AP LANG - Semester 1 Exam
The writer wants to develop the main idea of the third paragraph by adding additional information after sentence 11. Which of the following choices would best accomplish this goal? Responses A A detailed description of an art gallery where Eliasson has shown his work B An explanation of the differences between how concert halls and art galleries are designed C An anecdote about a group of people who met and became friends at a concert in their neighborhood D An explanation of why Eliasson has become particularly concerned with the role of art in community building E A dictionary definition of the word "gallery"
An anecdote about a group of people who met and became friends at a concert in their neighborhood
The writer wants to change sentence 3 (reproduced below) to provide a more specific preview of the passage's argument. While previous theories speculated that people can only acquire a new language at a young age, new research supports a different perspective. Which of the following pieces of information is most appropriate for the writer to include in the new version of the sentence? A Information about previous theories holding that people can only acquire a new language when young B Examples of the types of people who may be seeking to learn a new language C An overview of the new study's claim that optimal language acquisition can occur up to age 30 and that even older adults should remain hopeful about their language-learning prospects
An overview of the new study's claim that optimal language acquisition can occur up to age 30 and that even older adults should remain hopeful about their language-learning prospects
In sentence 12, the writer wants to clarify the paragraph's line of reasoning and explain the relevance of the evidence in sentences 13 and 14 to the paragraph's main idea. Which version of sentence 12 (reproduced below) would best accomplish this goal? Not all artworks are experienced in galleries and performance halls, however. Responses A (As it is now) B Eliasson is only one of many people who appreciate the way art events can draw in a variety of people. C And just as art can overcome physical divides, it can also overcome linguistic and cultural ones. D But you do not have to be a professional artist to appreciate the role art can play in your community. E This important community function is one of the reasons why public funding for the arts is so important.
And just as art can overcome physical divides, it can also overcome linguistic and cultural ones.
(Art Communication) In sentence 4 (reproduced below), the writer wants to integrate the discussion of the piece Passin' on to Others into the passage's line of reasoning about how art can affirm and strengthen community bonds. Artworks created by artists outside of a particular community often do not appeal to members of that community because of a lack of connection between the artists and their intended audience. Which of the following versions of sentence 4 best accomplishes this goal? D Recognizable themes from a particular social setting can quickly establish a connection between the artwork and its audience. E Art can play a unique role in starting conversations and cultivating group pride by representing communities to themselves.
Art can play a unique role in starting conversations and cultivating group pride by representing communities to themselves.
The writer wants to conclude the passage by supporting the specific claim made in sentence 15 with a quotation from Eliasson. Which of the following sentences, if placed after sentence 15, best accomplishes this goal? A As Eliasson observes, "Giving people access to data most often leaves them feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, not empowered and poised for action." B As Eliasson puts it, this transformative experience "takes us beyond an us-and-them mentality to a broader idea of what constitutes we." C Being an artist, Eliasson says, has enabled him to travel "to many countries around the world over the past 20 years."
As Eliasson puts it, this transformative experience "takes us beyond an us-and-them mentality to a broader idea of what constitutes we."
The writer wants to develop the discussion of Jane Chu's performance experiences in sentences 13 and 14. Which of the following, if added after sentence 14, would best accomplish this goal? A A narrative about how Chu first became interested in music and why she started playing the piano B Contrasting descriptions of how Chu felt when she played music and how she felt when she interacted with people in nonmusical contexts C An explanation of why Chu's family decided to move from China to the United States D A detailed description of the National Endowment for the Arts, including when and why it was founded and the scope of its mission today E The definition of "linear" as it is used in the quotation from Chu
Contrasting descriptions of how Chu felt when she played music and how she felt when she interacted with people in nonmusical contexts
(The following passage is the introduction to an article published by an American writer in 2010.) Which of the following best summarizes the author's thesis in the passage? A The heat produced by power plants often attracts congregations of marine life such as jellyfish. B Many disruptions that are attributed to human activity are actually triggered by natural causes. C Expanding populations of jellyfish are causing increasing problems in many parts of the world. D Predation by jellyfish poses a significant threat to commercial fisheries worldwide. E Jellyfish have recently developed adaptations that enable them to live in a wider variety of ocean
Expanding populations of jellyfish are causing increasing problems in many parts of the world.
