(1) Federico GarcÃa Lorca was 20th-century Spain's most famous poet and playwright.(2) Lorca was born on June 5, 1898, in a small town a few miles west of Granada, in southern Spain. (3) He was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner. (4) He studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time. (5) In 1928, he published the most famous of all his poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used the rhythms of the traditional Spanish ballad to describe the Gypsies of southern Spain. (6) Gypsy Ballads was largely responsible for making Lorca famous throughout the Spanish-speaking world within a few years. (7) In June 1929, at a time when most young writers and painters dreamed of living in Paris, Federico Lorca broke with tradition and sailed for New York. (8) His nine months in New York changed his vision of poetry and the social role of the artist. (9) Lorca also traveled to Havana, Cuba. (10) He came to New York with the goal of learning English. (11) However, he spent most of his time writing poems in Spanish instead of studying English. (12) In 1936, Lorca left a collection of these poems, called Poet in New York, on the desk of his Madrid publisher with a note saying he would be 'back tomorrow,' probably to discuss final details. (13) He never returned. (14) Sadly, at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Lorca was killed by political opponents in Granada. (15) Poet in New York was finally published in 1940.
In context, which word or phrase is best to insert at the beginning of sentence 11? Sentence 11: He spent most of his time writing poems in Spanish instead of studying English.
- A. In addition.
- B. For example.
- C. However.
- D. Indeed.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The choice of "However" effectively contrasts the subject's choice to write poems in Spanish with the expectation that he should be studying English. This juxtaposition highlights a shift in focus, emphasizing the divergence from expected behavior. Option A, "In addition," suggests continuity rather than contrast, which does not align with the sentence's intent. Option B, "For example," implies that the sentence will provide an instance, which is not the case here. Option D, "Indeed," reinforces a statement rather than introducing a contrasting idea, making it unsuitable for the context.
The choice of "However" effectively contrasts the subject's choice to write poems in Spanish with the expectation that he should be studying English. This juxtaposition highlights a shift in focus, emphasizing the divergence from expected behavior. Option A, "In addition," suggests continuity rather than contrast, which does not align with the sentence's intent. Option B, "For example," implies that the sentence will provide an instance, which is not the case here. Option D, "Indeed," reinforces a statement rather than introducing a contrasting idea, making it unsuitable for the context.
Other Related Questions
In context, which of the following sentences would be best to insert between sentences 11 and 12 (reproduced below)? By those calculations, it would have taken sauropods a century to reach their full size. A different perspective developed when scientists began to more closely examine various features of sauropod bones.
- A. Like all dinosaurs, sauropods hatched from eggs.
- B. This rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years.
- C. For decades, sauropods were considered emblematic of the phenomenon of extinction.
- D. Sauropod fossils continue to be discovered in regions spread across the globe.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B effectively bridges the gap between the two sentences by highlighting the skepticism surrounding the lengthy growth period of sauropods. It acknowledges the implausibility of the previous conclusion, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about new scientific insights into sauropod bones. Option A is irrelevant, as it provides basic information about sauropod reproduction that does not relate to their growth or the scientific debate at hand. Option C introduces a different topic—extinction—diverting focus from the growth discussion. Option D, while factual, does not connect to the analysis of growth rates and their implications, making it less suitable for the context.
Option B effectively bridges the gap between the two sentences by highlighting the skepticism surrounding the lengthy growth period of sauropods. It acknowledges the implausibility of the previous conclusion, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about new scientific insights into sauropod bones. Option A is irrelevant, as it provides basic information about sauropod reproduction that does not relate to their growth or the scientific debate at hand. Option C introduces a different topic—extinction—diverting focus from the growth discussion. Option D, while factual, does not connect to the analysis of growth rates and their implications, making it less suitable for the context.
In context, the metaphor in the third sentence ('it was... years') chiefly serves to:
- A. Call attention to the age of the United States as a nation
- B. Question the literary value of the writings by Lewis and Clark
- C. Trivialize the accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark expedition
- D. Place the Lewis and Clark expedition into a broad context
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The metaphor in the third sentence effectively places the Lewis and Clark expedition within a broader historical and cultural context, emphasizing its significance in relation to the age of the nation and its development. Option A, while related to the age of the United States, does not capture the metaphor's broader implications. Option B misinterprets the metaphor, as it does not question literary value but rather highlights historical importance. Option C inaccurately suggests that the metaphor diminishes the expedition’s achievements, whereas it actually elevates their significance by situating them within a larger narrative.
The metaphor in the third sentence effectively places the Lewis and Clark expedition within a broader historical and cultural context, emphasizing its significance in relation to the age of the nation and its development. Option A, while related to the age of the United States, does not capture the metaphor's broader implications. Option B misinterprets the metaphor, as it does not question literary value but rather highlights historical importance. Option C inaccurately suggests that the metaphor diminishes the expedition’s achievements, whereas it actually elevates their significance by situating them within a larger narrative.
In context, 'Telemundo' and 'Ms. magazine' serve as examples of media that:
- A. Devised similar marketing techniques
- B. Were created by the same media visionary
- C. Underwent profound changes as a result of Johnson's work
- D. Were designed to appeal to particular groups of consumers
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Telemundo and Ms. magazine both target specific audiences, making option D the most accurate choice. Telemundo caters primarily to Spanish-speaking viewers, while Ms. magazine focuses on feminist issues and women’s rights, appealing to a distinct demographic. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that both used similar marketing techniques. Option B is misleading; the two were not created by the same visionary, as they emerged from different cultural and social contexts. Option C is also inaccurate; while Johnson's work may have influenced media, it did not specifically lead to profound changes in either outlet.
Telemundo and Ms. magazine both target specific audiences, making option D the most accurate choice. Telemundo caters primarily to Spanish-speaking viewers, while Ms. magazine focuses on feminist issues and women’s rights, appealing to a distinct demographic. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that both used similar marketing techniques. Option B is misleading; the two were not created by the same visionary, as they emerged from different cultural and social contexts. Option C is also inaccurate; while Johnson's work may have influenced media, it did not specifically lead to profound changes in either outlet.
Which best replaces the word 'appropriate' in sentence 3 (reproduced below)? When chefs and other consumers appropriate local products rather than goods that have been transported across long distances to chain stores, they can enjoy better prices while bettering the local economy.
- A. gain
- B. retrieve
- C. purchase
- D. redeem
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
In the context of the sentence, "appropriate" conveys the idea of acquiring or buying local products. Option A, "gain," implies obtaining something but lacks the specificity of a transaction, making it less suitable. Option B, "retrieve," suggests taking back something previously owned, which does not fit the context of purchasing local goods. Option D, "redeem," typically refers to exchanging something for a benefit or value, often in a promotional context, which does not align with the intended meaning of acquiring local products. Thus, "purchase" accurately reflects the act of buying local goods.
In the context of the sentence, "appropriate" conveys the idea of acquiring or buying local products. Option A, "gain," implies obtaining something but lacks the specificity of a transaction, making it less suitable. Option B, "retrieve," suggests taking back something previously owned, which does not fit the context of purchasing local goods. Option D, "redeem," typically refers to exchanging something for a benefit or value, often in a promotional context, which does not align with the intended meaning of acquiring local products. Thus, "purchase" accurately reflects the act of buying local goods.