AP Lang Progress Checks Final

Unit 9

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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.

A) Yes, because it acknowledges the source of the information conveyed in the sentence.

In the first sentence of the third paragraph, the author describes needlework as "seemingly peculiarly adapted to the powers and tastes of women" primarily to A signal the limitations of a cliché she plans to undermine B admit that trades do attract people of different capabilities C express uncertainty about what motivates women to choose certain jobs D imply that most women would prefer jobs traditionally reserved for men E offer examples of gender differences in the workplace

A) signal the limitations of a cliché she plans to undermine

(The passage below is a draft.) (1) When I decided to major in English, I bought an electronic reading device, or "e-reader." (2) Now, as I graduate, I realize that I didn't use it very often; I preferred print books. (3) I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading. (4) E-readers have numerous advantages. (5) The convenience of e-readers cannot be denied. (6) Books can be downloaded and stored instantly, while print books need to be purchased at a bookstore or borrowed from a library, or you have to wait for them to be delivered in the mail. (7) Furthermore, unlike print books, e-readers occupy very little space, provide their own lighting, and have built-in dictionaries. (8) Despite these advantages, I discovered that e-readers do not work well. (9) With the e-reader, I lost touch with the totality of the complex literary work I was reading. (10) I would read quickly, seeing page after page of disembodied text, words flashing by me on a screen—I often felt overwhelmed. (11) Print books have a physical presence that helps readers engage with them comprehensively. (12) As journalist Ferris Jabr notes, "Turning the pages of a paper book is like leaving one footprint after another on [a] trail—there's a rhythm to it and a visible record of how far one has traveled." (13) This physical nature cannot be replicated on screens. (14) With my e‑reader's search function, for example, I could find each instance of the word "nothing" in Shakespeare's play King Lear, but only with my hand-annotated hard copy could I ascertain how uses of the word vary across the entire play. (15) It was easier for me to write my Shakespeare essay with the marked-up play in hand. (16) In short, the e-reader was good for enumeration, but only the printed text enabled interpretation. (17) I still have my e-reader. (18) It proved an invaluable tool for research projects involving secondary sources. (19) It was more efficient to read scholarly articles on my e-reader than to go to the library for hard copies. (20) You can expect to read quite a bit in college. (21) My advice to students contemplating e‑readers is to realize that not all reading experiences are the same. The writer wants to add information to the end of sentence 1 (reproduced below) to introduce the central comparison in the passage. When I decided to major in English, I bought an electronic reading device, or "e-reader." Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 1 most effectively accomplishes this goal? A "e-reader," because even though I love literature, I also am interested in technology. B "e-reader," to use instead of print books in my college literature classes. C "e-reader"; I later decided to also pursue a minor in business administration. D "e-reader," which was highly recommended by my parents, who both love their e-readers. E

B) "e-reader," to use instead of print books in my college literature classes.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence after sentence 10. Cosmic rays pose another health concern: a 2018 study from Georgetown University Medical Center found that prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation could lead to stomach and colon cancers. Should the writer add this sentence after sentence 10 ? A Yes, because it provides data to support the claim in sentence 4 about the struggles astronauts experience upon returning to Earth. B Yes, because it makes a claim that supports the writer's line of reasoning in the third paragraph. C Yes, because it logically demonstrates the outcome of the problem described in sentence 10. D No, because it contradicts the claim made in sentence 13 about NASA's attempts to solve these problems. E No, because it interrupts the point the writer is making in the third paragraph with details that are only tangentially relevant.

B) Yes, because it makes a claim that supports the writer's line of reasoning in the third paragraph.

(The following passage is excerpted from an essay published by an African American writer in the 2010s.) In the Atlantic, Ta-Nehisi Coates published an essay about President Barack Obama and the tradition of black politics that reached me in a vulnerable place. Coates writes of the president's ascension: "He becomes a champion of black imagination, of black dreams and black possibilities." In that same essay, Coates also writes about how the narrative of personal responsibility is a false one that is, unfortunately, often parroted by our president, our brightest shining star, Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States. At the end of his essay, Coates writes, "But I think history will also remember his [Obama's] unquestioning embrace of 'twice as good' in a country that has always given black people, even under his watch, half as much." About a month after that essay was published, Obama announced the My Brother's Keeper initiative, "an interagency effort to improve measurably the expected educational and life outcomes for and address the persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color." The initiative is certainly well-intentioned, but it also speaks to the idea that black Americans must make themselves more respectable in order to matter. In its initial incarnation, it also gave the impression that only boys and men matter. On its surface, My Brother's Keeper is a program that does nothing to address the systemic and structural issues young men of color will face, no matter how well prepared or respectable or personally responsible they are. I have come to realize how much I have, throughout my life, bought into the narrative of this alluring myth of personal responsibility and excellence. I realize how much I believe that all good things will come if I—if we—just work hard enough. This attitude leaves me always relentless, always working hard enough and then harder still. I am ashamed that sometimes a part of me believes we, as a people, will be saved by those among us who are exceptional without considering who might pay the price for such salvation or who would be left behind. Du Bois* was a vocal proponent of the "Talented Tenth," this idea that out of every ten black men, one was destined for greatness, destined to become the powerful leader black people needed to rise up and overcome and advance. This 10 percent of men were to be educated and mentored so they might become leaders, the front line for much-needed sociopolitical change. We often forget, though, who first came up with the "talented tenth." The idea first began circulating in the 1890s, propagated by wealthy white liberals. The term itself was coined by Henry Lyman Morehouse, a white man, who wrote, "In the discussion concerning Negro education we should not forget the talented tenth man... . The tenth man, with superior natural endowments, symmetrically trained and highly developed, may become a mightier influence, a greater inspiration to others than all the other nine, or nine times nine like them." Here was a somewhat repulsive proposition gilded in condescending intentions, that if the strongest efforts were focused on the best of black folk, a few might be saved from themselves. Here we are today, still believing this could be true. Before, since, and during Du Bois's time, the "Negro" has been a problem demanding a solution. Historically we are, of course, quick to neglect examining how this problem began. We are, it seems, still looking for that solution even as some declare the United States is embarking upon a post-racial era. We forget that we should not only measure black progress by the most visibly successful among us, but also by those who continue to be left behind. When she discusses Obama in the first paragraph, the author's tone is best described as A angry and uncertain B largely critical C apologetic yet determined D nonchalant E self-deprecating

B) largely critical

In the third paragraph, the last sentence ("There is no ... gold" ) does which of the following? A It qualifies a statement by narrowing its scope to a particular time period. B It refutes a claim made in the previous sentence by suggesting that art is bound by the constraints of its era. C It elaborates upon the idea of an artistic age by subdividing such eras based on the quality of art produced during them. D It emphasizes a claim about artistic eras that has previously been explained. E It counters claims about the motivation of artists by employing language that equates artistic achievement and material wealth.

D) It emphasizes a claim about artistic eras that has previously been explained.

(The following passage is excerpted from a speech delivered by a prominent African American activist and public speaker in 1872.) The various conditions of men and the different uses they make of their powers and opportunities in life, are full of puzzling contrasts and contradictions. Here, as elsewhere, it is easy to dogmatize, but it is not so easy to define, explain and demonstrate. The natural laws for the government, well-being and progress of mankind, seem to be equal and are equal; but the subjects of these laws everywhere abound in inequalities, discords and contrasts. We cannot have fruit without flowers, but we often have flowers without fruit. The promise of youth often breaks down in manhood, and real excellence often comes unheralded and from unexpected quarters. The scene presented from this view is as a thousand arrows shot from the same point and aimed at the same object. United in aim, they are divided in flight. Some fly too high, others too low. Some go to the right, others to the left. Some fly too far and others, not far enough, and only a few hit the mark. Such is life. United in the quiver, they are divided in the air. Matched when dormant, they are unmatched in action. When we attempt to account for greatness we never get nearer to the truth than did the greatest of poets and philosophers when he classified the conditions of greatness: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them."* We may take our choice of these three separate explanations and make which of them we please, most prominent in our discussion. Much can certainly be said of superior mental endowments, and I should on some accounts, lean strongly to that theory, but for numerous examples which seem, and do, contradict it, and for the depressing tendency such a theory must have on humanity generally. This theory has truth in it, but it is not the whole truth. Men of very ordinary faculties have, nevertheless, made a very respectable way in the world and have sometimes presented even brilliant examples of success. On the other hand, what is called genius is often found by the wayside, a miserable wreck; the more deplorable and shocking because from the height from which it has fallen and the loss and ruin involved in the fall. There is, perhaps, a compensation in disappointment and in the contradiction of means to ends and promise to performance. These imply a constant effort on the part of nature to hold the balance between all her children and to bring success within the reach of the humblest as well as of the most exalted. From apparently the basest metals we have the finest toned bells, and we are taught respect from simple manhood when we see how, from the various dregs of society, there come men who may well be regarded as the pride and as the watch towers of the race. Steel is improved by laying on damp ground, and the rusty razor gets a keener edge after giving its dross to the dirt in which it has been allowed to lie neglected and forgotten. In like manner, too, humanity, though it lay among the ports, covered with the dust of neglect and poverty, may still retain the divine impulse and the element of improvement and progress. It is natural to revolt at squalor, but we may well relax our lip of scorn and contempt when we stand among the lowly and despised, for out of the rags of the meanest cradle there may come a great man and this is a treasure richer than all the wealth of the Orient. Which of the following statements most directly expresses the author's thesis in the passage? 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)

D) [R]eal excellence often comes unheralded and from unexpected quarters." (paragraph 1, sentence 5)

In the fourth sentence of the second paragraph, the authors use the word "qualified" in order to A concede that some scientists are not sufficiently prepared for their work B identify a difference between real scientists and fictional characters C explain why not all scientific investigations produce accurate results D note a condition that must be met for an observation to be scientific E acknowledge that not every question must be addressed scientifically

D) note a condition that must be met for an observation to be scientific

(The passage below is a draft.) (1) In 2016, artist Olafur Eliasson identified a pressing concern for the world today. (2) "We do not feel strongly enough that we are part of a global community," he warned. (3) But Eliasson and other artists can help address this problem: art has the potential to foster communication that strengthens existing communities and helps form new ones. (4) 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. (5) This dynamic is illustrated in printmaker Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.'s 2017-2018 piece Passin' on to Others. (6) Kennedy collected commonplace phrases from customers of local barbershops and salons in Richmond, Virginia, and hand printed them on multicolored posters. (7) 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. (8) What the artwork had accomplished, in effect, was a recontextualization of the style community's experiences. (9) Words that previously had passed unremarked now joined other aphorisms and sayings that Kennedy has printed on posters. (10) Experiencing art doesn't just highlight existing connections; it actively forges new ones. (11) In galleries and performance halls, people come together for events Eliasson describes as "strongly rooted in a physical experience, in our bodies." (12) Not all artworks are experienced in galleries and performance halls, however. (13) Former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts Jane Chu explains how playing the piano connected her to others at a time when, as a child of immigrants, she felt out of step with her parents and community. (14) "I felt as though I belonged," she says of her performances, "because I had an avenue of expression beyond just the linear use of everyday words." (15) By pulling us out of our habitual ways of thinking and communicating, art provides us with opportunities to renew and even create connections to a larger society. 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? A) (As it is now) B) Works of art from a variety of different genres can play a role in fostering communication. C) The communicative function of art can change when a piece or performance moves from one physical space to another. 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.

