ACT Prep (Reading)
C
21. As it is described in the passage, sewing seems most closely associated in the narrator's mind with her mother's: A. low wages. B. compassion. C. self-worth. D. thriftiness.
C
21. What likely assumption on the part of his readers is the author attempting to overcome in the passage as a whole? A. That blues are not high quality music B. That the blues are as American as apple pie C. That Blues are purely American in origin D. That the blues are a key part of American popular culture
H
22. In terms of mood, which of the following best describes lines 9-44? F. A steadily increasing feeling of tension G. A consistently high level of tension H. A growing feeling of tension that is finally broken J. A feeling of tension frequently undermined by the narrator's use of irony and humor
C
23. The narrator develops the third paragraph (lines 19-29) mainly through: A. detached philosophical musings on the nature of the object she sees. B. a detailed description of what she did to try to keep the object out of her room. C. sensory details vividly depicting the object and its movements. D. imaginative speculation on what might be causing the object to appear.
D
25. When the narrator says, "I solemnly would nod—the honored recipient of this arcane cultural wisdom" (lines 53-54), she most likely means that: A. she felt intimidated when her father was giving her information that she did not understand. B. her father was honored to be able to share personal information with his daughter. C. when her father put on his tie, she pretended to be honored, even though she thought his comment was silly. D. the information her father was giving her seemed important and made her feel valued.
A
31. What is the purpose of the passage? A. Explain a phenomenon B. Analyze an approach C. Discuss an argument D. Investigate a theory
A
13. In Paragraph 2 (lines 15-37) what does the author suggest is the clearest relationship between researchers Cohn and Kelly? A. Kelly inspired Cohn, yet Cohn disagrees with Kelly's approach B. Kelly taught Cohn, and Cohn is one of Kelly's strongest adherents C. Kelly disagrees with Cohn on the type of historical topics worth investigating D. Cohn agrees with Kelly on the historical topics of interest, and continues her approach with his research
J
24. According to the passage, the culture of which of these geographical regions made the most significant contributions to the creation of blues music? F. Texas G. Chicago H. Mississippi Delta J. West Africa
C
13. It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that before Harrison's efforts, other individuals trying to solve the longitude problem had failed to: A. consider clocks as the potential instrument of calculation. B. agree on why longitude decreases in value at increasing distances from Earth's equator. C. improve upon the features of clocks that made them unreliable at sea. D. understand the ways that charts and compasses could be used in connection with timepieces to calculate longitude
J
14. Based on the passage, ER's approach to social reform can best be characterized as: F. passionate and theoretical. G. patient and flexible. H. simplistic and isolationist. J. progressive and determined.
F
14. The passage states that compared to current gene therapies, germ-line alternations are: F. much more risky G. much less risky H. ethically accepted J. more efficient
G
24. The primary focus of lines 65-92 is: F. the relationship between the narrator and her mother. G. Okaa-chan's strength and integrity. H. Albany's move toward the twenty-first century. J. the narrator's father's stubbornness.
B
1. The main theme of this passage concerns the: A. difficulty of first starting and then maintaining a friendship. B. process of making a new friend and how the friendship changes the narrator. C. problems the narrator has dealing with the loss of her former neighbors. D. differences in the lives led by two pairs of adults who at different times lived in the same house.
d
1. The passage is written from the point of view of: A. an unidentified narrator observing the relationship over time between a boy and his grandfather. B. two members of the same family discovering their shared trait through joint activities. C. a grown man agonizing over the mixed messages he received as a child from older relatives. D. a boy and the man he becomes considering incidents that illustrate a family trait.
c
15. The word manipulated, as it is used in line 57, most nearly means which of the following? A. Deceived B. Maneuvered C. Altered D. Plotted
G
38. The author italicizes the word something in line 18 most likely to emphasize the: F. great skepticism with which critics regard Frank and Sigwarth's new evidence. G. remaining uncertainty about what exactly is bombarding Earth. H. lack of doubt among scientists about the smallcomet theory's practical value. J. concern among scientists about the usefulness of Frank and Sigwarth's methods of collecting evidence.
B
1. Which of the following can we infer describes the narrator? A. A traveler on a visit to the town of Mercer B. A former resident of Mercer recollecting the town C. A current townsperson residing in Mercer D. A poet who says people wont choose to die in Mercer
A
11. The function of the first paragraph in relation to the passage as a whole is to: A. orient the reader to the subject of longitude by explaining how longitude is determined at sea. B. explain the political significance of developing an accurate way of determining longitude. C. establish that longitude calculations are necessary to determine time in two different places at once. D. introduce a discussion of how knowledge of Earth's position relative to the Sun was gained in the process of advances in timekeeping.
