Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage
Passage 1
As more and more people choose to read the headlines on the internet or watch news programs on television, major newspapers are rapidly losing money-and some have shut down completely. It is obvious that traditional journalism is in crisis. But if we have other news sources, why should we care about newspapers? The answer is that the newspaper is still the primary source for specific local topics: local politics, schools, crime, neighborhood and community events, local jobs, and so on. Newspapers continue to be a valuable and convenient source of information we might not be able to easily access elsewhere
Passage 2
We've all heard the claims that the newspaper industry is dying, and it's true that daily circulation has been dropping. But there's no need to panic. Thanks to the internet, we now have greater access to information than newspapers ever provided. Why should we wait to read about today's news in tomorrow's papers when we can go to websites and follow a breaking story as it develops? And why should we pay for delivery of our local papers when local, national, and global news can be found online for free? Someday soon there won't be any newspapers left and I doubt we'll even notice
The author of Passage 1 would probably say that the claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 ("Someday notice") are
- A. disappointing and inaccurate
- B. stimulating and insightful
- C. optimistic but vague
- D. alarming but truthful
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Passage 1 likely emphasizes a critical perspective on claims that lack substantiation, making option A—disappointing and inaccurate—the most fitting choice. This aligns with a viewpoint that values factual accuracy and clarity. Option B, stimulating and insightful, misrepresents the author's likely skepticism towards unsupported claims. C, optimistic but vague, suggests a positive outlook that contrasts with the author's critical stance. D, alarming but truthful, implies an acceptance of the claims' validity, which contradicts the author's probable disapproval of inaccuracies. Thus, A best captures the author's likely viewpoint.
Passage 1 likely emphasizes a critical perspective on claims that lack substantiation, making option A—disappointing and inaccurate—the most fitting choice. This aligns with a viewpoint that values factual accuracy and clarity. Option B, stimulating and insightful, misrepresents the author's likely skepticism towards unsupported claims. C, optimistic but vague, suggests a positive outlook that contrasts with the author's critical stance. D, alarming but truthful, implies an acceptance of the claims' validity, which contradicts the author's probable disapproval of inaccuracies. Thus, A best captures the author's likely viewpoint.
Other Related Questions
The term "heliotropic" (sentence 5) most probably means
- A. having a flexible pulvinus
- B. flowering in the bud stage
- C. having brightly-colored flowers
- D. turning toward the Sun
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
"Heliotropic" refers to the phenomenon where plants or flowers turn towards the Sun to maximize light exposure, which is essential for photosynthesis. This behavior is crucial for their growth and survival. Option A, "having a flexible pulvinus," describes a specific structural feature of some plants but does not capture the essence of heliotropism. Option B, "flowering in the bud stage," pertains to a developmental phase unrelated to sunlight orientation. Option C, "having brightly-colored flowers," focuses on visual attributes rather than movement towards light. Thus, only option D accurately reflects the meaning of heliotropic.
"Heliotropic" refers to the phenomenon where plants or flowers turn towards the Sun to maximize light exposure, which is essential for photosynthesis. This behavior is crucial for their growth and survival. Option A, "having a flexible pulvinus," describes a specific structural feature of some plants but does not capture the essence of heliotropism. Option B, "flowering in the bud stage," pertains to a developmental phase unrelated to sunlight orientation. Option C, "having brightly-colored flowers," focuses on visual attributes rather than movement towards light. Thus, only option D accurately reflects the meaning of heliotropic.
According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world, in the far distant past, one vast land mass.
- A. the world, in the far distant past
- B. the world, being in the far distant past
- C. the world were, in the far distant past
- D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.
The retired government official spoke_______ about foreign policy and international trade.
- A. as knowing
- B. in knowledge
- C. knowledgeably
- D. knowledgeable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C, "knowledgeably," is the appropriate choice as it is an adverb that describes how the retired government official spoke, indicating that he did so with knowledge and expertise. Option A, "as knowing," is grammatically incorrect in this context; it does not fit the structure of the sentence. Option B, "in knowledge," is awkward and does not function as an adverb, failing to appropriately modify the verb "spoke." Option D, "knowledgeable," is an adjective and does not correctly modify the verb, making it unsuitable for this sentence structure.
Option C, "knowledgeably," is the appropriate choice as it is an adverb that describes how the retired government official spoke, indicating that he did so with knowledge and expertise. Option A, "as knowing," is grammatically incorrect in this context; it does not fit the structure of the sentence. Option B, "in knowledge," is awkward and does not function as an adverb, failing to appropriately modify the verb "spoke." Option D, "knowledgeable," is an adjective and does not correctly modify the verb, making it unsuitable for this sentence structure.
Is it always better to be original than to imitate or use the ideas of others? Plan and write a multi-paragraph essay (300-600 words) in which you develop your point of view on the above question. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
Originality fosters creativity and innovation, allowing individuals to express unique perspectives and solutions. It encourages critical thinking and personal growth, as developing one's ideas often leads to deeper understanding and mastery of a subject. Conversely, imitation can stifle creativity and limit personal expression. While learning from others can be beneficial, relying solely on their ideas may hinder the development of one's voice and perspective. Furthermore, excessive imitation can lead to plagiarism and a lack of authenticity, which are detrimental in academic and professional settings. In summary, while there is value in learning from others, prioritizing originality cultivates a richer, more diverse intellectual landscape.
Originality fosters creativity and innovation, allowing individuals to express unique perspectives and solutions. It encourages critical thinking and personal growth, as developing one's ideas often leads to deeper understanding and mastery of a subject. Conversely, imitation can stifle creativity and limit personal expression. While learning from others can be beneficial, relying solely on their ideas may hinder the development of one's voice and perspective. Furthermore, excessive imitation can lead to plagiarism and a lack of authenticity, which are detrimental in academic and professional settings. In summary, while there is value in learning from others, prioritizing originality cultivates a richer, more diverse intellectual landscape.