E) Art can play a unique role in starting conversations and cultivating group pride by representing communities to themselves.

he passage below is a draft.) (1) Robots are no longer just the stuff of science fiction: increasingly intelligent and humanlike, they interact with people in new and surprising ways. (2) However, advancements in robotic engineering provoke a number of questions. (3) Will people one day view robots not as machines but as peers? (4) Can people form attachments with robots, and is it wise to do so? (5) As recent cases show, people already tend to form emotional bonds with robots and allow robots to sway their behavior. (6) Perhaps not surprisingly, when they resemble humans or animals, people readily bond with robots. (7) Researchers believe that robot pets provide valuable companionship for their human owners and can even lessen loneliness and depression. (8) For instance, people became so attached to the Sony Aibo, a robotic dog with playful expressions and movements, that they mourned their mechanical pets after Sony discontinued the Aibo series and closed its repair center. (9) As one owner explained, the robots were not mere toys, but "important members of [his] family." (10) People have also shown a willingness to listen to and obey robots. (11) In one study, test subjects did a bunch of things with a humanlike robot called Nao. (12) At the end, when the person was supposed to turn off the robot, Nao begged for its "life," claiming to be afraid of the dark. (13) Many subjects did not turn Nao off or were unsure whether to do so. (14) Some reported being taken aback by Nao's pleas; others felt pity. (15) Children are incredibly gullible when it comes to robots, as a recent study demonstrates. (16) In the experiment, each child sat at a table with three robots and had to state which of three lines matched another line in length. (17) The robots—while the children were able to do the task correctly when they were absent—unanimously gave an incorrect answer first. (18) Although set up as an easy vision test, the study measured conformity to peer pressure. (19) Seeing the robots give the same wrong answer, the children agreed with the wrong answer 75 percent of the time. (20) Based on such studies, researchers are pondering the implications of developing more advanced, humanlike robots in the future. The writer is considering deleting the underlined portion of sentence 1 (reproduced below), adjusting the punctuation as needed. Robots are no longer just the stuff of science fiction: increasingly intelligent and humanlike, they interact with people in new and surprising ways. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text? A Keep it, because it uses descriptive language to convey the writer's perspective on advances in robotics and set up the topic of the passage. B Keep it, because it establishes an optimistic tone about robot intelligence that the writer will go on to undermine using irony. C Delete it, because it makes a claim about advances in technology that is not supported by evidence in the body of the passage. D Delete it, because it adds details that do not follow logically from the claim about robots that is made in the first part of the sentence. E Delete it, because it undermines the writer's credibility by giving the impression that the writer is biased in favor of treating robots like humans.

a) Keep it, because it uses descriptive language to convey the writer's perspective on advances in robotics and set up the topic of the passage.

Unit 2

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Unit 3

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Unit 6

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The writer wants sentence 10 (reproduced below) to provide a logical, vivid description of the experience of reading with an e-reader. I would read quickly, seeing page after page of disembodied text, words flashing by me on a screen—I often felt overwhelmed. Which of the following versions of sentence 10 most effectively accomplishes this goal? A (As it is now) B I read quickly, words flashed by me on a screen, I saw page after page of disembodied text, and I felt overwhelmed often. C I often felt overwhelmed; I quickly read the words that flashed by me on a screen and I saw page after page of disembodied text. D Words flashing by me on a screen because I would read quickly; I saw page after page of disembodied text, so I often felt overwhelmed. E I would read quickly—I saw page after page of disembodied text—and I often felt overwhelmed, because I had words flashing by me on a screen.

A) (As it is now)

The writer wants to clearly demonstrate the relationship between ideas in the third paragraph. Which version of sentence 8 (reproduced below) most successfully supports this goal? Other issues may be more troublesome. A (As it is now) B Experts from NASA note that technology does, indeed, solve many of the problems. C It is important to do additional research to determine how to keep astronauts healthy during long-term missions. D One experiment, sponsored by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), is measuring brain activity to track and hopefully diminish the harmful effects of space travel. E NASA has initiated something called the Human Research Program (HRP), which has already funded over 300 grants to teams of scientists working to solve these problems.

A) (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

A) (as it is now)

After doing additional research, the writer found the following sources. Which of the following sources would require the writer to adjust the line of reasoning in the passage? A An article that argues that basic income programs would be too costly for governments to support B A case study about a town that implemented a basic income program for its residents C A study that compares the differences between basic income pilots in different countries D Documentation that provides a framework for education reform that supports technological innovation E An interview with a college dean about the benefits of education reform

A) An article that argues that basic income programs would be too costly for governments to support

Which of the following describes the purpose of the last sentence of the passage? A It connects the author's imagined scenario to his claim about the Athenians. B It suggests that history necessarily repeats itself. C It helps the audience imagine what an artistic golden age might look like. D It provides some historical context for the writer's religious references. E It establishes the author's credentials by displaying his knowledge of ancient Athenian history.

A) It connects the author's imagined scenario to his claim about the Athenians.

The passage below is a draft.) (1) People who learn another language as kids can sound like native speakers, but adult language learners often make noticeable grammatical mistakes. (2) But when exactly in a person's life does it become difficult to master the rules that govern a language? (3) While previous theories speculated that people can only acquire a new language at a young age, new research supports a different perspective. (4) Boston-area researchers found evidence that the time span for language acquisition lasts from infancy until early adulthood; this time span is known as the "critical period." (5) Such a period also exists for the development of eyesight. (6) Prior studies had reached varying conclusions about the critical period: it closes just after birth; it stops around age 5; it lasts until age 13. (7) Dissatisfied with these studies' small number of participants, the Boston researchers aimed for a large sampling of language users for a study of English grammar acquisition. (8) The researchers developed an online grammar quiz with follow-up questions about the quiz takers' language background. (9) Getting nearly 700,000 responses, two-thirds from nonnative English speakers, the research team mapped the relationship between age and language fluency in detail. (10) The accuracy of answers to the questions on the grammar quiz plummeted for those who began learning English after age 17. (11) Though this result indicates that the critical period for language acquisition lasts longer than previous studies suggested, the achievement of native-speaker-level fluency is out of reach for adult learners. (12) However, adult second-language learners should remain optimistic. (13) The researchers found that optimal language learning doesn't stop completely after the critical period: it continues for both native and nonnative speakers until around age 30. (14) What's more, the fact that so many adult second-language learners did poorly on the researchers' quiz can help other such learners be more realistic about their goals. (15) 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. 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. D) Being able to express one's thoughts in grammatically correct and reasonably eloquent sentences during job interviews can significantly impact one's employment prospects. E) Though many teachers of English composition would likely oppose the practice of giving grammar quizzes, a group of researchers found out some truly valuable information thanks to a quiz they designed and administered.

A) Language experts have long observed that children are better than adults at mastering a second language.

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

A) appeal to the authority of a figure whom her audience is likely to respect

In the second sentence of the first paragraph, the author uses the phrases "brightest blazes," "kindled," and "unexpected sparks" in order to A emphasize the element of spontaneity in pleasure B argue that pleasure is short-lived C highlight the dangerous nature of excessive pleasure D assert that pleasure is intellectually enlightening E characterize pleasure as an extremely rare experience

A) emphasize the element of spontaneity in pleasure

In the context of the passage as a whole, the sixth paragraph ("Since that . . . 90 percent white") primarily serves to A reveal the author's concern about how diversity is represented in Wyoming politics B demonstrate that Wyoming's legislature is proportionally diverse C redefine diversity in terms of ideological differences rather than ethnic heritage D propose that people concerned about diversity should focus on local, not state, elections E suggest that voting may not be an effective method for promoting diversity in Wyoming

A) reveal the author's concern about how diversity is represented in Wyoming politics

In the second and third sentences of the second paragraph, the author implies which of the following about the differences between men and women? A Differences between men and women exist but are related only to the jobs people choose. B Differences between men and women exist but are limited only to particular attributes. C Men and women play different roles, but all these roles require physical exertion. D Women are more likely to be pacifists than men are. E Men are more likely to seek adventure than women are.

B) Differences between men and women exist but are limited only to particular attributes.

(The following passage is excerpted from a speech delivered by a United States statesman in 1930.) Warned by the disaster of the last great war,1 the statesmen of all nations have been taking measures to prevent the return of another such calamity. These measures may not constitute an absolute guarantee of peace, but, in my opinion, they constitute the greatest preventive measures ever adopted by nations. It is not to be expected that human nature will change in a day; perhaps it is too much to expect that the age-old institution of war, which has, through the centuries, been recognized by international law as a sovereign right and has darkened the pages of history with the story of blood and destruction, will be at once abolished, but people of all nations should be encouraged by the great progress which has been made since the war in the furtherance of international peace. I cannot in this brief address discuss these measures beyond enumerating them. There is the League of Nations,2 which has been functioning for ten years and which, I am sure, has been most beneficial in adjusting many difficult international problems; the Pact of Paris;3 arbitration treaties; conciliation treaties; and the Court of International Justice;4 and I might add that commendable progress has been made toward reduction of armament. Each one of these treaties is a step for the maintenance of peace, an additional guarantee against war. It is through such machinery that the disputes between nations will be settled and war prevented. It is not my intention today to discuss the Pact of Paris, which has passed into history; perhaps I should not say it has passed into history, but has been cemented in the foundations of the nations' organic law, as a solemn pledge not to go to war for the settlement of their disputes—a pledge which was entered into voluntarily and backed by the united sentiment of the peoples of the world and one which I am convinced the nations intend to carry out in absolute good faith. It was inspired by the determination of peoples not to be again afflicted with the horrors of such an appalling catastrophe. It was inspired by the memory of devastated lands, ruined homes, and the millions of men and women sacrificed in that awful struggle. It was not an ordinary treaty entered into by nations to serve some temporary advantage, like treaties of amity or alliances; it was a sacred promise between all nations and to all peoples of the world not to go to war for the settlement of their differences; to use a common phrase, to "outlaw" war; to make it a crime against the law of nations so that any nations which violate it should be condemned by the public opinion of the world. I know there are those who believe that peace will not be attained until some super-tribunal is established to punish the violators of such treaties, but I believe that in the end the abolition of war, the maintenance of world peace, the adjustment of international questions by pacific means will come through the force of public opinion, which controls nations and peoples—that public opinion which shapes our destinies and guides the progress of human affairs. I regret very much to hear so many people, many of my own countrymen, predicting war, stating that Europe is preparing and arming for such a conflict. I rather share the opinion of those of broader vision, who see in the signs of the time hope of humanity for peace. Have we so soon forgotten those four years of terrible carnage, the greatest war of all time; forgotten the millions of men who gave their lives, who made the supreme sacrifice and who today, beneath the soil of France and Belgium, sleep the eternal sleep? Their supreme sacrifice should inspire a pledge never again to inflict humanity with such a crime. I have said before and I wish to repeat today, with all the solemn emphasis which I can place upon my words, that Western civilization would not survive another such conflict, but would disappear in the universal chaos. 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") ? 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

B) Tracing a sequence of events resulting in a positive outcome

At the end of the second paragraph ("And yet . . . India"), the author includes a series of clauses that serve to A support the claim that Wyoming's homogeneity promotes inclusiveness B qualify the argument that Wyoming's political culture lacks diversity C provide evidence of a long tradition of feminism in Wyoming D reveal the strong influence of liberal thinkers on Wyoming politics E correct an assumption about the size of the Asian American population in Wyoming

B) qualify the argument that Wyoming's political culture lacks diversity

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)

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)

In the second paragraph, the two commas in the last sentence serve which of the following purposes? A They indicate a hierarchical relationship between the three phrases in the sentence. B They create an equivalency between the author's assertions in the last two clauses and a claim of his opponents in the first clause. C They separate three related objections to which the author imagines himself responding. D They set off a clause that clarifies an idea introduced in the first clause. E They connect the author's ideas to those of his imagined audience.

C) They separate three related objections to which the author imagines himself responding.

