African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almostentirely a story of white males: scientists, traders andmissionaries. Mary Henrietta Kingsley stands out as anexception.

Ostensibly, Kingsley planned her first trip to Africa so she couldconduct research on fetishes and complete the academictreatise her father, an explorer, had begun. Privately, Kingsleytold a friend she was traveling to Africa "to die," though she haddreamt of such an adventure since childhood. Nevertheless,she prepared for the trip carefully, interviewing friends, doctors,missionaries, and former explorers, all of whom advised her notto make the trek. Kingsley was undaunted and set off for WestAfrica carrying only £300, and chemicals and specimencases designed to collect samples of unknown fish and insectsfor the British Museum.

Kingsley sailed the coast, finally putting in at the mouth of theCongo. Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspiciousof Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsleypurchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inlandfor six months as a trader, exchanging goods for food andshelter along the way. During this and her second trip in 1895,Kingsley demonstrated resourcefulness in dealing with suchchallenges as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeatinga leopard with a bucket of water, learning to pilot a nativecanoe up the Ogooue River, and becoming the first whitewoman and third "Englishman" to climb the 14,435 foot MountCameroon. Upon her return to London, Kingsley campaignedfor an enlightened African policy, published her bookTravels inWest Africa and advocated a forum for the serious ethnologicalstudy of Africa. Kingsley's third trip was to Cape Town duringthe 1900 Boer War. There she encountered an epidemic ofdysentery, volunteered to nurse prisoners of war, contractedtyphoid, and died.

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned Africanexplorers are at risk due to disease.

B. To outline the early history of African exploration.

C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy

in 19 th century England.

D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.

E. To argue that the contributions made by womenexplorers in Africa were as important as those made bymen.

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone toAfrica for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A. to serve as an Anglican missionary

B. to complete her father's fetish research

C. to fulfill a childhood dream

D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the BritishMuseum

E. to die

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and othersupplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way

B. to earn extra money to finance her trip

C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives

D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father'sresearch

E. to acquaint the natives with European goods

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley'stravels in paragraph three?

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.

B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelerswith those faced by male explorers of the day.

C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling bookTravels in West Africa.

D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.

E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety ofchallenges.

In the last few years, Newton High School's drama club has notplaced higher than fifth place in a drama competition, despitepreviously placing first three times. In an effort to improve theclub's performance, the drama club coach asked the studentsto practice 30 minutes longer each week. At this year's firstcompetition, the team won third place. The coach has nowasked the students to devote an additional 30 minutes eachweek to practice in an attempt to place even higher at a futurecompetition.

5. The answer to which of the following questions is most likelyto be helpful in determining whether the coach's decision tofurther increase practice time will yield the desired results?

A. Have all of the performances on which the club hasbeen judged been rated equally?

B. What is the maximum amount of time the club memberscan devote to additional practice without affecting theirschoolwork?

C. How many new performance pieces has the clublearned in the last year?

D. What amount of time do winning drama clubs devote topractice each week?

E. How many drama clubs that typically place higher thanNewton's participated at the first competition this year?

6. Of all the possible threats that affect American nationalsecurity, the possibility of electromagnetic attack is maybe themore difficult for analysis.

A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis

B. is probably the most difficult to analyze

C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis

D. is probably the more difficult to analyze

E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult

Traditional editorial gatekeepers at newspapers, magazines,and television outlets are being bypassed by Internet searchengines. With the arrival of ever more powerful and intricatesearch engines, information is no longer sorted by trustedhuman gatekeepers but by computer algorithms-sets ofcommands that decide in split seconds how to arrange searchresults on a browser page. Once uniform for all users, searchresults are now based on algorithms that consider the specificusage history and preferences of the person browsing.

Because of software-driven information sorting, the individualInternet user is exposed to a range of information limitedby what the algorithms predict that user wants to read. Apersonalized algorithm is based primarily on a user's previousfirst clicks; thus, the computer gatekeeper's results skewtoward the impulsive, the entertaining, and the superficial,and the array of choices initially presented is not necessarilyrepresentative of the scope of information available. Theleading search engine resolves 57 different data points abouta user before displaying results. These points include theuser's geographic location, the type of computer being used,and the browser employed. Other websites and social mediautilize similar methods, with similar results. The result is whattechnology writer Eli Pariser terms a "filter bubble." Althoughthe Internet was envisioned as a force to unite society in sharedexperiences, its use of personalized search algorithms couldincreasingly atomize users and offer a narrow experience of theworld.

