include the necessary comma, leading to confusion in the sentence structure. Proper punctuation enhances clarity and comprehension.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)? Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. altruism: namely
- C. altruism, namely,
- D. altruism-namely,
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C, "altruism, namely," correctly uses a comma before "namely" to set off the phrase that introduces an explanation or clarification. This punctuation aids in the clarity of the sentence, indicating that what follows elaborates on the previous statement. Option A, "as it is now," is incorrect because it does not provide the necessary clarification about altruism, failing to connect the ideas effectively. Option B, "altruism: namely," misuses the colon. A colon typically precedes a list or explanation but is not appropriate here as the phrase does not introduce a list. Option D, "altruism-namely," incorrectly uses a hyphen, which does not convey the intended pause or separation needed for clarity.
Option C, "altruism, namely," correctly uses a comma before "namely" to set off the phrase that introduces an explanation or clarification. This punctuation aids in the clarity of the sentence, indicating that what follows elaborates on the previous statement. Option A, "as it is now," is incorrect because it does not provide the necessary clarification about altruism, failing to connect the ideas effectively. Option B, "altruism: namely," misuses the colon. A colon typically precedes a list or explanation but is not appropriate here as the phrase does not introduce a list. Option D, "altruism-namely," incorrectly uses a hyphen, which does not convey the intended pause or separation needed for clarity.
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.
Which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 4 and 5 (reproduced below)? These elements created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism. Many of these elements were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land.
- A. Many of these elements created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism they were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land.
- B. These elements, many of which were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land, created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism.
- C. These elements created an effect of disillusionment and bitter realism, many were brought to Hollywood by German directors fleeing their war-torn land.
- D. man directors fleeing their war-torn land, which created
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, clearly indicating that the elements created disillusionment and were brought to Hollywood by German directors. This maintains clarity and coherence. Option A incorrectly connects two independent clauses without proper punctuation, leading to a run-on sentence. Option C misuses a comma, creating a comma splice by linking two independent clauses improperly. Option D is incomplete and lacks context, failing to convey the intended meaning about the elements and their effects. Thus, B is the most effective choice for combining the ideas cohesively.
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, clearly indicating that the elements created disillusionment and were brought to Hollywood by German directors. This maintains clarity and coherence. Option A incorrectly connects two independent clauses without proper punctuation, leading to a run-on sentence. Option C misuses a comma, creating a comma splice by linking two independent clauses improperly. Option D is incomplete and lacks context, failing to convey the intended meaning about the elements and their effects. Thus, B is the most effective choice for combining the ideas cohesively.