Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implest the passage
Passage
Orville and Wilbur Wright of the United States are considered by most aviation historians to have built the first functional airplane, and their pioneering flight in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina is legendary However, many citizens of New Zealand consider their countryman Richard Pearse, not the Wright Brothers, to have been the first to fly. One day in 1902, according to witness accounts, Pearse took off in his engine-powered flying machine, flew a short distance, and crashed into a hedge. Pearse could not effectively steer his plane or keep it in the air, but he accomplished something nevertheless
What is the passage primarily discussing?
- A. The achievement of Richard Pearse
- B. The problems of early airplanes
- C. The first flight in the United States
- D. The history of long-distance flight
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The passage primarily discusses the achievement of Richard Pearse, highlighting his significant contributions to aviation. His pioneering efforts are central to the narrative, showcasing his innovations and milestones. Option B focuses on the problems of early airplanes, which, while relevant, does not capture the primary focus on Pearse's accomplishments. Option C mentions the first flight in the United States, a separate historical event that is not the main topic of the passage. Option D addresses the broader history of long-distance flight, which encompasses many figures and events, but does not specifically center on Pearse's individual achievements.
The passage primarily discusses the achievement of Richard Pearse, highlighting his significant contributions to aviation. His pioneering efforts are central to the narrative, showcasing his innovations and milestones. Option B focuses on the problems of early airplanes, which, while relevant, does not capture the primary focus on Pearse's accomplishments. Option C mentions the first flight in the United States, a separate historical event that is not the main topic of the passage. Option D addresses the broader history of long-distance flight, which encompasses many figures and events, but does not specifically center on Pearse's individual achievements.
Other Related Questions
What assumption does the author of the passage make?
- A. Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.
- B. The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy
- C. Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis
- D. Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research suggests a gap in public awareness that the author aims to address. This perspective is crucial for framing the significance of the research discussed. Option A is incorrect as it makes a specific economic claim not supported by the passage. Option B incorrectly assumes the Department of Energy is currently using hydrogen-producing algae, which is not established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, but the passage does not provide evidence or context to support this claim. Thus, D accurately reflects the author's underlying assumption about public perception.
The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research suggests a gap in public awareness that the author aims to address. This perspective is crucial for framing the significance of the research discussed. Option A is incorrect as it makes a specific economic claim not supported by the passage. Option B incorrectly assumes the Department of Energy is currently using hydrogen-producing algae, which is not established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, but the passage does not provide evidence or context to support this claim. Thus, D accurately reflects the author's underlying assumption about public perception.
The word "perceive" in sentence 3 of the passage most nearly means
- A. feel
- B. generate
- C. predict
- D. sense
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The word "perceive" in this context closely aligns with "sense," as it refers to the ability to become aware of something through one’s senses or intuition. Option A, "feel," suggests a more emotional or physical response, which does not fully capture the broader cognitive aspect of perception. Option B, "generate," implies creating something, which deviates from the idea of recognizing or understanding. Option C, "predict," relates to forecasting future events, rather than simply recognizing or interpreting current stimuli. Thus, "sense" best encapsulates the meaning of "perceive" in this instance.
The word "perceive" in this context closely aligns with "sense," as it refers to the ability to become aware of something through one’s senses or intuition. Option A, "feel," suggests a more emotional or physical response, which does not fully capture the broader cognitive aspect of perception. Option B, "generate," implies creating something, which deviates from the idea of recognizing or understanding. Option C, "predict," relates to forecasting future events, rather than simply recognizing or interpreting current stimuli. Thus, "sense" best encapsulates the meaning of "perceive" in this instance.
Why does the author place quotation marks around the word "patriotic" (sentence 2)?
- A. To acknowledge that Wrigley's gum, while associated with a patriotic gesture, is not actually patriotic
- B. To emphasize that Wrigley's gum helped American soldiers
- C. To show that American soldiers used the word patriotic to describe Wrigley's gum
- D. To indicate that the Wrigley Company changed the name of the product to include the word patriotic
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Quotation marks around the word "patriotic" suggest that the term is being used in a non-literal or ironic sense, indicating skepticism about its true meaning. Option A accurately reflects this by acknowledging that while Wrigley's gum is linked to a patriotic gesture, it may not genuinely embody patriotism. Option B incorrectly assumes that the emphasis is on the gum's supportive role for soldiers rather than questioning the term itself. Option C misinterprets the use of quotation marks, suggesting that soldiers coined the term, which is not the case. Option D mistakenly implies a product name change, which is irrelevant to the author's intent in using quotation marks.
Quotation marks around the word "patriotic" suggest that the term is being used in a non-literal or ironic sense, indicating skepticism about its true meaning. Option A accurately reflects this by acknowledging that while Wrigley's gum is linked to a patriotic gesture, it may not genuinely embody patriotism. Option B incorrectly assumes that the emphasis is on the gum's supportive role for soldiers rather than questioning the term itself. Option C misinterprets the use of quotation marks, suggesting that soldiers coined the term, which is not the case. Option D mistakenly implies a product name change, which is irrelevant to the author's intent in using quotation marks.
The author of the passage does which of the following?
- A. Relates a personal anecdote
- B. Provides statistical data
- C. Quotes a named authority
- D. Challenges an official view
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The author quotes a named authority to lend credibility to their argument, enhancing the passage's persuasive impact. This approach allows the reader to see the author's position supported by established expertise. Option A is incorrect as there is no personal anecdote shared; the focus remains on authoritative sources. Option B is not applicable since the passage lacks statistical data, relying instead on qualitative support. Option D is also wrong; the author does not challenge an official view but rather reinforces their argument through the cited authority, maintaining a respectful stance towards existing perspectives.
The author quotes a named authority to lend credibility to their argument, enhancing the passage's persuasive impact. This approach allows the reader to see the author's position supported by established expertise. Option A is incorrect as there is no personal anecdote shared; the focus remains on authoritative sources. Option B is not applicable since the passage lacks statistical data, relying instead on qualitative support. Option D is also wrong; the author does not challenge an official view but rather reinforces their argument through the cited authority, maintaining a respectful stance towards existing perspectives.