In context, which version of sentence 5 (reproduced below) provides the most effective explanation of the "critical period" mentioned in sentence 4 ? Such a period also exists for the development of eyesight. A (As it is now) B This concept applies to the fields of developmental biology and developmental psychology. C There are several helpful models of what this important period actually looks like for language acquisition. D It was first developed by early educators such as Dr. Maria Montessori, though she referred to it as a "sensitive period." E It designates the time in one's life during which the capacity to absorb the rules and structure of a language is maximized.
It designates the time in one's life during which the capacity to absorb the rules and structure of a language is maximized.
(Goat relocation) The writer wants to add a sentence at the end of the first paragraph to express the thesis of the passage in more detail. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal? Responses A It will ultimately benefit the well-being of the goats, the safety of human visitors, and the park's ecosystem. B There are simply too few sources of salt in the Olympics for the goat population to thrive. C Such steps may be necessary until park visitors can learn to interact with goats responsibly. D It is important to remove invasive species such as the mountain goats from our national parks to ensure that other species can thrive. E Although the Olympics and the North Cascades are separated by only a few hundred miles, their environments are different in significant ways.
It will ultimately benefit the well-being of the goats, the safety of human visitors, and the park's ecosystem.
The writer is considering deleting the underlined portion of sentence 7 (reproduced below), adjusting the punctuation as needed. Our brains are aroused each time our phones buzz because of the unpredictability of what pops up on the screen: since any alert might signal something extraordinary, dopamine is released each time even though most alerts don't amount to much. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text? A Keep it, because it adds information that helps clarify the contrasting relationship identified in sentence 6 between anticipation and reward. B Keep it, because it provides evidence suggesting that smartphones cause social impairments in individuals who use them. C Delete it, because it does not follow logically from sentence 7's main point about how unpredictability affects arousal.
Keep it, because it adds information that helps clarify the contrasting relationship identified in sentence 6 between anticipation and reward.
(goat relocation) In sentence 19 (reproduced below), the writer is considering deleting the underlined phrase. Resettled in the remote parts of the park, where salt licks are plentiful and hikers are scarce, the goats will likely regain their natural wariness of people. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined phrase? A Keep it, because it adds descriptive language that helps readers visualize the area in the North Cascades where the goats were relocated. B Keep it, because it draws on evidence from the third paragraph to make a more persuasive case for why the North Cascades are a good place to resettle the goats. C Keep it, because it creates an emotionally resonant image of an environment in which the goats would be happy.
Keep it, because it draws on evidence from the third paragraph to make a more persuasive case for why the North Cascades are a good place to resettle the goats.
The writer is considering deleting sentence 15 (reproduced below). Letting go of a desire for complete mastery of a language's grammar can enable an adult learner to strive for basic competence in communication—an outcome best achieved, the researchers note, via educational programs that immerse students in the experience of a second language rather than ones that focus on rote learning. Should the writer keep or delete sentence 15 ? Responses A Keep it, because it reiterates the passage's main claim in order to emphasize the argument the writer is making. B Keep it, because it draws on information discussed throughout the passage to suggest that the audience take a different, more practical approach to language learning.
Keep it, because it draws on information discussed throughout the passage to suggest that the audience take a different, more practical approach to language learning.
(Art Communication) The writer is considering deleting sentence 7 (reproduced below) from the passage. Kennedy's transformation and display of sayings such as "higher the hair, closer to heaven" celebrated the daily experiences of salon patrons, reinforcing the self-esteem of stylists and patrons alike and getting everyone talking. Should the writer keep or delete the sentence? A Keep it, because it indicates the shift from a discussion of the importance of community to a discussion of the artwork itself. B Keep it, because it strengthens the writer's credibility by including a quote that is likely familiar to the audience. C Keep it, because it provides commentary that helps explain how the example of Kennedy's artwork is significant in relation to the passage's overall argument.
Keep it, because it provides commentary that helps explain how the example of Kennedy's artwork is significant in relation to the passage's overall argument.
