2015
Which purpose does the discussion of the "doggie" (lines 42-45) primarily serve? (A) It contextualizes the accomplishments of experts. (B) It demonstrates the flexibility of the young brain. (C) It shows how learning takes place in the brain. (D) It suggests we are all capable of appreciating experts. (E) It indicates the importance of early experiences.
A, It contextualizes the accomplishments of experts.
55. The change in tone from the first to the third paragraph serves which of the following functions? (A) It heightens the seriousness of the author's themes and views. (B) It balances antithetical viewpoints. (C) It allows for an ironic reassessment of the man portrayed in the first paragraph. (D) It invites the reader to be skeptical of the author's judgment. (E) It offers a sense of reasonable compromise.
A, It heightens the seriousness of the author's themes and views.
The author's attitude toward the state of "this island of ours" (line 58) is one of (A) dismay (B) ambivalence (C) neutrality (D) forgiving magnanimity (E) deepening loyalty
A, dismay
The primary purpose of the passage is to (A) explain the logic behind intuitive judgments (B) discredit a theory accepted by most psychologists (C) problematize a method of improving reasoning skills (D) reveal a gap in the current state of psychological research (E) indicate concerns about the rise of emotional decision making
A, explain the logic behind intuitive judgments
In the second paragraph (lines 15-23), the author primarily implies that laziness is a (A) factor contributing to failure but not the sole cause (B) common characteristic among intellectuals and artists (C) personal trait that people try to hide from one another (D) psychological problem that may be cured through therapy (E) coping strategy that requires time to perfect
A, factor contributing to failure but not the sole cause
The primary function of the sentence in lines 54-57 ("Considering . . . prevail") is to (A) question the validity of a popular saying (B) refute assertions made in the previous paragraph (C) minimize the severity of the danger described (D) offer qualified approval for a particular phenomenon (E) give an example of a political circumlocution
A, question the validity of a popular saying
In the fifth paragraph, the author suggests that "the truest answer" (line 75) (A) requires a level of philosophical awareness that defies human expression (B) is not worth providing if it cannot be revised from time to time (C) would take too long to articulate within a single lifetime (D) could not possibly describe the communal experience of all people (E) necessitates the type of intellectual discipline and rigor that few people possess
A, requires a level of philosophical awareness that defies human expression
In context, the use of the word "tyrannies" (line 41) conveys the author's (A) sense of being dominated by others (B) view that the world is usually cruel (C) naïve acceptance of the rules of others (D) selfish desire to control others (E) childish hurt at being ostracized
A, sense of being dominated by others
Which of the following strategies does the author employ in the fifth paragraph (lines 52-70) ? (A) He uses an interrogative sentence to summarize the chief investment officer's main concern about Ford. (B) He uses a colon to emphasize the significance of "the one question" that an economist would find "relevant." (C) He cites the chief investment officer to demonstrate the enthusiasm with which an informed expert forms an opinion. (D) He repeats "he liked" in a series to show his own support of the chief investment officer's decision. (E) He contrasts "what we know" and what "he did not know" to suggest that anyone could be an investor.
B, He uses a colon to emphasize the significance of "the one question" that an economist would find "relevant."
Which of the following best characterizes the author's attitude toward other psychologists? (A) Congratulatory (B) Respectful (C) Grateful (D) Envious (E) Wary
B, Respectful
Which statement provides the best rhetorical analysis of the first sentence (lines 1-3) ? (A) The author betrays a sense of resentment by using the modification "even before." (B) The author adopts an authoritative stance on the topic by beginning with "There is." (C) The author defines the scope of his argument by referring to "all offers." (D) The author expresses his anger by selecting the confrontational verb "smacks." (E) The author suggests the difficulty of the topic by describing "something" in two contrasting ways.
B, The author adopts an authoritative stance on the topic by beginning with "There is."
