2008
The phrase "mathematical Mount Everest" (line 53) refers to (A) "long-sought-after counterexample" (lines 43-44) (B) "five-color map" (line 50) (C) "Four Color Map Theorem" (line 54)(D) "use of high-speed computers" (lines 58-59) (E) "1,500 fundamental cases"(line62)
C, "Four Color Map Theorem" (line 54)(D) "use of high-speed computers" (lines 58-59)
In the passage as a whole, a major shift in the development of the argument occurs at which of the following points? (A) "More than five hundred years ago" (line 13) (B) "Take a straightforward example" (line 20) (C) "So what's really going on" (line 40) (D) "Language often becomes" (line 54) (E) "Compare the reactions of many Australians" (lines 64-65)
C, "So what's really going on" (line 40)
Which of the following best describes the passage as a whole? (A) An analysis of rival viewpoints among mathematicians (B) An exploration of the role of computers in solving mathematical theorems (C) A reflection on certain key features of mathematical proofs (D) An explanation of required steps for mathematical proofs (E) A treatise on the necessity of an aesthetic element in mathematics texts
C, A reflection on certain key features of mathematical proofs
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the first and second sentences of the passage? (A) The first sentence states a fact; the second states an opinion. (B) The first sentence presents an idea; the second reiterates the same idea. (C) The first sentence makes a statement; the second introduces a potential difficulty. (D) The first sentence lists goals; the second explains them. (E) The first sentence summarizes one point of view; the second summarizes an opposing position.
C, The first sentence makes a statement; the second introduces a potential difficulty.
The author appears to believe most firmly that (A) passion and reason should be exercised equally (B) love is the highest level of fulfillment (C) all passions, but especially love, must be subject to reason (D) young women should delay marriage until their passions have cooled (E) young men should seek wives who have been educated by women
C, all passions, but especially love, must be subject to reason
In context, the word "contrarians" (line 34) means those who (A) take an old-fashioned view (B) deny the complexity of the theory of the four color map (C) approach a topic from an unorthodox perspective (D) dislike most mathematical procedures (E) cooperate with other mathematicians
C, approach a topic from an unorthodox
Throughout the passage, the author's argument is meant chiefly to (A) inspire young men and women to be faithful to each other (B) question the sincerity of expressions of love (C) change perceptions of how women should relate to men (D) bring to light the hardships of married women (E) describe the ideal education for women
C, change perceptions of how women should relate to men
In context, the tone of lines 8-12 ("And voters . . . kids") can best be described as (A) heedless (B) scandalized (C) critical (D) surprised (E) encouraging
C, critical
In context, paragraphs two and three (lines 22-73) primarily serve to (A) suggest that different mathematicians have different strengths (B) explain how both humans and computers rely on syllogisms (C) contrast mathematical proofs with scientific investigations (D) illustrate the shortcomings of a mathematical proof without beauty (E) underscore Erdos' reputation as being at once humble and a perfectionist
D, illustrate the shortcomings of a mathematical proof without beauty
The attitude of the author toward the English language is one of (A) high regard for the early scholars of English grammar (B) acceptance of changes in English despite a strong sense of loss (C) disdain for those condoning the linguistic flexibility of English (D) interest in the past of and optimism for the future of English (E) preoccupation with the accuracy of expression of English
D, interest in the past of and optimism for the future of English
In line 14, the phrase "the more important years of life" is best taken to mean the years when (A) instruction is first given (B) youthful pleasures are pursued (C) one has children of one's own (D) maturity has been reached (E) age forces reliance on other people
D, maturity has been reached
The author indicates that international reactions to Americanized spellings of words can reflect (A) a desire to return to simpler times (B) anxiety about pleasing American tourists (C) contempt for inaccuracies in American usage (D) resentment of America's cultural and economic status (E) confidence that local usage will ultimately prevail
D, resentment of America's cultural and economic status
In line 9, "sceptre" is used as a (A) symbol of queenly grace (B) metaphor for physical strength (C) synonym for the word "sword" (D) symbol of authority (E) metaphor for love
D, symbol of authority
The tone in the passage is best described as (A) dramatic (B) confidential (C) impressionistic (D) thoughtful yet playful (E) moralistic and rigid
D, thoughtful yet playful
The author includes a reference to Bill Clinton in lines 8-10 primarily to (A) provide an example of how a syllogism works (B) provide an example of a logical fallacy (C) provide a political illustration for a mathematic problem(D) engage in a sardonic digression (E) developananalogytoillustratethe difference between politics and math
A, provide an example of how a syllogism works
What the author refers to as "weeds" (line 34) are (A) usage changes (B) obsolete terms (C) diction errors (D) clichés (E) metaphors
A, usage changes
The sense of the last paragraph depends mainly on which of the following? (A) Analogy (B) Humor (C) Irony (D) Paradox (E) Personification
A, Analogy
Which of the following best describes the function of the sentence "Things are no better in the work world" (lines 32-33) ? (A) It extends the author's argument about education into another area. (B) It suggests that educators alone are not responsible for poor school quality. (C) It tries to establish new sources of funding for educational endeavors. (D) It introduces an argument for the need to make entry-level work more demanding. (E) It offers a specific example of unethical behavior.
