(1) The poet Robert Frost appreciated the many literary honors that had been bestowed upon him, but nothing could match the sense of pride that overwhelmed him in 1961. (2) He had received an invitation from President-Elect John F. Kennedy to read a poem at the inauguration. (3) The poet was gratified, at the age of eighty-six, to be part of what he saw as the dawning of a new cultural age. (4) He knew that he was the first poet to participate in these prestigious ceremonies, therefore, he contemplated which poem would be appropriate for the occasion.
(5) The president-elect initially suggested that the poet compose new verse specifically for the event. (6) The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. (7) It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion. (8) The president then requested one of the poet's well-known pieces, "The Gift Outright," whose subject was the history and the future of the land. (9) The poet concurred because he believed the theme captured the spirit of the event. (10) He was confident he could recite the piece impeccably in the commanding voice warranted by the distinguished gathering
(11) He devated himself to the task of creating a new poem, which he would read before he recited the familiar selection (12) Upon further reflection, Frost decided that such an auspicious occasion merited original verse. (13) He saw this event, which would be witnessed by millions, as an opportunity to further the cause of the arts in society. (14) in spite of his concem over time constraints-the occasion was an important one! he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
(15) As the immanent poet wrote, he contemplated the dual purpose of his new poem. (16) He wanted not only to honor the new president in a way that would touch the hearts of the audience but also to inspire others to appreciate the arts. (17) He proceeded with an enthusiasm befitting his notable role.
Which version of the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below) most effectively elaborates on the idea presented at the beginning of the sentence?
In spite of his concern over time constraints the occasion was an important one!- he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. the event would be held in the nation's capital!-
- C. only two days until the ceremony!-
- D. the president would hear him recite!-
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.
Other Related Questions
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 13 (reproduced below)?
It might result in fewer trips to the store, which could keep fuel and cut down on pollution
- A. (as it is now)
- B. protect
- C. conserve
- D. support
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The phrase "cut down on pollution" suggests reducing waste, making "conserve" the most suitable choice. It aligns with the idea of using fewer resources, such as fuel, to achieve environmental benefits. Option A retains the original wording, which lacks precision and clarity. Option B, "protect," implies safeguarding resources but does not directly convey the idea of reducing usage. Option D, "support," suggests encouragement or assistance, which is not relevant to the context of minimizing trips and their environmental impact. Thus, "conserve" effectively captures the intended meaning of reducing consumption and pollution.
The phrase "cut down on pollution" suggests reducing waste, making "conserve" the most suitable choice. It aligns with the idea of using fewer resources, such as fuel, to achieve environmental benefits. Option A retains the original wording, which lacks precision and clarity. Option B, "protect," implies safeguarding resources but does not directly convey the idea of reducing usage. Option D, "support," suggests encouragement or assistance, which is not relevant to the context of minimizing trips and their environmental impact. Thus, "conserve" effectively captures the intended meaning of reducing consumption and pollution.
Should sentence 15 (reproduced below) be kept in the fourth paragraph? Actually, there's not much about living here that intimidates me anymore, and I've even gotten used to the noise
- A. Yes, because it is appropriate to the paragraph's purpose of creating a feeling of being in a busy city.
- B. Yes, because it reinforces the paragraph's focus on the narrator's evolving perspective about the city.
- C. No, because it blurs the paragraph's focus on the uncommon experiences the narrator has had in the city
- D. No, because it is irrelevant to the paragraph's topic about the challenges of moving from the country to the
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B effectively highlights the evolving perspective of the narrator, emphasizing personal growth and adaptation to city life. This aligns with the paragraph’s theme of transformation and acceptance. Option A, while noting the busy city atmosphere, fails to capture the deeper significance of the narrator's emotional journey, which is central to the paragraph’s intent. Option C incorrectly suggests that the sentence detracts from the focus on unique experiences; instead, it complements the narrator's journey by showcasing a shift in perception. Option D misinterprets the relevance of the sentence, as it actually contributes to understanding the challenges faced in adapting to urban life.
Option B effectively highlights the evolving perspective of the narrator, emphasizing personal growth and adaptation to city life. This aligns with the paragraph’s theme of transformation and acceptance. Option A, while noting the busy city atmosphere, fails to capture the deeper significance of the narrator's emotional journey, which is central to the paragraph’s intent. Option C incorrectly suggests that the sentence detracts from the focus on unique experiences; instead, it complements the narrator's journey by showcasing a shift in perception. Option D misinterprets the relevance of the sentence, as it actually contributes to understanding the challenges faced in adapting to urban life.
In context, adjusting capitalization as needed, which of the following would most appropriately be inserted at the beginning of sentence 10 (reproduced below)?
The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calls
It is true that:
- A. It is true that
- B. They point out that
- C. They claim it is obvious that
- D. It appears that
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B, "They point out that," effectively introduces the sentence by indicating that a specific viewpoint or observation is being made about the jailbreaking rats' behavior. This phrasing suggests a direct reference to a previous argument or evidence, enhancing the clarity of the statement. Option A, "It is true that," is too vague and does not connect to any preceding discussion, making it less effective. Option C, "They claim it is obvious that," implies a level of certainty that may not be warranted, potentially misrepresenting the argument's intent. Option D, "It appears that," introduces ambiguity and weakens the assertiveness needed in this context, making it less suitable than option B.
Option B, "They point out that," effectively introduces the sentence by indicating that a specific viewpoint or observation is being made about the jailbreaking rats' behavior. This phrasing suggests a direct reference to a previous argument or evidence, enhancing the clarity of the statement. Option A, "It is true that," is too vague and does not connect to any preceding discussion, making it less effective. Option C, "They claim it is obvious that," implies a level of certainty that may not be warranted, potentially misrepresenting the argument's intent. Option D, "It appears that," introduces ambiguity and weakens the assertiveness needed in this context, making it less suitable than option B.
In context, which of the following sentences would best be inserted between sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)?
They say we could save a great deal of energy by addressing the problem of food waste. The "sell by" dates on foods are typically very conservative and result in people throwing away perfectly edible items.
- A. Better labeling might help
- B. Many people regularly buy more food than they need.
- C. Certain types of produce spoil more quickly than others.
- D. Canned foods last much longer than fresh items
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively connects the idea of food waste with the potential solution of better labeling. Improved labeling can help consumers understand the actual freshness of products, reducing unnecessary waste. Option B, while relevant to food consumption, does not directly address the issue of food waste or how to mitigate it. Option C focuses on spoilage rates of produce, which, although informative, does not provide a solution to the waste problem. Option D compares canned and fresh foods but fails to connect to the overarching theme of improving food labeling to reduce waste.
Option A effectively connects the idea of food waste with the potential solution of better labeling. Improved labeling can help consumers understand the actual freshness of products, reducing unnecessary waste. Option B, while relevant to food consumption, does not directly address the issue of food waste or how to mitigate it. Option C focuses on spoilage rates of produce, which, although informative, does not provide a solution to the waste problem. Option D compares canned and fresh foods but fails to connect to the overarching theme of improving food labeling to reduce waste.