F
12. Which of the following best describes the way the fifth paragraph (lines 48-54) functions in the passage as a whole? F. It puts into historical perspective the difficulty of solving the longitude problem and introduces the subject of Britain's longitude prize. G. It translates the technical terminology used elsewhere in the passage into language that is more widely understood. H. It sheds light on why it took longer for a solution to the longitude problem to emerge in Europe than in other parts of the world. J. It diminishes the importance of the lives that were lost in the efforts to solve the longitude problem.
J
14. The reference to the catastrophe at Scilly (lines 45-47) is used to illustrate the point made in the passage that: F. charts and compasses were poorly made in the 1700s. G. England more than other countries stood to gain from a solution to the problem of determining longitude. H. captains were contributing to the problem of lost lives by resisting a solution to the problem of determining longitude. J. Harrison's accomplishments addressed shortcomings of navigation whose consequences were vast in scale.
A
15. Information in the second paragraph (lines 17-25) establishes that one degree of longitude translates into a distance of: A. sixty-eight miles at Earth's equator but less on either side of Earth's equator. B. sixty-eight miles at Earth's equator but more on either side of Earth's equator. C. one thousand miles the world over. D. virtually nothing at Earth's equator, increasing to a maximum of sixty-eight miles at the poles.
G
16. Which of the following statements best describes the metals used in Harrison's clock? F. The metals were identical so that they would respond consistently to changes in conditions at sea. G. The metals were different so that their changes in response to conditions at sea would counteract each other. H. The metals that remained stable in response to temperature changes were encased in metals that were impervious to rust. J. The metals expanded and contracted in ways that were counteracted by changes in the parts made of wood.
D
17. The passage suggests that Harrison's principal competitors in the race to develop a means of determining longitude were: A. the great captains in the Age of Exploration. B. members of the British Parliament. C. trained clockmakers with formal educations. D. individuals in the scientific community.
H
18. According to the passage, there was a delay between the time when Harrison arrived at a solution to the problem of longitude and when he received his reward because his: F. invention predated the Longitude Act of 1714. G. clock was only one of many successful solutions to emerge simultaneously. H. opponents obstructed his efforts to claim the prize money. J. supporters abandoned him in order to exploit his invention for their own financial gain
B
19. Based on information in the passage, what type of historical source would someone writing a microhistory most prefer? A. A small painting of a Noble B. A collection of correspondence C. A statistical summary of deaths from the Plague D. A summary of legal theories in the Renaissance
a
19. It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that: A. some types of genetic modification are allowed on plants but not humans. B. CRISPR is the only method scientist use for genome editing C. the demand for germ-like alterations has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs D. no genome editing research is currently performed in the United States
D
19. Lines 82-84 indicate that others took over Harrison's work in order to: A. secure a wider range of applications for an instrument that had been used only at sea. B. take credit for his remarkable accomplishments. C. diminish the significance of his clock by having it mass-produced. D. turn his design into one that could be practically produced for more users.
C
19. The passage states that ER believed the relationship between a people and their government should be: A. begun and carried out as if it were an isolated, individualist adventure. B. formed and modeled by the White House. C. based on organized, widespread citizen participation. D. controlled through radio broadcasts and formal channels
H
2. What attribute of the lace does NOT make it a fitting metaphor for the ideas being expressed in paragraph 1 (lines 1-13)? F. its frailty G. its complexity H. its color J. its thickness
G
20. The passage indicates that instruments for determining longitude now include: F. modified pendulum clocks. G. satellites. H. a network of ships. J. barometers.
G
22. It is reasonable to infer from the passage that the narrator looks back on the dinner-dances as a time when: F. her parents were in conflict over her mother's work. G. the entire family was filled with excitement and anticipation. H. she and her father had a much easier relationship with each other. J. her mother and father had renewed hope for the future of the family.
A
23. It is reasonable to infer that the primary reason the author included the information in the eleventh paragraph (lines 59-64) is to: A. contrast it with the earlier description of the family looking at shop displays on a snowy evening. B. support the information about the trip to the fabric store, which is presented earlier. C. compare it with the scene where the father dances with his wife and daughters. D. contrast it with the scene presented in the last two paragraphs (lines 78-92).
G
26. The sentence "Like an eagle, her words slipped regally down a great distance and struck with awful ease" (lines 75-76) indicates that the narrator: F. was not sure what her mother expected of her. G. recognized that her mother was being demeaned. H. wanted to distance herself from her mother. J. was ill at ease with her position in the family.