7. The author's primary objective is to

A. demonstrate the intricacies of computer algorithms usedby Internet search engines.

B. provide a solution to a perceived problem developing onthe Internet.

C. explain how to efficiently use Internet search engines.

D. describe the scope and potential implications of atransforming technology.

E. describe a new technology's implications for traditionalgatekeepers.

8. It can be most reasonably inferred from this passage that

A. the computer algorithms in use could be changed toinclude a human element.

B. many Internet users are more attracted to theentertaining than to the unfamiliar.

C. companies that provide search engines seek to keepcertain information away from users.

D. personalized Internet search algorithms make someinformation inaccessible to users.

E. erasing browsing histories can spare Internet users theeffects of tailored search results.

9. The author most likely mentions the ""57 different datapoints"" the leading search engine employs in order to

A. demonstrate the array of information available to searchengine providers.

B. frighten the reader with the threat of constantsurveillance.

C. underscore the incredible technological capabilities ofcurrent search engines.

D. explain more precisely how a particular search enginetailors information to users.

E. highlight the role played by search history in tailoringsearch results.

At Putnam Realty, the total dollar value of all homes sold for thefirst nine months of this year represents a 25 percent increaseover the total dollar value of all homes sold for all twelvemonths last year. Last year, 100 homes were sold, whereas inthe first nine months of this year, 50 homes have been sold.The number of homes listed for sale has been roughly equalthroughout the current year.

10. If the statements above are true, then which of the followingmust also be true?

A. The average price of a home listed for sale throughPutnam Realty has increased from last year to this year.

B. At Putnam Realty, the average price of a home soldin the first nine months of this year was higher than theaverage price of a home sold during the twelve months oflast year.

C. The total dollar value of all homes sold through PutnamRealty this year will be at least 30 percent higher than thetotal dollar value of all homes sold through Putnam Realtylast year.

D. The number of people who purchased homes throughPutnam Realty during the first nine months of this yearwas greater than the number of people who purchasedhomes through Putnam Realty during all twelve months oflast year.

E. The number of homes listed for sale through PutnamRealty during the first nine months of this year is the sameas the number of homes listed for sale through PutnamRealty during the first nine months of last year.

11. Along with his poet wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, RobertBrowning was inspired by his life in Italy to write some ofhis romantic poetry; tourists to the Tuscan region may visitFlorence and Siena, two of the poets' cities of residence.

A. Along with his poet wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning,Robert Browning was inspired by his life in Italy to writesome of his romantic poetry

B. Robert Browning's life in Italy with his poet wife,Elizabeth Barrett Browning, served as inspiration for someof his romantic poetry

C. Accompanied by his poet wife, Elizabeth BarrettBrowning, life in Italy inspired some of the romantic poetryof Robert Browning

D. Robert Browning used his life in Italy with his poet wife,inspiring some of his romantic poetry

E. Because his wife was a poet, Robert Browning wasable to use his life in Italy as inspiration for some of hisromantic poetry

Numerous studies of chemotherapy patients over the lastten years have shown that patients who had regularlyattended support groups or received counseling experiencedsignificantly fewer side effects and shorter recovery timesfrom chemotherapy than did patients who had not. Clearly,although the mainstream scientific community has been slowto acknowledge it, psychological support has an effect on thebody's ability to heal.

12. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen theargument above?

A. The survival rates for chemotherapy patients in thestudy were virtually identical regardless of whether or notthey received support.

B. The patients who did not attend support groups chosenot to do so, even though they were healthy enough toattend.

C. Many medical doctors believe that the mind plays a rolein the causation and prevention of illness.

D. The majority of chemotherapy patients must undergomore than one round of treatment.

E. Some hospitals do not conduct support groups on theirpremises for chemotherapy patients and their families.

To reduce the effects of harmful emissions on a nearbyneighborhood known as the Stretch, the Port Authority hasbanned trucks from idling-parking with the engine running andthe transmission disengaged-while waiting to pick up loads onPort Authority property. Critics of the ban argue that it has led tomore rather than less pollution in the Stretch.

13. Which of the following, if true, most supports the argumentof the critics of the ban?

A. Trucks that once idled on Port Authority property nowidle on the streets of the Stretch.

B. The oldest ten percent of the trucks that service the portare responsible for over 90 percent of the pollution.

C. A truck produces more pollution during an hour of idlingthan during an hour of freeway driving.

D. Requiring state-of-the-art pollution-control devices onall trucks that service the port would reduce pollution morethan does the ban on idling.

E. The ban was initially popular with residents of theStretch, but has since fallen into disfavor.

14. Although the management structure of the Dutch East IndiaCompany seems unlike that of any modern corporation, detailedanalysis shows a plethora of similarities to most large moderncompanies.

A. Although the management structure of the DutchEast India Company seems unlike that of any moderncorporation, detailed analysis shows a plethora ofsimilarities to most large modern companies.

B. Despite that the management structure of the DutchEast India Company seems unlike that of any moderncorporation, detailed analysis shows a plethora ofsimilarities to most large modern companies.

C. Although being unlike that of any modern corporation,the Dutch East India Company reveals through detailedanalysis a plethora of similarities to most large moderncompanies.

D. Although the Dutch East India Company has amanagement structure that seems unlike that of anymodern corporation, a plethora of similarities are revealedto most large modern companies through detailedanalysis.

E. Despite having a management structure unlike that ofany modern corporation, the Dutch East India Companyreveals through detailed analysis a plethora of similaritiesto most large modern companies.

