2020 Practice Exam 3 MCQ
The writer wants to avoid giving the impression of bias against any point of view in the passage. To accomplish this goal, which of the following phrases from the passage should the writer change? A "fanatical tiny house proponents" (sentence 2) B "beneficial on several levels" (sentence 3) C "hidden cost" (sentence 7) D "Another touted benefit" (sentence 11) E "appealing solution to pressing housing problems" (sentence 13)
A "fanatical tiny house proponents" (sentence 2)
In sentence 11 (reproduced below), the writer wants to use punctuation or formatting features to ensure that the meaning of the sentence is clear. Another touted benefit of tiny homes is that they are a "greener" housing alternative, but again the reality is more complicated. Which of the following versions of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B greener housing alternative C (greener) housing alternative D greener—housing—alternative E greener housing "alternative"
A (as it is now)
In the second sentence of the first paragraph ("No man . . . physically"), which of the following best describes the author's perspective on John Donne's position? A He endorses it by adopting it. B He explains it by elaborating on it. C He rebuts it by offering a counterexample. D He denigrates it by placing it in quotation marks. E He elevates it by relating it to America.
C He rebuts it by offering a counterexample.
The writer wants to add a concluding sentence after sentence 13 that brings the argument of the passage to a logical conclusion. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal? A Ultimately, tiny houses are probably not a good choice for most people. B It does not make sense to assume that environmental problems and rising housing prices will both have the same solution. C The goals of the tiny house movement would be better served by promoting dense housing. D Only by reforming building codes can the potential of the tiny house movement be unleashed. E All advocates for housing reform can agree that new houses are built in ways that often fail to use space efficiently.
C The goals of the tiny house movement would be better served by promoting dense housing.
In the sixth sentence of the fifth paragraph ("We may . . . do so"), the author places quotation marks around the phrase "bowl alone" primarily to A question the validity of the phrase B dismiss the phrase as a commonplace C attribute the phrase to another author D signal an ironic perspective on the phrase E emphasize the unusual wording of the phrase
C attribute the phrase to another author
In the fifth paragraph, the author's use of quotation marks primarily serves to A distinguish the author's words from the words of another writer B signal some uncertainty about the accuracy of a recollection C convey a sense of skepticism about an idea that is described D identify a technical term that is defined later in the passage E introduce a key concept that is used throughout the passage
C convey a sense of skepticism about an idea that is described
In sentence 9 (reproduced below), the writer wants to make a claim that rebuts the claim made in sentence 8 and that sets up the rest of the paragraph. But decisions about what bananas to grow depend on what consumers will buy. Which of the following versions of sentence 9 best accomplishes this goal? A (As it is now) B However, banana growers essentially have no control over what they plant. C It is a fantasy to imagine that the Cavendish will be replaced with something else. D But there are other ways to combat epidemics, such as modifying the genes of bananas to increase their resistance to disease. E Bananas are just one of many crops that are vulnerable to such diseases, though, and they are arguably not the most important one.
A (As it is now)
n the context of the passage as a whole, the fourteenth and fifteenth paragraphs do which of the following? A Amplify the significance of a comparison by making, then qualifying, an absolute claim B Increase the attractiveness of the author's proposed solution to a problem by illustrating its likely beneficial consequences C Enhance the author's credibility by reiterating her own ideas in the voice of an outside observer D Encourage readers to relate to the author's experiences by helping them visualize her facial expressions E Preempt a likely objection by demonstrating the author's lack of resentment for those who are more athletic than she is
A Amplify the significance of a comparison by making, then qualifying, an absolute claim
Which of the following best describes the function of the first sentence ("A country . . . a problem") ? A It makes a claim that the passage goes on to defend. B It introduces evidence that the passage goes on to analyze. C It highlights an assumption that the passage goes on to challenge. D It summarizes a conclusion that the author attributes to others. E It contradicts an argument that the author believes to be erroneous.
A It makes a claim that the passage goes on to defend.
