EXTRA MCQ
According to the third sentence of paragraph 2, Stephanie Nolen's primary criticism of book clubs is that they A are too programmed B do not offer enough variety C cause readers to be anxious D overlook many classics E forego quality for quantity
A
In the context of the sentence in which it occurs, the phrase "consistently with his dignity" (near the end of paragraph 1) points out A the conflict between decorum and thoroughness for the historian B the loss of esteem suffered by the historian C the social gulf between historians and biographers D the expertise that the historian brings to a work E public disdain for undignified narrative
A
The last paragraph marks a shift from A popular to academic contexts B supported to unsound generalizations C impersonal to personal examples D subtle irony to explicit sarcasm E neutral to negative characterization of book clubs
A
The writer is considering deleting sentence 8 (reproduced below). This anomaly signified that the woman must have engaged in a long-term strenuous activity involving the right side of her body. Should the writer keep or delete this sentence? A Keep it, because it establishes a cause-effect relationship that is elaborated on in the sentences that follow. B Keep it, because it defines a term that helps the audience contextualize the passage's main claim. C Delete it, because the word "anomaly" is not consistent with the information provided in the preceding sentence. D Delete it, because it conflicts with the tone that the writer has established throughout the passage. E Delete it, because it contradicts the claims that are made in the passage's final paragraph.
A
Lines 51-79 ("We see . . . good thing") primarily examine how A people tend to make exhausting treks from party to party B the exchanges at parties are usually superficial C interesting people rarely attend parties D awkward behavior can ruin even the best parties E the topics at a party typically address current events
B
The writer wants to make sure that sentence 12 (reproduced below) presents relevant support that comes from a reliable source. As we communicate more using our computers and phones, we are likely to see more emojis, though the list of fun facts on guesstheemoji.org reminds us that emojis are not the same as emoticons. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 12 best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B as well as increased use of other pictographic forms of communication, like GIFs or audiovisuals, as Adam Brown of Deakin University has noted C and self-styled "emojis specialist" Lilith Bathory has published a chart explaining the meaning of each face emoji D though an article on 3U.com notes that "there are 12 emojis which are easy to misunderstand," including the waitress emoji, which is mistaken for someone making a "whatever" gesture E and there is even a wiki site that allows users to submit examples of fun phrases using various emojis, like putting a smiley face to the right of the bed emoji to represent waking up on the right side of the bed
B
Which of the following questions does the author attempt to answer in this passage? A Why do people decide to host parties? B Why do people attend parties? C What makes a party memorable? D What do people learn at parties? E How much money is spent on parties?
B
At the end of the third sentence, "their fate" refers to the fate of A readers B literary critics C historical figures D fictional characters E victims of misfortune
C
The function of the second sentence of paragraph 3 ("Yet despite . . . abstractions") is to A argue for the value of a particular literary theory B explain how important it is not to make abstract judgments C point out a discrepancy between teaching practices and literary theory D highlight the demand for a way to measure emotional responses to texts E explore the author's views about reading in isolation
C
In context, the author places the term "book club" in quotation marks (twice in the first paragraph) in order to A show that these are humorous examples B highlight how formal some of these clubs are C reveal that the book clubs that appear online or on television are unsatisfactory D suggest that the term is being broadened beyond its original meaning E imply that many book club members do not like the term
D
In the context of the entire passage, the word "anecdote" (first sentence) is best understood to mean A an unreliable secondhand account B an official government document C a narrative in the style of a morality play D an informal story involving personal details E a timeless legend
D
In the context of the passage, the reason that few who read history "derive any advantage from their labors" (second sentence) is that A the common reader is unable to appreciate what he or she reads B the historian's preoccupation with facts makes for dull reading C the focus of history on the distant past is too remote for most readers D the historian tends to present historical figures unrealistically E most historical accounts tend to moralize
D
The author suggests that the preference of many readers for "secret memoirs and private anecdotes" (fourth sentence) is A a reprehensible reaction in terms of its consequences B a grudging response to heroic lives C an unfortunate lapse in propriety D a justifiable form of curiosity E a natural result of a love of fiction
D
Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 13 (reproduced below) best maintains the credibility of both the writer and the finding being discussed for an audience of scientists? Analyzing her movements as she worked on large vases and listening to her detail the physical toll of the work, the team was convinced that the ancient Eleuthernan woman whose skeleton it was studying must have been a potter, a guess later confirmed by medical imaging and further anatomical modeling. A (as it is now) B sneaking suspicion C random notion D hypothesis E hunch