J
26. We can infer from the passage that which of the following would NOT need to be relatively consistent across songs characterized as blues? F. Lyrical Structure G. Musical scales used H. Combination of dissonance in the tonality. J. Musical instruments utilized
D
27. Information in the passage suggests that the narrator's father disapproves of Okaa-chan's sewing business primarily because it: A. diminishes his role as a provider. B. means more to her than he does. C. does not generate enough income. D. threatens his sense of dignity.
G
28. Based on the last two paragraphs (lines 78-92), which of the following statements indicates what the narrator's father and mother have in common? F. They both want control of the family finances. G. They are both fighting for their self-respect. H. They both want to teach a lesson to their children. J. They are both angry at the woman who came for the fitting.
D
29. The author uses the term "architectural wonders" (line 12) to describe: A. nineteenth-century buildings. B. German baked goods. C. crowded city blocks with cobblestone streets. D. arranged layers of fruits, vegetables, and sausages.
H
30. Which of the following words best describes the narrator's father's dancing as he practices for the dinnerdance with Okaa-chan? F. Skillful G. Graceful H. Clumsy J. Indifferent
D
31. The quotation by L. S. Vygotsky in lines 32-41 is used in this passage to support the idea that: A. children with handicaps should be studied in the same way as children defined by physicians as "normal." B. deficits need to demonstrate intactness in order to be judged acceptable. C. neural or sensory mishap occurs in children as well as in adults. D. development of children with handicaps may proceed in positive yet quite distinctive ways.
F
32. The author of the passage refers to the work of A. R. Luria and L. S. Vygotsky primarily to underscore the idea that people who have: F. disabilities or developmental disorders learn to create new selves. G. disabilities or developmental disorders need special treatment. H. unusual handicaps are qualitatively different. J. neural mishaps have minutely differentiated brains
B
33. Lines 42-53 suggest that, prior to A. R. Luria's research, medical researchers had thought of the brain as: A. dynamic. B. unchanging. C. paradoxical. D. creative.
J
34. As it is used in line 41, the word compensation most nearly means: F. payment. G. differentiation. H. disposition. J. adaptation
A
35. The author's main purpose in lines 54-69 is to show: A. how he has come to think differently about the brain. B. why sickness often causes a contraction of life. C. when he had made new discoveries about the brain. D. which of his subjects helped him redefine the term "norm."
H
36. The author of the passage makes it clear that, when it comes to understanding the effects of a disease on an individual patient, it is necessary for medical doctors to: F. adhere to established norms of human behavior in diagnosing and treating disease. G. quickly establish a method of treatment that will save the patient from further suffering. H. examine the ways that people learn to live with a disease in their daily lives. J. know each person's brain is minutely differentiated and responsible for the disease being studied.
C
37. The last paragraph suggests that the author's main reason for leaving the hospital to visit his patients is to allow him to: A. feel more like a patient than a physician. B. become a more important part of the real world. C. understand his patients' illnesses better. D. see if being a naturalist is like being a physician.
G
38. The paradox mentioned in the second paragraph (lines 9-14) is best described by which of the following statements? F. The course of human evolution is guided by the creative potential of the static brain. G. Serious illness can lead directly to previously unthought of yet productive developmental change. H. Sickness may contract life, but in so doing it can maintain the physical "norm" at a similar level. J. The long-term study of disorders and diseases brings out the creative skills of researchers.
D
39. As it is used in line 15, the word ravages most nearly means: A. paradoxical features. B. creative adaptations. C. fatal nature. D. destructive actions.
H
40. The word miracle in line 52 refers most specifically to the ways in which: F. brain function disorders are cured. G. unique handicaps are compensated for. H. different areas of the brain work together. J. the creative potential of disease is revealed.
B
9. It can most reasonably be inferred that the narrator's discovery that an error has been made in constructing the bookshelves is for him a source of: A. embarrassment in the face of coworkers who anticipated it. B. comfort because it reveals a trait that he shares with his family. C. frustration because it will require a remedy that will be tedious to carry out. D. relief because it gives him an excuse to seek the assistance of coworkers in finishing the project.
D
9. The narrator claims that she felt close to the old couple because she had: A. listened in on so many of their conversations over the years. B. helped take care of the old woman's flowers after the woman's husband had died. C. been able to watch them as they moved through their entire house. D. regularly observed them during their mealtimes.