The writer is considering deleting the underlined portion of sentence 1 (reproduced below), adjusting punctuation as necessary. Popularized by movies and TV shows such as Tiny House Nation, the tiny house movement advocates for more people to live in small homes—typically measuring less than 500 square feet at a time when the average new home in the United States is 2,600 square feet—that efficiently use their limited space. Should the writer keep or delete the underlined portion of sentence 1 ? A Keep it, because it provides information that helps define a key concept in the passage. B Keep it, because it provides important context for a point the writer refutes later in the passage. C Keep it, because it provides essential evidence to support the argument made in the thesis statement. D Delete it, because it interrupts the flow of the paragraph with nonessential information. E Delete it, because it uses languag
A Keep it, because it provides information that helps define a key concept in the passage.
In the opening sentence, the author assumes which of the following about his audience? A They are familiar with the phrase "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." B They view the phrase "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" with skepticism. C They hold individual freedom in high regard. D They view individual freedom as both a gift and a problem. E They are probably unfamiliar with the principle of individual freedom.
A They are familiar with the phrase "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
The writer wants to add a sentence after sentence 4 that develops the narrative in the second paragraph in a way that makes the audience feel the impact of the loss of the Gros Michel banana. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal? A This delicious and productive banana was also grown from cuttings until a fungus called fusarium wilt devastated Gros Michel trees. B A fungus called fusarium wilt began to kill Gros Michel trees, which were also grown from cuttings. C Fusarium wilt is a fungus that kills banana trees, and Gros Michel trees, which were also grown from cuttings, began to be infected by the wilt. D Also grown from cuttings, Gros Michel bananas were never as popular as Cavendish bananas would become, but they were the most common type of banana until they were killed by a fungus called fusarium wilt. E A devastating fungus called fusarium wilt began to kill Gros Michel banana trees, wh
A This delicious and productive banana was also grown from cuttings until a fungus called fusarium wilt devastated Gros Michel trees.
In the eleventh through seventeenth paragraphs, the author advances her argument primarily by presenting A a series of comparisons between herself and the athletes she admires B a profile of the traits that characterize high-performing athletes C a discussion of the emotional consequences of the obstacles she faced D a timeline of the events that culminated in her decision to become a writer E a definition of perseverance based on her personal experiences
A a series of comparisons between herself and the athletes she admires
In the last two sentences of the fifth paragraph, the author presents Walt Whitman as a figure who A embodies the complex relationship between individualistic and communal thinking in American culture B illustrates the hypocrisy underlying the celebration of communal thinking in American culture C shows the impossibility of reconciling individualistic and communal thinking in American culture D adopted a position on communal thinking that was opposed to dominant societal views on the subject E embraced communal thinking because of his own social marginalization
A embodies the complex relationship between individualistic and communal thinking in American culture
The writer wants to add a transition to the beginning of sentence 2 (reproduced below), adjusting the capitalization and punctuation as needed, to show the relationship between sentences 1 and 2. The uniformity of the Cavendish banana makes it uniquely vulnerable to disease. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal? A Similarly B However C Therefore D Particularly E For example
B However
The writer wants to avoid expressing the argument of the passage in absolute terms. Which of the following changes should the writer make in order to achieve this goal? A In sentence 1, deleting "with remarkable frequency" B In sentence 2, changing "have undoubtedly uncovered the" to "may have uncovered a" C In sentence 7, adding "most likely" before "comes" D In sentence 9, changing "thanks to" to "due to" E In sentence 10, changing "they might have" to "the heart-shaped tail bones may have"
B In sentence 2, changing "have undoubtedly uncovered the" to "may have uncovered a"
Which of the following best compares how the author of the passage and Robert Putnam view the claim that Americans "'bowl alone' more often" (paragraph 5, sentence 6) ? A They both view this development as a problem, but the author offers a more concrete solution than does Putnam. B They both acknowledge the validity of the claim, but the author views this development with less despair than does Putnam. C They agree about the cause of this development, but the author believes that its effects will be more enduring than Putnam suggests. D They both acknowledge the theoretical value of the claim, but they disagree about its practical application. E They agree about the literal meaning of the claim but disagree about its effectiveness as a metaphor.
