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
It seems humorous now, but when the telephone made its debut, Western Union executives described it as having "too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication." Someday we might be chuckling over similar claims about social networking sites like Facebook. Some people have declared that communicating through computer screens is a weak substitute for in-person interactions. But many others counter that social media encourage more frequent contact with others and thus enrich our real-life relationships. For these people, social networking sites are an invaluable method of communicating with friends, colleagues, and even family members.
Passage 2
A poll conducted in the United States revealed that nearly half of all citizens believe that social networking is a fad that will quickly pass out of favor. I agree with those people. Social media sites can be fun, but they aren't really important. Just as grabbing a candy bar isn't as nutritionally sound as sitting down for a full meal, having a "conversation" via a social media site is not as fulfilling as socializing with a friend face-to-face. As people come to this realization, they will step away from their computers and make plans to see their friends in person.
The author of Passage 2 would most likely say that the opinion held by the "people" mentioned in the third sentence of Passage 1 ("Some people have declared") is
- A. accurate
- B. unsupported
- C. misguided
- D. amusing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
Other Related Questions
The passage implies that the true cause of the bridge collapse was
- A. low-quality materials
- B. short-sighted design
- C. substandard craftsmanship
- D. unexpectedly high winds
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The passage suggests that the bridge collapse stemmed from a fundamental flaw in its design, indicating that the planning and engineering did not adequately account for structural integrity. Option A, low-quality materials, implies that the materials used were inferior, but the passage does not emphasize material quality as the primary issue. Option C, substandard craftsmanship, points to poor construction practices, yet the focus of the passage leans more toward design deficiencies rather than execution. Option D, unexpectedly high winds, suggests an external factor causing the collapse, but the passage attributes the failure to inherent design shortcomings rather than environmental conditions.
The passage suggests that the bridge collapse stemmed from a fundamental flaw in its design, indicating that the planning and engineering did not adequately account for structural integrity. Option A, low-quality materials, implies that the materials used were inferior, but the passage does not emphasize material quality as the primary issue. Option C, substandard craftsmanship, points to poor construction practices, yet the focus of the passage leans more toward design deficiencies rather than execution. Option D, unexpectedly high winds, suggests an external factor causing the collapse, but the passage attributes the failure to inherent design shortcomings rather than environmental conditions.
In sentence 8 (reproduced below), which of the following best replaces 'they'? Rather than commuting long distances, they can use their home computers to maneuver simple wheeled robots around the head office
- A. high-tech engineers
- B. remote workers
- C. sophisticated robots
- D. employers
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B, "remote workers," accurately identifies the subject who would benefit from using home computers to control robots instead of commuting. This term directly relates to individuals who work from home, aligning with the context of the sentence. Option A, "high-tech engineers," is too specific and does not encompass all individuals who might work remotely. Option C, "sophisticated robots," incorrectly refers to machines rather than people, making it irrelevant in this context. Option D, "employers," shifts the focus from the workers to those who manage them, which does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
Option B, "remote workers," accurately identifies the subject who would benefit from using home computers to control robots instead of commuting. This term directly relates to individuals who work from home, aligning with the context of the sentence. Option A, "high-tech engineers," is too specific and does not encompass all individuals who might work remotely. Option C, "sophisticated robots," incorrectly refers to machines rather than people, making it irrelevant in this context. Option D, "employers," shifts the focus from the workers to those who manage them, which does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
Elvis Presley, the legendary singer and musician, starred in several movies that being poorly received by critics but very popular with his fans.
- A. being
- B. were
- C. has been
- D. have been
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The option "were" accurately reflects the past tense, indicating that the movies were poorly received at a specific time, aligning with the historical context of Elvis Presley's film career. Option A, "being," is grammatically incorrect in this context as it does not convey a completed action. Option C, "has been," suggests an ongoing state, which is inappropriate since the movies were released in the past and are no longer being reviewed. Option D, "have been," implies a continuous relevance to the present, which does not fit the historical assessment of the films. Thus, "were" is the most suitable choice.
The option "were" accurately reflects the past tense, indicating that the movies were poorly received at a specific time, aligning with the historical context of Elvis Presley's film career. Option A, "being," is grammatically incorrect in this context as it does not convey a completed action. Option C, "has been," suggests an ongoing state, which is inappropriate since the movies were released in the past and are no longer being reviewed. Option D, "have been," implies a continuous relevance to the present, which does not fit the historical assessment of the films. Thus, "were" is the most suitable choice.
We can infer that the reason the glass tubes were bent was that
- A. the Paris Exposition display was considered unsatisfactory
- B. straight tubes are not as bright as bent ones
- C. it is difficult to form letters with straight tubes
- D. neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.
The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.