C
9. Throughout the passage, scientific analogies to which of the following scientific fields are most prevalent? A. Chemistry B. Biology C. Physics D. Geology
H
4. The recollections of the narrator are best described as which of the following? F. Clear G. Absent H. Hazy J. Imaginary
J
10. As it is used in line 43, what does the word "mad" most nearly mean? F. Angry G. Psychotic H. Annoyed J. Irrational
H
10. In the last paragraph, a comparison is made between "diminished excellence" and "flawed competence." From the narrator's point of view, the conditions are different because the one is: F. a source of sorrow while the other is a source of pride. G. based in the family while the other is based in the self. H. inherent in the environment while the other is inherent in the individual. J. a sign that the individual can improve the world while the other is a sign that the individual can't.
G
10. Which of the following best describes the narrator's feelings about secretly observing Eugene at his home? F. Joy tinged with suspicion G. Enjoyment mixed with guilt H. Happiness overwhelmed by a sense of betrayal J. Pleasure lessened by having actually met him
B
11. As she is revealed in the passage, ER is best described as: A. socially controversial but quietly cooperative. B. politically courageous and socially concerned. C. morally strong and deeply traditional. D. personally driven but calmly moderate.
B
11. The authors attitude toward the main subject of the passage can best be described as: A. complete fascination B. reasoned concern C. mild interest D. detached appreciation
D
11. We can infer that one of Cohn's contemporaries, as discussed in the passage, would likely NOT have written an article by which of the following titles? A. The Mona Lisa - the story of the world's most famous painting B. Michelangelo - A brief biography of the quintessential Renaissance artist C. King Francis I - an analysis of the decisions of France's first Renaissance King D. The Underclass - who were the poor in Renaissance London?
J
12. According to the passage, CRISPR is considered the: F. only precise form of genetic engineering. G. least dangerous gene therapy. H. most effective type of genetic modification. J. easiest genome editing technique to use
F
12. The author presents ER's accomplishments as exceptional because ER: F. brought politically unpopular views to the forefront of the nation's politics. G. was the first public figure to introduce political roles for women. H. was a political pioneer struggling alone for social reform. J. replaced community action with more powerful White House networks
H
12. The tone of the passage can best be described as which of the following? F. formal and condescending G. serious and subjective H. objective and balanced J. ironic and pedantic
D
13. According to the passage, ER believed that social reform should include all of the following EXCEPT: A. promoting community action. B. developing universal education. C. supporting affordable housing. D. establishing involved theories
B
13. As it is used in line 36, the phrase weighing up most nearly means: A. pricing B. evaluating C. measuring out D. seeking
H
14. Which of the following would NOT reinforce the scholarly tendency outlined in lines 9-14 in popular culture? F. A book about the Queens of England G. A film about how aristocrats responded during the Hundred Years War H. A television program that chronicled the lives of the servants to Queen Elizabeth J. A magazine article about how Popes and church leaders confronted the Reformation
A
15. Assuming that all of the choices are true, which of the following makes Cohn's approach to historical research in his area of interest more challenging? A. The lack of reliable quantitative data from the Renaissance Era B. The lack of accurate primary source personal accounts of historical episodes C. The lack of precise military statistics from Renaissance battles D. The lack of female historians in society during the Renaissance Era
D
15. It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that at the time ER began working for social reform, the United States was: A. deeply committed to reforms in education and health care. B. experiencing a time of national prosperity that contributed to ER's ideals concerning the public welfare. C. concentrating on affairs at home due to isolationist policies and the spread of democracy overseas. D. unsupportive of the idea that the government was responsible for the welfare of its poor and neglected.
G
16. According to the last paragraph, which of the following statements would the author most likely make with regard to ER's vision and ideals? F. ER considered politics a game and played only when she knew she could win. G. ER worked with agitators and remained dedicated to the pursuit of justice and peace in victory and defeat. H. ER placed herself in the position of president, making decisions that determined White House policy. J. ER saw herself as the country's role model and personally responsible for bringing about change.
F
16. What is the author's purpose in mentioning "wages series or ratios of criminal indictment" in lines 28-29? F. To provide examples of the type of information that historians found less credible G. To provide examples of the types of stories that readers found uninteresting H. To contrast historical and economic research J. To give instances of biased historical primary sources
F
16. according to the passage, most regulators do NOT allow genetic modifications on: F. the human germ-line G. any human cells H. non-inheritiable cells. J. most plants
A
17. In terms of the passage as a whole, one of the main functions of the third paragraph (lines 13-19) is to suggest that: A. ER's successes in various professional pursuits helped prepare her to take action in the political world. B. ER had avoided the political spotlight in her personal pursuits. C. ER had competing and conflicting interests during her first year as first lady. D. while ER had many personal accomplishments, little could have prepared her for life as the first lady.
