Passage 1: I have always been wary of cats, and now, walking alongside a 500-pound African black-maned lion, I know why. They remind me there is something higher than I am on the food chain. Josef, the lion beside me, is trained—'the best lion in the business,' his owner says, beaming. Josef has starred in movies and posed for film animators. Josef is a big-time Hollywood cat. But Josef is not tame. No big cat ever is—a difficult fact to ignore as we climb the hills near the ranch Josef calls home. He strides with the fluidity of unfurling silk, deliberately—not an ounce of tentativeness in each footfall. 'Cats don't rent; they own,' it is said. Lions own everything in sight. Passage 2: From Cathy Newman, 'Nature's Masterwork: CATS.' ©1997 by National Geographic Society. While packs of cave bears and saber-toothed tigers may once have terrorized early humanity, most regions of our planet have since been stripped of their descendants. And due to a variety of factors, many other 'man-eating' species now face the possibility of extinction. Their disappearance from Earth is a sobering prospect, not least because of the role they play in keeping us humble. The possibility of being prey, rather than agents of planetary dominion, keeps us acutely aware of our membership within the natural world. The emotions inspired by such possibilities remind us that the world is a dangerous, yet beautiful, place.
According to the author of Passage 2, fierce animal species inspire what feeling in humans?
- A. Humor
- B. Humility
- C. Bravery
- D. Arrogance
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Fierce animal species evoke a sense of humility in humans, as they remind us of our place in the natural world and the power of these creatures. This recognition fosters respect for their strength and survival instincts. Option A, humor, does not align with the serious nature of the relationship between humans and fierce animals. Option C, bravery, may seem plausible, but the author emphasizes a reflective, rather than combative, response to these animals. Option D, arrogance, contradicts the intended message, as fierce animals inspire admiration and respect, not a sense of superiority.
Fierce animal species evoke a sense of humility in humans, as they remind us of our place in the natural world and the power of these creatures. This recognition fosters respect for their strength and survival instincts. Option A, humor, does not align with the serious nature of the relationship between humans and fierce animals. Option C, bravery, may seem plausible, but the author emphasizes a reflective, rather than combative, response to these animals. Option D, arrogance, contradicts the intended message, as fierce animals inspire admiration and respect, not a sense of superiority.
Other Related Questions
Unlike Passage 2, Passage 1 makes use of:
- A. Scientific observation
- B. Historical allusion
- C. Personal anecdote
- D. Logical reasoning
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Passage 1 effectively employs personal anecdotes, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the author's experiences, which enhances engagement and relatability. In contrast, Passage 2 lacks this personal touch. Option A, scientific observation, is not present in either passage, as both focus on narrative rather than empirical data. Option B, historical allusion, may be found in Passage 2, but it is absent in Passage 1. Option D, logical reasoning, is utilized in both passages, but Passage 1 stands out for its personal storytelling approach, making it distinct in its method of conveying ideas.
Passage 1 effectively employs personal anecdotes, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the author's experiences, which enhances engagement and relatability. In contrast, Passage 2 lacks this personal touch. Option A, scientific observation, is not present in either passage, as both focus on narrative rather than empirical data. Option B, historical allusion, may be found in Passage 2, but it is absent in Passage 1. Option D, logical reasoning, is utilized in both passages, but Passage 1 stands out for its personal storytelling approach, making it distinct in its method of conveying ideas.
Which choice most effectively combines sentences 7 and 8 (reproduced below) at the underlined portion? Another panel depicted icicles forming on the breath of a mule and a man with a sack of frozen meal. The unusual weather on February 10, 1895, when temperatures fell below zero in Georgia.
- A. meal, highlighting the unusual weather
- B. meal, by the weather that was unusual
- C. meal, that the weather was unusual
- D. meal, when the unusual weather
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively combines the sentences by using "highlighting," which clearly indicates that the icicles and frozen meal illustrate the unusual weather conditions. This maintains a strong connection between the imagery and the context of the weather event. Option B introduces "by the weather that was unusual," which is awkward and less direct, weakening the connection between the two ideas. Option C's phrasing, "that the weather was unusual," is vague and does not create a clear link between the images and the weather conditions. Option D, while somewhat effective, lacks the clarity of A, as "when the unusual weather" does not emphasize how the images relate to the weather event.
Option A effectively combines the sentences by using "highlighting," which clearly indicates that the icicles and frozen meal illustrate the unusual weather conditions. This maintains a strong connection between the imagery and the context of the weather event. Option B introduces "by the weather that was unusual," which is awkward and less direct, weakening the connection between the two ideas. Option C's phrasing, "that the weather was unusual," is vague and does not create a clear link between the images and the weather conditions. Option D, while somewhat effective, lacks the clarity of A, as "when the unusual weather" does not emphasize how the images relate to the weather event.
The passage is an example of which rhetorical strategy?
- A. Claim–evidence
- B. Compare–contrast
- C. Quotation–analysis
- D. Definition–example
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The passage employs a definition followed by an example, illustrating concepts clearly. This strategy effectively clarifies ideas by providing context through real-world applications, enhancing understanding. Option A, claim-evidence, focuses on supporting assertions with data, which is not the primary approach here. Option B, compare-contrast, would involve analyzing similarities and differences, which is absent in the text. Option C, quotation-analysis, centers on interpreting cited material, whereas the passage defines terms directly rather than quoting sources. Thus, the use of definition and example stands out as the dominant rhetorical strategy.
The passage employs a definition followed by an example, illustrating concepts clearly. This strategy effectively clarifies ideas by providing context through real-world applications, enhancing understanding. Option A, claim-evidence, focuses on supporting assertions with data, which is not the primary approach here. Option B, compare-contrast, would involve analyzing similarities and differences, which is absent in the text. Option C, quotation-analysis, centers on interpreting cited material, whereas the passage defines terms directly rather than quoting sources. Thus, the use of definition and example stands out as the dominant rhetorical strategy.
Which is the best way to revise and combine the underlined portion of sentences 5 and 6 (reproduced below)? Things have recently changed: since 2006, the city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level. They installed more than 250 miles around the city's five boroughs.
- A. city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level, they installed
- B. city, which has taken bike lanes to a whole new level, installing
- C. city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level and installing
- D. city has taken bike lanes to a whole new level, installing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D effectively combines the two sentences by using a participial phrase ("installing") that succinctly links the action of installing bike lanes to the city’s achievement. This structure maintains clarity and flow, emphasizing the continuous nature of the city’s efforts. Option A incorrectly uses a comma to splice two independent clauses, creating a run-on sentence. Option B introduces an awkward relative clause ("which has taken") that disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C incorrectly uses "and installing," which suggests that the installation is a separate action rather than a continuation of the city’s achievements, leading to confusion.
Option D effectively combines the two sentences by using a participial phrase ("installing") that succinctly links the action of installing bike lanes to the city’s achievement. This structure maintains clarity and flow, emphasizing the continuous nature of the city’s efforts. Option A incorrectly uses a comma to splice two independent clauses, creating a run-on sentence. Option B introduces an awkward relative clause ("which has taken") that disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C incorrectly uses "and installing," which suggests that the installation is a separate action rather than a continuation of the city’s achievements, leading to confusion.