D
The author portrays the critics mentioned in the first sentence as people who are likely to A identify with the public at large B become the subjects of biography C be profoundly philosophical D keep diaries themselves E prefer formal history
E
The author's strategy in the first two sentences is to A flatter those who would criticize popular opinions B incite readers to act in a manner inconsistent with their beliefs C moralize about the injustices present in society D build a logical argument and support it with facts from history E promote an impression of sympathy with public preferences
E
The phrase "in their strange symbolism" (lines 39-40) illustrates the author's A strong disgust with social obligation B jaded appreciation of monetary wealth C mock annoyance with personality flaws D weary disbelief at social awkwardness E ironic view of human behavior
E
aken as a whole, the passage is best described as A an indignant response to a personal affront B a documented presentation of facts C a casual reaction to a problem D an extended definition of a term E an argument employing illustrative comparisons
E
In lines 48-50 ("Be that . . . dolled up too"), the author repeats an idiomatic phrase most likely to A point out the superficial quality of most conversations B draw attention to accepted social conventions C question whether it is worthwhile to follow fashion trends D suggest that people mask their true feelings in publi E show how people have preconceived ideas of others
B
In the final sentence, the author presents "the rounding of a period" and "the pointing an antithesis" as examples of A techniques ignored by most historians B flourishes that can obscure truth C inaccuracies that can slip into biographies D techniques that appeal to most readers E fine points that historical writers should employ
B
The "recent book-club guides" (end of paragraph 2) tend to emphasize A how book clubs need to be structured and regular in order to succeed B how difficult it is to start a book club in New York C how often even the best book clubs fail D the variety of reasons that people have for starting book clubs E the challenges of selecting books for discussion
A
The organization of the passage can best be described as A personal narrative followed by analysis B empirical data followed by conjecture C nonjudgmental explanation of a current phenomenon followed by a question D descriptive analysis followed by a final judgment E condemnation of a practice followed by partial acceptance
D
The writer wants sentence 10 (reproduced below) to be consistent with the predominant tone and style of the passage. Emojis were invented to minimize those misunderstandings, and as e-mails, text messages, and social media posts have become more and more common, the implementation of emojis has gone through the roof. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 10 best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B utilization of emojis has skyrocketed C use of emojis has gone way, way up D usage of emojis has truly mushroomed E use of emojis has soared
E
The author mentions St. Paul's "admonition" (lines 23-24) in order to A argue that people instinctively partake in social interactions B explain why the church encouraged public gatherings C show that people will sacrifice enjoyment when necessary D highlight the ways people have changed over the years E question the importance of organized religion in the modern age
A
The author uses the phrase "highly ornamented narrative" (middle of paragraph 2) to refer to the type of writing that is A preferred by most readers B produced by biographers skilled at writing C found in secret journals D presented most realistically E rejected by historians
B
The final sentence of the passage serves to A conclude an argument begun in the first paragraph B suggest a probable cause for an ongoing phenomenon C argue that publishers need to pay more attention to book clubs D offer a final analysis of the phenomenon described in the second paragraph E explain why the author has chosen a particular field of study
B
The first paragraph serves to A explain why the author enjoys one way of reading B describe the extension of a particular activity into nontraditional areas C make generalizations that will be developed later D explore ways in which people can structure free time E detail the power of media and mass marketing to censor
B
Of the following contrasts, which pertains most directly to the theme of the passage? A "sublime" (third sentence) and "diabolical" (third sentence) motives B "antient" (fourth sentence) and "modern" (fourth sentence) histories C "their appearance in public" (fifth sentence) and "their real characters" (fifth sentence) D "great" (seventh sentence) and "insignificant" (seventh sentence) persons E "virtue" (seventh sentence) and "vice" (seventh sentence)
C
The writer is considering deleting the underlined portion of sentence 9 (reproduced below). Those cues (inflection and tone, body language, facial expressions, etc.) are not available in written communications, which can lead to misunderstandings. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined portion? A Keep it, because it develops the contrast the writer is creating between the ideas in this sentence and those in the previous one. B Keep it, because it creates a shift in tone that highlights the point the writer is making in the paragraph. C Keep it, because it offers information that may be helpful to the audience in understanding a potentially unfamiliar term. D Delete it, because it does not include appropriate citations to indicate where the writer got this information. E Delete it, because it interrupts the point the writer is trying to make by introducing details that are irrelevant.
