(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
The best placement for sentence 12 within the third paragraph would be
- A. where it is now
- B. before sentence 11
- C. after sentence 13
- D. after sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Placing sentence 12 after sentence 13 allows for a logical flow of ideas, as it builds on the information presented in the preceding sentences, enhancing coherence. This positioning ensures that the reader receives a complete thought before transitioning to the next point. Option A retains the sentence in its current position, which disrupts the paragraph's flow. Option B places it too early, causing a disconnect with the context of sentence 11. Option D positions it too late, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the preceding content. Thus, option C optimally maintains the paragraph's structure and clarity.
Placing sentence 12 after sentence 13 allows for a logical flow of ideas, as it builds on the information presented in the preceding sentences, enhancing coherence. This positioning ensures that the reader receives a complete thought before transitioning to the next point. Option A retains the sentence in its current position, which disrupts the paragraph's flow. Option B places it too early, causing a disconnect with the context of sentence 11. Option D positions it too late, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the preceding content. Thus, option C optimally maintains the paragraph's structure and clarity.
In context, which choice best replaces the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below)? Being able to meet others who speak Spanish has definitely helped me
- A. made the city feel more like home
- B. given me the chance to practice.
- C. made the city sort of tolerable.
- D. been a nice surprise.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively conveys that meeting Spanish speakers contributes positively to the speaker's sense of belonging in the city, enhancing their overall experience. This aligns with the context of feeling at home. Option B, while relevant, shifts focus to practicing the language rather than the emotional impact of community. Option C undermines the positive sentiment by suggesting the city is merely "tolerable," which diminishes the overall message. Option D, although it introduces a positive element, lacks the depth of connection implied by feeling at home, making it less suitable in this context.
Option A effectively conveys that meeting Spanish speakers contributes positively to the speaker's sense of belonging in the city, enhancing their overall experience. This aligns with the context of feeling at home. Option B, while relevant, shifts focus to practicing the language rather than the emotional impact of community. Option C undermines the positive sentiment by suggesting the city is merely "tolerable," which diminishes the overall message. Option D, although it introduces a positive element, lacks the depth of connection implied by feeling at home, making it less suitable in this context.
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.
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.