d
17. One of the main purposes of the final paragraph is to: A. prove that proposed genetic alterations are safe B. describe potential uses for genetic modifications C. summarize the negative possibilities associated with genetically modifying animals D.outline one of the major concerns about the adoption of genome editing
C
17. The author of the passage would most likely advocate an approach to history that was: A. Quantitative and focused B. Personal and interpretive C. Comprehensive and balanced D. Qualitative and contemporary
F
18. According to the passage, the primary principle underlying ER's goals was that: F. every person deserved a dignified and decent life. G. as first lady, she could talk about things that had never been discussed before. H. through radio and columns, she could show she was interested in every person. J. she must lead a bloodless American revolution.
G
18. Based on lines 70-73, why might we infer that the author considers statistics about male infanticide (i.e. the killing of young male babies) to be of little help in drawing conclusions about the social status of women? F. Percentages of infanticide victims who were male gives us no information about the percentage who were female G. This information gives us little idea of how adultage women were treated in society, which is the primary objective of the researcher H. A 90% trend is clearly just as statistically insignificant as a 65% trend, according to the passage J. Much like all of Cohn's historical research, this information is based on his irrationality
g
18.In lines 50-54, the authors refers to /Gattaca/ and /Brave New World/ most likely to emphasize that: F. the types of genetic engineering they depict are currently possible using CRISPR G. Changes to human genes that were once impossible could become achievable H. works of fiction can influence the use of genome editing in modern society. J. the altered human traits demonstrated in these works are highly contentious
F
2. Which of the following best describes the author's approach to presenting the story of the narrator's discovery about himself? F. Revealing the narrator's self-awareness about a trait through a blend of personal reflection and scenes from the narrator's youth and adulthood G. Starting immediately with a statement of the discovery in the narrator's voice and continuing with scenes that reveal how the discovery came about H. Describing the physical details of scenes and summarizing their significance in a concluding statement in the narrator's voice J. Using dialogue in the midst of scenes fraught with tension to indicate what the narrator is experiencing internally
J
2. Which of the following questions is NOT answered by information in the passage? F. Has the narrator ever walked around inside Eugene's house? G. What hobby or interest do Eugene and the narrator share? H. What makes Eugene's house different from other houses on the block? J. What careers other than teaching has the narrator considered pursuing?
H
20. In the context of the passage, the author's statement that ER "enjoyed the game, and weathered the abuse" (line 93) most nearly means that ER: F. enjoyed her individualist adventure in politics even if criticized. G. preferred to be a team player rather than take the lead. H. embraced the political life and accepted criticism as part of her work. J. understood political games and so did not take politics or criticism very seriously.
g
20. The passage indicates that CRISPR and genome editing could lead to both: F. decreased research on genetic diseases and new moral questions. G. potential health benefits for humans and expanded ethical debates H. the selection of desirable genetic traits and fewer gene therapies. J. more genetically modified crops and fewer restrictions on their use
F
20. What is the main idea of the last paragraph (lines 74-90)? F. That statistical and case-study approaches should be comprehensively synthesized to make for the best possible historical analyses G. That both statistics and case-study approaches are fundamentally flawed, and a better understanding of social context should be attained H. That while Cohn's approach has its merits, the case study approach with its more balanced analysis is a more rigorous option J. Historians will be unable to improve upon the works of Cohn and his contemporaries due to the lack of reliable historical information
A
21. Which of the following statements best describes the structure of this passage? A. It begins and ends with a series of assertions that surround a story used by the narrator to support and elaborate on those assertions. B. It contains a highly detailed anecdote that the narrator uses to show how the claims she makes in the first paragraph are wrong. C. It compares and contrasts the narrator's perspective on an incident in her life with the perspectives of several other people, such as her parents. D. It consists mainly of a story about a recent event in the narrator's life that she feels taught her an interesting but ultimately insignificant lesson.
F
22. In line 74, the word "fixed" most nearly means: F. established G. repaired H. supplied j. prearranged
B
23. Which of the following situations is most similar to the relationship between the "Akotings" mentioned in line 49 and a banjo? A. The American-invented telephone that was later adapted to the cellular phone thanks to later American inventors B. The German-invented Frankfurter that was later adapted to the Hot Dog by American culture thanks to German immigrants C. The German invention of calculus that was simultaneously invented by English mathematicians D. The Japanese manufacture of electronic devices that were adapted from American inventions in the post-World War II environment
J
24. The narrator indicates that one reason she did not wake her sister Amy when "something" came into their room was because: F. Amy had previously asked the narrator to stop waking her up during the night. G. the narrator knew she could muster her own charmed innocence. H. Amy had already figured out what the thing was before going to sleep. J. the narrator was afraid of alerting the thing to her own presence.