A, It extends the author's argument about education into another area.
The first paragraph (lines 1-11) functions as (A) a reasoned introduction to an argument (B) initial evidence to support a thesis (C) the opening scene of a narrative (D) basic historical background material (E) an analysis of the boundaries of a case
A, a reasoned introduction to an argument
The author's relation to the reader is best described as that of (A) an informed commentator (B) a sympathetic ally (C) an angry critic (D) an amused colleague (E) an aloof judge
A, an informed commentator
In lines 20-21, the author reveals her intention to (A) appeal to the intelligence of those who support Rousseau's theories (B) argue with those who question Rousseau's theories (C) acknowledge that young women may resist her ideas (D) assume that her audience has little knowledge of human nature (E) suggest that her audience has no personal experience of love
A, appeal to the intelligence of those who support Rousseau's theories
In context, the phrase "fundamental cases" (line 62) means (A) basic patterns (B) primary numbers (C) specific reasons (D) historical illustrations (E) unchanging proofs
A, basic patterns
The example of Alfred the Great (lines 75-80) serves to (A) build on the point made in lines 1-5 (B) underscore the example of Australians' reaction to American spelling (lines 64-72) (C) contrast views of past leaders with those of contemporary leaders (D) document the earliest changes to the English language (E) point out a parallel with the views of Noah Webster (lines 60-64)
A, build on the point made in lines 1-5
The primary purpose of the passage is to (A) call attention to a serious problem (B) justify the continuation of current policies (C) examine the advantages and disadvantages of policy changes (D) refute the allegations of critics (E) establish the need for additional data and studies
A, call attention to a serious problem
The chief effect of the word "hygienists" (line 16) is to (A) lend a tone of mocking humor to the discussion (B) expand the argument to a subject other than language (C) establish a deferential attitude about the subject (D) provide an objective approach to the argument (E) set up a contrast between Roman and modern English standards of usage
A, lend a tone of mocking humor to the discussion
In context, the author's regard for "the great art of pleasing" (line 47) is best described as (A) minimal (B) deepening (C) enthusiastic (D) excessive (E) ambivalent
A, minimal
The passage can best be classified as which of the following? (A) A fictional narrative (B) A reasoned appeal (C) A dispassionate analysis (D) A formal petition (E) A dramatic accusation
B, A reasoned appeal
Which of the following versions of the sentence in lines 4-6, reproduced below, is clearest? Yet unlike other nations, American schools are financed at the local rather than the federal level. (A) Change "Yet" to "Nevertheless" (B) Add "schools in" after "unlike" (C) Add "however" after "schools" (D) Change "are financed" to "receive income" (E) Add"from"after"than"
B, Add "schools in" after "unlike"
The word "chopsticked " (line38) is used as an example of (A) a new usage that is unlikely to persist (B) a verb form created from a noun (C) a verb in the past tense used as an adjective (D) fashionable slang used by international travelers (E) foreign-language words becoming part of English
B, a verb form created from a noun
In paragraphs three and four (lines 40-74), the author's discussion of reaction to changes in language develops by (A) accumulating evidence of changes in language that occur unintentionally and changes that are intended to manipulate situations (B) broadening from people's immediate circle of contacts to their own larger society and then to an international perspective (C) intensifying as it moves from spelling variations that annoy to word choices that express bias to larger communications that antagonize (D) contrasting examples of changes that reflect social concord and examples of changes that reflect social discord (E) drawing a parallel between examples from the world of business and examples from the world of international relations
B, broadening from people's immediate circle of contacts to their own larger society and then to an international perspective
The passage as a whole is best described as a (A) discussion of women's unique qualities (B) criticism of the limited goals of women's education (C) declaration of a woman's right to choose a husband (D) plea for the eradication of an outdated female stereotype (E) cynical parody of the attitude of males