The writer is considering deleting the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below), adjusting the capitalization as needed. Most people can't resist immediately checking their phones each time they buzz, chirp, or chime, and scientists believe that compulsion is caused by a brain chemical called dopamine. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text? A Keep it, because it provides examples that help explain the scientific terminology used in the following sentence. B Keep it, because it provides sensory details that help the writer illustrate the concept being discussed in the paragraph. C Keep it, because it provides important context regarding the types of individuals who are negatively affected by smartphone usage.
Keep it, because it provides sensory details that help the writer illustrate the concept being discussed in the paragraph.
(Artificial Islands) The writer wants to provide relevant support for the claim made in sentences 12 and 13. Which of the following sentences, if added after sentence 13, would most effectively accomplish this goal?
Marine biologists contend that the urban sprawl spreading into the oceans inevitably causes havoc for marine organisms and their habitats.
(Artificial Islands) The writer is considering adding the following sentence after sentence 6. These inhabitants should leave their homes because they have been destroyed or otherwise rendered uninhabitable from flooding. Should the writer add this sentence after sentence 6 ? A Yes, because it describes the writer's exigence for writing the passage. B Yes, because it expresses the main claim of the paragraph. C Yes, because it defines a potentially unfamiliar term used in sentence 6. D No, because it fails to clarify the writer's purpose in creating the text. E No, because it makes an ineffective claim that does not require a defense.
No, because it makes an ineffective claim that does not require a defense.
In the second paragraph, the author defines femininity as a "challenge" primarily to support which of the following points? A Behaving according to the demands of femininity was her primary ambition as an adolescent. B Reconciling the demands of femininity with her ambition presented difficulties. C Ignoring the demands of femininity was easier for her than fulfilling them. D Fulfilling the demands of femininity was at times risky for her. E Understanding the demands of femininity was harder for her than for her peers.
Reconciling the demands of femininity with her ambition presented difficulties.
(The following passage is the introduction to an article published by an American writer in 2010.) Throughout the passage, the author advances her main point by employing which of the following methods? A Analyzing the underlying causes of unusual jellyfish behavior in recent decades B Recounting multiple incidents that demonstrate the threat represented by jellyfish C Commenting on the impact of increasing jellyfish populations on international relations D Enumerating human actions that are endangering jellyfish populations E Relating personal anecdotes that reveal her lifelong aversion to jellyfish
Recounting multiple incidents that demonstrate the threat represented by jellyfish
(Goat Relocation) Which of the following sentences first expresses the main claim of the passage? Responses A Sentence 4 B Sentence 5 C Sentence 6 D Sentence 9 E Sentence 10
Sentence 6
(goat relocation) The writer wants to conclude the passage by reiterating the main claim. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal? Responses A With the Mountain Goat Management Plan, visitors to Olympic National Park should once again be able to hike safely. B Perhaps wildlife relocation programs would be more successful if they were all as dramatic as the helicopter flights of the goats from Olympic National Park. C The success of the goat relocation program is a testament to the hard work and knowledge of Washington's wildlife officials. D Although restricting the number of people in Olympic National Park could also address safety concerns associated with the mountain goats, doing so would not be fair to the park's visitors. E The Olympics, the North Cascades, the mountain goats, and human park visitors all stand to benefit from the goat relocation program.
The Olympics, the North Cascades, the mountain goats, and human park visitors all stand to benefit from the goat relocation program.
(Kellogg) Which of the following best characterizes the relationship between the first and the second paragraphs? D The first paragraph lists the benefits of international cooperation; the second paragraph highlights the role of religious institutions in promoting such cooperation. E The first paragraph describes a trend in international relations; the second paragraph expands on how a specific example mentioned in the first paragraph contributes to that trend.
The first paragraph describes a trend in international relations; the second paragraph expands on how a specific example mentioned in the first paragraph contributes to that trend.