In lines 23-27, the statement "so that . . . or no" emphasizes which of the following qualities of liars? (A) Their prepossessing appearance (B) Their inscrutability (C) Their reasonableness (D) Their assertiveness (E) Their eloquence
B, Their inscrutability
The author discusses "Valid intuitions" (line 46) to set up a distinction between (A) cynical and naïve responses (B) analytical and emotional reasoning (C) authentic and imagined achievements (D) natural reactions and false mannerisms (E) intellectual desire and financial motivation
B, analytical and emotional reasoning
At the end of the fourth paragraph (lines 42-56), the author acknowledges that people (A) are motivated by competition (B) can control their behavior (C) should learn to question others (D) need to spend some time alone (E) tend to act out in anger
B, can control their behavior
The repeated use of the term "willy-nilly" (lines 20-22) primarily (A) reveals the ignorance of the author as a child (B) conveys the author's sense of haphazard unfairness (C) suggests that the older brother's success is attributable to luck (D) implies that the rivalry between the author and his brother is normal (E) interjects a humorous note into an otherwise somber narrative
B, conveys the author's sense of haphazard unfairness
The "talent" mentioned in line 13 refers most nearly to a (A) facility with financial matters (B) flexibility of conviction (C) pronounced physical agility (D) vicious and cruel propensity (E) mediocre performance
B, flexibility of conviction
The parallel phrasing in lines 60-63 ("whose . . . State") helps to create a tone of (A) guarded skepticism (B) mounting outrage (C) subtle hopefulness (D) reluctant patriotism (E) bleak melancholy
B, mounting outrage
The author's writing in lines 5-14("At bottom . . . chance") is characterized by the use of (A) short sentences that accentuate key facts and opinions (B) series that broaden the scope of the discussion (C) adjectives used as nouns to criticize different groups (D) dashes to indicate hesitation (E) abstract language to obscure his point
B, series that broaden the scope of the discussion
What is the primary function of the statement "Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it" (lines 47-48) ? (A) It uses an ad hominem argument to convey the author's contempt for liars. (B) It personifies falsehood to evoke sympathy for those accused of lying. (C) It creates a visual contrast to emphasize the power of lies. (D) It employs alliteration to suggest that truth and falsehood are closely related. (E) It uses hyperbole to undermine its literal meaning.
C, It creates a visual contrast to emphasize the power of lies.
Which best describes the function of the statement "It was . . . courtesy" (lines 40-42)? (A) It presents a brief digression. (B) It provides a transition to another topic. (C) It explains the statement in the previous sentence. (D) It reiterates the point of the previous sentence. (E) It summarizes the main point of the first paragraph.
C, It explains the statement in the previous sentence.
According to note 3, Herbert Simon's article appears in (A) a book in a series (B) an academic anthology (C) a scholarly journal (D) a multivolume encyclopedia (E) an annual conference report
C, a scholarly journal
In lines 3 and 4, the author uses the word "table" idiomatically to discuss (A) religious belief (B) cultural awareness (C) civic participation (D) financial obligation (E) legal responsibility
C, civic participation
The atmosphere conveyed by the first paragraph (lines 1-11) can best be described as (A) resigned yet longing (B) thoughtful yet dismayed (C) ephemeral yet intense (D) sentimental yet confused (E) chaotic yet disciplined
C, ephemeral yet intense
The author uses the phrase "however abstract, however bloodless" in lines 16-17 primarily to emphasize that (A) he was too young to understand the significance of attending Oxford (B) he had difficulty in distinguishing between reality and unreality (C) his brother's departure seemed innocuous but had serious ramifications (D) his brother was serenely unaware of things that occurred around him (E) his brother' s departure made the author feel disconnected from his family
C, his brother's departure seemed innocuous but had serious ramifications
Which statement best describes a major turning point in the passage? (A) In Paragraph 3 (lines 24-41), the author shifts from the negative to the positive aspects of laziness. (B) In Paragraph 4 (lines 42-56), the author begins addressing the psychological implications of laziness. (C) In Paragraph 4 (lines 42-56), the author starts speaking about laziness in the abstract. (D) In Paragraph 5 (lines 57-81), the author's objective analysis of laziness gives way to subjective experience. (E) In Paragraph5 (lines57-81), the author's criticism of laziness turns to justification.
D, In Paragraph 5 (lines 57-81), the author's objective analysis of laziness gives way to subjective experience.