B, criticism of the limited goals of women's education
The author's presentation makes use of all of the following EXCEPT (A) direct quotation (B) dictionary definition (C) historical summary (D) extended anecdote (E) comparison with the arts
B, dictionary definition
Examples in paragraph 4 (lines 54-74) provide evidence that (A) language usage can survive political turmoil (B) nationalism influences reactions to linguistic changes (C) generalizations about language usage are usually inaccurate (D) linguistic changes occur more frequently now than in the past (E) dominant nations undergo more linguistic changes than less powerful nations
B, nationalism influences reactions to linguistic changes
On the whole, the tone of the author is best described as (A) puzzled (B) objective (C) skeptical (D) confrontational (E) condescending
B, objective
In line 24, the "sunbeams" are "oblique" because they are (A) very beautiful and very fleeting (B) overly familiar and growing weaker (C) shyly revealing and subtly ingratiating (D) meaningless to the person casting them (E) distorted by the person at whom they are directed
B, overly familiar and growing weaker
The purpose of endnote 2 (line 45) is to (A) inform readers that the author is directly quoting the writers listed in the endnote (B) provide reference materials to support forthcoming data (C) document the sources of claims made about loans, scholarships, and educational funding (D) refute the notion that there is a link between the cost of higher education and the availability of loans (E) acknowledge that the experts listed might not agree with the claim made in the preceding sentence
C, document the sources of claims made about loans, scholarships, and educational funding
The author's reflections on married love are best described as (A) illogical and contradictory (B) romantic and optimistic (C) serious and cautionary (D) glamorous and inflated (E) speculative and shallow
C, serious and cautionary
The italics in the second paragraph (lines 16-26) serve all of the following purposes EXCEPT to (A) emphasize the author's frustration with the situation (B) underscore the author's major points in the paragraph (C) call attention to the magnitude of the problem being discussed (D) exaggerate the author's determination to bring about change (E) highlight details that support the author's argument
D, exaggerate the author's determination to bring about change
In line 55, "a being" is best taken to mean a woman' s (A) daughter (B) friend (C) father (D) husband (E) self
D) husband
Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "prejudice" as it is used in line 40 ? (A) Unfounded dislike (B) A loss of faith (C) Innovative thinking (D) Fixed convictions (E) Affectionate approval
D, Fixed convictions
Paragraph two presents which of the following? I. A demonstration of the inherent simplicity of a mathematical problem II. A discussion of the Four Color Map Theorem III. An example of the tenacity of mathematicians (A) II only (B) I and II only (C) I and III only (D) II and III only (E) I,II,andIII
D, II and III only
The information in the sentence below would fit most logically after the sentence that ends on which of the following lines? In Australia all school funding is centralized so that the government can ensure accountability and fair deployment of resources. (A) Line 8 (B) Line 15 (C) Line 23 (D) Line 29 (E) Line 33
D, Line 29
At the end of paragraph three, the author includes a quotation from Erdős (lines 69-73) primarily to show that Erdős (A) admires those who developed the theorem (B) knows little about the theorem (C) reserves judgment on the proof (D) dislikes some aspects of the proof (E) begs to differ with the results of the proof
D, dislikes some aspects of the proof
The author offers specific data to support which of the following assertions? (A) "Teachers' salaries, expenditures per pupil, and other indicators of school quality (including the physical plant) significantly affect the employment prospects and wages of high school graduates." (lines 1-4) (B) "School bond failures are way up in comparison with earlier decades." (lines 12- 13) (C) "International comparisons reveal that education is simply not a national priority in the United States the way it is in many countries." (lines 27-29) (D) "We have a piecemeal, incoherent system that fails to train teachers thoroughly, keep track of student progress in a consistent way, or ensure equality of access." (lines 29-32) (E) "Things are no better in the work world." (lines 32-33)