C
Which statement best describes the relationship between the first and second paragraphs? A The first paragraph disparages those who oppose the pursuit of entertainment; the second illustrates the benefits of relaxing with others. B The first paragraph argues that people rely on their senses to appreciate most amusements; the second shows how they do so. C The first paragraph divides forms of entertainment into two broad categories; the second explores an example from the second category. D The first paragraph asks why some social activities are more popular than others; the second analyzes both types of events. E The first paragraph identifies the most entertaining aspects of social gatherings; the second considers how hosts can ruin these aspects.
C
The purpose of the sentence "A plain . . . narrative" (middle of paragraph 2) is to A propose a self-contradictory opinion for consideration B elaborate on a specific anecdote C shift the thematic focus considerably D develop a statement made in the previous sentence E create a stylistic effect through literary allusion
D
The short sentences in lines 50-51 ("Now we . . . has begun") highlight A the move from an objective review to a subjective opinion B an important idea about appropriate party attire C a leap in time to the distant future D the transition from preparation to participation E an imperative command for the reader to conform to social standards
D
The writer wants to place the argument of the passage in the context of linguistic debates about whether emojis function as a language. Which of the following sentences, if placed after sentence 1, would best accomplish this goal? A Writing in 2019, Ian Bogost, a professor of media studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, noted that "[a]s of last week, there are now 3,053 emoji, counting the 230 just approved for this year's cohort. . . . This is too many emoji." B Adam Brown, who studies media and language use at Deakin University, has suggested that it is possible "to learn a lot about a person from their preferred emojis." C In fact, in 2015 the Oxford English Dictionary chose as its Word of the Year the emoji known as Face with Tears of Joy. D Indeed, studies have indicated that young children may use strings of emojis in more or less the same way they use nonsense syllables when learning a spoken language, as a way of practicing what linguist Gretchen McCulloch calls "the rhythm of conversation." E Linguist Gretchen McCulloch has said of emojis: "They're trying to solve one of the big problems of writing online, which is that you have the words but you don't have the tone of voice."
D
Which of the following statements best describes the meaning of lines 14-19 ("But, besides . . . agreeable") ? A People have spent a long time developing social customs for enjoying communal gatherings. B People subject their friends and relatives to forms of entertainment that are typically more boring than exciting. C People abandon childhood pleasures in favor of more sophisticated entertainment once they grow older. D People pursue a number of interests deemed amusing based on social tradition rather than on actual delight. E People enjoy certain social events only after they have learned how to participate in these ceremonies.
D
The writer wants to add a phrase at the beginning of sentence 13 (reproduced below), adjusting the capitalization as needed, to create an effective transition from the idea in the first part of the previous sentence and to link back to the main point of the passage. They still play an important role in fostering clear and nuanced communication. Which of the following choices most effectively accomplishes this goal? A Because smartphones are now part of our lives, emojis will continue to develop, and B Whether or not emojis continue to grow in popularity at their current rate, C No matter how many people use emojis, D Nonetheless, linguistic experts studying emojis tend to agree that E And even though emojis will not become a language of their own,
E
In context, the phrase "half-finished sentences" (fifth sentence) can best be described as A an allusion to ineffective style B a reference to informal candor C an apology for incomplete histories D a symbol of the arrogance of great people E an ironic statement about fastidiousness
B
The writer wants to add commentary after sentence 10 that further explains the significance of the evidence presented in the sentence in relation to the paragraph's line of reasoning. Which of the following sentences, if inserted after sentence 10, best accomplishes this goal? A In fact, the women of ancient Athens were neither allowed to own property nor to enjoy the full rights of citizenship. B No activity typically associated with women would have taxed the body to the extent evidenced by the skeleton. C The type of skeletal models used by the archaeologists at Eleutherna are able to mimic human body movements. D Women in ancient Greece are also closely associated with religious practices, especially ritual care of the dead. E Archaeologists must also contend with the fact that no firsthand written documents are known to exist from the Greek Dark Ages.
