Study set

In the first three sentences of the second paragraph ("At such . . . connection"), the narrator suggests which of the following about himself and his cousins? A They don't want to disrupt a particular mood. B They have a tendency to talk about themselves. C They do not always listen when others speak. D They each believe their own version of the past is the only correct one. E They cannot believe that friends from the past are still with them.

A) They don't want to disrupt a particular mood.

The narrator speaks from the point of view of A a member of a close-knit family whose knowledge is limited by his experiences B an outsider who provides a fresh perspective on familial relationships C a lover of nature whose passion constrains the insights he can offer D a disinterested bystander who faithfully reports on a family's interactions E an external presence who provides reliable insight into characters' thoughts

A) a member of a close-knit family whose knowledge is limited by his experiences

In the fourth paragraph, Shamengwa's decision to place his awards "on a triangular scrap of shelf high in one corner of his house" suggests that he A attaches little importance to external recognition B wishes to prevent the awards from being damaged C wants his neighbors to know of his accomplishments D does not want to be reminded about the competitions E does not want his grandchild to play with the awards without permission

A) attaches little importance to external recognition

The events recounted in the third through eighth paragraphs ("Without . . . 'I guess'") establish which of the following about Nathan? A His keen observational powers B His feelings of discomfort C His resentment of Sofia D His sudden interest in exploration E His fascination with architecture

B) His feelings of discomfort

Toward the end of the first paragraph, the references to what goes on "in one of the upstairs rooms" and to Jim Crenfew's "explosive laugh" suggest which of the following about the narrator? A He wishes to alter the past. B The past is very vivid to him. C He cannot tell reality from unreality. D He is interested in what will happen upstairs. E Jim Crenfew was once his best friend. Answer A

B) The past is very vivid to him.

Which of the following best describes the structure of the passage? A The presentation of a family conflict leads to an insight about the distant past. B The recollection of youthful memories leads to wondering about the location of an old friend. C The recounting of a unique family incident leads to a surprising revelation about a character. D The conflict between differing viewpoints leads to a claim about the unknowability of the past. E The discussion of an unusual family activity leads to a claim about human connection.

B) The recollection of youthful memories leads to wondering about the location of an old friend.

In the third paragraph ("There . . . tree"), the narrator's descriptions of light falling through branches and shadows moving across the field primarily serve to A suggest that natural cycles can explain the mysteries of life B emphasize a difference between the regularity of nature and the unpredictability of humans C establish a context in which Tom Rivers' actions will make sense in retrospect D imply that something about Tom Rivers' personality would be out of place in nature E suggest that the family's property may hold a clue to Tom Rivers' disappearance

B) emphasize a difference between the regularity of nature and the unpredictability of humans

The second half of the third paragraph ("When . . . played it") primarily serves to A highlight the community's unique qualities B explain the impact of a character's performing style C acknowledge the narrator's limited ability to describe the music D mourn many of the reservation residents' loss of self-knowledge E celebrate music's ability to help listeners relive happy memories

B) explain the impact of a character's performing style

Which of the following best characterizes the passage as a whole? A A retelling of the events leading to a character's downfall B A description of an event that illuminates a longstanding cultural tradition C A discussion of a character that provides insights into a particular community D A collection of discrete incidents that illustrate a historic event E A presentation of an individual who conforms to social expectations

C) A discussion of a character that provides insights into a particular community

Which of the following best describes the structure of the passage? A The discussion of a singular event reveals the workings of a community. B The description of a trip leads to a broad generalization about travel. C A number of distinct incidents combine to form a coherent whole. D A sequential account of an activity sheds light on an individual's character. E A conflict between two characters leads to a revelation about friendship.

D) A sequential account of an activity sheds light on an individual's character.

Based on details provided in the text, which of the following is most likely the setting for the passage? A A lawn at a rural resort B A park in a bustling urban environment C A field on the outskirts of a small village D The yard of an old family homestead E The town square in a small country town

D) The yard of an old family homestead

The references in the first and third paragraphs to the "mini Monticello," the "bloated Tudor cottage," the "Spanish-style mansion," and the "Moorish castle" suggest that the passage is set in A a thinly settled area B a country that is foreign to the characters C a crowded urban environment D a pretentious suburban neighborhood E a town characterized by architectural originality Answer B

D) a pretentious suburban neighborhood

In the fourth paragraph, the narrator presents himself as A confronting a figure from the distant past B possessing a photographic memory C unable to admit that a friend has disappeared D perplexed by an event that occurred long ago E angered by the permanence of nature and the impermanence of humanity

D) perplexed by an event that occurred long ago

In context, the discussion of "owehzhee" in the second paragraph suggests that the narrator A sees an attractive appearance as the best way to resist authority B believes that Shamengwa is vain because he practices "owehzhee" C dislikes and disapproves of men being preoccupied with their looks D understands and sympathizes with Shamengwa's attentiveness to his appearance E shares Shamengwa's focus on keeping a youthful appearance

D) understands and sympathizes with Shamengwa's attentiveness to his appearance

In context, the term "marched" in the third sentence of the third paragraph suggests which of the following about Sofia? A She has a rebellious nature. B She is in a hurry to arrive at her destination. C She knows exactly where she is going. D She is attempting to outdistance Nathan. E She feels confident in her environment.

E) She feels confident in her environment.

The narrator in the passage speaks from the point of view of A an outsider who is nevertheless knowledgeable about the community's history and practices B an all-knowing observer who understands all the characters' deepest thoughts and feelings C a storyteller who invents an unbelievable story to entertain the community D a central character whose trustworthiness the reader is invited to doubt E a member of a community with insight into its people and their experiences

E) a member of a community with insight into its people and their experiences

The narrator of the passage can best be described as A offering an unreliable description of events B possessing a complete knowledge of events C not allowing access to characters' thoughts D giving the reader equal access to all characters' thoughts E providing the reader access to only one character's thoughts

E) providing the reader access to only one character's thoughts

Which word best represents the way the narrator describes the setting as related in the seventh paragraph? A Peaceful B Quiet C Distracting D Gaudy E Monstrous

Peaceful