D
25. It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that the narrator regards her initial discovery of the truth about the object entering her bedroom as: A. deflating, because the object turned out to be so ordinary. B. disappointing, because she felt she should have solved the mystery many years ago. C. satisfying, because she could at last ignore the object and go to sleep. D. significant, because solving the mystery led to important insights.
A
25. What is the author's purpose in mentioning Dr. Reebee Garofalo in line 62? A. To provide the backing of an authority to justify his argument in the fourth paragraph B. To appeal to a scholar who has clearly stated how he agrees with the thesis of the passage as a whole C. To give the testimony of a person who has had to perform African work songs as a laborer D. To show how a modern-day musician continues to be influenced by West-African cultural contributions
G
26. It can most reasonably be inferred that for the narrator, the image of the diver bursting through "the ocean's sparkling membrane" (line 52) symbolizes her: F. fear of monsters and of the object in her bedroom. G. crossing of the boundary separating her inner and outer lives. H. struggle to maintain the separation between her inner and outer worlds. J. bitterness at entering reality and leaving behind her comforting memories.
D
27. As it is used in line 87, the phrase "a show in light" most nearly refers to: A. a fictional story the narrator has read. B. a movie the narrator saw at a theater. C. the work of reason in linking a person to the outer world. D. a fantasy created by the mind.
C
27. Which of the following would most likely be an example of "music for the sake of music" at the term is used in line 63? A. A national anthem B. A school fight song C. A modern symphony D. A love song duet
G
28. According to the second paragraph (lines 21-33), what is the major difference between jazz and the blues? F. The longevity they have had in America G. The consistency of their styles over time H. Whether they had any foreign influence J. Their popularity in modern-day society
F
28. The narrator uses the images in lines 3-5 primarily to depict the interior life's tendency to engage in: F. deceptive self-absorption. G. vital self-examination. H. useful analysis of nature. J. fierce debates with itself
C
29. The term "iambic pentameter" in lines 77-78 is used by the author to illustrate: A. The structure of blues music across history B. The incubation of blues music in West Africa C. The impact of Western culture on the blues D. An example of an amorphous work song
C
29. Which of the following statements best paraphrases lines 5-8? A. The imagination lacks value and should be ignored in favor of paying attention to the actual world. B. Reason can enhance the imagination but at the expense of experience in the actual world. C. Rather than become isolated, the imagination should connect to the actual world at least occasionally. D. Reason, not the imagination, is the best way to appreciate and enrich the actual world.
D
3. Based on the circumstantial description in the passage as a whole, what substance can we infer is most likely being mined in the town of Mercer? A. Diamonds B. Silver C. Bronze D. Coal
C
3. Each of the three projects described in the passage reveals: A. the increasing antagonism between the grandfather and grandson. B. the errors the narrator makes and the disapproval they bring from others. C. that such incidents set the stage for the Bryant family traits to emerge. D. that the narrator is determined to avoid being ungrateful, hateful, or overly fastidious.
C
3. The narrator draws which of the following comparisons between the old couple and Eugene's parents? A. The old couple were more socially outgoing and had many more friends than Eugene's parents. B. Eugene's parents are just as interested in tending the lawn and flowers as the old couple were. C. Eugene's parents are less nurturing of each other and spend less time together than the old couple did. D. Just like the old man and old woman, both of Eugene's parents appear to have jobs outside the home.
G
30. By her statements in lines 77-80, the narrator is most nearly asserting that: F. in her world, adults are generally considered more important than children. G. she, like everyone and everything else, was a small part of a larger world. H. it still mattered greatly whether people saw or ignored her. J. she was less valuable than other people in her world.
F
30. Which the following best describes the tone of the passage as a whole? F. Reasoned persuasion G. Impassioned argument H. Scholarly detachment J. Impersonal indifference
B
31. Which of the following conclusions about new theories in science can reasonably be drawn from the passage? A. Important new theories will eventually be accepted, no matter how controversial they are or who proposes them. B. Important but unusual new theories have a better chance at acceptance when they are proposed by well-respected scientists. C. Research on new, nontraditional theories is widely respected within the scientific community. D. Scientists welcome the opportunity to overturn existing ideas in favor of useful new theories.