The passage below is a draft.) (1) The automated technology boom has been exciting to watch, but there are growing concerns about its impact on employment. (2) In fact, reports about automation pointing to a possible employment crisis for younger generations are becoming rather common. (3) A 2018 article in the Los Angeles Times reported that 63 percent of tasks performed by workers in three California cities—Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ontario—could be automated in the future. (4) Rapid technological advances are already affecting workers, with the following jobs being replaced by robots at the fastest rates: etcher/engraver, crop farmworker, insurance claims examiner, travel agent, robotics engineer, and customs broker. (5) How can we prepare for this brave new world we'll soon inhabit? (6) The two approaches that stand to have the greatest impact are education reform and basic income (BI) programs. (7) In terms of education, we need to ensure that schools offer training in skills that reflect the evolving labor landscape. (8) Chaffey College, for instance, in Rancho Cucamonga, California, has started offering cutting-edge courses in construction and logistics, two of the fastest growing industries in the region. (9) Chaffey is thus a model of education reform, expanding and revising its course offerings in response to local labor demands. (10) BI is the more controversial of the two proposed reforms. (11) But it's already being tried on a small scale in Stockton, California, where selected residents are receiving $500 per month. (12) Some business and labor union leaders are dismissive of this new social safety net, suggesting that it discourages people from working, but tech industry leaders argue persuasively that BI can provide workers with needed resources and flexibility to take jobs in the freelance or "gig" economy. (13) Employment issues have already inspired BI pilot programs in Finland, Kenya, Canada, and the Netherlands, showing that there is emerging international support for this strategy. (14) Hopefully, as automation disrupts more industries, public acceptance of BI will increase in the United States as well. (15) We can't just sit around twiddling our thumbs as new tech keeps changing the game in a bunch of businesses. Which of the following can best be described as the passage's thesis? A Sentences 1 and 2 B Sentence 4 C Sentences 5 and 6 D Sentences 10 and 11 E Sentence 13

C) Sentences 5 and 6

(The following passage is excerpted from an essay published by an Asian American writer in 2013.) When I meet people, I always get some astonishment when they ask me where I am from. "Wyoming," I answer. And more often than not, the response is, "No, where are you from, really?" or "Hmm, you don't look like a typical Wyoming person." Over the years, I am not sure of the response I am supposed to give, and usually, I just reply with, "Well, there are some brown people there." But what is a typical Wyoming person? When I think of Wyoming's political identity, I know it is easy to make some quick judgments about its identity in general. Wyoming is 90 percent white. Wyoming is 0.8 percent Asian American. Wyoming is largely Republican. And conservative. I think we've all heard the drill before. And yet, Wyoming was the first state to have a woman governor, and in the case of my mother, they were the first state to elect someone to serve in a state legislature who was born in India. In 1994, when my mom was elected, again, she had no Indians in her district. When she first ran, even I was a little doubtful that she'd win. She wore saris often. She has an accent. But she went door to door and talked to almost every house in her district. She campaigned on issues that were important to Wyoming people—and to her. And she won. After that, my feelings about Wyoming changed—as before I thought of the state as a little backward when it came to matters of diversity. I was only 19, and had just left Wyoming to go to college. I realized then that while your physical identity is something that people can't help but take in, Wyoming people vote for people that have something to offer. Wyoming acknowledges ability and competence. Wyoming has always been a state that has drawn immigrants to its open spaces. From pioneers from back East to Europeans, Latin Americans, and Asians. And Wyoming has always had an Asian population. As my friend who is a Wyoming historian told me, there were Chinese rail and mine workers, Japanese rail workers and beet farmers, and of course Heart Mountain brought in an influx of Japanese people. Today, many motels across the state are run by Indians from India. Here in Laramie, walking across the University of Wyoming campus, you can hear bits of other languages being spoken, the Indian students play cricket in Prexy's pasture, and the students who I teach, while largely from Wyoming, have a curiosity about other cultures and peoples that is genuine and true. Since that day in 1994, I have always voted in Wyoming, and feel strongly about positions from school board to our senators. But that said, when I look at the Wyoming legislature, it's hard to see much diversity representing the state. Out of the 90 legislators in the Senate and House, only five are of color. I know that number probably makes sense in a state where again, the population is more than 90 percent white. People always talk about how so many young people leave the state once they graduate from high school. Many look to cities for more excitement, for a different experience. I think the same can be said of many minorities and people of color. Why live here when you can be somewhere with more diversity and with those cultural connections? I get that. But if Wyoming is going to be a more diverse place, people have to choose to live here. And I know I fall into that camp. I choose to live here because I can't imagine anywhere else. I love the mountains. I love the posture of a lodgepole pine. I love the way the sun looks in the bright blue sky on a day that is minus 30 degrees. I love the quiet of the snow. I love the space. Nina McConigley/Wyofile The author most likely chose to introduce her argument by way of a personal anecdote in order to A share the perspective of someone usually regarded as a typical Wyoming resident B invite the audience to empathize with the difficulties she faced growing up in Wyoming C challenge her audience's assumptions about Wyoming residents D avoid having to incorporate historical and statistical data into her argument E disclose events that might have made her unintentionally biased

C) challenge her audience's assumptions about Wyoming residents

In the final sentence of the first paragraph, the authors choose to use the word "absurd" in order to A demonstrate that even sound premises can lead to irrational conclusions B argue that evidence that seems illogical should not be considered by scientists C emphasize a previous distinction between rationality and reasonableness D imply that too much rigor can lead to nonsensical inferences E convey disdain for those who display uncertainty about their premises

C) emphasize a previous distinction between rationality and reasonableness

In the sentence toward the middle of the final paragraph ("But if Wyoming . . . choose to live here"), the author uses subordination to A highlight the difficulty of attracting minorities to rural states B propose a strategy for enticing young people to live in Wyoming C emphasize that statewide changes depend on individual choices D suggest that diverse states may nevertheless be poorly integrated E explain the underlying cause of a statewide trend

C) emphasize that statewide changes depend on individual choices

In sentence 15 (reproduced below), the writer wants to maintain credibility with the audience by using unbiased language. Children are incredibly gullible when it comes to robots, as a recent study demonstrates. Which of the following versions of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B often the victims of robotic deception C particularly susceptible to robotic influence D so naive that they believe whatever robots tell them E not clever enough to outsmart robots

C) particularly susceptible to robotic influence

(The following passage is excerpted from a commencement speech delivered by then First Lady Barbara Bush at Wellesley College in 1990.) Now I know your first choice today was Alice Walker—guess how I know!—known for The Color Purple.1 Instead you got me—known for the color of my hair!2 Alice Walker's book has a special resonance here. At Wellesley, each class is known by a special color. For four years the Class of '90 has worn the color purple. Today you meet on Severance Green to say goodbye to all of that, to begin a new and very personal journey, to search for your own true colors. In the world that awaits you, beyond the shores of Lake Waban, no one can say what your true colors will be. But this I do know: You have a first class education from a first class school. And so you need not, probably cannot, live a "paint-by-numbers" life. Decisions are not irrevocable. Choices do come back. And as you set off from Wellesley, I hope that many of you will consider making three very special choices. The first is to believe in something larger than yourself, to get involved in some of the big ideas of our time. I chose literacy because I honestly believe that if more people could read, write, and comprehend, we would be that much closer to solving so many of the problems that plague our nation and our society. And early on I made another choice which I hope you'll make as well. Whether you are talking about education, career, or service, you're talking about life—and life really must have joy. It's supposed to be fun! One of the reasons I made the most important decision of my life, to marry George Bush,3 is because he made me laugh. It's true, sometimes we've laughed through our tears. But that shared laughter has been one of our strongest bonds. Find the joy in life, because as Ferris Bueller4 said on his day off, "Life moves pretty fast; and ya don't stop and look around once in a while, ya gonna miss it!" (I am not going to tell George ya clapped more for Ferris than ya clapped for George.) The third choice that must not be missed is to cherish your human connections: your relationships with family and friends. For several years, you've had impressed upon you the importance to your career of dedication and hard work. And, of course, that's true. But as important as your obligations as a doctor, a lawyer, a business leader will be, you are a human being first. And those human connections—with spouses, with children, with friends—are the most important investments you will ever make. At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend, or a parent. We are in a transitional period right now, fascinating and exhilarating times, learning to adjust to changes and the choices we, men and women, are facing. As an example, I remember what a friend said, on hearing her husband complain to his buddies that he had to babysit. Quickly setting him straight, my friend told her husband that when it's your own kids, it's not called babysitting. Now, maybe we should adjust faster; maybe we should adjust slower. But whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. You must read to your children. And you must hug your children. And you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house. 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 time

C) offering her audience advice for the future

(The passage below is a draft.) (1) If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the barrage of e-mails, text messages, and social media notifications you receive every day, you are not alone. (2) Unsurprisingly, neuroscientists warn that the constant use of smartphones alters the brain. (3) 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. (4) The release of dopamine in the brain is pleasurable, so people tend to repeat behaviors that trigger it. (5) Researchers studying the effects of smartphone use found that each time people received a phone notification, their brains had a surge of dopamine. (6) Crucially, the anticipation of a reward (signaled by each ding of the phone) caused more pleasure than the reward itself (the e-mail or social media alert). (7) 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. (8) While dopamine rewards may cause the brain to crave these constant phone alerts, their effects on the body are harmful. (9) The incessant notifications cause the heart to beat faster, muscles to tighten, and breathing to get shorter—a fight-or-flight response. (10) And when we live in a perpetual state of stress, our prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls reasoning, stops functioning properly. (11) A vicious cycle ensues: people become addicted to constant phone interruptions even as those interruptions put stress on the body, making people more tired, anxious, and error prone. (12) They then crave more dopamine to feel better. (13) So should people swear off smartphones? (14) Some have argued as much, citing studies that show links between excessive smartphone use and cognitive and social impairments. (15) Certainly, there are advantages to unplugging the devices—say, on weekends—to truly relax. (16) Nevertheless, abandoning the technology altogether would be difficult, if not impractical, in a world that values connectedness. (17) And smartphone use has undeniable benefits besides mere convenience, such as long-distance friendships and exposure to new ideas. 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? A) Thanks to a process called neuroplasticity, the brain continually strengthens or weakens neural connections in response to stimuli from smartphones. B) Researchers at Columbia University argue that "[w]e are becoming symbiotic with our computer tools, growing into interconnected systems that remember less by knowing information than by knowing where the information can be found." C) According to a recent Gallup Poll, only 21 percent of Americans say they "rarely" or "never" feel mental or emotional strain in their day-to-day lives. 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."

D) A recent study found that 86 percent of Americans are stressed out from constantly checking their smartphones.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence after sentence 14 to strengthen the case that basic income should be more widely accepted. Some news outlets suggest that since the trend is growing, it is only a matter of time before BI becomes a reality. Should the writer add this sentence after sentence 14 ? A Yes, because this sentence shows that the writer is addressing an objection that the audience is likely to have to basic income programs. B Yes, because a similar idea is stated earlier in the passage and the writer needs to provide support. C Yes, because the writer cannot support the line of reasoning in the paragraph without stating that the basic income trend is growing. D No, because the absence of specific sources or statements from those sources makes the claim of the sentence seem unsupported. E No, because these ideas were already developed earlier in the passage and do not need to be repeated.

D) No, because the absence of specific sources or statements from those sources makes the claim of the sentence seem unsupported.

Which version of sentence 15 (reproduced below) most effectively maintains the style and tone of the writer's argument in the passage? We can't just sit around twiddling our thumbs as new tech keeps changing the game in a bunch of businesses. A (As it is now) B As a song by Irving Berlin famously states, it's time for us to "face the music and dance" when it comes to the effects of automation. C It is indubitably the case that actions of a significant nature must be taken by us to ward off changes in various employment sectors. D We cannot afford to be passive at the dawn of this new industrial revolution. E We need to get our act together when it comes to job automation—pronto!

D) We cannot afford to be passive at the dawn of this new industrial revolution.