Why does the author mention Bill Gates and Valentino in lines 50-53 ("sharing a bucket ... Valentino") ? (A) To state that memory is subject to change (B) To imagine what could be accomplished if one had multiple lives (C) To provide examples of casual and formal lifestyles (D) To assert that people do not have a definitive path in life (E) To compare the unique talents of two very different people
D, To assert that people do not have a definitive path in life
In lines 12-14 ("Given ... chance"), the author's primary purpose is to (A) argue against the authority of the social contract (B) trivialize the difficulties of being lazy (C) discourage the reader's identification with lazy people (D) assert the power of the social contract (E) counsel the reader to be wary of lazy people
D, assert the power of the social contract
The words "ought" and "necessary" (lines 2-3) convey the author's sense of (A) shame (B) obligation (C) defiant zeal (D) cynical pragmatism (E) sympathetic identification
D, cynical pragmatism
The "expectations" (line 23) are primarily characterized as (A) difficult to attain because of the author's intellectual limitations (B) more the products of the outside world than of the island society (C) less problematic in reality than in the author's defensive recollections (D) daunting because the standards they imply seem impossible to meet (E) arbitrarily applied based on judgments made by the author's brother
D, daunting because the standards they imply seem impossible to meet
In context, the phrase "unparalleled generosity" (line 19) serves as (A) decisive refutation of an argument (B) categorical support for a gesture (C) deceptively unpretentious rhetoric (D) hyperbolic sarcasm (E) effusive praise
D, hyperbolic sarcasm
Lines 50-53 ("like a man . . . is dead") exemplify (A) a contrast between genuine and hypocritical virtue (B) the maliciousness of liars (C) the perplexing unreasonableness of lying (D) the inconvenience of truth in worldly matters (E) the inefficacy of truth in limiting lies' effects
E) the inefficacy of truth in limiting lies' effects
Which statement explains the structure and purpose of Herbert Simon's assertion (lines 38-41) ? (A) He describes the difference between skill and talent by using parallel sentences to compare the two concepts. (B) He emphasizes the relationship between thought and action by contrasting passive and active constructions. (C) He examines a technique for achieving goals by using a series to indicate how a person might visualize success. (D) He illustrates a method of critical thinking by using two sentences to show a hypothesis and conclusion. (E) He clarifies a complex thought process by using independent clauses to indicate how one idea links to the next.
E, He clarifies a complex thought process by using independent clauses to indicate how one idea links to the next.
The author most likely provides the information in note 2 in order to (A) indicate that chess masters understand psychology (B) explain what he has learned from Herbert Simon (C) relate Herbert Simon's work to that of most psychologists (D) show the types of subjects that inform psychology (E) describe Herbert Simon' s broad experience
E, describe Herbert Simon' s broad experience
The use of italics in lines 24-28 primarily (A) highlights the author's admiration for his brother (B) shifts the point of view of the author (C) emphasizes the author's feelings of sadness (D) stresses the informal nature of the narrative (E) dramatizes the comparisons between the brothers
E, dramatizes the comparisons between the brothers
In the third paragraph (lines 24-41), the author discusses Hippocrates' theory in order to (A) argue that environment has an immense influence on people (B) criticize the division of human nature into basic types (C) assess whether science or religion had a greater influence on early medicine (D) confirm that laziness leads to serious character flaws (E) establish the long-standing belief that habits of mind are innate
E, establish the long-standing belief that habits of mind are innate
In the context of the passage, lines 43-46 ("And . . . may be") serve primarily to (A) highlight the way in which the author shrinks from introspection (B) reveal how the author has changed since childhood (C) shift the emphasis from the younger to the older brother (D) introduce an entirely new voice and perspective into the narration (E) extend the implications of past events into the present
E, extend the implications of past events into the present
The author assumes a self-important tone in lines 65-70 ("As a solid ... big answer") to (A) express indignation, so as to distance himself from the lazy (B) convey surprise, so as to emphasize the unexpected nature of his self-revelation (C) affect seriousness, so as to conceal his indifference to the topic (D) chastise his audience, so as to reinforce his authority (E) mock himself, so as to build credibility with his audience
E, mock himself, so as to build credibility with his audience
In the first paragraph (lines 1-15), the author introduces his topic by (A) describing a behavioral paradox that had previously defied explanation (B) indicating how his research extends the theoretical work of Gary Klein (C) showing why the research he conducts is so critically important (D) providing a dramatic example of a phenomenon that he will examine (E) illustrating a controversial theory by Gary Klein that he will analyze
D, providing a dramatic example of a phenomenon that he will examine
Which of the following pieces of information does note 4 provide? (A) An acknowledgment of a theoretical contribution (B) A description of the origins of heuristic study (C) An example of a professional rivalry (D) A comparison of different heuristics (E) A definition of the affect heuristic
A, An acknowledgment of a theoretical contribution
What is the primary function of the final question of the passage (lines 53-54) ? (A) To convey the author's sense of lasting bitterness (B) To query the value of the sentiments raised earlier in the passage (C) To shift the tone of the narrative from anger to acceptance (D) To hint that the author no longer harbors concerns about his own achievements (E) T o challenge the accuracy of the author' s memories
A, To convey the author's sense of lasting bitterness
Which of the following comes closest to the meaning of the concluding observation in lines 58-66 ("Here . . . friends") ? (A) Certain politicians have injured the nation by diverting its resources to their own pockets. (B) Powerful liars have manipulated language to escape punishment for their transgressions. (C) External threats have multiplied since a particular party assumed control of the government. (D) The public is so envious of successful liars that it has come to hold honest people in contempt. (E) The devious speech of liars has so confused the public that no one knows whom to trust.