(The following passage is excerpted from a commencement speech delivered by then First Lady Barbara Bush at Wellesley College in 1990.) Which of the following best describes the author's exigence in the passage? A The tension between the author's worldview and the worldview developed by Alice Walker in The Color Purple (paragraph 1, sentence 1) B The pressure on the author to "get involved in some of the big ideas of our time" (paragraph 3, sentence 1) C Growing indifference toward "the problems that plague our nation and our society" (paragraph 3, sentence 2) D The fact that the audience "clapped more for Ferris" than they did at the mention of President Bush (paragraph 6, sentence 1) E The question of how to lead a meaningful life "in a transitional period" (paragraph 9, sentence 1)
The question of how to lead a meaningful life "in a transitional period" (paragraph 9, sentence 1)
(The following passage is excerpted from a commencement speech delivered by then First Lady Barbara Bush at Wellesley College in 1990.) In the second paragraph, the author makes which of the following claims regarding the Class of 1990 ? A They will lead more balanced lives after leaving Wellesley. B They will lead successful lives because of the quality of their education. C They are unlikely to follow conventional paths in life. D They are unlikely to change their opinions. E They are unlikely to pursue careers in the visual arts.
They are unlikely to follow conventional paths in life.
(Kellogg) Which of the following best describes how the author organizes the reasoning of his argument in the opening lines of the passage ("Warned by the disaster . . . ever adopted by nations") ? Responses A Arguing from specific cases to a general conclusion B Tracing a sequence of events resulting in a positive outcome C Pointing out the differences among various opinions D Critiquing a proposed measure by examining a hypothetical example E Drawing parallels between the current situation and a past crisis
Tracing a sequence of events resulting in a positive outcome
(The following passage is excerpted from an article published by an American game designer in 2007.) Which of the following best summarizes the author's thesis? A Video gaming principally attracts people who are interested in collaborating with others. B A background in video gaming will become essential to anyone hoping to solve the complex problems of the future. C Pierre Lévy's concept of "collective intelligence" is the best way to interpret the culture of video gaming. D Because the problems posed by video games are strategic, they can be solved only with collaborative effort. E Video gaming helps develop collaborative problem-solving skills that can be useful in the real world.
Video gaming helps develop collaborative problem-solving skills that can be useful in the real world.
(Kellogg) At the beginning of the third paragraph, the author refers to "those who believe that peace will not be attained until some super-tribunal is established" primarily to A invoke the authority of a widely held opinion B acknowledge an alternative perspective C highlight a potential drawback of a recommendation D illustrate how nations might be discouraged from violating treaties E criticize a view that he regards as overly optimistic
acknowledge an alternative perspective
(The following passage is excerpted from a commencement speech delivered by then First Lady Barbara Bush at Wellesley College in 1990.) In the opening sentences of the passage ("Now I know . . . color of my hair!"), the author refers to Alice Walker primarily to A impress her audience with the breadth of her literary knowledge B flaunt her access to privileged information about the planning of the commencement ceremony C congratulate her audience for inviting her instead of a lesser-known speaker D acknowledge the potentially embarrassing circumstances under which she is delivering her speech E suggest that she pays more attention to her personal appearance than do other celebrities
acknowledge the potentially embarrassing circumstances under which she is delivering her speech
(The following passage is the introduction to an article published by an American writer in 2010.) In the third sentence of the fourth paragraph, the author mentions the number of swimmers treated by the Spanish Red Cross primarily to A amplify her point about the dangers posed by jellyfish to humans B argue that jellyfish along the Costa Brava are more toxic than those in the Philippines C suggest that humans have become more susceptible to jellyfish toxin in recent years D persuade her audience to avoid swimming in areas that are prone to jellyfish invasions E urge her audience to seek medical attention if they are stung by jellyfish
amplify her point about the dangers posed by jellyfish to humans
(The following passage is excerpted from an article published by an American game designer in 2007.) In the fourth paragraph, the author includes a quotation by Einstein primarily to A appeal to the authority of a figure whom her audience is likely to respect B suggest that Einstein developed his intelligence mainly through playing games C imply that Einstein's theories were vital to the development of certain digital games D surprise her audience by making a connection between Einstein and computer games E voice a possible objection to her argument to a noted historical figure
appeal to the authority of a figure whom her audience is likely to respect