(The following passage is excerpted from a lecture delivered to art students by an Irish poet and dramatist in the 1880s.) The subject of my lecture to-night is what makes an artist and what does the artist make; what are the relations of the artist to his surroundings, what is the education the artist should get, and what is the quality of a good work of art. Now, as regards the relations of the artist to his surroundings, by which I mean the age and country in which he is born. All good art, as I said before, has nothing to do with any particular century; but this universality is the quality of the work of art; the conditions that produce that quality are different. And what, I think, you should do is to realise completely your age in order completely to abstract yourself from it; remembering that if you are an artist at all, you will be not the mouthpiece of a century, but the master of eternity, that all art rests on a principle, and that mere temporal considerations are no principle at all; and that those who advise you to make your art representative of the nineteenth century are advising you to produce an art which your children, when you have them, will think old-fashioned. But you will tell me this is an inartistic age, and we are an inartistic people, and the artist suffers much in this nineteenth century of ours. Of course he does. I, of all men, am not going to deny that. But remember that there never has been an artistic age, or an artistic people, since the beginning of the world. The artist has always been, and will always be, an exquisite exception. There is no golden age of art; only artists who have produced what is more golden than gold. WHAT, you will say to me, the Greeks? were not they an artistic people? Well, the Greeks certainly not, but, perhaps, you mean the Athenians, the citizens of one out of a thousand cities. Do you think that they were an artistic people? Take them even at the time of their highest artistic development, the latter part of the fifth century before Christ, when they had the greatest poets and the greatest artists of the antique world, when the Parthenon rose in loveliness at the bidding of a Phidias1, and the philosopher spake of wisdom in the shadow of the painted portico, and tragedy swept in the perfection of pageant and pathos across the marble of the stage. Were they an artistic people then? Not a bit of it. What is an artistic people but a people who love their artists and understand their art? The Athenians could do neither. How did they treat Phidias? To Phidias we owe the great era, not merely in Greek, but in all art - I mean of the introduction of the use of the living model. And what would you say if all the English bishops, backed by the English people, came down from Exeter Hall to the Royal Academy one day and took off Sir Frederick Leighton2 in a prison van to Newgate on the charge of having allowed you to make use of the living model in your designs for sacred pictures? Would you not cry out against the barbarism and the Puritanism of such an idea? Would you not explain to them that the worst way to honour God is to dishonour man who is made in His image, and is the work of His hands; and, that if one wants to paint Christ one must take the most Christlike person one can find, and if one wants to paint the Madonna, the purest girl one knows? Would you not rush off and burn down Newgate, if necessary, and say that such a thing was without parallel in history? Without parallel? Well, that is exactly what the Athenians did. In the first sentence, the way in which the author combines clauses after the main verb "is" ("what makes an artist . . . a good work of art") indicates that he A is arranging his topics in order of increasing relevance to the audience B hopes to impress the audience with the breadth of his historical knowledge C views all the other questions as variations of the final question D attaches equal importance to the topics he intends to address E plans to devote more attention to the last topic than to the first four

D) attaches equal importance to the topics he intends to address

The writer wants to reduce ambiguity in sentence 6 (reproduced below) by changing the placement of the underlined text, adjusting punctuation and capitalization as needed. Perhaps not surprisingly, when they resemble humans or animals, people readily bond with robots. Which of the following is the most logical placement for the underlined text? A Before "Perhaps" B After "people" C After "readily" D After "bond" E After "robots"

E) After "robots"

The author characterizes the Athenians as "the citizens of one out of a thousand cities" (paragraph 5) in order to convey which of the following? A Although ancient Greece had many cities, an unusual number of prominent artists lived in Athens. B Given its relatively small size, Athens should not be considered overly influential. C The policies of many Greek cities during the Classical era should be considered by those who wish to defend the Greeks as an artistic people. D While Athenians might be famous for certain attitudes toward the arts, this attitude should not be thought of as unique to the citizens of that one city. E Even if the Athenians were shown to be an artistic people, that designation should not be extended to all peoples of ancient Greece.

E) Even if the Athenians were shown to be an artistic people, that designation should not be extended to all peoples of ancient Greece.

The writer wants sentence 20 (reproduced below) to provide commentary that reflects the complexity of the discussion in the paragraph and the passage. You can expect to read quite a bit in college. Which of the following versions of sentence 20 most effectively accomplishes this goal? A (As it is now) B Consulting secondary sources stimulates critical thinking. C As you can tell, I really like to read. D Not all of my professors required the use of scholarly articles, though some made a point of suggesting ones that they themselves had written. E However, I understood that my level of engagement with these materials was not as profound as it was with primary texts such as Shakespeare's plays.

E) However, I understood that my level of engagement with these materials was not as profound as it was with primary texts such as Shakespeare's plays.

At the beginning of the fourth paragraph ("WHAT . . . people?"), the author uses all capitals primarily to A express his wholehearted endorsement of the audience's viewpoint on a topic B indicate that his own opinions on the topic are likely to be held by many in the audience C criticize the tendency of audiences to talk during lectures D urge others to participate in the discussion he has initiated E emphasize the disbelief with which he expects the audience to react to his argument

E) emphasize the disbelief with which he expects the audience to react to his argument

In the closing lines of the passage ("I love the mountains . . . the space"), the author affirms her sense of attachment to Wyoming by A noting how Wyoming's climate facilitates outdoor activities B acknowledging the exceptional nature of her family's experiences C praising the Wyoming legislature's focus on environmental issues D suggesting the economic potential of Wyoming's natural resources E offering a poetic description of Wyoming's natural beauty

E) offering a poetic description of Wyoming's natural beauty

The writer wants the tone of sentence 13 (reproduced below) to convey the emotional turmoil experienced by people who participated in the experiment. Many subjects did not turn Nao off or were unsure whether to do so. Which of the following versions of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B thought turning Nao off might be wrong, and some did not do it C found the question of whether to turn Nao off a bit troubling D considered not turning Nao off or even failed to do it E refused to turn Nao off or struggled with the decision

E) refused to turn Nao off or struggled with the decision

(The following passage is an essay published by a British writer in the 1750s.) Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought. Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks. The flowers which scatter their odors from time to time in the paths of life, grow up without culture from seeds scattered by chance. Nothing is more hopeless than a scheme of merriment. Wits and humorists are brought together from distant quarters by preconcerted invitations; they come attended by their admirers prepared to laugh and to applaud: they gaze a while on each other, ashamed to be silent, and afraid to speak; every man is discontented with himself, grows angry with those that give him pain, and resolves that he will contribute nothing to the merriment of such worthless company. Wine inflames the general malignity, and changes sullenness to petulance, till at last none can bear any longer the presence of the rest. They retire to vent their indignation in safer places, where they are heard with attention; their importance is restored, they recover their good humor, and gladden the night with wit and jocularity. Merriment is always the effect of a sudden impression. The jest which is expected is already destroyed. The most active imagination will be sometimes torpid, under the frigid influence of melancholy, and sometimes occasions will be wanting to tempt the mind, however volatile, to sallies and excursions. Nothing was ever said with uncommon felicity,1 but by the cooperation of chance; and therefore, wit as well as valor must be content to share its honors with fortune. All other pleasures are equally uncertain; the general remedy of uneasiness is change of place; almost everyone has some journey of pleasure in his mind, with which he flatters his expectation. He that travels in theory has no inconveniences; he has shade and sunshine at his disposal, and wherever he alights finds tables of plenty and looks of gaiety. These ideas are indulged till the day of departure arrives, the chaise is called, and the progress of happiness begins. A few miles teach him the fallacies of imagination. The road is dusty, the air is sultry, the horses are sluggish, and the postilion2 brutal. He longs for the time of dinner that he may eat and rest. The inn is crowded, his orders are neglected, and nothing remains but that he devour in haste what the cook has spoiled, and drive on in quest of better entertainment. He finds at night a more commodious3 house, but the best is always worse than he expected. He at last enters his native province, and resolves to feast his mind with the conversation of his old friends, and the recollection of juvenile frolics. He stops at the house of his friend whom he designs to overpower with pleasure by the unexpected interview. He is not known till he tells his name, and revives the memory of himself by a gradual explanation. He is then coldly received, and ceremoniously feasted. He hastes away to another whom his affairs have called to a distant place, and having seen the empty house, goes away disgusted by a disappointment which could not be intended because it could not be foreseen. At the next house he finds every face clouded with misfortune, and is regarded with malevolence as an unreasonable intruder, who comes not to visit but to insult them. It is seldom that we find either men or places such as we expect them. He that has pictured a prospect upon his fancy, will receive little pleasure from his eyes; he that has anticipated the conversation of a wit, will wonder to what prejudice he owes his reputation. Yet it is necessary to hope, though hope should always be deluded, for hope itself is happiness, and its frustrations, however frequent, are yet less dreadful than its extinction. Overall, the style of the passage is best described as A conversational B digressive C cryptic D lyrical E intellectual

E) intellectual

(The following passage is excerpted from a scholarly book published by two American professors of education in the 2010s.) On February 26, 2013, the nonprofit organization code.org1 released a video directed by Lesley Chilcott called "What Most Schools Don't Teach" on YouTube. The video starts with a quote from Steve Jobs, cofounder of Apple: "Everyone should learn to program a computer . . . because it teaches you how to think." And it ends with "One million of the best jobs in America may go unfilled because only one in ten schools teach students how to code." Numerous luminaries speak about their first experiences with getting a computer and writing programs. Bill Gates, cofounder of Microsoft, remembers that he was thirteen when he first got access to a computer and programmed a game that played TicTacToe. Elena Silenok, founder of clothia.com,2 remembers making a green circle and red square appear on the screen. Gabe Newell, founder of Valve,3 mentions the sense of wonder he experienced when "Hello, world" came up on the screen for the first time. Mark Zuckerberg, one of Facebook's founders, talks about the process of starting with a simple program and adding to it, and Drew Houston, founder of Dropbox, likens coding to playing an instrument or a sport. Chris Bosh, an All-Star NBA basketball player with the Miami Heat, reflects, "It starts out very intimidating, but you kind of get the hang of it over time. Coding is something that can be learned." The general message of the video is that computers are everywhere. As will.i.am from the rock band the Black Eyed Peas sums up, "Here we are in 2013. All depends on technology—to communicate, to bank, information—and none of us know how to read and write code." The video then calls viewers to action: "Whether you want to be a doctor or a rock star, ask about a coding class at your schools or learn online @ code.org." Within a few days, the video reached millions of viewers. "Bring a little awesomeness to your life," Chilcott urges in a Huffington Post article about the code.org site: "Take a lesson." A few years earlier, a video in which celebrities discuss their beginnings with computers and programming and urge viewers to learn coding would have been an unlikely success. Yet the excitement and earnestness of those who appear in the YouTube video may be the clearest indication to date that coding is making a comeback. The video showcases three-dimensional animations, music studios, robot drones flying in formation, computer screens in operating rooms, and workplaces with formidable amenities in the software industry. It plays on the sense of empowerment that learning to code can provide individuals. As Valve's founder Gabe Newell declares, "The programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future. . . . You know, you are going to look like you have magic powers compared to everybody else," and NBA player Chris Bosh adds moments later, "It's amazing. . . . I think it's the closest thing we have to a super power." Panoramic screen shots of the sleek offices occupied by these programmers tacitly connect learning to code with finding financially rewarding employment and sweeping skyline views. And yet the February 2013 video also triggers some unease, which education researcher Jane Margolis expresses in March in her closing keynote presentation at the SIGCSE '134 conference for computer science educators. Too often, Margolis points out, the video perpetuates the "boy wonder myth" that programming is more like a superpower rather than a learned skill. It features some women and girls but fails to acknowledge what she categorizes as the "preparatory advantage" that many interviewees had—namely, expensive computers at home in the 1980s, private tutors, and parents who worked in software industry. These key elements are casually referenced by the code.org video's speakers as if they are the rule and not the exception. Access is a significant issue. Before technical prowess can be considered, we need to address some fundamental factors—access to computers, knowledge, and support. The video focuses on workplaces with open offices and play areas, cafeterias with free snacks, and on-site amenities such as dry cleaning services, but it does not look at the social responsibilities that computer scientists have—to improve onerous working conditions in technology manufacturing, develop better ways to recycle discarded technologies, and increase the participation of underrepresented groups. These issues have received much publicity and suggest that the computer science community needs to reevaluate their public persona. Some, like Vanessa Hurst, the founder of Girl Develop It,5 note that "If someone had told me that software is really about humanity, that it is really about helping people by using technology, it would have changed my outlook much earlier." The authors' description of the video in the first paragraph serves primarily to A question a widespread assumption regarding women's participation in computer science B illustrate a particular perspective on the importance of learning to code C present computer scientists as a socially responsible community D emphasize that learning to code requires both aptitude and dedication E

b) illustrate a particular perspective on the importance of learning to code

In the third sentence of the third paragraph, the phrase "however volatile" primarily serves to A suggest that a characteristic of witty people is more common than generally supposed B demonstrate wit by developing a metaphor introduced earlier in the passage C identify one of the weaknesses typically exhibited by imaginative minds D qualify a generalization by narrowing the set of people to which it applies E strengthen a claim by indicating that it applies even to exceptional cases

e) strengthen a claim by indicating that it applies even to exceptional cases

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

A) The need to pursue a sense of personal bliss

In the second paragraph, the authors discuss observation primarily to A define the empirical character of scientific work B encourage their audience to be more aware of their surroundings C clarify the meaning of a term used in an ordinary context D assert that some procedures have been incorrectly regarded as scientific E explain the components of scientific experiments