B They both acknowledge the validity of the claim, but the author views this development with less despair than does Putnam.
The writer wants to add an introductory sentence to the passage that orients the audience by providing contextual information. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal? A If movies like Jurassic World piqued your interest in paleontology, then you may be excited to learn about a new species of dinosaur discovered in Tanzania and the painstaking process it took to excavate it. B Titanosaurs, the group of dinosaurs notable for their behemoth size, small heads, and long necks and tails, once plodded over every continent on Earth during the Cretaceous, the last period of dinosaurs before their extinction. C Paleontology is defined as a branch of science focused on fossils of animals and plants; a paleontologist named William Buckland first uncovered dinosaur bones in the early 1800s. D On February 14, 2019, paleontologists announced a scientific discovery appropriate for Valentine's Day: that of a new
B Titanosaurs, the group of dinosaurs notable for their behemoth size, small heads, and long necks and tails, once plodded over every continent on Earth during the Cretaceous, the last period of dinosaurs before their extinction.
The writer wants to add a thesis statement after sentence 2 that accurately represents the main argument of the passage. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal? A If they successfully branch out, growers may be able to come up with a variety of banana that is even more appealing to consumers than the Cavendish banana. B To ensure that bananas survive for years to come, producers and consumers need to diversify the types of bananas they grow and eat. C Banana growers will have to take advantage of the latest developments in genetic research if they are to deal with the threats that face the Cavendish banana. D Consumers who are used to eating bananas for breakfast may therefore need to find new fruits to eat. E Both buyers and sellers of bananas should take the vulnerability of bananas into consideration, because it could lead to volatility in the market for this fruit.
B To ensure that bananas survive for years to come, producers and consumers need to diversify the types of bananas they grow and eat.
In sentence 8 (reproduced below), the writer wants to provide evidence to clarify the previous sentence's point about what advocates fail to consider. In many areas, purchasing or renting land for a tiny home requires compliance with local building codes. Which of the following versions of the underlined text would best accomplish this goal? A (as it is now) B costs more than the home itself C is an inconvenient and time-consuming process D can be avoided if a friend is willing to share land E may be unnecessary if the homeowner claims to be camping
B costs more than the home itself
In the twenty-first paragraph, the author's use of the phrase "that isn't really a miracle" advances her overarching purpose primarily by A minimizing the differences between her abilities and those of the athletes she celebrates B emphasizing that elite black women athletes achieve success through talent and hard work C demonstrating that the expectations placed on black women athletes are impossible to meet D implying that there are actually thousands of women with achievements as impressive as Copeland's E reiterating that a "hidden gift" (paragraph 6) is necessary for people with disabilities to succeed in life
B emphasizing that elite black women athletes achieve success through talent and hard work
The third sentence of the first paragraph ("The continent . . . alone") advances the author's purpose by presenting characteristics and features that A describe England in the seventeenth century B help define the idea presented in the previous sentence C challenge John Donne's knowledge of the United States D help explain why traveling to markets in the eighteenth-century United States was difficult E help justify the claim made in the first sentence of the paragraph
B help define the idea presented in the previous sentence
The writer wants to combine sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below) into a single sentence to make the passage clearer and more concise. And many cities do not welcome tiny homes. In some cases, tiny homes do not meet zoning regulations; in others, residents fear tiny homes will decrease property values of neighboring houses. Which of the following versions of the underlined text in these sentences most effectively accomplishes this goal? A homes; the cases are, on the one hand, tiny homes not meeting zoning regulations, and, on the other, B homes, either because they do not meet zoning regulations or because C homes, which do not meet zoning regulations, and D homes that do not meet zoning regulations; E homes, those that do not meet zoning regulations or those in which