E, The devious speech of liars has so confused the public that no one knows whom to trust.
The author's primary purpose in the passage is to (A) show how behavior that is widely condemned as vicious is a source of national prosperity (B) express resignation about the resistance of successful liars to attempts to reform them (C) trivialize the friendships of a self-serving political elite (D) illustrate the process by which individuals become interested in politics (E) disparage a vice and explain how it has flourished
E, disparage a vice and explain how it has flourished
Which statement best describes the significance of the Beckett quotation in lines 62-65 ("There is ... to express") ? (A) Writing is inherently a paradoxical endeavor. (B) The best writers are their own harshest critics. (C) One is born with the ability to write creatively; the skill cannot be taught. (D) Writing is an ambition that few attempt to realize. (E) There is a time and a place to speak in earnest.
A, Writing is inherently a paradoxical endeavor.
The author's attitude toward his past is best described as (A) nostalgic wistfulness (B) reflective resignation (C) impulsive vengeance (D) calm equanimity (E) childish rebelliousness
B, reflective resignation
The primary function of the second paragraph (lines 37-53) is to (A) contradict the position taken in the first paragraph (B) reveal the error in a particular belief (C) develop the character of the "great man" introduced in the first paragraph (D) examine the purpose of a cherished ideal (E) parody the way in which liars exploit rhetoric for their own purposes.
B, reveal the error in a particular belief
The author suggests that people hear "inarticulate sounds" (line 28) when they listen to the speaker because the words are so (A) self-glorifying (B) self-contradictory (C) frightening (D) conventional (E) melodious
B, self-contradictory
In the final paragraph (lines 71-82), the author concludes the passage by discussing (A) a peer review that confirms how influential he is among psychologists (B) an application of his research in other fields and subject areas (C) a concept that indicates the direction of new research in his field (D) a case study that shows the consequences of avoiding intuitive judgments (E) an experiment that reveals the emotional outlook of modern people
C, a concept that indicates the direction of new research in his field
Lines 44-46 ("He doesn't . . . may be") are notable mainly because the author (A) admits that he was not an easy child to know (B) uses ellipsis to express personal confusion and despair over the past (C) acknowledges his struggle to accept how his past has affected his identity (D) metaphorically explains that we can never see ourselves with mirror like clarity (E) rationalizes his childish behavior
C, acknowledges his struggle to accept how his past has affected his identity
In the second paragraph (lines 16-30), the author's attitude can best be described as (A) condescending toward those who view intuition as a "magical" ability (B) critical of the way science ignores "everyday" acts of intuition (C) matter-of-fact regarding the "feats" that most people can perform (D) curious regarding what constitutes "pitch-perfect" instincts (E) astounded by the "striking" deeds of those who possess expertise
C, matter-of-fact regarding the "feats" that most people can perform
The author's attitude in describing "a certain great man" (line 12) is best characterized as (A) wistfully admiring (B) openly fascinated (C) mockingly contemptuous (D) ironic yet compassionate (E) defensive and uncertain
C, mockingly contemptuous
The author's tone in the statement "Laziness just is" (line 24) can best be described as (A) apprehensive (B) embittered (C) pragmatic (D) apologetic (E) morose
C, pragmatic
As it is used in line 46, the word "character" refers to a (A) sign or symbol (B) professional perspective (C) quality or nature (D) moral reputation (E) personality type
C, quality or nature
Based on the author's views in the first paragraph, the "truly lazy" (line 8) would most likely respond to an actual examination question by (A) convincing others to leave the examination room with them (B) negotiating so that they could answer the question another day (C) refusing to enter the examination room at all (D) having someone else answer the question for them (E) waiting to the last minute before answering the question
C, refusing to enter the examination room at all
In the passage, the author develops his argument primarily through (A) scholarly debate (B) clinical observations (C) patient interviews (D) informal anecdotes (E) expert testimony
D, informal anecdotes
In line 15, the phrase "nice affairs" refers to (A) sumptuous entertainments (B) familial relationships (C) conscientious preparations (D) matters requiring tactful handling (E) kind and friendly interchanges
D, matters requiring tactful handling
