Practice Test Missed Questions - Kaplan #5

Diabetes mellitus, a disorder that prevents the uptake of blood glucose into cells, often presents with glucosuria, or sugar in the urine. This is due to: A. inability of the nephron to actively reabsorb all glucose passively filtered into the Bowman's capsule B. excess blood glucose in the diabetic being secreted into the urine at the distal convoluted tubule C. inability of the nephron to passively absorb all glucose actively secreted into the Bowman's capsule D. excess blood glucose in the diabetic being secreted into the urine at the proximal convoluted tubule (Bio/Biochem, Question #14)

A. inability of the nephron to actively reabsorb all glucose passively filtered into the Bowman's capsule When there is too much glucose in the filtrate -- active transport mechanisms that function to reabsorb glucose are overwhelmed/saturated When this occurs -- nephron can't fully reabsorb glucose Why missed? Did not consider the active vs. passive portion of the question. Body WANTS to keep glucose -- not get rid of it -- so (B), (C), and (D) are all incorrect. WRONG ANSWER CHOICE! REASONING!

The flow of sodium into neurons of the optic nerve during an action potential is associated with a: A. negative change in Gibb's free energy and a positive change in entropy B. negative change in Gibb's free energy and a negative change in entropy C. positive change in Gibb's free energy and a negative change in entropy D. positive change in Gibb's free energy and a positive change in entropy (Chem/Phys, Question #4)

A. negative change in Gibb's free energy and a positive change in entropy Spontaneous process will have negative Gibb's free energy -- this was correct. BUT, missed the entropy sign. Sodium is flowing from a region of high concentration (ordered) to low concentration (disordered) -- entropy is positive when it becomes more disordered -- so entropy must increase (positive change). Why missed? Mixed up the sign for entropy. (+) change in entropy = becoming more disordered (-) change in entropy = become less disordered / more ordered CLARIFY DEFINITION!

Proinsulin must undergo cleavage by protease, resulting in the two smaller units that become functional insulin. Protease's action represents modification of proinsulin's: A. primary structure B. secondary structure C. tertiary structure D. quaternary structure (Chem/Phys, Question #46)

A. primary structure The sequence of amino acids is altered! This means the primary structure is modified. Why missed? Was thinking of the smaller units as subunits of quaternary structure, but that was incorrect. It was actually two different smaller units, meaning that the primary structure was altered. APPLICATION!

Suppose that a negligent mother has a son who misbehaves frequently in school. Which of the following explanations for the child's actions would be most analogous to Bark's account of the causes of the Russian Revolution? (CARS, Question #15)

Analogy Why missed? Didn't properly identify the mother's role in comparing to the Russian Revolution -- needed to identify that regardless of whether the mother was effective or not in controlling her son, the circumstances would have led to failure either way. This would lead to answer (A). MISSING PROOF! INFERENCE!

The author of the passage would most likely agree with an individual who argues that WVO Quine's philosophical views are: (CARS, Question #28)

Author Opinion / Inference / Agree Why missed? Needed to rephrase to ask these questions. First -- what was WVO Quine's philosophical view? Second -- how did this view compare to the author's? After this we would see that the view was more extreme than the author's and thus answer (A). REPHRASING!

The primary purpose of this passage is to: (CARS, Question #48)

Main Idea // Function Why missed? Didn't have time for this passage, so did a very brief highlight / answer. TIME! Correct answer correlates to author's main discussion through the passage -- examine motivations/actions of the oversimplified character Dalila. MISSING PROOF!

According to the passage, Samson Agonistes and Paradise Lost share all of the following characteristics EXCEPT: (CARS, Question #51)

Detail // Except Why Missed? Needed to see what the connections were first and eliminate those -- then see what is missing. REPHRASING! MISSING PROOF!

In glucose, the carbonyl carbon can be attacked intramolecularly by the hydroxyl group of carbon-5 to form: A. glucofuranose B. a hemiacetal C. a lactone D. a glycoside (Chem/Phys, Question #7)

B. a hemiacetal Due to presence of a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group on glucose -- a hemiacetal will form when molecule cyclizes. A hemiacetal forms when an aldehdye reacts with an alcohol (like in glucose!) Why missed? Did not know the details of the formation of a hemiacetal. CONTENT!

Which of the following individuals would experience the smallest amount of stress in response to the stressor used in this experiment? A. An individual incapable of producing endolymph B. An individual with a collapsed Eustachian tube C. An individual with an infection causing swelling of the semicircular canals D. An individual with a punctured tympanic membrane (Psych/Soc, Question #40)

A. An individual incapable of producing endolymph Question is essentially asking which scenario from the answer choices provides the worst hearing? Eustachian tube is responsible for equalizing pressure between ear and environment. It could affect hearing, but only mentions one tube being collapsed -- so person could hear with other ear. (B) is INCORRECT. Semicircular canals are implicated more in vestibular sensation than hearing. (C) is INCORRECT. Tympanic membrane being punctured would be a major impairment to hearing, but only suggests one tympanic membrane being injured -- so should have normal hearing in other ear. (D) is INCORRECT. Endolymph is responsible for bathing hair cells on the organ of Corti and plays a role in other places throughout the ear -- it is crucial for hearing. (A) is CORRECT. Why missed? Did not know the definition of endolymph. CONTENT! Also did not see the implication of only one tympanic membrane and one Eustachian tube. READING!

A patient suffered a T12 burst fracture and an incomplete spinal cord injury. Which of the following contributes to the CNS scarring process in this patient? A. Astrocytes B. Ependymal cells C. Oligodendorcytes D. Schwann cells (Bio/Biochem, Question #58)

A. Astrocytes Astrocytes fill the gaps where there is dead or dying neuronal tissue. BUT, this reduces the potential for neuronal regrowth -- causes scarring. NOT ependymal cells b/c they produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and use cilia to circulate CSF around CNS. NOT oligodendrocytes b/c they're responsible for myelination of the CNS NOT Schwann cells b/c they are responsible for myelination of PNS Why missed? Did not know the definition of cells in the answer choices. CONTENT!

Two purple plants with long pollen grains that are the members of the offspring of the dihybrid cross described in the passage are crossed. What is the likelihood that one of the offspring of this cross will have purple flowers and long pollen grains? A. Greater than 9/16 B. Exactly 9/16 C. Less than 9/16 D. It cannot be determined from the information given (Bio/Biochem, Question #5)

A. Greater than 9/16 Purple flowers and long pollen grains are linked -- as seen in the Table. In linked genes we expect to see a higher proportion of parental phenotypes than recombinant phenotypes. In this experiment -- that means we will see higher proportion of purple flowers with long pollen grains than strict Mendelian proportions. Why missed? Calculated for the exact Mendelian inheritance -- but those conditions don't apply here b/c we have LINKED genes! REASONING! CONTENT! Also did NOT need calculation! UNDERSTANDING!