A) define the empirical character of scientific work

In the second paragraph, the author draws on evidence from her personal experience primarily to A explain a change in her assessment of a particular idea B affirm the value of striving to live up to a particular ideal C express regret for having compromised her integrity D illustrate how forms of discrimination based on race and gender tend to overlap E establish a key distinction between her work ethic and that of Obama's

A) explain a change in her assessment of a particular idea

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

A) 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

A) recognize an implicit reference to Shakespeare and agree about his importance

(The following passage is excerpted from an article published by an American game designer in 2007.) Despite stereotypes of antisocial gamers who prefer to consume rather than create, most video-gamers are in fact engaged in a highly collaborative effort to exhaustively understand their favorite games. The video-gaming community is, quite simply, engaged in intense and highly successful "collective intelligence." The term "collective intelligence" was coined by French philosopher Pierre Lévy in 1994. He argued that, because the Internet allows a rapid, open, and global exchange of data and ideas, the network should "mobilize and coordinate the intelligence, experience, skills, wisdom, and imagination of humanity" in new and unexpected ways. Thanks to the unique nature of digital gaming, gamers may be the world's most literate and practiced community when it comes to developing these new, real-world skills of collaboration and collective intelligence. The emergence of a collective intelligence culture among video-gamers is not surprising when you consider that all games, even nondigital ones, are at heart both a social and a problem-solving activity—the two core ingredients of any collective-intelligence effort. Decades before the invention of video games, Albert Einstein, an avid chess player, wrote, "Games are the most elevated form of investigation." When playing the same game, players' attention and intelligence are focused together on solving the problems posed by the game, which are often visual-spatial, psychological, and strategic. The networked nature of today's most popular digital games heightens this social, problem-solving effect. At any given time, there are massively more players for an individual to collaborate with. The Internet amplifies the learning by allowing collaborative authoring environments such as wikis and forums. Many game developers are starting to realize the potential of this new collaborative task force to tackle real-world issues as they play. This spring, the Independent Television Service released an online game called World Without Oil, for which I was a lead designer. World Without Oil was designed to harness the collective intelligence of gamers and apply it to a serious global problem. It invited players to participate in a collaborative simulation of a global oil shortage. They spent six weeks investigating an online mystery that explained the reasons for the shortage. Then more than 1,800 gamers from 12 countries spent another 32 days generating their own stories about the crisis and strategizing ways to manage it. During the game, players worked from a shared "alternate reality dashboard," which provided real-time data on oil prices and availability, as well as descriptions of their impact on regional economies, society, and quality of life. They used this data to inspire their own ideas about how the fictional crisis would affect them personally and play out in their part of the world. They contributed fictional firsthand experiences and proposed real-world solutions to our oil dependence in thousands of blog posts, podcasts, videos, and wiki articles. The result is an online, immersive archive of the collective forecast and solutions toolkit created by the players (which you can find at www.worldwithoutoil.org). Parents and educators can help young gamers benefit from this positive phenomenon by encouraging them to take part in collaborative forums, wikis, and other knowledge-sharing platforms online. And hard-core gamers can take pride in knowing that, as they play, they are taking part in the most elevated form of investigation—all while training to solve the world's toughest problems. Used by permission. 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

B) acknowledge a belief that is likely to be held by some of her audience

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

B) gesturing to the unthinkable consequences of holding the opposite opinion

(The following passage is the introduction to an article published by an American writer in 2010.) On the night of December 10, 1999, the Philippine island of Luzon, home to the capital, Manila, and some 40 million people, abruptly lost power, sparking fears that a long-rumored military coup d'état was underway. Malls full of Christmas shoppers plunged into darkness. Holiday parties ground to a halt. President Joseph Estrada, meeting with senators at the time, endured a tense ten minutes before a generator restored the lights, while the public remained in the dark until the cause of the crisis was announced, and dealt with, the next day. Disgruntled generals had not engineered the blackout. It was wrought by jellyfish. Some 50 dump trucks' worth had been sucked into the cooling pipes of a coal-fired power plant, causing a cascading power failure. "Here we are at the dawn of a new millennium, in the age of cyberspace," fumed an editorial in the Philippine Star, "and we are at the mercy of jellyfish." A decade later, the predicament seems only to have worsened. All around the world, jellyfish are behaving badly—reproducing in astonishing numbers and congregating where they've supposedly never been seen before. Jellyfish have halted seafloor diamond mining off the coast of Namibia by gumming up sediment-removal systems. Jellies scarf so much food in the Caspian Sea they're contributing to the commercial extinction of beluga sturgeon—the source of fine caviar. In 2007, mauve stinger jellyfish stung and asphyxiated more than 100,000 farmed salmon off the coast of Ireland as aquaculturists* on a boat watched in horror. The jelly swarm reportedly was 35 feet deep and covered ten square miles. Nightmarish accounts of "Jellyfish Gone Wild," as a 2008 National Science Foundation report called the phenomenon, stretch from the fjords of Norway to the resorts of Thailand. By clogging cooling equipment, jellies have shut down nuclear power plants in several countries; they partially disabled the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan four years ago. In 2005, jellies struck the Philippines again, this time incapacitating 127 police officers who had waded chest-deep in seawater during a counterterrorism exercise, apparently oblivious to the more imminent threat. (Dozens were hospitalized.) This past fall, a ten-ton fishing trawler off the coast of Japan capsized and sank while hauling in a netful of 450-pound Nomura's jellies. The sensation of getting stung ranges from a twinge to tingling to savage agony. Victims include Hudson River triathletes, Ironmen in Australia and kite surfers in Costa Rica. In summertime so many jellies mob the waters of the Mediterranean Sea that it can appear to be blistering, and many bathers' bodies don't look much different: in 2006, the Spanish Red Cross treated 19,000 stung swimmers along the Costa Brava. Contact with the deadliest type, a box jellyfish native to northern Australian waters, can stop a person's heart in three minutes. Jellyfish kill between 20 and 40 people a year in the Philippines alone. The news media have tried out various names for this new plague: "the jellyfish typhoon," "the rise of slime," "the spineless menace." Nobody knows exactly what's behind it, but there's a queasy sense among scientists that jellyfish just might be avengers from the deep, repaying all the insults we've heaped on the world's oceans. 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

B) first suggesting political causes of an infrastructure failure, then revealing jellyfish as a surprising agent of this event

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? 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"

C) 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 D) Explicit details regarding the different age ranges during which language learners can expect to achieve fluency, mastery, and basic competence in a new language E) The names and affiliations of the individuals who produced the new research

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

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 environments.

C) Expanding populations of jellyfish are causing increasing problems in many parts of the world.

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.

C) Public opinion is the most effective means of safeguarding peace.

Which choice provides the best transition to the subject of sentence 5 (reproduced below) ? Nevertheless, humans have a natural cycle of wakefulness and sleep attuned to daytime and nighttime on Earth. A (As it is now) B Clearly C Similarly D Subsequently E Although

C) Similarly

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.

C) They are unlikely to follow conventional paths in life.

(The following passage is excerpted from a textbook published by an American and a Dutch scientist in the 1950s.) Science is often defined inadequately as "an organized body of knowledge." This would make cookbooks, Sears, Roebuck catalogues, and telephone books science, which they are not. Sometimes science is defined simply as rationality, but that would make much of theology and metaphysics science, which they are not. Rationality is logical consistency, lack of contradiction. It is to be distinguished from reasonableness, the quality of a mind open to arguments and evidence opposed to its beliefs: a willingness to reconsider. Rationalists can be quite unreasonable or dogmatic. Rationalist metaphysicians and theologians are often certain about premises which come from intuition or revelation. Even paranoiacs may be thought of as rationalists, for they are commonly most rigorous in reasoning. But their premises, which they cling to in spite of all evidence, are absurd. WHAT SCIENCE IS Science is empirical, rational, general, and cumulative; and it is all four at once. Science is empirical in that all its conclusions are subject to test by sense experience. Observation is the base on which science rests, but scientific observation is more than keeping one's eyes open. It is observation made by qualified observers under controlled conditions of those things which confirm or disconfirm, verify or refute a theory. Sherlock Holmes* could tell by the stains on a vest what a man had eaten for breakfast. From a number of such observations he arrived at a theory about why and how a particular crime was committed. This procedure is excellent for detection but insufficient for science, because it yields only knowledge of particular events. Science would go on to ask why and how crime, not a particular crime, is committed. Science uses facts to test general theories and general theories to make predictions about particular facts. Scientific observations may be made of things as they exist, like the color of an apple or the temperature of the air, or it may be made of what results from an experiment. An experiment is the deliberate manipulation of conditions in order to bring about what we want to observe. If we want to test the hypothesis that a new plastic can withstand two hundred pounds of pressure without crumbling, we may have to create a situation in which such pressure is applied to a piece of the plastic, because it is unlikely that the situation already exists anywhere in the world, or if it does, that all other factors are kept constant. In some sciences, like astronomy, we do not sufficiently control the subject matter to experiment on it—although we do control the conditions of observation—and we distinguish those sciences from others, like chemistry, in which experiment is possible, by calling the latter "experimental sciences." Although all scientific thought ultimately rests on observation, there are vast portions of it which are entirely rational: analysis of the meaning of terms, deductions from existent theories, explorations of the logical relations among concepts and among theories. Logic is applied to science constantly because logic contains the rules of valid thinking. The application of mathematics is often thought, erroneously, to be an index of the status of any science. Of course, the more it can be applied usefully within a science, the more advanced the science. For mathematics functions both as a language in which scientific laws are stated, giving them the utmost precision, elegance, and economy, and as the basis of measurement. Many of the most significant advances in physics, astronomy, and chemistry have depended on advances in and application of mathematics. Without calculus the work of Isaac Newton would have been impossible. Yet great scientific work in other fields, performed by men like Pasteur, Darwin, and Pavlov (with whose names pasteurization, evolution, and conditioned response in psychology are associated), has used little or no mathematics. In the second sentence of the first paragraph, the authors mention cookbooks, catalogues, and telephone books primarily to A illustrate the broad array of objects that are organized by scientific principles B concede that rational argumentation can sometimes lead to absurd conclusions C demonstrate that a particular definition of science is overly inclusive D condemn those who erroneously regard such works as forms of science E highlight the inherent difficulty of distinguishing science from other types of knowledge

C) demonstrate that a particular definition of science is overly inclusive

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 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

D) Its relevance to his argument regarding advances in peace preservation efforts

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.