The writer wants to add information to the end of sentence 2 (reproduced below) to preview the line of reasoning in the passage. Unsurprisingly, neuroscientists warn that the constant use of smartphones alters the brain. Which version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 most effectively accomplishes this goal? A brain, the complexities of which have long fascinated psychologists and psychoanalysts B brain, potentially undermining people's ability to focus on serious school- and work-related tasks C brain, with potentially serious physiological and emotional costs D brain, which may have a profound impact on the still-maturing brains of young adults E brain, which many researchers claim may still be evolving
brain, with potentially serious physiological and emotional costs
(Kellogg) In the second sentence of the final paragraph, the author justifies his determination to "see in the signs of the time hope of humanity for peace" by A providing statistical data in support of his opinion B gesturing to the unthinkable consequences of holding the opposite opinion C drawing attention to historical evidence that has previously been ignored D pointing out a flaw in the line of reasoning of those who disagree with him E questioning the moral integrity of those who disagree with him
gesturing to the unthinkable consequences of holding the opposite opinion
In the final paragraph, the author concludes her argument by A proposing that femininity be reimagined as an artistic pursuit rather than a set of rules B acknowledging that not everyone enjoys the privilege of acting feminine C suggesting that modern femininity requires women to oppose traditional roles D highlighting the context in which women may choose to embrace femininity's restrictions E lamenting the way that femininity encourages rivalries among women
highlighting the context in which women may choose to embrace femininity's restrictions
(goat relocation) The writer wants to clarify the point made in the first part of sentence 8 (reproduced below). First, goats are not indigenous to the region; the area began to be advertised as a vacation destination in the early twentieth century. Which of the following versions of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? Responses A (as it is now) B hunters introduced goats to the Olympics in the 1920s C the completion of the Olympic loop highway in 1931 significantly expanded public access to the Olympics D in the 1930s, the Olympic Peninsula was described as "the last wilderness of the United States" in Argus magazine E Olympic National Park was established in 1938
hunters introduced goats to the Olympics in the 1920s
(The following passage is excerpted from an article published by an American game designer in 2007.) In the last sentence of the fifth paragraph, the author refers to "wikis and forums" in order to A distinguish online gaming from other forms of online interaction B illustrate a point about the ease of collaboration enabled by the Internet C suggest that multiauthored documents tend to be less reliable than single-authored ones D argue that certain Internet environments are better than others for creating new games E imply that these two means of online interaction promote antisocial behavior
illustrate a point about the ease of collaboration enabled by the Internet
(The following passage is excerpted from a commencement speech delivered by then First Lady Barbara Bush at Wellesley College in 1990.) In the second-to-last paragraph, the anecdote about the complaining husband serves primarily to A provide an example of how women should motivate their partners to take on more childcare responsibilities B illustrate the author's claim regarding the value of devoting oneself to one's children C reinforce the author's recommendation that women develop friendships outside the family D encourage her audience to choose partners who will support their ambitions E establish a contrast between the friend's dedication to her family and her husband's focus on his career
illustrate the author's claim regarding the value of devoting oneself to one's children
(Kellogg) In the fifth sentence of the first paragraph ("There is the League of Nations . . . reduction of armament"), the author comments on the age and effectiveness of the League of Nations primarily to explain Responses A why the First World War motivated world leaders to form alliances B why current measures may not indefinitely forestall another outbreak of war C its relationship to his claim that war is unlikely to be abolished immediately D its relevance to his argument regarding advances in peace preservation efforts E its significance as an exception to his generalization about human institutions
its relevance to his argument regarding advances in peace preservation efforts
In the second paragraph, the author develops a comparison between life and "a thousand arrows shot from the same point and aimed at the same object" primarily to suggest that A people exhibit remarkable diversity in their development over time B seemingly different objects can have surprisingly similar characteristics C talented people often fail to recognize valuable opportunities D most people fall into two broad categories based on their political leanings E most great men have emerged from humble origins
people exhibit remarkable diversity in their development over time
The discussion of the "greatest of poets and philosophers" in the third paragraph suggests that the author believes the audience of the speech will A recognize an implicit reference to Shakespeare and agree about his importance B respect the ideas of a philosopher but question the thinking of a poet C consider Shakespeare to be among those who had "greatness thrust upon them" (paragraph 3) D object to the notion that "Some are born great" (paragraph 3) E hold a variety of opinions regarding the quality of Shakespeare's work
recognize an implicit reference to Shakespeare and agree about his importance