The notion that the identity a person wishes to express through fashion is dependent upon social context is most clearly an example of which of the following concepts? A. Hierarchy of salience B. Differentiation C. Costly signaling D. Locus of control (Psych/Soc, Question #42)

A. Hierarchy of salience Hierarchy of salience refers to the idea that the importance of a given identity is situationally dependent, and is therefore correct. Why missed? Did not know definitions of answer choices. CONTENT!

Which of the following factors would most likely be associated with an increase in left ventricular musculature (hypertrophy)? A. High systemic blood pressure B. Low systemic blood pressure C. High pulmonary blood pressure D. Low pulmonary blood pressure (Bio/Biochem, Question #45)

A. High systemic blood pressure Need to rephrase and see that question is asking -- where does blood go after it leaves the left ventricle? High pressure in the compartment downstream of the left ventricle would be expected to be associated with increased muscle mass in the left ventricle. Why missed? Needed to rephrase and think about it in terms of the linear pathway -- what comes after the left ventricle / where does it pump to? If it's pumping harder (b/c increased muscle mass), then will cause increase blood pressure wherever it pumps to. REPHRASING!

Which of the following types of mutations would be the easiest to detect using electrophoresis? A. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms B. Single nucleotide polymorphisms C. Frameshift addition mutations D. Silent mutations (Bio/Biochem, Question #30)

A. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms Passage indicates restriction fragment length polymorphisms dpened on variable number tandem repeats and are most reliable and aceessible way to compare DNA using electrophoresis. Other choices may result in changes to electrophoresis panel, but only if they cause a change in a restriction enzyme binding site . Why missed? Needed to find the content in the passage to support the answer choice. MISSING PROOF!

If the hematopoietic stem cells described in Paragraph 3 were collected and lysed, with which of the following characteristics would they be associated? A. Telomerase activity B. Lack of a nucleus C. Lack of a mitochondria D. High levels of lysosomes (Bio/Biochem, Question #23)

A. Telomerase activity Hematopoeitic stem cells display an indefinite replicative capacity as a result of their continuing ability to produce / use telomerase. Why missed? Did not know specifics about stem cells. CONTENT!

According to the elaboration likelihood model, which of the following would most likely cause an individual in a group as described in the study to use central route processing when listening to an argument presented by a group member? A. The listener is interested in the subject of the argument B. The listener initially disagrees with the arguer C. The listener is in a generally unpleasant mood D. The listener is unconcerned with the attractiveness of the arguer (Psych/Soc, Question #35)

A. The listener is interested in the subject of the argument According to the elaboration likelihood model, central route processing is used when motivation and ability to process the message are high. One factor that affects motivation is personal interest in the message -- so already agreeing w/ the content of the message increases motivation and therefore central route processing. Others are incorrect because... - (D) is a trap! Avoiding focus on attractiveness of the arguer is an effect, not a cause, of central route processing. - (B) and (C) are incorrect b/c they lead to peripheral route processing. Why missed? Did not know what central route processing, peripheral route processing, or the elaboration likelihood model was. CONTENT!

Which of the following best applies James-Lange theory to explaining one's sexual attraction toward another individual? A. The physiological reaction to the sight of the other person is appraised and labeled as feelings of attraction. B. The physiological reaction and experience of emotion are elicited and occur simultaneously. C. The emotional reaction to the other person causes physiological reactions which indicate the degree of the attraction D. The emotional reaction to the other person elicits a cognitively controlled physiological reaction (Psych/Soc, Question #47)

A. The physiological reaction to the sight of the other person is appraised and labeled as feelings of attraction. James-Lange theory is rooted in the idea that physiological responses to stimuli occur almost immediately and are then attributed with emotional labels. Why missed? Was thinking linear, but was looking for too precise of an answer match. (A) describes this relationship, but just in different words than expected such as "appraised and labeled". REASONING!

As mentioned in the passage, purified thalidomide was unsuccessful therapeutically. This is partially explained by the fact that thalidomide: A. acts as an acid B. undergoes mutarotation C. is vulnerable to enzymes D. is often contaminated (Chem/Phys, Question #33)

A. acts as an acid Mutarotation is changing between alpha and beta conformation, NOT between stereoisomers! It acts as an acid b/c its acidic hydrogen attached to the chiral carbon detaches, leading to a temporary planar conformation, and this can then rearrange as the opposite stereoisomer. Why missed? Mixed up the definition of mutarotation. Also didn't think about the mechanism. DEFINITION! APPLICATION!

An emergency room patient presents with urinary blockage. Cystocentesis indicates that the urine in the bladder is alkaline. Based on the information in the passage, he should probably be treated with: A. ammonium chloride B. calcium oxalate C. sodium bicarbonate D. calcium phosphate (Chem/Phys, Question #26)

A. ammonium chloride Knew that the patient needed to be treated with an acid in order to lower the pH of the alkaline urine. Ammonium chloride is the strongest acid listed. Why missed? Knew that I needed something acidic, but chose the wrong acid. Needed the strongest acid -- ammonium chloride (think HCl). APPLICATION!

The type of bond pictured below is responsible for hair's curliness or lack thereof. To change the curliness of someone's hair, a hairdresser must use: A. an oxidizing agent B. a reducing agent C. a strong detergent D. very high heat (Chem/Phys, Question #17)

B. a reducing agent Only a reducing agent can disrupt disulfide bonds (adds an H to each S to break the disulfide bond). Why missed? Meant to come back to this question to change the answer...knew it was reducing agent after coming across another passage. DUMB MISTAKE!

Adipose tissue is a source of energy because it produces fatty acids, along with: A. glucose only B. glucose and ketone bodies C. ketone bodies and lactate D. glucose and lactate (Bio/Biochem, Question #23)

B. glucose and ketone bodies Fatty acids are used to synthesize ketone bodies Glycerol backbones are used in gluconeogenesis. Why missed? Did not know what was used to synthesize ketone bodies. CONTENT!

Morphine and hydromorphone both have: A. different molecular formulas B. different oxidation number on carbon C. the same empirical formula D. the same functional group (Chem/Phys, Question #51)

C. the same empirical formula Morphine and hydromorphone both have hte empirical formula C17H19NO3 Why missed? Didn't write out formulas. Have same formula, just different connectivity. APPLICATION!