J
32. What is the function of the quotation marks around the words "fireflies" and "lightning bugs" in lines 6-7? F. To describe the light sources, such as fire and light, that bioluminescent creatures utilize G. To provide a quotation from a biologist about bioluminescent animals H. To analyze the origins of the phenomenon of bioluminescence J. To illustrate the common names of bioluminescent insects to the reader
J
32. Which of the following best describes how Frank's colleagues perceived him after he first presented the small-comet theory? F. Their doubts about the theory led them to also question his work on particles in space. G. They felt his theory had ruined his reputation as a widely respected scientist. H. He acquired a reputation among them as someone who had worked hard to develop his theory. J. They still respected his traditional research but felt he was overly committed to an improbable theory.
D
33. According to the passage, which of the following represents (an) environment(s) in which bioluminescent creatures have been located? A. Water only B. Air only C. Water and air only D. Land , sea and air
B
33. The passage indicates that at the time Frank and Sigwarth presented new evidence supporting the smallcomet theory, Frank most nearly felt: A. relieved but bitter about how he had been treated. B. grateful that ridicule of his work would end. C. proud that he had been proved right. D. satisfied and filled with anticipation of glory.
H
34. The author uses the fourth paragraph (lines 27-33) primarily to: F. continue his earlier criticisms of scientists. G. reveal the role science serves in society. H. present then undermine common perceptions of scientists. J. explain the difference between theoretical and practical scientific research.
G
34. We can infer from the passage that the author believes that bioluminescence evolved: F. As a result of a common ancestor G. Independently due to environmental needs H. Similarly due to requirements to combat nighttime darkness J. For the purposes of mating
A
35. According to the passage, the research that led to the development of the small-comet theory began with a project originally intended to study: A. the electrical activity accompanying sunspots. B. water entering Earth's upper atmosphere. C. static in satellite transmissions. D. specks in satellite images.
D
35. According to the third paragraph (lines 31-42), what is different in the outcomes of the processes of bioluminescence vs. incandescence? A. 20% more energy is utilized B. The use of thermal radiation C. Whether light is created D. Amount of heat wasted
F
36. The main function of lines 64-66 in terms of the eighth paragraph (lines 59-66) as a whole is to: F. give a sense of proportion to the numbers provided earlier in the paragraph. G. point out the limitations of the evidence provided by the Iowa scientists. H. supplement the paragraph's description of the comets with additional details about their size and capacity. J. provide readers with a sense of how old the planet really is.
F
36. We can infer from the passage that a situation in which human utilization of bioluminescent technology would be most useful would most likely be which of the following? F. To minimize oxygen use and minimize heat generation G. To maximize oxygen use and minimize heat generation H. To minimize oxygen use and maximize heat generation J. To maximize oxygen use and maximize heat generation
C
37. According to the fourth paragraph (lines 43-66), the shift in levels of which of the following substances is most responsible for the chemical reaction that creates light? A. Nitric Oxide Gas B. ATP C. Oxygen D. Arginine
C
37. It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that within the scientific community the year the passage was published, the small-comet theory was: A. tremendously unpopular and condemned for its incompleteness. B. widely accepted and seen as conclusive. C. regarded as tentative but deemed worthy of consideration. D. seen as correct by most scientists but was highly criticized by some.
J
38. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following is NOT a biological purpose of bioluminescence? F. Mating G. Catching food H. Protection J. Respiration
A
39. Based on the information in the fourth paragraph (lines 43-66), the process by which nitric oxide goes through molecular decay is most important to the firefly mating process due to which of the following characteristics? A. Its speed B. Its frequency C. Its luminescence D. Its energy
D
39. When Richard Zare says that scientists lead a "constant schizophrenic existence" (lines 34-35), he most nearly means that they: A. often suffer psychologically from the demands of their work. B. tend to be either complete cynics or people who believe too much. C. are often guilty of either doing nothing or of fooling themselves. D. have to maintain a balance between accepting and challenging ideas
F
4. In terms of developing the narrative, the last two paragraphs (lines 67-87) primarily serve to: F. provide background details about the narrator and her family in order to highlight the narrator's unique and shifting perspective. G. describe the narrator's family in order to establish a contrast between her parents and Eugene's parents. H. portray the narrator's family in order to show how her friendship with Eugene affected the various members of her family. J. depict the hopes and dreams of the narrator's parents in order to show how her parents' aspirations changed over time.
G
4. The boy's approach to the task of converting the tennis court to a basketball court can best be described as: F. reluctant until his grandfather's plans inspire him. G. enthusiastic until his grandfather's error puts them both in an awkward position. H. apprehensive until he discovers his error is not a devastating one. J. thrilled until he remembers that his grandfather is a poor planner.