D) Mountain goats find salt irresistible.

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.

D) They urge a change in attitude that should follow logically from the author's argument.

In context, the author's tone when discussing the "presumptive connexion" in the last sentence of the last paragraph is best described as A resigned B apprehensive C joyful D dismissive E indifferent

D) dismissive

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

D) spurred consideration and discussion, exchanges that many stylists chose to continue by hanging prints from the show in their salons

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.

E) It designates the time in one's life during which the capacity to absorb the rules and structure of a language is maximized.

The writer wants to add a sentence immediately before sentence 3 to connect the evidence and commentary provided in the second paragraph to the overall argument of the passage. Which of the following choices most effectively accomplishes this goal? A While NASA astronauts are already experienced with the difficulties humans experience in outer space, these problems would be intensified on long-term missions. B Many people dream of space travel from a young age, but only a small number of applicants for astronaut training have the technical knowledge and physical traits needed to succeed as an astronaut. C A mission to Mars would entail three distinct gravitational conditions: first, Earth's gravity; then, the low gravity of outer space; and finally, the gravity of Mars, which is about 38 percent as strong as Earth's gravity. D Astronauts face extraordinary dangers when they travel into space. E It is important to conduct medical research under low-gravity conditions.

A) While NASA astronauts are already experienced with the difficulties humans experience in outer space, these problems would be intensified on long-term missions.

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

B) Contrasting descriptions of how Chu felt when she played music and how she felt when she interacted with people in nonmusical contexts

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

B) illustrate a point about the ease of collaboration enabled by the Internet

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

B) illustrate the author's claim regarding the value of devoting oneself to one's children

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. 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.

C) And just as art can overcome physical divides, it can also overcome linguistic and cultural ones.

(The passage below is a draft.) (1) 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. (2) After the helicopter set the goats down, veterinarians examined and tagged them. (3) A truck then transported the goats 180 miles away to North Cascades National Park. (4) Once there, helicopters again lifted the goats, this time in crates, into the mountains to be set free. (5) In this way, wildlife officials caught 114 goats in the first phase of the Mountain Goat Management Plan, but they ultimately will have relocated 90 percent of the 700 goats from the Olympics to the North Cascades. (6) This removal process may be complicated, but it is necessary. (7) Park officials cited several reasons why the goats had to go. (8) First, goats are not indigenous to the region; the area began to be advertised as a vacation destination in the early twentieth century. (9) Since then, the goat population has flourished and could reach 1,500 by 2028. (10) Park officials also worry about the goats' deleterious habits of damaging vegetation and causing erosion. (11) In the 1980s, a brief attempt to relocate the goats was met with public outcry. (12) However, safety concerns were the most pressing reason for the goats' removal. (13) With few salt licks in the Olympics, the goats turn to another source: humans. (14) Salt in human sweat is a goat magnet; worse still, some thoughtless and irresponsible people feed the goats directly. (15) Once accustomed to people, goats become aggressive in their pursuit of food. (16) After a goat injured a hiker in 2010, officials began formulating plans for the goats' removal. (17) The North Cascades were the ideal spot to resettle the goats. (18) As goats are native to the region, the habitat is better suited to their grazing habits. (19) 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. (20) Additionally, an influx of goats to the park will boost the decreasing native population and introduce more genetic diversity. Which of the following sentences first expresses the main claim of the passage? A) Sentence 4 B) Sentence 5 C) Sentence 6 D) Sentence 9 E) Sentence 10

C) Sentence 6

The writer is considering deleting the underlined text in sentence 14 (reproduced below). Salt in human sweat is a goat magnet; worse still, some thoughtless and irresponsible people feed the goats directly. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text? A) Keep it, because it makes the argument more persuasive by including language that increases the emotional engagement of the audience. B) Keep it, because it clarifies the point the writer is making by explaining which people are at the greatest risk of being hurt by the goats. 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.

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.

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

D) a beneficial aspect of video gaming

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

D) acknowledge the potentially embarrassing circumstances under which she is delivering her speech

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)

E) The question of how to lead a meaningful life "in a transitional period" (paragraph 9, sentence 1)

In the fourth and fifth paragraphs, the author most likely uses a "journey of pleasure" as evidence for his argument because he assumes that the intended audience A is familiar with the uncertainties endured by travelers B believes that travel is most enjoyable when it involves little advance planning C is reluctant to travel solely for pleasure D will be swayed by a moving description of a disappointing visit to his hometown E have read fictional accounts of travel but have no actual experience of travel

a) is familiar with the uncertainties endured by travelers

In the second sentence of the third paragraph, the author uses the clause "which is expected" to advance which of the following claims about jesting? A If a witty remark is repeated by someone other than its inventor, it is unlikely to be funny. B In the absence of surprise, a witty remark loses much of its humorous effect. C Witty remarks that address topical events tend to become stale very swiftly. D Shocking events offer the best occasions for humor. E Unless a witty remark reinforces its audience's values, the audience will not find the remark amusing.

b) In the absence of surprise, a witty remark loses much of its humorous effect.

In sentence 14 (reproduced below), the writer wants to rebut the idea presented in the first part of the sentence by offering a contrasting perspective. Admittedly, sometimes parents claim that they have witnessed their toddlers having terrible nightmares, which can be more frightening for the parents than for the toddlers. Which version of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B which are typically the children's way of working through a change in life, such as starting day care or preschool C but these can be alleviated by establishing a regular, early bedtime routine to ensure adequate sleep D but these are actually night terrors, which are not dreams but episodes that occur in non-REM sleep E which would prove that young children are capable of having dreams, particularly frightening ones

d) but these are actually night terrors, which are not dreams but episodes that occur in non-REM sleep

In the second paragraph, the author's depiction of the "scheme of merriment" most clearly conveys his A naive simplicity B cautious optimism C neutral position D ironic perspective E sense of resentment

d) ironic perspective

In the context of the overall argument of the passage, which of the following choices best describes the purpose of the second paragraph? A It gives a basic definition of REM sleep that is elaborated in later paragraphs. B It provides a factual basis necessary to speculate on the subjects babies may dream about. C It offers key examples to support the first paragraph's claim that babies' brains perform many important tasks. D It explains how sleep researchers use alternative sources of evidence to study infant sleep cycles because infants are unable to describe their experiences. E It establishes the conventional view about whether babies dream in order to show how the argument of the passage departs from this understanding.

e) It establishes the conventional view about whether babies dream in order to show how the argument of the passage departs from this understanding.

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?

A) (As it is now)

In the context of the second paragraph, which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 8 (reproduced below) best expresses the writer's attitude toward the courses offered at Chaffey College? Chaffey College, for instance, in Rancho Cucamonga, California, has started offering cutting-edge courses in construction and logistics, two of the fastest growing industries in the region. A (as it is now) B questionable C fascinating D optional E popular

A) (as it is now)

The passage below is a draft.) (1) Space flights to other planets have long been a fixture of science fiction, and in 2017 the fiction appeared to come closer to reality when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced it was prioritizing eventual piloted missions to Mars and other planets. (2) It may be too soon to start planning your Martian vacation, however: there are good reasons to doubt that humans will be able to undertake long-distance space flights in the foreseeable future. (3) For example, the body loses muscle mass and bone density in low-gravity environments because the pressure of Earth's atmosphere is removed. (4) Astronauts struggle to walk after six months in space; the effects of a three-year flight and a stay on Mars would be far greater. (5) Nevertheless, humans have a natural cycle of wakefulness and sleep attuned to daytime and nighttime on Earth. (6) Anyone who has experienced jet lag can attest to the mental and physical effects of disrupting this cycle, but we can only imagine the consequences of disrupting it for years. (7) It is true that monitoring, exercise, and technological fixes like sunlight-simulating LED lights have shown some promise for diminishing these problems. (8) Other issues may be more troublesome. (9) Space missions are stressful, requiring long hours of repetitive activity performed in small, sterile spaces. (10) The stress lowers immune response even as outer-space conditions cause microbes in astronauts' bodies to mutate, potentially resulting in unfriendly diseases. (11) Unless scientists can develop effective means of fighting these health risks, long-distance space travel may be too dangerous. (12) With NASA's attention directed to the problems of long space missions, it is certain that scientists will come up with creative solutions to the elevated risks to human well-being in space much as they have addressed dangers associated with shorter missions. (13) But it is also probable that further research will turn up new problems that have not even been identified yet. (14) It is thus likely that for many years to come, the only way for humans to have a first-hand experience exploring distant planets will be opening a book or going to the movies rather than hopping on a rocket. Which of the following choices creates the most logical transition within sentence 2 (reproduced below) ? It may be too soon to start planning your Martian vacation, however: there are good reasons to doubt that humans will be able to undertake long-distance space flights in the foreseeable future. A (as it is now) B therefore C in other words D instead E meanwhile

A) (as it is now)

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? 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

A) (as it is now)

After sentence 8, the writer wants to cite a source that supports the claim that Chaffey College successfully models the type of education reform needed to adapt to automation. Which of the following sources would best accomplish this goal? A A quote from a recent college graduate who was hired by a technology firm that recruits at Chaffey College B An article that provides an overview of the growth in California college attendance rates C A list of the most recent job postings in the technology industry in California D A research study that analyzes the long-term effects of education reform E An overview of the most recent course offerings at Chaffey College

A) A quote from a recent college graduate who was hired by a technology firm that recruits at Chaffey College

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? 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.

A) 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. D) Delete it, because it unnecessarily repeats information about dopamine that was provided earlier in the paragraph. E) Delete it, because it is not consistent with the point about stress introduced in the third paragraph.

A) Keep it, because it adds information that helps clarify the contrasting relationship identified in sentence 6 between anticipation and reward.

The writer is considering changing the underlined word in sentence 12 (reproduced below) to "skeptical." Some business and labor union leaders are dismissive of this new social safety net, suggesting that it discourages people from working, but tech industry leaders argue persuasively that BI can provide workers with needed resources and flexibility to take jobs in the freelance or "gig" economy. Should the writer make this change to sentence 12 ? A Yes, because the tone of the underlined word suggests that the writer is hostile toward the business and labor union leaders' attitudes. B Yes, because the change replaces a vague word with a more precise one and clarifies the meaning of the sentence. C No, because the underlined word objectively represents the attitudes of the business and labor union leaders. D No, because replacing the underlined word would require the writer to revise the line of reasoning in the rest of the paragraph. E No, because the underlined word appeals to the likely beliefs of the audience and therefore helps make the writer's perspective more appealing.

A) Yes, because the tone of the underlined word suggests that the writer is hostile toward the business and labor union leaders' attitudes.

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

A) amplify her point about the dangers posed by jellyfish to humans

In the sixth sentence of the third paragraph ("She campaigned . . . and to her"), the author uses the dash primarily to A stress a significant connection B clarify a potential ambiguity C introduce a minor detail D qualify a sweeping assertion E fend off a likely objection

A) stress a significant connection

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) n 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"

A). In sentence 1, changing "In 2016," to "In a 2016 essay published by the World Economic Forum,"

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." D) As for himself, Eliasson explains, "Working as an artist has brought me into contact with a wealth of outlooks on the world." E) After all, as Eliasson points out, "Most of us know the feeling of being moved by a work of art, whether it is a song, a play, a poem, a novel, a painting, or a spatiotemporal experiment."

B) As Eliasson puts it, this transformative experience "takes us beyond an us-and-them mentality to a broader idea of what constitutes we."