Which of the following types of research would be LEAST likely to provide useful data about the long-term health effects of removing processed food and sugar from school lunches? A. A longitudinal study B. A cross-sectional study C. An experimental study D. A series of case studies (Psych/Soc, Question #20)

B. A cross-sectional study Cross-sectional study is an observational study that categorizes people into different groups at a single point in time. This type of study does NOT follow subjects over a period of time -- so for this scenario, it would NOT provide useful data about long-term health effects. Key to this is we NEED a method that provides LONG-TERM data! Why missed? Did not consider long-term data needed -- cross-sectional study is the only one in which long-term data can't be derived. CONTENT! REASONING!

A hospital only has three volumetric pumps that are not in use. Based on the information in the passage, which patient should NOT get a pump? A. A severely hyperglycemic diabetic who needs intravenous insulin to bring his blood sugar down B. A patient who presented having seizures and needs phenobarbital to control possible epilepsy C. A patient who needs the antidote for a toxin that is being released slowly into her bloodstream D. A patient who suffered a painful pelvic injury from a car accident and needs pain control (Chem/Phys, Question #48)

B. A patient who presented having seizures and needs phenobarbital to control possible epilepsy Passage states volumetric pumps are used for infusing drugs. Passage also provides lists of drugs that are commonly infused. Insulin (A) and analgesics (D) are explicitly mentioned in passage. (C) can be deduced that the patient would require an infusion over time b/c the toxin is still being released into the blood. (B) isn't mentioned and gives no indication for a need of constant rate infusion. Why missed? Was between the right answer and (C) and made the wrong choice -- needed to think about what would need constant rate of infusion, not so much about the actual sickness/reason. REASONING!

Which of the following, if present in the urine in significant quantities, is likely to be a constituent of uroliths? A. Iron B. Barium C. Bromine D. Potassium (Chem/Phys, Question #29)

B. Barium Need to find something similar to calcium (a common substituent of uroliths) -- Barium, like calcium, is an alkali earth metal. Because they are similar, it is likely that barium could form from them as well. Why missed? Did not think of this question in terms of similarity to calcium. Needed to identify what was true from the passage -- that calcium is a common substituent of uroliths -- and then apply a similarity/trend to the answer choices.

DNA analysis is also used to determine maternity and paternity. When looking only at chromosomal DNA, which of the following is true for a male child? A. Maternity is easier to establish than paternity, though both can be determined B. Paternity is easier to establish than maternity, though both can be determined C. Both maternity and paternity are equally easy to establish D. Maternity cannot be established without the use of mitochondrial DNA (Bio/Biochem, Question #33)

B. Paternity is easier to establish than maternity, though both can be determined Y chromosome has very few genes. A male child must inherit his Y chromosome from his father. Testing for isolated loci on the Y chromosome can quickly establish paternity, without needing any information from the mother's genetic material. In contrast -- to establish maternity, either the child's chromosomal alleles must be compared to both the mother's and the father's or the mitochondrial DNA must be used. Why missed? Did not know how genetic testing worked. Paternity in males is easier identified b/c can just use the Y chromosome. Maternal you have to look at either chromosomal alleles compared to both mother/father or mitochondrial DNA. CONTENT! Should have approached this as what are the differences between maternal and paternal for a male child -- then would have seen that paternity is linked to the Y chromosome which would make it easier to identify. REASONING!

In a plant research laboratory, it was discovered that all of the plants grown in a certain type of fertilizer display tall height (a dominant trait), regardless of the parent generation phenotypes. Which of the following best explains this outcome? A. The recessive trait (short height) is always suppressed B. The fertilizer contains the product of the gene for tall plants C. All of the plants contain at least one dominant tall allele D. The parents were heterozygous for height (Bio/Biochem, Question #7)

B. The fertilizer contains the product of the gene for tall plants Key point -- offspring phenotype is INDEPENDENT of parent phenotype. When proportions of offspring phenotypes deviate from those predicted by Mendelian genetics, there are two possibilities: 1) dominant trait is being suppressed 2) recessive trait is being masked by an environmental factor #1 can't be true b/c dominant trait is expressed in the offspring (they're tall!) #2 must be true -- recessive trait is masked Most likely explanation for recessive trait being masked is presence of a substance that mimcs function of the product of the dominant gene. Why missed? Didn't know what possibilities mask Mendelian genetic phenotypic proportions. CONTENT!

Which of the following most accurately summarizes the online daters' feelings about their own profiles? A. The profile is incongruous with their back stage self B. The profile is incongruous with their front stage self C. The profile reduces their available mate choice D. The profile represents their primary mating behavior (Psych/Soc, Question #24)

B. The profile is incongruous with their front stage self Passage states -- "most find it challenging to present themselves online in a way that they believe showcases their own social persona accurately." This statement suggests their profile is incongruous with their front stage self -- pay attention to "social persona" Why missed? Did not read carefully enough. Knew it was incongruous with either back or front stage self -- but did not read closely to see they thought it didn't represent their social persona -- which is front stage. READING!

One of the effects of CD is the malabsorption of various nutrients in the small intestine. Which of the following would result in a similar pathology? A. Parathyroid hormone overproduction B. Vitamin D deficiency C. Pepsin overproduction D. Calcitonin deficiency (Bio/Biochem, Question #12)

B. Vitamin D deficiency CD is characterized by inflammation of small intestinal mucosa due to intolerance of dietary gluten, leading to poor nutrient absorption. Similarly -- vitamin D plays important role in absorption of calcium in small intenstine. Deficiency of vitamin D results in poor Ca2+ absorption -- similar to CD. Why missed? Did not know the pathology of vitamin C. CONTENT!

A biomedical engineer attempts to recharge a Ni-Cd hearing-aid battery using a Zn-HgO cell. If the reduction potential at the anode of the Zn-HgO cell is -0.762V and the fully charged Ni-Cd battery has a voltage of 1.4V, the reduction potential at the cathode must be: A. less than 0.638V B. greater than 0.638V C. less than 2.162V D. greater than 2.162V (Chem/Phys, Question #15)

B. greater than 0.638V The reaction that is being used to recharge the battery must have a voltage greater than the abttery's original charge. Found the correct value of the reduction potential if the voltage were equal -- 0.638V. BUT, must be greater since the voltage to recharge the battery must be greater than the voltage of the battery's original charge. Why missed? Did not know that the voltage had to be greater to recharge the battery. CONTENT CLARIFICATION!