B homes, either because they do not meet zoning regulations or because
The author most likely chose to begin her argument by describing the "recurring daydream" (paragraphs 1-3) in order to A briefly note that her experience with sports is mostly academic B immediately direct attention to her mental world and perceptions C openly acknowledge her bitterness over her frustrated athletic ambition D vividly illustrate the benefits of diverse role models for children E clearly demonstrate her reliability and truthfulness as a narrato
B immediately direct attention to her mental world and perceptions
The writer is considering changing sentence 4 (reproduced below) so that it clearly articulates the passage's overarching claim. By studying this new dinosaur, paleontologists believe they can determine the precise function of its mysteriously heart-shaped tail bones. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 4 best supports this goal? A (as it is now) B solve the mystery of how titanosaurs became so widespread during the Cretaceous period C develop more effective techniques for extricating fossils from rugged terrain D learn how titanosaurs used their immense size to defend themselves from predators such as the Tyrannosaurus rex E predict with greater accuracy where to find other titanosaur fossils in Africa
B solve the mystery of how titanosaurs became so widespread during the Cretaceous period
The writer wants to add a sentence before sentence 1 to introduce the main topic of the passage. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal? A Bananas have come a long way from being a luxury food in the early twentieth century to being one of the most widely available fruits today. B The popular Cavendish banana requires a great deal of fertilizer and water as well as pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides to grow. C The Cavendish banana, the most widely available type of banana in the world, is prized by consumers and producers in part because of its predictability. D The popularity of bananas today can be traced back to an advertising campaign in the 1960s that focused on the uniform, blemish-free appearance of Chiquita-brand bananas. E Americans eat an average of 28.5 pounds of bananas per person every year, making bananas the most popular fruit in the United States.
C The Cavendish banana, the most widely available type of banana in the world, is prized by consumers and producers in part because of its predictability.
Which of the following best describes the relationship of the second and third paragraphs to the first paragraph? A The second and third paragraphs develop a line of reasoning to support the first paragraph's claim that individual freedom presents both a blessing and a curse. B The second and third paragraphs develop a line of reasoning to support the first paragraph's claim that "No man is an island." C The second and third paragraphs develop a line of reasoning to support the first paragraph's claim about self-reliance in America. D The second and third paragraphs draw a conclusion about limitations on self-reliance from evidence presented in the first paragraph. E The second and third paragraphs explain the origins of the principle of individual freedom introduced in the first paragraph.
C The second and third paragraphs develop a line of reasoning to support the first paragraph's claim about self-reliance in America.
Throughout the passage, the author presents evidence to support which of the following overarching claims? A Even when members of marginalized groups are extraordinarily gifted, they rarely receive the recognition they deserve. B Although not everyone can be an elite athlete, everyone can benefit from playing or watching sports. C While representation is important, role models can be highly valuable to people who are not identical to them. D Hard work and perseverance are more important for success in life than raw talent and ability are. E The lack of prominent people with disabilities in popular culture is preventing children with disabilities from pursuing their goals.
C While representation is important, role models can be highly valuable to people who are not identical to them.