H
40. It can reasonably be inferred that Frank and Sigwarth conducted the study of the dark specks they found with a: F. detached, scientific mindset. G. casual interest that developed into a mild curiosity. H. steadily increasing level of involvement. J. great intensity that began when they discovered the specks.
G
40. What may we infer is a reason the author states that "the firefly is perhaps the most familiar species that emits its own light" in lines 8-9? F. Its relatively large size G. The ease with which it is observed H. The number of species categorized as such J. Its unique manifestation of glowing light
A
5. As he is revealed in the incident of undertaking the construction of the basketball court, the grandfather can best be characterized as: A. confidently optimistic, then childishly defensive. B. charmingly patient, then increasingly accusatory. C. consistently encouraging in spite of setbacks. D. vocally defensive, then quietly apologetic.
C
5. It can most reasonably be inferred from the passage that when the narrator says, "I didn't see the red, yellow, and purple clusters that meant flowers to me" (lines 30-31), she is most nearly indicating that: A. from her current position, she couldn't see the old woman's flowers, which were still growing near the house. B. the flowers grown by the old woman had died because the narrator had stopped watering them. C. the flowers grown by the old woman had been cut down when Eugene's father mowed the lawn. D. the weeds that had grown up in the old couple's lawn had intertwined with the flowers, making the flowers hard to see.
B
5. Which of the following can we infer that the narrator would most likely believe about the nature of existence? A. Mental processes alone are not real; there must be physical reality B. Mental processes alone can be real; the physical reality needs no longer to exist C. Mental events are the only reality D. Physical events are the only reality
J
6. According to the narrator, which of the following statements was true about Eugene at the moment when she first talked to him? F. Due to the size of the school, he had not even noticed the narrator until she started talking to him. G. He had searched unsuccessfully for the narrator's locker several different times and had been too shy to ask someone where it was. H. He had first noticed the narrator in study hall but had been uninterested in her until she introduced herself. J. He had apparently taken notice of the narrator at school and had come to like her but felt nervous about introducing himself.
F
6. The metaphorical comparison between light and the tide in lines 76-81 is best paraphrased as which of the following? F. Just as the light of memories fades over time, so the tide will eventually return waters to the sea G. Just as the light fades throughout the day, so the tide will provide new life at night H. Just as light disappears over time, so the tide will disappear when it hits the land J. Just as the light of memories can clearly be seen, so too is the ocean clear when the tide comes in
H
6. The question "Did you know that Bryant built his shelves so they tilt?" (lines 65-66) helps establish that the narrator is anxious because: F. his coworkers have discovered his incompetence and have made it the subject of office humor. G. his coworkers resent his having a corner office and punish him with their biting humor. H. he fears his incompetence is so glaring it will make him the object of ridicule among coworkers. J. the tilting bookshelves remind him that, like his grandfather, he cannot hide his mistakes.
B
7. In line 64, to what do the words "desolate zeroes" refer? A. Numbers in the night sky B. The glow of the rotating Ferris wheel C. The shapes of the incandescent bulbs D. The white-hot glow of furnaces
A
7. Information in the second paragraph (lines 4-12) reveals that the family's response to the grandfather's error with the crutches is to: A. find a workable remedy for it. B. lay the blame on the narrator. C. praise him for more successful projects. D. fix what wasn't wrong in the first place.
A
7. When the narrator says, "I began to think of the present more than of the future" (lines 80-81), she most likely means that meeting Eugene led her to: A. shift some of her attention away from her career plans and onto the developing friendship. B. think more about her own work interests than about the career her parents thought she should pursue. C. put off her plans of returning to Puerto Rico for a visit in favor of continuing to prepare for college. D. want to spend more time with him instead of helping her parents plan a vacation to Puerto Rico.
F
8. How might we infer that the "starlight" referred to in lines 75-76 most like the narrator's memory of Mercer? F. It can still be perceived although it is not there G. It is extremely far away in both time and distance H. The initial source of the light and memory is extremely beautiful J. Perception of both is easiest at night time
G
8. It can most reasonably be inferred from the sixth paragraph (lines 36-46) that the statement that the basketball hoops "can't be made smaller" (line 40) is: F. a fact stated by the grandfather apologetically. G. an opinion stated by the grandfather indignantly. H. a claim the narrator makes to humiliate a relative. J. a conclusion the narrator reaches after hard labor
H
8. The narrator most nearly portrays her parents' dreams as: F. close to being realized because of her father's good job. G. somewhat uncommon among the other residents of the family's building. H. ones she has heard about many times but that seem far off and remote to her. J. ones she shares with her parents and longs to fulfill.
