lazinesss prompt
Which statement provides the best rhetorical analysis of the first sentence (lines 1-3) ? (A) The author betrays a sense of resentment by using the modification "even before." (B) The author adopts an authoritative stance on the topic by beginning with "There is." (C) The author defines the scope of his argument by referring to "all offers." (D) The author expresses his anger by selecting the confrontational verb "smacks." (E) The author suggests the difficulty of the topic by describing "something" in two contrasting ways.
B, The author adopts an authoritative stance on the topic by beginning with "There is."
At the end of the fourth paragraph (lines 42-56), the author acknowledges that people (A) are motivated by competition (B) can control their behavior (C) should learn to question others (D) need to spend some time alone (E) tend to act out in anger
B, can control their behavior
The author's writing in lines 5-14("At bottom . . . chance") is characterized by the use of (A) short sentences that accentuate key facts and opinions (B) series that broaden the scope of the discussion (C) adjectives used as nouns to criticize different groups (D) dashes to indicate hesitation (E) abstract language to obscure his point
B, series that broaden the scope of the discussion
In the third paragraph (lines 24-41), the author discusses Hippocrates' theory in order to (A) argue that environment has an immense influence on people (B) criticize the division of human nature into basic types (C) assess whether science or religion had a greater influence on early medicine (D) confirm that laziness leads to serious character flaws (E) establish the long-standing belief that habits of mind are innate
E, establish the long-standing belief that habits of mind are innate
The author assumes a self-important tone in lines 65-70 ("As a solid ... big answer") to (A) express indignation, so as to distance himself from the lazy (B) convey surprise, so as to emphasize the unexpected nature of his self-revelation (C) affect seriousness, so as to conceal his indifference to the topic (D) chastise his audience, so as to reinforce his authority (E) mock himself, so as to build credibility with his audience
E, mock himself, so as to build credibility with his audience
Which statement best describes the significance of the Beckett quotation in lines 62-65 ("There is ... to express") ? (A) Writing is inherently a paradoxical endeavor. (B) The best writers are their own harshest critics. (C) One is born with the ability to write creatively; the skill cannot be taught. (D) Writing is an ambition that few attempt to realize. (E) There is a time and a place to speak in earnest.
A, Writing is inherently a paradoxical endeavor.
Why does the author mention Bill Gates and Valentino in lines 50-53 ("sharing a bucket ... Valentino") ? (A) To state that memory is subject to change (B) To imagine what could be accomplished if one had multiple lives (C) To provide examples of casual and formal lifestyles (D) To assert that people do not have a definitive path in life (E) To compare the unique talents of two very different people
D, To assert that people do not have a definitive path in life
In the second paragraph (lines 15-23), the author primarily implies that laziness is a (A) factor contributing to failure but not the sole cause (B) common characteristic among intellectuals and artists (C) personal trait that people try to hide from one another (D) psychological problem that may be cured through therapy (E) coping strategy that requires time to perfect
A, factor contributing to failure but not the sole cause
In the fifth paragraph, the author suggests that "the truest answer" (line 75) (A) requires a level of philosophical awareness that defies human expression (B) is not worth providing if it cannot be revised from time to time (C) would take too long to articulate within a single lifetime (D) could not possibly describe the communal experience of all people (E) necessitates the type of intellectual discipline and rigor that few people possess
A, requires a level of philosophical awareness that defies human expression
In lines 3 and 4, the author uses the word "table" idiomatically to discuss (A) religious belief (B) cultural awareness (C) civic participation (D) financial obligation (E) legal responsibility
C, civic participation
Which statement best describes a major turning point in the passage? (A) In Paragraph 3 (lines 24-41), the author shifts from the negative to the positive aspects of laziness. (B) In Paragraph 4 (lines 42-56), the author begins addressing the psychological implications of laziness. (C) In Paragraph 4 (lines 42-56), the author starts speaking about laziness in the abstract. (D) In Paragraph 5 (lines 57-81), the author's objective analysis of laziness gives way to subjective experience. (E) In Paragraph5 (lines57-81), the author's criticism of laziness turns to justification.
D, In Paragraph 5 (lines 57-81), the author's objective analysis of laziness gives way to subjective experience.
In lines 12-14 ("Given ... chance"), the author's primary purpose is to (A) argue against the authority of the social contract (B) trivialize the difficulties of being lazy (C) discourage the reader's identification with lazy people (D) assert the power of the social contract (E) counsel the reader to be wary of lazy people
D, assert the power of the social contract
The author's tone in the statement "Laziness just is" (line 24) can best be described as (A) apprehensive (B) embittered (C) pragmatic (D) apologetic (E) morose
C, pragmatic
Based on the author's views in the first paragraph, the "truly lazy" (line 8) would most likely respond to an actual examination question by (A) convincing others to leave the examination room with them (B) negotiating so that they could answer the question another day (C) refusing to enter the examination room at all (D) having someone else answer the question for them (E) waiting to the last minute before answering the question
C, refusing to enter the examination room at all