The reaction shown in Figure 2 most likely proceeds via the formation of a: A. carbene leaving group B. nucleophilic alkoxide ion C. carbocation intermediate D. planar intermediate (Chem/Phys, Question #5)

B. nucleophilic alkoxide ion Passage states that SN2 occurs -- this requires a good nucleophile. One of the nucleophiles is the methoxide ion. Chloromethane and sodium hydroxide would make methanol which could be deprotonated to methoxide -- so B is correct! Why missed? Intermediate needs to be a good nucleophile -- an ion is a good nucleophile! Needed to think big picture what would best make the reaction proceed. CONTENT! STRATEGY!

The amide nitrogen of metoclopramide is: A. sp2-hybridized and tetrahedral B. sp2-hybridized and planar C. sp3-hybridized and tetrahedral D. sp3-hybridized and planar (Chem/Phys, Question #37)

B. sp2-hybridized and planar Amide nitrogen of metoclopramide has 3 sigma bonds and a lone pair that participates in resonance with the sp2-hybridized carbonyl carbon which involves a pi bond -- so it is sp2-hybridized and planar Why missed? Attached to 3 things, so is sp2-hybridized. Tetrahedral has no lone pairs! So it must be planar because it has lone pairs! Did not remember what makes something planar vs. tetrahedral. CONTENT CLARIFICATION!

A student attempts to calculate a drug's rate of metabolism. Every 15 minutes, she draws 50 mL of blood, dilutes it to 500mL, performs a redox titration for the drug, and interpolates the patient's blood concentration from the curve. The experimental design would NOT be flawed if the student failed to account for the: A. removal of a certain volume of the patient's blood B. the fact that the drug may have multiple metabolites C. the fact that the patient may be excreting the drug D. natural changes in the patient's blood volume (Chem/Phys, Question #52)

B. the fact that the drug may have multiple metabolites Measurement is for the amount of the drug itself, NOT its metabolites -- so (B) would NOT affect results -- is correct. Changes in blood volume ((A) and (D)) would change the concentration of the blood -- so would affect experimental design. If patient excretes the drug (C) the concentration of the drug in the blood would be lower -- so also would affect experiment. Why missed? Didn't think of the question in terms of what would affect the concentration of the drug in the blood. REPHRASING!

A subject waiting to be tested observes others leaving the testing room with expressions of confusion. The subject then concludes that the test is going to be challenging. The subject is: A. using retrieval clues B. using a heuristic C. exhibiting a self-fulfilling prophecy D. showing belief perseverance (Psych/Soc, Question #49)

B. using a heuristic The student is using a mental shortcut to make a judgement -- this is an example of heuristic. retrieval clues require the recall of a previous memory -- NOT applicable here self-fulfilling prophecy would require more information belief perseverance is the result of making a decision and keeping it even against evidence that it is incorrect. Why missed? Was not clear on the definitions. CONTENT!

When the bell is lowered into seawater to a depth of 8 meters, L becomes 1 meter and the volume of air inside the bell is reduced by 45%. At this depth, what is the pressure of the air trapped inside the bell? A. 1.00 atm B. 1.46 atm C. 1.82 atm D. 2.00 atm (Chem/Phys, Question #55)

C. 1.82 atm Boyle's Law states: PV = constant for gases If we treat O2 as an ideal gas, then the new volume is 55% of the original volume (b/c volume was reduced by 45%). Initial pressure is 1 atm. We can calculate: X atm (new pressure) = 1 atm (initial pressure) / 0.55 (factor) = 1.818 atm Why missed? Didn't remember Boyle's Law / to apply it. CONTENT!

A scientist has a strain of E. coli with a defective DNA polymerase III E subunit. Assuming the E. coli is 5x10^6 base pairs long, what is the mutation rate for the mutant strain relative to wild-type E. coli? A. 100,000 times lower B. 100 times lower C. 100 times higher D. 100,000 times higher (Bio/Biochem, Question #38)

C. 100 times higher According to the passage, the E subunit is required for proofreading -- so in absence of E subunit DNA polymerase will NOT be able to correct errors. Passage states that proofreading corrects 99% of errors -- errors are reduced to 1 of every 100 mutations. SO -- mutation rate in the mutant strain should be 100 times higher, if the E subunit is defective. Why missed? Read it backwards -- the DNA polymerase was defective! So the mutation rate would be higher by the amount described in the passage. READING!

An 80 kg patient needs a 20 ug/kg initial loading dose of fentanyl followed by a 5 ug/kg/hr constant-rate infusion. This durg is available in 10mL ampoules at a strength of 50 ug/mL. How many ampoules will the patient require in the first 24 hours? A. 20 ampoules B. 21 ampoules C. 23 ampoules D. 24 ampoules (Chem/Phys, Question #50)

C. 23 ampoules Must calculate. Total ug patient requires in 24 hour period is the initial loading dose + the constant-rate infusion. Initial loading dose = 80kg x 20ug/kg = 1600ug Constant-rate infusion = 80kg x 5ug/kg/hr x 24 hr) = 9600ug Total ug needed = 1600ug + 9600ug = 11200ug = 11.2 x 10^3 ug Next...find amount of drug per ampoule... 50ug/mL x 10mL = 500ug = 5 x 10^2 ug per ampoule Now find how many ampoules we need... (11.2 x 10^3 ug) (5 x 10^2 ug/ampoule) = 22.4 Round up to 23 ampoules b/c need to make sure patient gets enough medication Why missed? Didn't do calculation all the way / correctly. CALCULATION!

Pyruvic acid is a weak acid. Which of the following is a likely pH for an aqueous solution of sodium pyruvate? A. 1.0 B. 6.0 C. 8.0 D. 14.0 (Chem/Phys, Question #57)

C. 8.0 Pyruvic acid is a weak acid. The salt of a weak acid will hydrolyze in aqueous solution according to the following generalized equilibrium expression: A- + H2O <--> HA + OH- Since hydroxide ion, OH-, is formed then the solution acquires a basic pH. Why missed? Didn't read question carefully enough! Was thinking in terms of what the pH of pyruvic acid would be, and was thinking weak acid. BUT question asked for the pH of an aqueous solution of sodium pyruvate in which it would dissociate to yield OH- ions and create a basic pH. READING!

Which of the following LEAST reflects a meritocratic system? A. The boss of a large company compares sales statistics for his salespeople to determine who should be promoted to a vacant management position B. A father excuses one of his children from chores every week based upon their behavior over the week C. A king selects his successor from amongst his sons based on their relative aptitude for the position D. Of the 14 applicants for an office position, the applicant with the most relevant experience was hired (Psych/Soc, Question #32)

C. A king selects his successor from amongst his sons based on their relative aptitude for the position A meritocratic system is one wherein performance and aptitude determine a person's ability to advance or succeed. Important to note in the question stem -- it is asking for something which fails to illustrate a meritocratic SYSTEM rather than a meritocratic decision. In (C) although the king bases his decision on his son's aptitude (so it is a meritocratic decision) he is choosing his successor only from amongst his songs -- this is a reflection of a plutocracy or asitocracy rather than meritocracy. Why missed? Didn't know the definition of meritocratic system. CONTENT! Also didn't pay attention closely enough to wording in the question stem (system not decision). READING!