(Kellogg) In the third sentence of the first paragraph, the author mentions that war "has, through the centuries, been recognized by international law as a sovereign right" primarily to Responses A offer evidence in support of his ultimate conclusion B provide context his audience may lack C register a potential objection to a position he supports D challenge the factual basis for a view he opposes E explain the origin of his favored approach
register a potential objection to a position he supports
In the context of the passage as a whole, the author's comparison between the qualities of people and of metals (paragraphs 5-6) primarily serves to A explain why some people are seen as great starting from birth B show that it is unremarkable if a few people achieve more than expected C limit the author's earlier remarks about greatness to a certain subset of people D challenge the audience's likely belief that the world is inherently fair E reinforce the author's overarching claim about ordinary people's capacity for success
reinforce the author's overarching claim about ordinary people's capacity for success
(goat relocation) The writer wants sentence 11 (reproduced below) to serve as evidence that reinforces the argument of the passage. In the 1980s, a brief attempt to relocate the goats was met with public outcry. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 11 best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B had no impact on the amount of erosion in the region C resulted in observable effects D proved difficult as the goats retreated to areas that were challenging for humans to access E resulted in noticeable improvements in the park's environment
resulted in noticeable improvements in the park's environment
Which version of the underlined portion of sentence 9 (reproduced below) develops the main idea of the paragraph by explaining an effect of the art piece Passin' on to Others ? Words that previously had passed unremarked now joined other aphorisms and sayings that Kennedy has printed on posters. A (as it is now) B appeared in a hand-printed format thanks to a technique similar to the process used by professional printers hundreds of years ago C made up the entire text of the piece, confirming that "limitations spark creativity," as Kennedy asserted in a 2010 interview with artist Michael Curtin D spurred consideration and discussion, exchanges that many stylists chose to continue by hanging prints from the show in their salons E presented an impressive, wall-sized spectacle to visitors who encountered them at the Institute for Contemporary Art
spurred consideration and discussion, exchanges that many stylists chose to continue by hanging prints from the show in their salons
(Kellogg) In the second and third sentences of the second paragraph ("It was inspired . . . that awful struggle"), the author represents the Pact of Paris as A a temporary solution to a long-standing problem B the unexpected outgrowth of a volatile situation C the hopeful result of traumatic experiences D the culmination of lengthy deliberations E a particular stage in a predictable cycle
the hopeful result of traumatic experiences
(The following passage is excerpted from a commencement speech delivered by then First Lady Barbara Bush at Wellesley College in 1990.) In the fourth and fifth paragraphs, the author defends her decision to marry George Bush by elaborating on A the need to pursue a sense of personal bliss B the importance of prioritizing family over career C her willingness to overlook her husband's dark humor D the similarities between her husband and a fictional character E her husband's commitment to public service
the need to pursue a sense of personal bliss
Which of the following statements most directly expresses the author's thesis in the passage? A "[L]essons in the art of being feminine lay all around me" (paragraph 1, sentence 1) B "I loved being a little girl, or rather I loved being a fairy princess, for that was who I thought I was" (paragraph 1, sentence 2) C "Femininity was a challenge thrown down to the female sex, a challenge no proud, self-respecting young woman could afford to ignore" (paragraph 2, sentence 2) D "'Isn't it remarkable how she manages to retain her femininity?' had terrifying implications" (paragraph 3, sentence 1) E "They spoke of a bottom-line failure so irreversible that nothing else mattered" (paragraph 3, sentence 2)
"Femininity was a challenge thrown down to the female sex, a challenge no proud, self-respecting young woman could afford to ignore" (paragraph 2, sentence 2)
Which of the following statements most directly expresses the author's thesis in the passage? Responses A "[I]t is easy to dogmatize, but it is not so easy to define, explain and demonstrate." (paragraph 1, sentence 2) B "The natural laws for the government, well-being and progress of mankind, seem to be equal and are equal." (paragraph 1, sentence 3) C "We cannot have fruit without flowers, but we often have flowers without fruit." (paragraph 1, sentence 4) D "[R]eal excellence often comes unheralded and from unexpected quarters." (paragraph 1, sentence 5) E "The scene presented from this view is as a thousand arrows shot from the same point and aimed at the same object." (paragraph 2, sentence 1)
"[R]eal excellence often comes unheralded and from unexpected quarters." (paragraph 1, sentence 5)
Which of the following versions of sentence 2 (reproduced below) most effectively sets up the main claim of the passage? But when exactly in a person's life does it become difficult to master the rules that govern a language? A (As it is now) B Which languages are said to be most difficult for adult native-English speakers to learn? C But why is the grammar of a foreign language so difficult for adult learners to master? D How did competency in grammar come to be such an important marker of language fluency? E But how has the rise of text messaging and tweeting contributed to an increase in obvious grammatical errors?