In context, the first sentence of the eighteenth paragraph ("For Lena . . . unassisted") serves primarily to A verify the accuracy of the author's self-perception by closely considering a relevant example B equate the author's opportunities as a writer with the opportunities available to athletes with disabilities C connect the author's insights about her professional life to her broader experiences as a person with cerebral palsy D cite evidence to definitively disprove critics' assertions about the author's limitations as a writer E present the author's success as a writer as the fulfillment of her desire to possess a "special talent" (paragraph 5)
C connect the author's insights about her professional life to her broader experiences as a person with cerebral palsy
The writer is considering changing the underlined portion of sentence 14 (reproduced below) so that it is consistent with the writer's perspective on titanosaurs in the passage. And while titanosaurs were one of the most domineering groups during the age of dinosaurs, says Gorscak, "their early evolutionary history remains obscure, and Mnyamawamtuka helps reveal those beginnings." Which of the following versions of the underlined portion of sentence 14 best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B commanding C prevalent D rampant E mundane
C prevalent
The writer wants to add the following sentence to the second paragraph. In fact, so prolonged was the process that even though paleontologists first discovered M. moyowamkia bones in 2004, it took 15 years to fully excavate them, piece them together, and analyze the results. Which of the following choices is the most logical place to insert this sentence in the paragraph? A Before sentence 5 B Before sentence 7 C Before sentence 8 D Before sentence 9 E Before sentence 10
D Before sentence 9
The writer is considering adding the following sentence after sentence 15. It should be noted, of course, that Gorscak and his team found approximately 45 percent of the M. moyowamkia skeleton and unfortunately did not recover the skull. Should the writer make this addition after sentence 15 ? A Yes, because it strengthens the passage by providing evidence to support the claim that fossil digs can be lengthy processes. B Yes, because the reader might otherwise wonder about the appearance and intactness of the M. moyowamkia skeleton. C Yes, because it provides a compelling image at the end of the passage that complements other details regarding the titanosaur fossils. D No, because it undermines the unity of the passage's conclusion by adding a detail that does not add to the discussion of the find's importance. E No, because the details it provides are not rendered in clear enough terms to be accessible to the audien
D No, because it undermines the unity of the passage's conclusion by adding a detail that does not add to the discussion of the find's importance.
In discussing an expectation in the nineteenth paragraph, the author uses the phrases "better than the best" and "superhuman strength" primarily to convey A doubt about those who claim to meet the expectation B indignation at prejudices underlying claims that the expectation cannot be met C lighthearted mockery of those who set the expectation D belief that the expectation reflects unrealistic demands E suspicion that the challenges posed by the expectation have been exaggerated
D belief that the expectation reflects unrealistic demands
In the final sentence ("But what . . . stand"), the author indicates the relationship between the "two age-old American concepts" by employing A subordination to suggest an inequality between the two concepts B quotation marks to highlight the origins of the two concepts C a complicated sentence structure to highlight the complexity of the two concepts D coordination to suggest a balance between the two concepts E a question mark to imply that one of the two concepts must be false
D coordination to suggest a balance between the two concepts
In sentence 12 (reproduced below), the writer wants to offer a contrasting perspective to the idea presented in the first part of the sentence. While tiny houses are more energy efficient than larger buildings, the average size of a house—and the associated energy consumption—varies considerably from one country to another. Which of the following versions of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B their efficiency can be increased by using rainwater storage and alternative energy sources, such as solar power C their primary appeal for many people is the ingenious way they maximize the available space by folding and stacking various fixtures and pieces of furniture D they are less environmentally friendly than dense housing, such as apartment complexes, in which heat, power, water, and sewage systems are shared among many residents E advocates who suggest that these houses be placed in
D they are less environmentally friendly than dense housing, such as apartment complexes, in which heat, power, water, and sewage systems are shared among many residents
Which of the following best describes the author's exigence in the passage? A An invitation to write for an online feminist publication B A cultural pressure for people with disabilities to strive for perfection C A growing public interest in questions of diversity and representation D A decline in the opportunities for disabled athletes that she finds troubling E A spate of high-profile athletic achievements that she finds inspiring
E A spate of high-profile athletic achievements that she finds inspiring
In order to best support the line of reasoning in the second paragraph (sentences 4-10), the writer is considering deleting sentence 6 (reproduced below). According to the Urban Institute, a nonprofit research organization, the total value of housing in the United States is $27.2 trillion. Should the writer keep or delete sentence 6 ? A Keep it, because it provides context for the second paragraph's discussion of housing prices. B Keep it, because it lends credibility to the author's argument by citing an unbiased source of information. C Delete it, because it only introduces statistics from one research institution and therefore fails to broaden the discussion. D Delete it, because it undermines the second paragraph's discussion by showing that the amounts of money under discussion are small compared to the total value of housing in the United States. E Delete it, because it adds information that is not relevant to
E Delete it, because it adds information that is not relevant to
In context, the second sentence of the fourth paragraph ("I walk with a limp") serves which of the following functions? A It highlights the severity of a particular condition. B It encourages the audience to identify with the author. C It introduces the exigence that inspired the author to write the passage. D It qualifies a statement by limiting its applicability. E It elaborates on a term to avoid a potential misunderstanding.
