(1) In the late 1800s, quilt making in the southern United States was generally characterized by simple, repetitive patterns or mass-produced commercial designs. (2) The pictorial quilts created by a former slave named Harriet Powers, however, were remarkable for their bold storytelling techniques and unique subject matter. (3) Powers's best-known pictorial quilt was commissioned in 1898. (4) The hand- and machine-sewn quilt measured 69 by 105 inches and consisted of 15 panels. (5) It is not clear when or where Powers learned to sew. (6) In the center of the quilt, the 'falling of the stars' illustrates the hours-long Leonid meteor shower that captivated people on November 13, 1833. (7) Another panel depicts icicles forming on the breath of a mule and a man with a sack of frozen meal, illustrating. (8) the unusual weather on February 10, 1895, when temperatures fell below zero in Georgia. (9) The minimalism of Powers's cotton appliqué human shapes stands in juxtaposition to the large scale of such events. (10) In addition to its artistic merit, Powers's quilt is distinctive for its incorporation of traditional West African design. (11) Although Powers had been born in Georgia and remained in the same region throughout her life, her quilt exhibits a number of stylistic similarities to the large, appliquéd cotton cloths used in festivals by the Fon people of Dahomey. (12) Most conspicuously, both use flat, dyed, and printed shapes that appear at first glance to be placed in arbitrary positions. (13) The quilt Powers made, along with her transcribed descriptions of the scenes in each panel, carries special significance. (14) Authentic artworks and firsthand accounts are relatively rare, so to have such a work preserved along with detailed commentary from its creator is invaluable. (15) The quilt eventually became the property of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. (16) Powers herself has become an honored part of American art history.
Which choice most effectively combines sentences 7 and 8 (reproduced below) at the underlined portion? Another panel depicted icicles forming on the breath of a mule and a man with a sack of frozen meal. The unusual weather on February 10, 1895, when temperatures fell below zero in Georgia.
- A. meal, highlighting the unusual weather
- B. meal, by the weather that was unusual
- C. meal, that the weather was unusual
- D. meal, when the unusual weather
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively combines the sentences by using "highlighting," which clearly indicates that the icicles and frozen meal illustrate the unusual weather conditions. This maintains a strong connection between the imagery and the context of the weather event. Option B introduces "by the weather that was unusual," which is awkward and less direct, weakening the connection between the two ideas. Option C's phrasing, "that the weather was unusual," is vague and does not create a clear link between the images and the weather conditions. Option D, while somewhat effective, lacks the clarity of A, as "when the unusual weather" does not emphasize how the images relate to the weather event.
Option A effectively combines the sentences by using "highlighting," which clearly indicates that the icicles and frozen meal illustrate the unusual weather conditions. This maintains a strong connection between the imagery and the context of the weather event. Option B introduces "by the weather that was unusual," which is awkward and less direct, weakening the connection between the two ideas. Option C's phrasing, "that the weather was unusual," is vague and does not create a clear link between the images and the weather conditions. Option D, while somewhat effective, lacks the clarity of A, as "when the unusual weather" does not emphasize how the images relate to the weather event.
Other Related Questions
Which of the following, if true, would best serve to challenge Ogburn and Thomas’s belief that the discovery of calculus is an example of the 'phenomenon' mentioned in the first sentence?
- A. Uncovering the existence of a journal that Newton kept while working with calculus
- B. Learning that scientists other than Newton and Leibniz had also made substantial progress on calculus
- C. Finding a previously unknown letter between Newton and Leibniz discussing calculus that predated its commonly assumed discovery
- D. Identifying a minor error in Newton’s original mathematical calculations
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C effectively challenges Ogburn and Thomas's belief by providing evidence that the commonly accepted timeline of calculus's discovery may be inaccurate. A letter predating the established discovery suggests that the ideas behind calculus were circulating earlier than believed, undermining the notion of a singular "phenomenon." Option A, while intriguing, does not directly contest the timing of the discovery; it merely adds context to Newton's process. Option B introduces other contributors but does not dispute the significance of Newton and Leibniz's roles. Option D points out an error in calculations, which does not challenge the overall legitimacy of the discovery itself.
