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
The scientists who discovered the skeleton of "Ardi"-short for Ardipithecus ramidus-think she may represent a breakthrough in the study of human origins. The fossils show that Ardi walked upright, and that her teeth resemble modern human teeth more closely than they do those of a chimpanzee. Curiously, though, her feet were capable of grasping, something chimps need in order to climb in trees. "This is huge," says Carol Ward of the University of Missouri. "This is the biggest discovery since the 'Lucy' skeleton of the 1970s."
The author uses a direct quotation (sentence 4) to
- A. present a skeptical opinion about Ardi
- B. provide eyewitness testimony about Ardi
- C. place Ardi in the context of other discoveries
- D. give a physical description of Ardi
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The use of a direct quotation in sentence 4 serves to place Ardi within the broader context of other significant discoveries, highlighting its relevance and importance in the field. This contextualization helps readers understand Ardi's significance in relation to other findings. Option A is incorrect; the quotation does not express skepticism but rather situates Ardi among other discoveries. Option B is also wrong, as the quotation does not provide firsthand eyewitness testimony. Lastly, option D is misleading; the quotation does not focus on a physical description of Ardi but emphasizes its contextual importance.
The use of a direct quotation in sentence 4 serves to place Ardi within the broader context of other significant discoveries, highlighting its relevance and importance in the field. This contextualization helps readers understand Ardi's significance in relation to other findings. Option A is incorrect; the quotation does not express skepticism but rather situates Ardi among other discoveries. Option B is also wrong, as the quotation does not provide firsthand eyewitness testimony. Lastly, option D is misleading; the quotation does not focus on a physical description of Ardi but emphasizes its contextual importance.
Other Related Questions
The passage is mainly discussing the Mississippi River's
- A. depth
- B. length
- C. width
- D. location
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The passage primarily focuses on the Mississippi River's width, detailing its varying measurements at different points along its course. This emphasis on width is crucial for understanding the river's impact on surrounding ecosystems and human activities. Option A, depth, is mentioned but not the main focus, making it less relevant. Option B, length, while significant, does not capture the central theme of the passage. Option D, location, is addressed but serves more as context rather than the primary discussion point. Therefore, width is the key aspect highlighted throughout the text.
The passage primarily focuses on the Mississippi River's width, detailing its varying measurements at different points along its course. This emphasis on width is crucial for understanding the river's impact on surrounding ecosystems and human activities. Option A, depth, is mentioned but not the main focus, making it less relevant. Option B, length, while significant, does not capture the central theme of the passage. Option D, location, is addressed but serves more as context rather than the primary discussion point. Therefore, width is the key aspect highlighted throughout the text.
The historic town library is just passed the intersection of Main Street and the more residential Frederick Street.
- A. passed
- B. pass
- C. past
- D. passing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
In this context, "past" is the appropriate choice as it refers to a location beyond a point—in this case, the intersection. - **A: passed** is the past tense of "pass," which does not fit the sentence's need for a preposition indicating location. - **B: pass** is the base form of the verb and does not convey the intended meaning of being beyond the intersection. - **D: passing** suggests an ongoing action, which is not suitable here as the sentence describes a static location relative to the intersection. Thus, "past" effectively communicates that the library is located beyond the intersection.
In this context, "past" is the appropriate choice as it refers to a location beyond a point—in this case, the intersection. - **A: passed** is the past tense of "pass," which does not fit the sentence's need for a preposition indicating location. - **B: pass** is the base form of the verb and does not convey the intended meaning of being beyond the intersection. - **D: passing** suggests an ongoing action, which is not suitable here as the sentence describes a static location relative to the intersection. Thus, "past" effectively communicates that the library is located beyond the intersection.
Apart from being a basic requirement for plant life, the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain.
- A. the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain
- B. some plant species are also helped by rain to propagate them
- C. rain also helps in the propagation of some plant species
- D. it is also helpful for the propagation of some plant species to have rain
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C clearly states that rain helps in the propagation of some plant species, maintaining a straightforward structure that emphasizes the relationship between rain and propagation. Option A, while accurate, is less clear due to its passive construction, which can lead to ambiguity about what is being helped. Option B awkwardly phrases the relationship, suggesting that rain helps to propagate the plants rather than directly stating its role in the process. Option D complicates the message by using a more convoluted structure, making it less direct and harder to understand. Clarity and conciseness are essential in effectively conveying the idea.
Option C clearly states that rain helps in the propagation of some plant species, maintaining a straightforward structure that emphasizes the relationship between rain and propagation. Option A, while accurate, is less clear due to its passive construction, which can lead to ambiguity about what is being helped. Option B awkwardly phrases the relationship, suggesting that rain helps to propagate the plants rather than directly stating its role in the process. Option D complicates the message by using a more convoluted structure, making it less direct and harder to understand. Clarity and conciseness are essential in effectively conveying the idea.
The passage indicates that John Neville was
- A. the creator of the whiskey tax
- B. working for the government
- C. pardoned by the government
- D. a friend of George Washington's
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
John Neville was indeed working for the government, specifically as a tax collector during the Whiskey Rebellion, which highlights his role in enforcing federal tax laws. Option A is incorrect; he did not create the whiskey tax but was involved in its implementation. Option C is misleading, as there is no indication in the passage that he was pardoned by the government. Option D is also wrong; while Neville may have had connections, the passage does not confirm him as a friend of George Washington. Thus, his official capacity as a government worker is the most accurate representation of his role.
John Neville was indeed working for the government, specifically as a tax collector during the Whiskey Rebellion, which highlights his role in enforcing federal tax laws. Option A is incorrect; he did not create the whiskey tax but was involved in its implementation. Option C is misleading, as there is no indication in the passage that he was pardoned by the government. Option D is also wrong; while Neville may have had connections, the passage does not confirm him as a friend of George Washington. Thus, his official capacity as a government worker is the most accurate representation of his role.