E It elaborates on a term to avoid a potential misunderstanding.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the third paragraph and the first two paragraphs? A The third paragraph presents evidence contradicting a claim introduced and described in the first two paragraphs. B The third paragraph provides technical specifications that refine a definition introduced and explained in the first two paragraphs. C The third paragraph suggests a way of resolving a conflict introduced and described in the first two paragraphs. D The third paragraph draws a conclusion from evidence introduced and described in the first two paragraphs. E The third paragraph broadens a concept introduced and described in the first two paragraphs.
E The third paragraph broadens a concept introduced and described in the first two paragraphs.
In context, the author's references to her "breath" (paragraph 12) and her "smile" (paragraph 15) serve to A imply that the apparent dissimilarities between disabled and able-bodied athletes are illusory B depict the emotional damage from a lifetime spent yearning to see herself represented in sports C admit that she felt more joy over the gymnasts' achievements than she had over the ballerina's D illustrate how her sense of solidarity with the gymnasts is unconstrained by physical differences E dispel the impression that she is jealous of the recognition received by nondisabled black women athletes
E dispel the impression that she is jealous of the recognition received by nondisabled black women athletes
The writer wants to ensure that the language used in sentence 9 (reproduced below) maintains the tone used in the rest of the passage. Gorscak's team knew they had found a new species thanks to the weird tail bones, as well as specific neck and chest bones. Which of the following versions of the underlined text best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B really cool C bizarre D totally peculiar E distinctive
E distinctive
In the second sentence of the second paragraph ("In his first . . . independence"), the author includes the material set off by dashes primarily to A emphasize the significance of George Washington delivering his first Farewell Address to a military audience B explain the circumstances surrounding George Washington's decision to resign his commission as commander in chief of the Continental army C acknowledge his own uncertainty regarding the exact date on which George Washington delivered his first Farewell Address D minimize the importance of other Farewell Addresses delivered by George Washington E identify the specific occasion on which George Washington delivered his first Farewell Address
E identify the specific occasion on which George Washington delivered his first Farewell Address
The writer wants to combine sentences 5 and 6 (reproduced below) to reduce redundancy and ensure precision of meaning. The announcement in February 2019 created a great buzz in both the scientific community and the general public. This excitement was in part because of a unique feature: the titanosaur's heart-shaped tail bones. Which of the following changes to the underlined portion of sentences 5 and 6 best accomplishes this goal? A public, which was being caused by a unique feature B public because of a unique feature in some aspect C public, the cause of this buzz being in part due to a unique feature D public; this buzz was because of a unique feature in part E public, in part because of a unique feature
E public, in part because of a unique feature
The author introduces "another view" (paragraph 5, sentence 1) primarily to develop a contrast between Americans' A acceptance of government-controlled wealth redistribution versus rejection of this practice in other countries B rejection of voluntary wealth redistribution versus acceptance of this practice in other countries C attitude toward government-controlled wealth redistribution versus attitudes toward this practice in other countries D strong feelings about government-controlled wealth redistribution versus their indifference toward voluntary wealth redistribution E resistance toward government-controlled wealth redistribution versus their openness to participate in voluntary wealth redistribution
E resistance toward government-controlled wealth redistribution versus their openness to participate in voluntary wealth redistribution
n the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below), the writer wants to use a neutral tone when describing the growing practices used to cultivate Cavendish banana trees. Growing only one breed of a crop is a common way for farmers to maximize output and other desirable qualities, but the Cavendish banana is terribly lacking in diversity because its trees are grown not from seeds but from cuttings of existing trees. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal? A (as it is now) B hopelessly C bizarrely D weirdly E unusually
E unusually