A biologist wants to conduct a prevalence study of uric acid urolithiasis in Americans. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following would be the most appropriate locations to collect data? A. A retirement home where incidence of disease is higher B. A health club where individuals often eat high-protein diets C. A subway used by a large population to commute to work D. A popular fruit market during citrus harvest season (Chem/Phys, Question #28)

C. A subway used by a large population to commute to work Biologist is interested in studying a prevalence in Americans, so needs a representative group. Group can NOT be abnormally high or abnormally low risk individuals. Why missed? Did not think of this question in terms of methodology -- needed to think what would make the most unbiased / representative group to study. APPLICATION!

Myasthenia gravis is a severe autoimmune disease. Antibodies against the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junction are produced, triggering endocytosis of the receptors. Based on this information, which of the following processes would be directly impaired in a patient with myasthenia gravis? A. Sarcolemma shortening during muscle contraction B. Calcium release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum C. Action potential conduction across the sarcolemma D. Acetylcholine synthesis (Bio/Biochem, Question #15)

C. Action potential conduction across the sarcolemma At the neuromuscular junction, postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors mediate the transmission of the signal from the nerve to the muscle fibre. Without acetylcholine receptors, depolarization would not occur. If depolarization did not occur, then action potential could not occur. Why missed? Needed to rephrase the question -- what can't happen if postsynaptic receptors are gone? If asked this -- then predict that the signal won't be passed along -- then match to (C). REPHRASING!

Two patients report to the same hospital at roughly the same time with very similar non-emergency conditions. Patient 1, a 45 year-old female, receives an unjustifiably higher quality of healthcare than Patient 2, a 73 year-old male. Which of the following is LEAST likely to help explain the difference in quality of treatment received by the two patients? A. Patient 2, and not Patient 1, is noticeably overweight B. Patient 2 is homosexual while Patient 1 is heterosexual C. Patient 2 is male, while Patient 1 is female D. Patient 1's first language is English while Patient 2's is not (Psych/Soc, Question #19)

C. Patient 2 is male, while Patient 1 is female (A) is incorrect -- discrimination against overweight / obese individuals is commonplace in modern healthcare. (B) is incorrect -- discrimination / decreased access to healthcare among LGBTQ+ community is common in modern healthcare. (D) is incorrect -- language differences are a major barrier to effective diagnosis/treatment of medical conditions in US (C) is CORRECT -- although sexism is common from of discrimination, it is more likely to negatively impact female patients. In this scenario it negatively effects male patient -- so will be LEAST likely. Why missed? Didn't consider the reversal of genders for the sexual discrimination answer choice. Viewed question as what physically can you judge on, but this was too deep of an analysis. Just needed to think about discrimination in healthcare. REASONING! READING!

A teenager who, until recently, has always behaved as his parents wished, begins experimenting with manners of dress and self-expression that rebel against the norms established by his parents. According to Erikson, which of the following is this teen attempting to avoid at this stage of his life? A. Lack of autonomy B. Physiological revolution C. Role confusion D. Inferiority (Psych/Soc, Question #43)

C. Role confusion As an adolescent, the main Eriksonian conflict experienced by this individual is idnetity vs. role confusion. The teen is attempting to create an identity for himself that is separate from his parents. (A) is INCORRECT b/c according to Erikson, autonomy is central to the conflict having to do with exertion of control that occurs at 1-3 years of age. Why missed? Needed to pay attention to the age of the situation -- the person in question is a teen and in Eriksonian conflict, identity vs. role confusion occurs during the teen / adolescent years. REASONING! READING! CONTENT CLARITY!

Which of the following tissues shares the same embryonic origin as the organ described in the passage? A. The lens of the eye B. Mammary glands C. Scapula D. Lungs (Bio/Biochem, Question #21)

C. Scapula Lens of eye = ectoderm Mammary glands = ectoderm Lungs = endoderm Scapula = mesoderm Embryonic heart = mesoderm Why missed? Did not know different embryonic origins well enough. CONTENT CLARITY!

Which division of the nervous system is more active when an individual experiences hunger? A. The sympathetic division; it is responsible for initiating digestion B. The parasympathetic division; it is responsible for initiating digestion C. The sympathetic division; it is responsible for responding to stressors such as hunger D. The parasympathetic division; it is responsible for responding to stressors such as hunger (Psych/Soc, Question #3)

C. The sympathetic division; it is responsible for responding to stressors such as hunger Parasympathetic nervous system = "rest and digest" system -- so it is ative in times when resting body/digesting food are valued. In hunger states, body needs to be neither resting nor digesting. Sympathetic nervous system would be responsible for inspiring the person into action to relieve the stress of hunger. Why missed? Selected an answer that was true, but irrelevant / did not answer the question. FAULTY USE OF DETAIL ANSWER CHOICE! Need to read question more carefully. READING! REASONING!

Cognitive confidence as presented in the passage would best be described as: A. a genetic temperament B. a regulatory trait C. an adaptive trait D. a motor development (Psych/Soc, Question #50)

C. an adaptive trait Passage describes cognitive confidence as a behavioral trait that may or may not be constructive in other situations, but when applied during tests resulted in a positive impact. This explanation aligns with (C). Others are incorrect b/c... - (A) would be inherited -- not described in this scenario, so incorrect. - (B) would imply a genetic or environmental regulation -- which is not implied in passage, so incorrect - (D) implies a physical cause -- not applied in passage, so incorrect Why missed? Did not know definitions of answer choices. CONTENT!

Researchers isolated a polypeptide from the brains of goldfish trained to avoid darkness. This goldfish scotophobin was 15 amino acids long and differed from rat scotophobin by one amino acid. The gene for goldfish scotophobin must differ from that of rat scotophobin by: A. one amino acid B. three codons C. at least one nucleotide D. at least three nucleotides (Bio/Biochem, Question #54)

C. at least one nucleotide A codon = 3 nucleotides that code for a single amino acid. At least one nucleotide must be changed to code for a different AA. Why missed? Mixed up the definition for codon. A codon codes for one AA and consists of 3 nucleotides. CONTENT CLARITY!

