(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
Which choice best replaces the underlined portion in sentence 6 (reproduced below) to suggest that, for a time, people were completely caught up with news of the Leonid meteor shower? In the center of the quilt, the 'falling of the stars' illustrates the hours-long Leonid meteor shower that interested people on November 13, 1833.
- A. affected
- B. enthralled
- C. involved
- D. worried
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The term "enthralled" effectively conveys a sense of deep fascination and engagement, suggesting that people were completely captivated by the Leonid meteor shower. Option A, "affected," lacks the intensity and emotional connection implied in the context; it merely indicates a change rather than a strong interest. Option C, "involved," suggests participation but does not capture the sense of wonder that the meteor shower inspired. Option D, "worried," introduces an inappropriate negative connotation, as the context is one of excitement and awe, not concern.
The term "enthralled" effectively conveys a sense of deep fascination and engagement, suggesting that people were completely captivated by the Leonid meteor shower. Option A, "affected," lacks the intensity and emotional connection implied in the context; it merely indicates a change rather than a strong interest. Option C, "involved," suggests participation but does not capture the sense of wonder that the meteor shower inspired. Option D, "worried," introduces an inappropriate negative connotation, as the context is one of excitement and awe, not concern.
The passage indicates that ancient astronomers were 'baffled' because:
- A. Their observations disproved the poetic tales of early cosmologies
- B. They lacked the mathematical sophistication needed to calculate astronomical distances
- C. Their theories of planetary movements were more complicated than the movements themselves
- D. They could not reliably predict observable celestial phenomena
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' primarily because they struggled to reliably predict observable celestial phenomena. This unpredictability challenged their understanding and led to confusion in their astronomical models. Option A is incorrect as it implies a conflict with poetic tales, which was not the primary concern of astronomers. Option B misrepresents the issue; while mathematical sophistication was limited, the core problem was not solely about calculations. Option C inaccurately suggests that their theories were overly complex; rather, the issue lay in their inability to accurately forecast celestial events, which is the essence of their bafflement.
Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' primarily because they struggled to reliably predict observable celestial phenomena. This unpredictability challenged their understanding and led to confusion in their astronomical models. Option A is incorrect as it implies a conflict with poetic tales, which was not the primary concern of astronomers. Option B misrepresents the issue; while mathematical sophistication was limited, the core problem was not solely about calculations. Option C inaccurately suggests that their theories were overly complex; rather, the issue lay in their inability to accurately forecast celestial events, which is the essence of their bafflement.
Which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 3 and 4 (reproduced below)? Lorca was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner. He studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
- A. Lorca was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner, studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
- B. The oldest son of a wealthy landowner, Lorca studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
- C. Lorca, the oldest son of a wealthy landowner, studying literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
- D. The oldest son of a wealthy landowner who studied literature and law at the University of Granada, Lorca then turning to writing full-time.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B effectively combines the two sentences by placing the subject, Lorca, at the beginning and clearly linking his identity to his actions. This structure maintains clarity and coherence, allowing readers to easily follow the progression of ideas. Option A lacks a conjunction, resulting in a sentence fragment that does not convey a complete thought. Option C incorrectly uses "studying," which creates a grammatical error by failing to connect the clauses properly. Option D introduces unnecessary complexity with "who studied," and the phrase "Lorca then turning" is awkward and grammatically incorrect. Thus, option B stands out as the most coherent and grammatically sound choice.
Option B effectively combines the two sentences by placing the subject, Lorca, at the beginning and clearly linking his identity to his actions. This structure maintains clarity and coherence, allowing readers to easily follow the progression of ideas. Option A lacks a conjunction, resulting in a sentence fragment that does not convey a complete thought. Option C incorrectly uses "studying," which creates a grammatical error by failing to connect the clauses properly. Option D introduces unnecessary complexity with "who studied," and the phrase "Lorca then turning" is awkward and grammatically incorrect. Thus, option B stands out as the most coherent and grammatically sound choice.
The main idea of the passage is that some types of poison frogs:
- A. have developed the capacity to protect themselves from the poison they carry in their skin
- B. could eventually produce a natural pain relief option for people who suffer from headaches
- C. combine chemicals from their food to create a toxic substance that keeps them safe from predators
- D. can be grouped based on the changes they've made to their nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A highlights the unique adaptation of certain poison frogs, emphasizing their ability to protect themselves from their own toxins. This reflects a key aspect of their survival strategy. Option B, while interesting, suggests a potential human application of frog toxins that is not the main focus of the passage. Option C inaccurately attributes the creation of toxins solely to food sources, overlooking the frogs' inherent toxic traits. Option D focuses on a specific biological mechanism that, while relevant, does not encapsulate the broader theme of self-protection central to the passage.
Option A highlights the unique adaptation of certain poison frogs, emphasizing their ability to protect themselves from their own toxins. This reflects a key aspect of their survival strategy. Option B, while interesting, suggests a potential human application of frog toxins that is not the main focus of the passage. Option C inaccurately attributes the creation of toxins solely to food sources, overlooking the frogs' inherent toxic traits. Option D focuses on a specific biological mechanism that, while relevant, does not encapsulate the broader theme of self-protection central to the passage.