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. D) Delete it, because it undermines the passage's argument by emphasizing the fact that the goats will no longer be seen by park visitors. E) Delete it, because it introduces details that are irrelevant to the passage's argument about the need to remove mountain goats from Olympic National Park.

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.

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 ? 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. C) Delete it, because it does not follow logically from the information about realistic goals for language learning provided in sentence 14. D) Delete it, because the change in attitude it proposes is not consistent with the researchers' findings presented in the second paragraph. E) Delete it, because it needlessly repeats information about second-language learning that was provided in the third and fourth paragraphs.

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.

The writer is considering deleting sentence 3 (reproduced below). A 2018 article in the Los Angeles Times reported that 63 percent of tasks performed by workers in three California cities—Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ontario—could be automated in the future. Should the writer keep or delete sentence 3 ? A Keep it, because it sets up the idea of California exploring the basic income program detailed later in the passage. B Keep it, because it provides evidence from a credible source that supports the writer's line of reasoning in the passage. C Delete it, because it fails to show how the author of the Los Angeles Times article obtained the information that is summarized in the sentence. D Delete it, because it offers irrelevant information that distracts from the passage's concern with younger generations of workers. E Delete it, because it fails to provide enough details about the kinds of tasks that are not likely to be automated in the future.

B) Keep it, because it provides evidence from a credible source that supports the writer's line of reasoning in the passage.

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. D) Delete it, because it interrupts the logical flow of the sentence with details that are only tangentially relevant. E) Delete it, because it does not provide an effective transition from the first part of the sentence to the rest of the paragraph.

B) Keep it, because it provides sensory details that help the writer illustrate the concept being discussed in the paragraph.

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.

B) Reconciling the demands of femininity with her ambition presented difficulties.

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

B) Recounting multiple incidents that demonstrate the threat represented by jellyfish

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the fourth and fifth sentences ("Of course . . . measurement") of the final paragraph? A The fifth sentence rebuts an objection raised in the preceding sentence. B The fifth sentence elaborates on an assertion made in the preceding sentence. C The fifth sentence qualifies a claim put forward in the preceding sentence. D The fifth sentence acknowledges the limitations of a method that the fourth sentence advocates. E The fifth sentence defines a key term that the fourth sentence uses in an ambiguous way.

B) The fifth sentence elaborates on an assertion made in the preceding sentence.

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

B) acknowledge an alternative perspective

The authors discuss different scientists in the last two sentences of the passage primarily to A explain why some sciences have advanced further than others B correct a misconception about the nature of scientific rationality C underscore that all scientific thought ultimately rests on observation D resolve an apparent contradiction between empiricism and experimentalism E prove that their definition of science accurately represents the work of past scientists

B) correct a misconception about the nature of scientific rationality

At the end of the second paragraph, the author claims that "these instances are not adduced with a view of proving that it is desirable to open such professions to women" primarily to A suggest a more inclusive approach toward gender in the military B distance herself from a perspective that could be supported by the evidence she cites C acknowledge a weakness in her argument about gender D undercut an argument she feels compelled to acknowledge E extend her argument about equality of mind to equality of physical capabilities

B) distance herself from a perspective that could be supported by the evidence she cites

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? 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

B) hunters introduced goats to the Olympics in the 1920s

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. D) Delete it, because it contains details about hairdressing that are not relevant to the paragraph's discussion of art and community. E) Delete it, because it introduces a new argument about the role of art that contradicts the writer's main argument in the passage.

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.

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? A) According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's National Tidal Centre, there has been an average sea level rise of 7.3 millimeters a year around low-lying islands like Kiribati in the past few decades. B) A professor of biology at Old Dominion University, Kent Carpenter, notes that poaching of giant clams does more damage to marine ecosystems than island building does. C) Marine biologists contend that the urban sprawl spreading into the oceans inevitably causes havoc for marine organisms and their habitats. D) The government of South Korea expected to have 300,000 residents in the utopian smart city built on the artificial island of Songdo. E) Environmental scientists at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, have noted that those building artificial islands can use techniques like silt curtains to help minimize the environmental impact of these projects.

C) Marine biologists contend that the urban sprawl spreading into the oceans inevitably causes havoc for marine organisms and their habitats.

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

C) brain, with potentially serious physiological and emotional costs

In sentence 12 (reproduced below), which version of the underlined word best conveys the writer's perspective on long space missions? With NASA's attention directed to the problems of long space missions, it is certain that scientists will come up with creative solutions to the elevated risks to human well-being in space much as they have addressed dangers associated with shorter missions. A (as it is now) B likely C possible D assured E inconceivable

C) possible

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 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

C) register a potential objection to a position he supports

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

C) the hopeful result of traumatic experiences

The writer wants to add an anecdote to the first paragraph that orients the reader to the argument of the passage. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal? A An account of the writer's first trip to the college bookstore, where the writer discovered how expensive textbooks are B An explanation of the difficulties the writer encountered when trying to download e‑books from the college library's online system C A reminiscence about an English literature professor whom the writer found to be especially demanding D A story about reading an English novel with an e-reader and then being unable to recall major elements of the plot E A recollection of the difficulty the writer faced when trying to decide on a college major

D) A story about reading an English novel with an e-reader and then being unable to recall major elements of the plot

The writer wants to add a sentence at the end of the passage to summarize the main claim of the passage. Which of the following choices, if added after sentence 15, best accomplishes this goal? A In fact, some people view the current age as ushering in a significant shift in the world of work, driven not by coal or electricity, but by automation and artificial intelligence. B Instead, we should only adopt automated technologies in cases where it is absolutely necessary. C We must follow the example of other countries and adopt basic income programs. D Although large-scale change is likely in many sectors, education reform and a progressive BI program will help us offset risk and protect social stability. E Indeed, although the United States has long been a major center of automation, other countries are playing an increasingly large role in the development and adoption of automated technologies.

D) Although large-scale change is likely in many sectors, education reform and a progressive BI program will help us offset risk and protect social stability.

The writer is considering deleting the underlined portion of sentence 16 (reproduced below). In short, the e-reader was good for enumeration, but only the printed text enabled interpretation. Should the writer delete the underlined text? A Yes, because it contradicts the writer's point about complex reading in the paragraph. B Yes, because it makes a point that is not supported by any evidence in the passage. C Yes, because it adds a level of complexity that is not in keeping with the simplicity of the writer's main idea. D No, because it enhances the writer's credibility by acknowledging a counterclaim to the argument that print books are superior to e-readers. E No, because it provides commentary that explains the relevance of the direct quotation included in sentence 12.

D) No, because it enhances the writer's credibility by acknowledging a counterclaim to the argument that print books are superior to e-readers.

Which version of the underlined portion of sentence 9 (reproduced below) best conveys the writer's point about the stressful nature of space missions? Space missions are stressful, requiring long hours of repetitive activity performed in small, sterile spaces. A (as it is now) B technological C unusual D cramped E organized

D) cramped

In the underlined portion of sentence 10 (reproduced below), which choice of adjective best fits the style and tone of the writer's argument? The stress lowers immune response even as outer-space conditions cause microbes in astronauts' bodies to mutate, potentially resulting in unfriendly diseases. A (as it is now) B hostile C treacherous D dangerous E furious

D) dangerous

At the end of the first paragraph, the author's commentary regarding "[e]ach one of these treaties" (sentence 6) primarily serves to 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 broken

D) establish a logical relationship between the treaties he lists and a claim he makes earlier in the paragraph

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

D) highlighting the context in which women may choose to embrace femininity's restrictions

The repetition of the phrase "which they are not" in the first paragraph (sentences 2 and 3) achieves which of the following effects? A It refutes the authors' critics by underlining the lack of evidence for their arguments. B It reinforces the authors' overarching claim by reiterating it in increasingly absolute terms. C It previews the passage's line of reasoning by introducing a comparison that is developed in subsequent paragraphs. D It demonstrates that science depends on accumulating data by listing the observations that lead to the authors' conclusion. E It justifies the authors' efforts to define science by emphasizing the flaws of existing definitions.

E) It justifies the authors' efforts to define science by emphasizing the flaws of existing definitions.

The writer wants to add an additional body paragraph to support the passage's argument. Which of the following claims would make the best topic for such a paragraph? A Being able to make longer space missions will enable researchers to learn more about our universe. B Extending our explorations of space to longer distances will help further our understanding of how the human body functions and help medicine develop new cures for conditions here on Earth. C New technology will need to be developed in order to achieve the goal of longer space travel, which means that new jobs will be created in the technological and research sectors. D Developing the ability to safely travel longer distances in space may provide us with opportunities not only to identify and utilize new resources that can be used to improve life on Earth but also to eventually create viable space colonies, which could help alleviate overpopulation and the effects of a large population on the Earth's climate. E Long-term missions would also create social and psychological issues, such as extreme isolation and loneliness, that may have a negative impact on space travelers.

E) Long-term missions would also create social and psychological issues, such as extreme isolation and loneliness, that may have a negative impact on space travelers.

(The passage below is a draft.) (1) Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on Earth: people crowd into tiny living spaces, some with only a bed, a hot plate, and a toilet. (2) The city is made up of more than 200 islands, and there is no more available land to house its people. (3) To solve this land shortage problem, officials have proposed a radical solution: creating a whole new island. (4) The East Lantau Metropolis would be built on land reclaimed from the sea and would house 1.1 million people. (5) A different problem faces the people of Kiribati—a nation in the central Pacific Ocean made up of 33 islands (most of which are less than twenty feet above sea level). (6) Because of rising sea levels, some inhabitants have already had to abandon their homes. (7) 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. (8) Artificial islands have been seen as solutions for a number of problems in recent decades. (9) The city of Dubai has been constructing a luxurious palm-tree-shaped series of islands to house hotels. (10) Osaka, Japan, built an island off its coast to relieve its overcrowded airport. (11) The Maldives, Malaysia, and Seoul have all built or have plans to build artificial islands to expand their territory. (12) So, is building artificial islands a good solution for modern-day challenges? (13) Not everyone thinks so. (14) Constructing artificial islands destroys the coral reefs that nourish fisheries and protect the coastline from the impact of waves; it also destabilizes precious coastal ecosystems. (15) Building on unstable dredged sediments also endangers human inhabitants, especially in areas prone to earthquakes. 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.

E) No, because it makes an ineffective claim that does not require a defense.

The writer wants to conclude the passage by reiterating the main claim. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal? 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.

E) The Olympics, the North Cascades, the mountain goats, and human park visitors all stand to benefit from the goat relocation program.

Which of the following best characterizes the relationship between the first and the second paragraphs? A) The first paragraph states the disadvantages of engaging in war to settle international disagreements; the second paragraph discusses an alternative method of resolving such disagreements. B) The first paragraph offers a generalization about the darker aspects of human nature; the second paragraph identifies a possible counterexample. C) The first paragraph highlights the destructive impact of war on societies; the second paragraph elaborates on how a certain mindset mentioned in the first paragraph increases the likelihood of war. 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.

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.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the author's quotation of Coates in the middle of the first paragraph ("But I think . . . half as much") and her discussion of the My Brother's Keeper initiative that follows it? A The quotation emphasizes the strength of Obama's determination; the discussion that follows it illustrates Obama's dedication to improving the educational and life outcomes of the black community as a whole. B The quotation asserts the uniqueness of Obama's accomplishments; the discussion that follows it provides a specific example of the kind of program that enabled Obama to accomplish what he did. C The quotation implies Obama's commitment to racial equality; the discussion that follows it suggests his comparative lack of attention to gender issues discussed by the author. D The quotation criticizes Obama's approach to a particular problem; the discussion that follows it counters this criticism by analyzing the aims of an initiative spearheaded by Obama. E The quotation expresses disapproval of a tenet adopted by Obama; the discussion that follows it explains the author's disapproval by highlighting problematic aspects of a specific program.