A biochemist tags centrosome proteins with the fluorescent molecule FITC, and observes a mitotic cell with a confocal microscope. During late prophase, she will observe that the fluorescence is: A. randomly distributed throughout the entire cell B. concentrated in the center of the cell C. concentrated at the edges of the cell D. gradually migrating toward the center of the cell (Bio/Biochem, Question #16)

C. concentrated at the edges of the cell During prophase, centrosomes migrate to opposite poles of the cell. Why missed? Mixed up centrosome with centromere. Centrosome is at the opposite ends of the cell where the microtubules come out of! Centromere is what keeps chromosomes together. CONTENT CLARITY!

The advantage of using a thermostable DNA polymerase in the PCR amplification is that: A. heat-labile DNA polymerases are unable to synthesize DNA at the annealing temperature B. heat-labile DNA polymerases are not as efficient at DNA synthesis as thermostable polymerases C. heat-labile DNA polymerases do not remain active throughout the temperature cycles D. heat-labile DNA polymerases have a higher error rate than thermostable polymerases (Bio/Biochem, Question #49)

C. heat-labile DNA polymerases do not remain active throughout the temperature cycles A heat-sensitive DNA polymerase would simply denature in too high of temperatures, and thus be inactive -- so (C) is correct. Why missed? Didn't consider wording carefully enough. READING! REASONING!

A psychiatrist appraises the behavior of the individuals in the study as being based upon their own choices rather than being attributable to prescribed orders or social inevitability. The psychiatrist's appraisal leverages the: A. behaviorist perspective B. trait perspective C. humanistic perspective D. social cognitive perspective (Psych/Soc, Question #8)

C. humanistic perspective The psychiatrist's belief that the participants' choices result in their observed behavior reflects a belief in free will as the foremost determinant in behavior. This is the basis for the humanistic perspective. Why missed? Did not know the definitions of the terms clearly. CONTENT!

The brain region central to regulating mate-seeking behavior is the: A. pituitary gland B. thalamus C. hypothalamus D. corpus callosum (Psych/Soc, Question #27)

C. hypothalamus The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating the drive behaviors (the "Four F's") The drive behaviors (Four F's) = Fighting, Fleeing, Feeding, and Fornication Why missed? Did not know this piece of content. Needed to remember the "Four F's" mnemonic. CONTENT!

If a light ray strikes an interference fringe at a 35 degree angle with respect to the normal plane, the reflected angle with respect to the interference fringe will be: A. exactly 35 degrees B. smaller than 35 degrees C. larger than 35 degrees D. totally internally reflected (Chem/Phys, Question #1)

C. larger than 35 degrees I knew that law of reflection applied and thus the angle of reflection would equal the angle of incidence. BUT -- did not account for which angle was the 35° angle mentioned in the question stem. Needed the angle complementary to 35° (b/c needed angle with respect to the interference fringe, not with respect to the normal). Why missed? Careful reading -- need COMPLIMENTARY angle to 35! DETAIL IN QUESTION STEM!

Acid drainage forms when sulfide minerals in rock or soil are exposed to oxidizing conditions. Since aquatic life cannot survive in very low dissolved oxygen levels, acid drainage is of particular concern to environmentalists. At an atmospheric partial pressure of 0.21. atm, the solubility of oxygen (Kh = 1.3 x 10^-3 mol/L*atm) is closet to: A. 7.0 x 10^-4 mol/L B. 5.6 x 10^-4 mol/L C. 1.4 x 10^-4 mol/L D. 2.8 x 10^-4 mol/L (Chem/Phys, Question #47)

D. 2.8 x 10^-4 mol/L Solubility of gas in a liquid is proportional to its partial pressure -- according to Henry's Law. The Henry's Law constant is given in the question stem (1.3 x 10^-3 mol/L*atm). (1.3 x 10^-3 mol/L*atm) x (0.21 atm) = 2.7 x 10^-4 mol/L Why missed? Did not know Henry's Law (the relationship between solubility/concentration, partial pressure, and Henry's Law constant. CONTENT!

A student carries out the experimental procedure described in Paragraph 2. If he notices an IR peak at 2250 cm-1 but no peaks around 3300cm-1, it is most likely that the student neglected to add: A. hydrogen gas B. palladium C. hydrogen cyanide D. D-glyceraldehyde (Chem/Phys, Question #9)

D. D-glyceraldehyde If student has no OH peak, but does have a peak at 2250 cm-1 (indicating presence of a nitrile like the one in unreacted hydrogen cyanide) -- then student must have forgot to add the reactant including the OH group -- D-glyceraldehyde. Why missed? Didn't go through and strategically think of what each one would contribute to the reaction. Should have gone through and asked -- if this was missing, would I obtain my OH group or not? STRATEGY!

How would addition of potassium citrate to a saturated calcium hydroxide solution affect the pH of that solution? A. The pH would be unchanged because potassium citrate is pH neutral B. Formation of calcium hydroxide would be favored and the pH would decrease C. The pH would be unchanged because potassium citrate would precipitate D. Dissociation of calcium hydroxide would be favored and the pH would increase (Chem/Phys, Question #27)

D. Dissociation of calcium hydroxide would be favored and the pH would increase Calcium hydroxide exists in solution according to equilibrium: Ca(OH)2 --> Ca2++ 2OH- Need to think of the equilibrium related to the balanced equation. NOT think of it as a matter of acids/bases. When adding potassium citrate to the solution, citrate binds free calcium ions (as explained in passage) -- if it binds free calcium ions, Ca2+ would be 'removed' from the product side. This would push the reaction to the product side/toward the right. If equilibrium is shifted right, there would be more dissociation of calcium hydroxide and thus more hydroxide ions being produced. A higher concentration of [OH-] = more alkaline = higher pH. Why missed? Was thinking of the problem in terms of adding more acid would make it more acidic, but this is not the right way of thinking about the problem. Needed to think in terms of Le Chatelier's principle and the equilibrium of the reaction. APPLICATION!

A team leader tasked with making a difficult decision presents arguments to her group both for and against a course of action in an effort to induce bi-polarization. This action would most help to quell which of the following within the group? A. Deindividuation B. Social loafing C. Identity shift D. Groupthink (Psych/Soc, Question #34)

D. Groupthink Team leader is attempting to induce bi-polarization to avoid the group making a unanimous decision on a single, extreme course of action. The leader is worried the group will rally around an incorrect decision. This all matches groupthink. Why missed? Issue in rephrasing. Should have asked the question -- what is the leader trying to avoid by inducing bi-polarization? Then could see that bi-polarization would only avoid groupthink because it would separate the polarization so as not to have one unanimous, extreme decision. REPHRASING!