(As it is now)
(goat Relocation) The writer wants to begin the passage by emphasizing the exciting and strange nature of the events discussed in the first paragraph. In September 2018, an amazing spectacle took place in the skies above Olympic National Park: blindfolded, sedated mountain goats hovered in the air, suspended in harnesses from a helicopter. Which of the following versions of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? Responses A (as it is now) B officials from the National Park Service enacted a plan to relocate goats C steps were taken to ensure the safety of visitors to Olympic National Park D there was a small but noteworthy addition to the animal population of North Cascades National Park E the first phase of the Mountain Goat Management Plan began
(as it is now)
In sentence 10 (reproduced below), which of the following claims best sets up the development of the writer's line of reasoning in the third paragraph? Experiencing art doesn't just highlight existing connections; it actively forges new ones. A (as it is now) B it is best experienced firsthand C in many cases it is produced collaboratively D sometimes it can be isolating E it provides some people with a livelihood
(as it is now)
The writer wants to add a sentence after sentence 1 to provide factual support for the introductory claim and focus the audience on the argument of the passage. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this purpose? D A recent study found that 86 percent of Americans are stressed out from constantly checking their smartphones. E Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield cautions that social media can become a platform for constructing an artificial identity to impress an audience of barely known "friends."
A recent study found that 86 percent of Americans are stressed out from constantly checking their smartphones.
The writer is considering deleting the underlined text in sentence 14 Salt in human sweat is a goat magnet; worse still, some thoughtless and irresponsible people feed the goats directly. Should the writer keep/delete the underlined text? C Keep it, because it encourages the audience to identify with the park officials who work to solve the problem rather than the park visitors who make the problem worse. D Delete it, because it distracts from the writer's purpose of emphasizing human safety concerns by using language that focuses blame on human visitors to the park. E Delete it, because it contradicts the writer's claim in sentence 15 that goats behave differently after they are accustomed to human contact.
Delete it, because it distracts from the writer's purpose of emphasizing human safety concerns by using language that focuses blame on human visitors to the park.
Throughout the passage the writer wants to make sure to acknowledge sources used as evidence. Which of the following changes should the writer make? A In sentence 1, changing "In 2016," to "In a 2016 essay published by the World Economic Forum," B In sentence 3, changing "artists" to "artists who work in diverse media such as painting, music, and performance art" C In sentence 8, changing "recontextualization" to "recontextualization, or repackaging," D In sentence 11, changing "describes" to "described in 2016" E In sentence 14, changing "her" to "her childhood piano"
In sentence 1, changing "In 2016," to "In a 2016 essay published by the World Economic Forum,"
The writer wants to add a sentence that introduces the topic of the passage. Which of the following sentences, if added to the beginning of the first paragraph, would most effectively accomplish this goal? A Language experts have long observed that children are better than adults at mastering a second language. B Scholars and journalists continue to debate whether studying a foreign language in college has any intrinsic value. C The development of young children's brains is influenced both by children's experience with their caregivers and by genetic factors.
Language experts have long observed that children are better than adults at mastering a second language.
(Goat relocation) The writer wants to add a sentence after sentence 12 to provide needed background information for readers who may not be familiar with mountain goats. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal? A Adult male mountain goats can reach weights of as much as 180 pounds. B Mountain goats eat a wide variety of plants, including grasses, lichens, and even twigs. C People are advised to stay at least 50 yards away from mountain goats. D Mountain goats find salt irresistible. E Mountain goats are managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Mountain goats find salt irresistible.
(Kellogg) Which of the following best captures how the author presents the relationship between public opinion and peace in the third paragraph? A Peace enables public opinion to regulate human behavior effectively. B Peace allows the free expression of public opinion. C Public opinion is the most effective means of safeguarding peace. D Public opinion historically tends to favor peace. E Public opinion safeguards international peace more effectively than it does domestic peace.