Option C effectively challenges Ogburn and Thomas's belief by providing evidence that the commonly accepted timeline of calculus's discovery may be inaccurate. A letter predating the established discovery suggests that the ideas behind calculus were circulating earlier than believed, undermining the notion of a singular "phenomenon." Option A, while intriguing, does not directly contest the timing of the discovery; it merely adds context to Newton's process. Option B introduces other contributors but does not dispute the significance of Newton and Leibniz's roles. Option D points out an error in calculations, which does not challenge the overall legitimacy of the discovery itself.
Where in the passage should the following sentence be inserted? Other New Yorkers say they are in favor of the bike lanes just for keeping bicyclists off the sidewalks.
- A. After sentence 1
- B. After sentence 3
- C. After sentence 9
- D. After sentence 12
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Inserting the sentence after sentence 12 effectively captures the contrasting viewpoints on bike lanes, highlighting public support while addressing concerns about sidewalk safety. This placement enhances the flow of the passage by concluding the discussion on community opinions regarding bike lanes. Option A, after sentence 1, disrupts the introduction of the topic, as it introduces a specific opinion too early. Option B, after sentence 3, fails to provide context for the differing opinions, leading to confusion. Option C, after sentence 9, does not align with the passage's progression, as it occurs before a more comprehensive discussion of the implications of bike lanes.
Inserting the sentence after sentence 12 effectively captures the contrasting viewpoints on bike lanes, highlighting public support while addressing concerns about sidewalk safety. This placement enhances the flow of the passage by concluding the discussion on community opinions regarding bike lanes. Option A, after sentence 1, disrupts the introduction of the topic, as it introduces a specific opinion too early. Option B, after sentence 3, fails to provide context for the differing opinions, leading to confusion. Option C, after sentence 9, does not align with the passage's progression, as it occurs before a more comprehensive discussion of the implications of bike lanes.
In context, what does the final sentence suggest about Native American ceremonial texts?
- A. Understanding them requires a highly developed memory.
- B. Their inclusion of complicated and detailed material is traditional.
- C. They are important in the everyday lives of many Native Americans.
- D. Their use of repetition cannot be explained as an aid to memorization.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The final sentence suggests that repetition in Native American ceremonial texts serves a purpose beyond mere memorization, indicating a deeper significance in their cultural context. Option A is incorrect because the emphasis is not on memory development but on the intrinsic value of repetition. Option B misinterprets the role of complexity; while tradition is important, the sentence highlights repetition's unique function rather than the intricacy of content. Option C overlooks the specific focus on repetition, which is the core of the final sentence, rather than the broader context of everyday importance.
The final sentence suggests that repetition in Native American ceremonial texts serves a purpose beyond mere memorization, indicating a deeper significance in their cultural context. Option A is incorrect because the emphasis is not on memory development but on the intrinsic value of repetition. Option B misinterprets the role of complexity; while tradition is important, the sentence highlights repetition's unique function rather than the intricacy of content. Option C overlooks the specific focus on repetition, which is the core of the final sentence, rather than the broader context of everyday importance.
The passage is an example of which rhetorical strategy?
- A. Claim–evidence
- B. Compare–contrast
- C. Quotation–analysis
- D. Definition–example
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The passage employs a definition followed by an example, illustrating concepts clearly. This strategy effectively clarifies ideas by providing context through real-world applications, enhancing understanding. Option A, claim-evidence, focuses on supporting assertions with data, which is not the primary approach here. Option B, compare-contrast, would involve analyzing similarities and differences, which is absent in the text. Option C, quotation-analysis, centers on interpreting cited material, whereas the passage defines terms directly rather than quoting sources. Thus, the use of definition and example stands out as the dominant rhetorical strategy.
The passage employs a definition followed by an example, illustrating concepts clearly. This strategy effectively clarifies ideas by providing context through real-world applications, enhancing understanding. Option A, claim-evidence, focuses on supporting assertions with data, which is not the primary approach here. Option B, compare-contrast, would involve analyzing similarities and differences, which is absent in the text. Option C, quotation-analysis, centers on interpreting cited material, whereas the passage defines terms directly rather than quoting sources. Thus, the use of definition and example stands out as the dominant rhetorical strategy.