Molecules required for fatty acid biosynthesis include: I. acetyl coenzyme A II. malonyl coenzyme A III. NADPH A. I only B. II only C. I and II only D. I, II, and III (Bio/Biochem, Question #46)

D. I, II, and III Acetyl-CoA initiates fatty acid anabolism. Malonyl-CoA is added to acetate unit Product is reduced by NADPH and water is lost. Why missed? Did not know process of fatty acid synthesis. CONTENT!

An individual born into an impoverished family fails to find employment and becomes homeless after his parents pass. Which of the following may have been a contributing factor in this individual's plight? I. The individual was disadvantaged by an inherited culture of powerlessness, isolation, and apathy II. This individual grew up feeling alienated from society, leading to barriers in achieving self-help and independence III. Pollution from local factories lead to health problems that impaired the individual's ability to maintain work A. I B. I and II C. II and III D. I, II, and III (Psych/Soc, Question #57)

D. I, II, and III Option (I) is an indirect statement of the phenomenon called social reproduction. Social reproduction = when social inequalities are passed down from one generation to the next. Option (II) is an indirect statemtn of social exclusion. Social exclusion = where the inheritied or developed sense of powerlessness breeds issues of self-repsct, independence, and self-help. Option (III) is an example of spatial inequality. All options could be contributing factors to the man's situation. Why missed? Did not think broadly enough of about which would affect the situation. REASONING!

Organogenesis consumes a large amount of ATP. Generating this ATP requires: A. gene products from maternal DNA only B. gene products from paternal DNA only C. an equal contribution of gene products from maternal and paternal DNA D. an unequal contribution of gene products from maternal and paternal DNA (Bio/Biochem, Question #22)

D. an unequal contribution of gene products from maternal and paternal DNA Mitochondria are the source of most of the ATP in the cell -- these come from mother. ATP production also requires chromosomal controls -- the mitochondria use some of the gene products of chromosomal DNA. Chromosomal DNA comes from both mother and father equally. So overall -- some from chromosomal DNA, and most from mitochondria. Why missed? Did not consider the chromosomal DNA -- only thought of this question in terms of mitochondrial DNA -- but "gene products". UNDERSTANDING! REASONING!

Which of the following best exemplifies a functionalist view of the Fairness/Cheating foundation? A. It maintains social order by providing a foundation for believing that those in power are so because they deserve to be B. The exact definition of what is fair varies geographically from culture to culture C. The exact definition of what is fair changes over time as cultures and individuals alter their attitudes D. It helps to reduce conflict between individuals and promote cooperation which encourages group cohesiveness (Psych/Soc, Question #53)

D. It helps to reduce conflict between individuals and promote cooperation which encourages group cohesiveness Functionalist perspective examines the roles that social structures play in promoting solidarity within a society. (D) is best answer b/c it states that fairness promotes cooperation between individuals. Although it mentions conflict, it is NOT an example of the conflict theorist perspective b/c that perspective states that social structures help to keep those at the top of the social hierarchy in power. Others incorrect b/c... - (A) represents conflict theorist perspective - (B) represents symbolic interactionism - (C) represents social construction Why missed? Did not know definitions well enough. CONTENT!

The subcategories of MFT are examples of which of the following? A. Social institutions B. Societal rituals C. Material culture D. Symbolic culture (Psych/Soc, Question #56)

D. Symbolic culture Symbolic culture are aspects of social interaction that exist as a set of non-physical beliefs and ideas. Why missed? Did not know definitions well enough. CONTENT!

Which of the following scenarios would be most likely to engender social loafing? A. Each member of a group is given a strictly defined role which has little to no overlap with others. B. Each member of a group is compensated on the basis of how much work the group as a whole accomplishes. C. The group is given a task that would require each member to excel in order to be completed. D. The group is given a task that has each member doing work that will be anonymously aggregated. (Psych/Soc, Question #31)

D. The group is given a task that has each member doing work that will be anonymously aggregated. Social loafing results when members of the group do not work as much as they would have in an individual setting, due to seeing their contribution as insignificant or due to reliance upon others. (A), (B), and (C) all establish either personal responsibility for one's own contribution OR clear incentive for an individual to perform to a high standard. Because of this -- they are all incorrect. (D) does not incentivize the individual to maximize their potential, nor does it hold individual accountable for their own work. Because of this, (D) would engender social loafing. Why missed? Answer choice I selected was missing the anonymity aspect and included incentive which does NOT engender social loafing. CONTENT CLARITY!

A man on earth weighing 200 pounds floats with 1/10th of his body above water. This man would NOT float on a planet whose gravitational pull is: A. 1/10g B. 2g C. 10g D. The man would always float (Chem/Phys, Question #14)

D. The man would always float In order to float, buoyant force must equal the magnitude of the gravitational force (Fb = Fg) Plugging in equations... pgv = mg g cancels on both sides of the equation, so we see that the man will ALWAYS float! Why missed? Didn't understand the relationship between gravity and buoyant force. I knew the equation, but didn't set it equal to mg. APPLICATION!

The researchers examined the results regarding purple flowers and long pollen grains shown in Table 1. What could they reasonably infer about recombinant frequency o those two alleles, and what technique should they use to more precisely quantify the frequency? A. The recombinant frequency is greater than 50%, so a test cross should be performed B. The recombinant frequency is less than 50%, so a Western blot should be performed C. The recombinant frequency is greater than 50%, so a Western blot should be performed D. The recombinant frequency is less than 50%, so a test cross should be performed (Bio/Biochem, Question #8)

D. The recombinant frequency is less than 50%, so a test cross should be performed Data in table shows that the expected 9:3:3:1 outcome pattern is NOT found in the cross -- this means that genes are NOT independent. Any genes that are not independent must have a recombinant frequency less than 50%. Also -- to quantify recombinant frequency w/ more precision, a test cross (w/ homozygous recessive individuals) should be performed. NOT western blot -- western blot detects specific amino acid sequences in proteins. Why missed? Did not know the percentage proportion of recombinant frequency in dependent genes. CONTENT!

Which of the following best explains why DNA Polymerase I does not catalyze a reaction with DNA similar to its reaction with RNA? A. The phosphate that water A interacts with doesn't have as many oxygen atoms in DNA as it does in RNA B. The 3' oxygen in RNA that attacks Water B is missing DNA C. DNA has bulkier nitrogenous bases than RNA, so DNA Polymerase I cannot access the 3'-O-P bond D. Water B cannot occupy that position relative to DNA because of a lack of hydrogen bonding (Bio/Biochem, Question #36)

D. Water B cannot occupy that position relative to DNA because of a lack of hydrogen bonding Water B forms a hydrogen bond with the 2' hydroxyl group on the ribose ring of RNA. Deoxyribose (the sugar in DNA) does not have the 2'hydroxyl group -- only has a hydrogen atom bonded to C-2 -- so the enzyme/DNA complex would be destabilized which would prevent the enzyme from lysing the 3'-O-P bond. Why missed? Needed to rephrase -- what is different about DNA and RNA? Ribose in RNA vs. deoxyribose in DNA -- this would then be applicable to the answer choices leading to (D). REPHRASING!