Public opinion is the most effective means of safeguarding peace.
Which of the following best describes the function of the first two clauses of the passage's final sentence ("It is natural . . . despised") in the context of the passage as a whole? A They suggest that there are certain limitations to the author's argument about greatness. B They imply that accepting the author's argument will help his audience achieve greatness. C They restate the author's argument in order to provide a fitting conclusion to the passage. D They urge a change in attitude that should follow logically from the author's argument. E They emphasize the author's argument by showing the dangers of pride.
They urge a change in attitude that should follow logically from the author's argument.
(Artificial Islands) In sentence 7 (reproduced below), the writer wants to add the phrase "According to the country's president," to the beginning of the sentence, adjusting capitalization as needed. New islands will have to be built to ensure a safe future for its citizens, because science indicates that Kiribati will go underwater within the century. Should the writer make this addition? A Yes, because it acknowledges the source of the information conveyed in the sentence. B Yes, because it provides an additional perspective to set up a counterargument. C Yes, because it introduces a key figure in the development of the passage's narrative. D No, because it introduces new evidence that requires an adjustment to the paragraph's line of reasoning. E No, because it fails to consider the rhetorical situation set up in the first paragraph.
Yes, because it acknowledges the source of the information conveyed in the sentence.
(The following passage is excerpted from an article published by an American game designer in 2007.) Taken as a whole, the reasoning and evidence in the passage primarily defend a claim regarding A the origin of stereotypes applied to video gamers B a theory explaining the appeal of video gaming C the popularity of violent video games D a beneficial aspect of video gaming E the influence of parents and educators on video gamers
a beneficial aspect of video gaming
(The following passage is excerpted from an article published by an American game designer in 2007.) In the first sentence of the passage, the author refers to "antisocial gamers" primarily to A suggest that gamers could benefit from instruction in interpersonal communication B acknowledge a belief that is likely to be held by some of her audience C characterize her audience as thoughtful people who would be unlikely to stereotype others D argue that too much engagement with computers can erode social skills E encourage her audience to reconsider the connection between creativity and sociability
acknowledge a belief that is likely to be held by some of her audience
(Kellogg) At the end of the first paragraph, the author's commentary regarding "[e]ach one of these treaties" (sentence 6) primarily serves to Responses A imply that such treaties will fail to accomplish their purpose if even one of them is violated B suggest that such treaties must be worded precisely if they are to maintain the continued support of those who agree to them C identify a set of criteria that must be satisfied before a goal described earlier in the paragraph can be accomplished D establish a logical relationship between the treaties he lists and a claim he makes earlier in the paragraph E articulate a key distinction between treaties that are likely to be effective and those that are likely to be
establish a logical relationship between the treaties he lists and a claim he makes earlier in the paragraph
(The following passage is the introduction to an article published by an American writer in 2010.) The first paragraph is organized to heighten interest in the subject by A first defining jellyfish as largely harmless, then describing a dramatic change in their behavior B first suggesting political causes of an infrastructure failure, then revealing jellyfish as a surprising agent of this event C first highlighting the dangers posed by jellyfish in the past, then enumerating new problems they might cause in future D first establishing the setting of her story, then explaining why the appearance of jellyfish in this setting was unexpected E first alluding to political strife in Manila, then explaining how the strife made the city's infrastructure vulnerable to jellyfish
first suggesting political causes of an infrastructure failure, then revealing jellyfish as a surprising agent of this event
In the first two paragraphs, the author describes experiences from her girlhood and early adulthood primarily to A show that attitudes toward femininity can change over time B imply that uncritically embracing femininity is immature C argue that the strictures of femininity are less severe for young girls D foreground the comforting aspects of adhering to feminine ideals E introduce two different attitudes toward femininity
introduce two different attitudes toward femininity
(The following passage is excerpted from a commencement speech delivered by then First Lady Barbara Bush at Wellesley College in 1990.) In the passage, the author is primarily concerned with A) cautioning her audience against repeating past mistakes B) enumerating the most pressing social issues facing women today C) offering her audience advice for the future D) garnering political support for her husband E) identifying the most important skills for adapting in uncertain times
offering her audience advice for the future