E) The quotation expresses disapproval of a tenet adopted by Obama; the discussion that follows it explains the author's disapproval by highlighting problematic aspects of a specific program.

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.

E) Video gaming helps develop collaborative problem-solving skills that can be useful in the real world

In the second sentence of the third paragraph, the authors use the adjective "deliberate" to emphasize the A tedious pace of scientific experiments B unintended consequences of scientific experiments C numerous discussions scientists have with colleagues while conducting scientific experiments D demanding attitudes of people who conduct scientific experiments E careful planning necessary in scientific experiments

E) careful planning necessary in scientific experiments

In the final sentence of the third paragraph, the clause "although we do control the conditions of observation" functions as a transitional element that A explains the role of observation in scientific work B suggests that astronomy is less rigorous than experimental sciences C refutes a claim regarding the status of astronomy among the sciences D suggests that the definition of "experiment" has changed over time E clarifies the reasons astronomy meets the standards for scientific rigor

E) clarifies the reasons astronomy meets the standards for scientific rigor

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

E) introduce two different attitudes toward femininity

In the fourth paragraph, the author elaborates on the history of the "talented tenth" primarily to argue that this idea A played a crucial role in enabling Du Bois to accomplish significant sociopolitical change B convinced Morehouse of the potential of the black community as a whole C creates unrealistic expectations among young people of color D has greatest relevance in places where young people of color face persistent opportunity gaps E is implicated in a flawed understanding of black success

E) is implicated in a flawed understanding of black success

The author's statement that "instances are by no means uncommon" (paragraph 2, sentence 4) contributes to a tone that is A defensive and indignant B poetic and evocative C brusque and dismissive D plainspoken and direct E measured and objective

E) measured and objective

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

E) reinforce the author's overarching claim about ordinary people's capacity for success

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

E) resulted in noticeable improvements in the park's environment

The writer is considering adding the phrase "for reading that requires intense concentration" to the end of sentence 8 (reproduced below). Despite these advantages, I discovered that e-readers do not work well. Should the writer make this addition? A Yes, because it appropriately limits the scope of the writer's claim. B Yes, because it provides a valid counterclaim to the writer's main idea. C No, because it offers a generalization about reading that is not supported by the passage. D No, because it is not consistent with the information about King Lear provided later in the paragraph. E No, because it contradicts the point the writer has made about the advantages of e-readers.

a) Yes, because it appropriately limits the scope of the writer's claim.

The writer wants to expand on the advice offered at the conclusion of the passage to bring the argument to a close. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 21 (reproduced below) most effectively accomplishes this goal? My advice to students contemplating e-readers is to realize that not all reading experiences are the same. A same; for immersive experiences, which are crucial to any serious field of study, print is the way to go. B same; some books will take you a long time to read, regardless of the medium, whereas others can be dispatched relatively quickly. C same; not all e-readers come equipped with the same features, so do some market research before you decide which e-reader is right for you. D same; e‑readers are often viewed as being more environmentally friendly, but print books come in handy when there is no access to a power source. E same; after all, who knows what impact new inventions will have on reading in the future?

a) same; for immersive experiences, which are crucial to any serious field of study, print is the way to go.

(The passage below is a draft.) (1) Parents have long wondered what goes on in their infants' minds as the children slumber through the majority of the day. (2) Do babies dream of bottles of milk, their parents' faces, or a favorite rattle? (3) Scientists debate whether they dream at all. (4) Recent studies indicate that contrary to popular belief, babies lack the cognitive ability to dream because their brains are too busy on other important tasks. (5) Scientists have long assumed that infants dream because they spend a large portion of their sleep time in REM sleep, the sleep stage in which older children and adults dream. (6) For example, Dr. Charles P. Pollak, who directs the Center for Sleep Medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, asserts that because babies undeniably have REM sleep, it's only logical to infer that they dream. (7) Of course, he adds, there is no way to know what babies dream about, because they cannot tell anyone. (8) Although babies can do little more than eat, sleep, and cry, their brains are incredibly busy building neural pathways, processing new information, and developing language. (9) In fact, a recent study shows that newborns are even capable of learning in their sleep. (10) Scientists played musical tones to sleeping newborns just before blowing a puff of air onto their eyelids. (11) Within 15 minutes, according to brain scans, the babies had learned to tense their eyelids when they heard the tone. (12) Not only are babies' brains too busy during REM sleep to dream, says Foulkes, but they also lack the ability to imagine things visually, a skill necessary for dreaming. (13) In fact, according to his research, children don't start dreaming until age four or five, and even then, the dreams lack the vivid details and structured story lines that characterize adult dreams. (14) Admittedly, sometimes parents claim that they have witnessed their toddlers having terrible nightmares, which can be more frightening for the parents than for the toddlers. (15) Furthermore, it is only when children develop strong self-awareness, typically around age seven or eight, that they begin to have dreams with clear narratives. (16) Babies, Foulkes argues, are nowhere near that level of cognitive development. The writer wants to add a sentence before sentence 8 to show that the third paragraph is refuting the claim made in the second paragraph. Which sentence best accomplishes the writer's goal? A Not only do babies' eyes move side to side during REM sleep, but they also move up and down. B However, child psychologist David Foulkes argues that babies use REM sleep for other purposes. C Contrary to popular belief, REM accounts for only one of the five stages of sleep that all humans, including infants, go through. D On the other hand, one study conducted in 2010 indicated that babies have the ability to learn while they are sleeping. E Whereas adults spend only a quarter of their sleep time in the REM stage, babies average closer to half their sleep time in this stage.

b) However, child psychologist David Foulkes argues that babies use REM sleep for other purposes.

The writer is considering deleting the underlined portion of sentence 8 (reproduced below), adjusting the punctuation as needed. For instance, people became so attached to the Sony Aibo, a robotic dog with playful expressions and movements, that they mourned their mechanical pets after Sony discontinued the Aibo series and closed its repair center. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text? A Keep it, because it addresses information that is essential to the audience's understanding of the history of Sony's robotics division. B Keep it, because it advances the writer's purpose of showing the appeal the Aibo had to its owners. C Keep it, because it provides the audience with an example of the Aibo's resemblance to human beings. D Delete it, because it introduces details about robot pets that are not relevant to the writer's main idea in the paragraph. E Delete it, because it contradicts a claim the writer makes earlier in the passage about advancements in robotic engineering.

b) Keep it, because it advances the writer's purpose of showing the appeal the Aibo had to its owners.

In the last sentence of the passage, the author uses the parenthetical clause "though hope should always be deluded" primarily to A convince the audience that the pursuit of happiness is futile B assert that hope is important regardless of whether it comes to fruition C discourage the audience from indulging in unreasonable expectations D highlight the positive and negative aspects of hope E imply that the value of hope depends on its close connection with delusion

b) assert that hope is important regardless of whether it comes to fruition

The writer is considering replacing the underlined portion of sentence 11 (reproduced below). In one study, test subjects did a bunch of things with a humanlike robot called Nao. Which of the following versions of the underlined text most closely fits the style of the passage? A (as it is now) B performed a series of tasks C finished a ton of work D completed loads of experiments E executed an array of assigned enterprises

b) performed a series of tasks

In the last sentence of the first paragraph, the author compares pleasure with flowers to A hint that pleasure would be more common if it were cultivated more diligently B reinforce the idea that unanticipated pleasures are the most enjoyable ones C downplay the dangers of engaging excessively in pleasurable activities D suggest that the pleasures of gardening are often overrated E argue that the experience of true pleasure is threatened by the increasingly hectic pace of life

b) reinforce the idea that unanticipated pleasures are the most enjoyable ones

he writer wants to combine sentences 18 and 19 (reproduced below) to emphasize the relationship between the ideas in these sentences. It proved an invaluable tool for research projects involving secondary sources. It was more efficient to read scholarly articles on my e-reader than to go to the library for hard copies. Which version of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? A sources, while it B sources because it C sources, yet it D sources, although it E sources, unless it

b) sources because it

The writer wants to combine sentences 3 and 4 (reproduced below) in a way that expresses the unequal relationship between the ideas in these sentences. I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading. E-readers have numerous advantages. In the context of the passage as a whole, which of the following choices best achieves this goal? A I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading and that e-readers have numerous advantages. B E-readers have numerous advantages despite the fact that I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading. C Even though e-readers have numerous advantages, I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading. D Since e-readers have numerous advantages, I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading. E Because I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading, I will admit that e-readers have numerous advantages.

c) Even though e-readers have numerous advantages, I discovered that print is better suited to in-depth reading.

In sentence 17 (reproduced below), which of the following versions of the underlined text provides relevant, specific information that helps the audience understand the study? The robots—while the children were able to do the task correctly when they were absent—unanimously gave an incorrect answer first. A (as it is now) B less influential when the experiment was repeated with adult subjects C programmed to glance at one another, as though considering the question together D which may be replaced with more impressive-looking robots in future experiments E a variation on an experiment conducted with only human participants

c) programmed to glance at one another, as though considering the question together

In relation to the video "What Most Schools Don't Teach," the authors mention Jane Margolis' "unease" (paragraph 3, sentence 1) primarily to A provide supporting evidence for the video's claims about the importance of perseverance in learning to code B demonstrate that the video creates false expectations regarding the financial rewards of careers in computer science C rebut the video's premise about the steps required to make programming skills more widespread D suggest a more effective way to make programming seem appealing to those outside the computer science community E acknowledge more fully the achievements of women in the computer science community

c) rebut the video's premise about the steps required to make programming skills more widespread

The writer wants to change the passage so that it is appropriate for an audience of robotics engineers. Which of the following sentences would be most appropriate for the writer to add after sentence 4 in light of this intended audience? A And what might science fiction tell us about the future of artificial intelligence? B And how might our legal system have to change in light of advances in robotics? C Or, indeed, is it wiser not to do so? D And how should we design robots in light of these concerns? E And what do advances in psychology tell us about the nature of intelligence?

d) And how should we design robots in light of these concerns?

In the passage, the views expressed by which of the following most clearly support Margolis' argument about the "boy wonder myth" (paragraph 3, sentence 2)? A Drew Houston, founder of Dropbox (paragraph 1, sentence 8) B will.i.am of the rock band the Black Eyed Peas (paragraph 1, sentence 12) C Lesley Chilcott, director of the video "What Most Schools Don't Teach" (paragraph 1, sentence 16) D Gabe Newell, founder of Valve (paragraph 2, sentence 5) E

d) Gabe Newell, founder of Valve (paragraph 2, sentence 5)

The writer is considering adding the following sentence after sentence 19. The children's response made it difficult to determine who the real robots were. Should the writer add this sentence? A Yes, because the writer's identification of a similarity between the children and the robots in the study reinforces the passage's argument that humans tend to form emotional bonds with robots. B Yes, because the sentence gives an account of the writer's feelings about the children that provides commentary on the study and makes the writer more relatable to the audience. C Yes, because the sentence adds complexity to the writer's argument by suggesting that humans not only can form emotional relationships with robots but also can act like robots themselves. D No, because the comparison between the children and the robots fails to advance the writer's argument and may be perceived by the audience as mocking the children. E No, because the sentence's implication that conforming to peer pressure is similar to being a robot may be offensive to suggestible members of the audience.

d) No, because the comparison between the children and the robots fails to advance the writer's argument and may be perceived by the audience as mocking the children.

In the second and third sentences of the fifth paragraph ("He stops . . . gradual explanation"), the author presents a humorous reversal that emerges from an incongruity between the traveler's A determination to see his friend and his ignorance of his friend's schedule B ability to remember the location of his friend's house and his inability to remember their childhood escapades C short journey to his friend's house and the long explanation he must offer when he arrives D desire to surprise his friend and his friend's failure to recognize him E intention to amuse his friend and his friend's misinterpretation of the intended humor

d) desire to surprise his friend and his friend's failure to recognize him