Which of the following findings, if true, would best reinforce the hypothesis? A. After giving a similar low reading group explicit instructions on the word task, their average test score was above that of the high reading group in the study B. A similar low reading group performed nearly the same as a high reading group on a test that did rely upon the definitions of the featured vocabulary C. A similar high reading group scored nearly the same as the low reading group when given a test without examples D. When a similar high reading group was given a similar word test using unfamiliar scientific scores, their average score was approximately 12 (Psych/Soc, Question #48)

D. When a similar high reading group was given a similar word test using unfamiliar scientific scores, their average score was approximately 12 Correct answer would demonstrate that the confidence level with the material influences performance, even when material doesn't actually apply to the task. (D) provides most relevant support b/c the high reading group's performance approaches the low reading group's performance when the words are not known. Why missed? Wasn't clear on the hypothesis and what would be supportive of it. READING! UNDERSTANDING!

Suppose that a participant's "analytical" app reports that they are over-consuming social media and that this behavior is negatively affecting their health. Which of the following participant responses is most consistent with cognitive dissonance theory? The participant: A. compares their report to those of others in the study B. uninstalls the analytical app and withdraws from the study C. ignores the report and continues with the same level of social media consumption D. claims that social media has improved their health because they follow health-oriented social media influencers (Psych/Soc, Question #12)

D. claims that social media has improved their health because they follow health-oriented social media influencers Cognitive dissonance refers to the uncomfortable mental state that results when an individual simultaneously holds two or more conflicting attitudes or opinions. Individuals experiencing cognitive dissonance are motivated to reduce this internal conflict by changing their attitudes or beliefs which can include finding an explanation that justifies the behavior. Major feature of cognitive dissonance theory is that the person adjusts their internal thought process or behavior. Why missed? Missed a key part of cognitive dissonance definition -- that the person adjusts thought process / behavior to reduce internal conflict. CONTENT CLARITY!

The passage states that individuals were told to "arrive with an appetite" (Paragraph 2). The lack of specificity in these instructions is likely to lead to: A. the fundamental attribution error B. numerical error C. type 1 error D. systematic error (Psych/Soc, Question #5)

D. systematic error Failing to provide clear / detailed instructions which would ensure that all participants begin the experiment w/ comparable levels of hunger is a systematic error -- one which could and should otherwie be controlled. Why missed? Was thinking too specifically about appplying types of error to the question. Should have instead asked, what could fix this error and how would that align with the type of error it is? Random error would be solved from increasing the sample size -- but that wouldn't apply here. Systematic error would be solved by addressing the root of the error (here it's not specifying condition of appetite) -- DOES apply here. REPHRASING! REASONING!

The author claims but offers no supporting evidence for each of the following assertions EXCEPT: (CARS, Question #23)

Detail / Support / EXCEPT Why missed? Needed to eliminate anything that did not have support -- then select the one that did have support. MISSING PROOF!

Suppose that leaked information typically comes to journalists anonymously, since the government officials doing the leaking fear reprisal. What relevance does this have to the passage? (CARS, Question #40)

Function Why missed? Rephrase! Needed to think of each answer choice in terms of anonymity -- how would this affect author's argument? Anonymity only has affect on one of the claims -- less about the strengthen/support/weaken/disprove part of the answer, but more about how the claim relates to anonymity. STRATEGY! REPHRASING!

Based on the information in the passage, with which of the following statements would the author most likely agree? (CARS, Question #36)

Inference Why missed? Needed to find the author's opinion / main ideas from the passage -- then match a question to that. Tough b/c requires inference, not explicit evidence, but can be gained from passage with broader outlook. UNDERSTANDING! REPHRASING!

The main idea of the passage can best be characterized as: (CARS, Question #19)

Main Idea Why missed? Selected a faulty use of detail answer -- something mentioned in beginning of passage, but not mentioned much again. Need something that is common throughout the entire passage. MISSING PROOF!

The author claims that press exposés of the private thoughts of foreign officials do NOT result in US leaders having a better grasp of foreign affairs because: (CARS, Question #37)

NOT // Detail // Inference Why missed? Needed to infer information from the passage -- did not select correct area of passage -- selected irrelevant answer choice. UNDERSTANDING!

Suppose that in order to demonstrate the legitimacy of his work, a faith healer compiles a book of interviews with people who swear that he has cured them just by blessing them. The author would most likely respond by asserting that: (CARS, Question #25)

Reasoning Beyond the Text Why missed? Chose an answer w/ irrelevant detail never mentioned in the passage. Needed to find the analogous / relevant situation described in passage to support answer. MISSING PROOF!

Based on the passage, which of the following could one most reasonably expect of a country that is attempting to expand its sphere of influence? (CARS, Question #11)

Reasoning Beyond the Text Why missed? Need to find similar scenarios mentioned in the passage to support the answer. I based the answer on judgment of what sounded best, not from actual support from the passage. MISSING PROOF! REASONING!

It can reasonably be concluded from the passage that one similarity between popular and classical music is that both: (CARS, Question #42)

Reasoning Beyond the Text Why missed? Needed to find a statement within the passage that related to something general about music or a statement about popular music in relation to other types of music. Didn't find that piece in the passage. MISSING PROOF!

Which of the following, if true, would most undermine the author's explanation for the decline of American business? A. Overspending on ineffective advertising campaigns has led to the collapse of one of the most prominent US businesses. B. The management of US corporations in the late twentieth century slashed wages despite continued productivity gains. C. European governments tend to place similar restrictions on the operations of business than does the US government. D. The majority of US corporations that have gone bankrupt since 1960 were involved in the manufacture of low-technology products. (CARS, Question #6)

Strengthen/Weaken Why missed? Correct answer was an opposite answer (which made it undermine the author's opinion) -- needed to rephrase and ask: What was the author's reason for decline of American business? This reason was then (from the passage) that there was too much involvement/investment in high-tech products -- so (D) is the opposite answer to that and thus weakens author's argument.

Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the author's assertion that "the compassion craze has swept up biography"? (CARS, Question #14)

Strengthen/Weaken Why missed? Missed the relevant piece of information from the passage. Needed to look for what supports the assertion -- then pick the opposite of that. INFERENCE!