E, "Things are no better in the work world." (lines 32-33)
In paragraph one, all of the following pairs illustrate contrasts EXCEPT (A) "science" and "art" (line 2) (B) "obvious" and "unexpected" (line 12) (C) "trivial" and "beautiful" (line 13) (D) "surprising" (line 14) and "straight from the Book" (line 15) (E) "odd" and "surprising" (line 18)
E, "odd" and "surprising" (line 18)
The author employs which of the following in developing the arguments in the passage? I. Rhetorical questions II. References to grammatical terms III. Quotations from famous writers IV. Examples from diverse eras (A) III only (B) I and II only (C) II and IV only (D) I, III, and IV only (E) I,II,III,andIV
E, I,II,III,andIV
Which of the following statements about the information in endnote 1 is correct? (A) This endnote appears on page 237 of the book Savage Inequalities: Children in America' s Schools and on page 37 of the article "Hard Data." (B) Jonathan Kozol edited a book that contains the article "Hard Data." (C) The article "Hard Data" was first published in the book Savage Inequalities: Children in America' s Schools. (D) Savage Inequalities: Children in America' s Schools is an article printed both in a book edited by Jonathan Kozol and in Washington Post Weekly Edition. (E) In 1991 Crown published Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools, written by Jonathan Kozol.
E, In 1991 Crown published Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools, written by Jonathan Kozol.
Which of the following information does endnote 2 provide? (A) David Whitman edited a book that contains an article first published in U.S. News & World Report. (B) The War Against the Poor: A Defense Manual was edited by Peter Applebome. (C) The Center for Popular Economies reprinted a book, The War Against the Poor:A Defense Manual, that was published in 1996. (D) Randy Abelda and Nancy Folbre published a book in 1989. (E) The article "U.S. Gets 'Average' Grade in Math and Science Studies" was written by Peter Applebome and published in the New York Times.
E, The article "U.S. Gets 'Average' Grade in Math and Science Studies" was written by Peter Applebome and published in the New York Times.
The author' s approach to reasoning with "the supporters of this opinion" (line 20) is to pose questions that she (A) knows the supporters have considered (B) answers with emotion rather than reason (C) fears can never be answered by anyone (D) intentionally answers with illogical responses (E) answers from her own point of view
E, answers from her own point of view
Paragraph three (lines 40-53) implies that those who would strictly follow rules of the English language feel (A) timid whenever they must correct others' linguistic errors (B) admiring of others' linguistic creativity (C) free to break rules of social etiquette (D) satisfied that the flexibility of the English language is superior to that of all others (E) anxious about how their use of language affects others' perceptions of them
E, anxious about how their use of language affects others' perceptions of them
For the mathematicians cited in lines 10-21, a proof would lack beauty if it were (A) useful in everyday life (B) free of nonessential steps (C) clearly comprehensible (D) resistant to challenge (E) completely predictable
E, completely predictable
Lines 39-47 ("I now speak . . . discontent") serve to (A) introduce a rationale for women to behave as men behave (B) illustrate the futility of looking "into herself for comfort" (lines 28-29) (C) explore the dilemma of how principle can coexist with prejudice (D) exemplify how efforts to please inevitably displease (E) develop the metaphor of the "spring of bitterness" (line 36)
E, develop the metaphor of the "spring of bitterness" (line 36)
Paragraphs two and three are developed primarily by (A) definition (B) argument (C) persuasion (D) comparison and contrast (E) narration and analysis
E, narration and analysis
The author presents John Wallis (line 6), Samuel Johnson (lines 7-8), and Jonathan Swift (line 55) as hostile to (A) faulty studies of word origins (B) tedious debates about grammar (C) local misunderstandings of historical events (D) snobbish rejections of modern vocabulary (E) unnecessary changes in word usage in their eras
E, unnecessary changes in word usage in their eras