B
What do lines 38-48 ("Therefore we . . . sensibilities") reveal about the author's view? A The contrast between "appropriate" and "primitive" captures her skepticism of social norms. B Use of the pronoun "we" indicates her agreement with widespread concerns. C The question "who knows?" signals bitter annoyance rising in her voice. D Repetition of the word "particular" emphasizes her uncompromising outlook. E The opposition between "very" and "mere" exemplifies her ambivalent perspective.
B
he author's attitude toward St. Paul's admonition (lines 23-26) is best described as A earnest B passionate C irreverent D conflicted E cautious
C
The writer is considering adding a direct quotation from a source to the final paragraph. Which of the following sentences, if added to the paragraph, would most effectively support an important element of the writer's thesis? A Forensic anthropologist Anagnostis Agelarakis describes the finding at Eleutherna with great enthusiasm: "It signifies that women . . . held craft specialization roles in antiquity, which I think is very important." B As forensic anthropologist Anagnostis Agelarakis notes, most people don't realize that "bone is a live organ." C Forensic anthropologist Anagnostis Agelarakis concedes that the finding represents only "a tiny bit in a bigger puzzle." D Journalist Cara Giaimo explains that the techniques the researchers used to study the skeletal remains were also "used to figure out how gladiators fought in ancient Ephesus." E Smithsonian writer Meilan Solly explains that "archaeologists previously unearthed the graves of four priestesses in the same Orthi Petra site [at Eleutherna]" where the skeleton was found.
A
Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 7 (reproduced below) best maintains the writer's predominant tone throughout the passage? Examining her remains, the archaeologists eyeballed something truly wacky: unlike the cartilage of other female specimens at the site, the cartilage on the upper right side of the skeleton's body and on the right-hip and knee joints was almost completely worn away. A (as it is now) B clued in on a weird thing C noticed a fascinating detail D saw something really out-there E laid their eyes on an enthralling phenomenon
C
he writer wants sentence 17 (reproduced below) to summarize key aspects of the passage's argument. The Eleutherna researchers, supplementing Greece's archaeological discoveries, acknowledge that they have more to learn. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 17 best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B excited by how this finding reinforces the other surprising discoveries at Eleutherna C aware of the various kinds of information our bodies contain about us D inspired by a contemporary craftswoman to rethink their preconceived ideas about women's labor in the ancient world E adding to our knowledge of a period of Greek history known as the Iron Age due to the importance of iron working during this time
D
The writer wants to improve the coherence of the first paragraph by adding a transitional sentence between sentences 2 and 3. Which of the following choices most effectively accomplishes this goal? A The European continent has a rich archaeological history. B With sufficient funding from universities or governments, many archaeologists and their students get to travel to sites around the world. C Actually, human prehistory— the long stretch of time before written records were kept—is also very important to the discipline. D Nonetheless, skeletal remains figure prominently among the artifacts archaeologists study. E However, insights from the present inform the discipline in many ways.
E
Which of the following types of evidence, if added to the third paragraph (sentences 11-13), would most effectively support the conclusion reached by the researchers? A Anecdotal evidence about how the researchers were able to establish cordial relationships with people living near Eleutherna B Personal observations by the researchers regarding how they were able to convince the female ceramicist to model for them C Expert opinion regarding the quality of the most important collections of large vases from ancient Greece D Statistics showing how many pottery makers live in the vicinity of Eleutherna and how many of them are women E Details about the mechanics of pottery making to show exactly how the craft would have caused the worn cartilage in the Eleutherna skeleton
E