In a survey of recently credentialed teachers, half of therespondents said that they were ""satisfied"" or ""very satisfied""with their first year as teachers, while half said that they were""unsatisfied"" or ""very unsatisfied."" Seventy percent of therespondents said that they expect to be teaching for at least fiveyears.

15. The statements above, if true, best support which of thefollowing conclusions about the respondents to the survey?

A. At least 40 percent of the teachers who found their firstyear satisfying or very satisfying will be teaching in fiveyears.

B. The majority of the teachers who found their first yearsatisfying or very satisfying expect to be teaching in fiveyears.

C. The surveyed teachers are more likely to continuein their careers if they find their first year of teachingsatisfying or very satisfying.

D. At least 20 percent of the surveyed teachers expect tocontinue in a career they have initially found unsatisfying.

E. Some of the teachers gave inconsistent answers toquestions on the survey.

16. The lobbyists for the financial industry pressured thesenator to introduce legislation lifting certain regulatoryrequirements, arguing that the senator engage in urgent actionso as to avert the financial sector from suffering further reducedprofits and resulting job losses of a financial nature.

A. the senator engage in urgent action so as to avert thefinancial sector from suffering further reduced profits andresulting job losses of a financial nature

B. they should engage in urgent action so as to avertfurther reduced profits and resulting job losses beingsuffered by the financial sector

C. the senator take urgent action so as to avert them fromsuffering reduced profits and resulting job losses further

D. urgent action be undertaken to avert their client fromsuffering further reduced profits and resulting job losses

E. they should take urgent action so as to avert furtherreduced profits and resulting job losses within the financialsector

17. Recent research cited in The Wall Street Journal suggeststhat families who save money regularly and adhered to amonthly budget were at a reduced risk of experiencing a homeforeclosure during prolonged periods of unemployment.

A. adhered to a monthly budget were at a reduced risk ofexperiencing a home foreclosure during prolonged periodsof unemployment

B. adhere to a monthly budget are at a reduced riskof experiencing a home foreclosure during a period ofunemployment that is prolonged in nature

C. adhered to a monthly budget are at a reduced riskof experiencing a home foreclosure during periods ofunemployment that are prolonged in nature

D. adhere to a monthly budget have a reduced risk ofexperiencing a home foreclosure during prolonged periodsof unemployment

E. adhere to a monthly budget had a reduced risk ofexperiencing a home foreclosure during prolonged periodsof unemployment

18. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Apple founder Steve Jobsare giants of the digital age, their contributions recognized bypeople from all walks of life.

A. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Apple founder SteveJobs are giants

B. Bill Gates the Microsoft founder and Steve Jobs theApple founder are giants

C. The Microsoft founder named Bill Gates and the Applefounder named Steve Jobs are known giants

D. The Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, and the Applefounder, Steve Jobs, are giants

E. Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder, and Steve Jobs, theApple founder, had been giants

Research studies have shown that harmful agents affectmice and human beings in similar ways. The results of a newstudy showed that prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet raysof the sun caused an increase in incidences of skin canceramong mice. The mice in the study were exposed to the sunextensively for a seven-day period during the summer, whensolar radiation is at its strongest and most dangerous level.

19. Which of the following can be logically concluded from theabove passage?

A. People should avoid excessive exposure to the sunduring peak summer months.

B. If the mice had been exposed to the sun longer, therewould have been more incidences of skin cancer.

C. People should not be exposed to the sun at all duringthe peak radiation time of the summer months.

D. Exposure to the sun was the sole reason for theincidences of skin cancer in the mice in the study.

E. The results of the study are not relevant to humans,because most people do not spend as much time exposedto solar radiation as did the mice in the study.

20. Although he patented over 1,000 inventions, many of whichrevolutionized the modern world, Thomas Edison attainedworldwide fame based upon his invention of the incandescentlight bulb.

A. Thomas Edison attained worldwide fame based uponhis invention of the incandescent light bulb

B. it was his invention of the incandescent light bulb thatbrought Thomas Edison worldwide fame

C. it was the incandescent light bulb and his invention of itthat brought Thomas Edison worldwide fame

D. Thomas Edison's invention of the incandescent lightbulb brought him worldwide fame

E. Thomas Edison earned worldwide fame for his inventionof the incandescent light bulb

21. Recent cyber fail-safe systems were incorporated as ameans to derive network security from the laying of fire-resistantshielded cable rather than typical electrical conduit.

A. from the laying of fire-resistant shielded cable ratherthan typical electrical conduit

B. from laying cable that is fire-resistant shielded ratherthan typical electrical conduit

C. by the laying of fire-resistant shielded cable rather thanelectrical conduit that is typical

D. from fire-resistant shielded cable being laid instead oftypical electrical conduit

E. by laying fire-resistant shielded cable rather thanelectrical conduit that was typical

22. Formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance donot apply to small, emergent economies in the same way theyapply to established economies, because they are developingand are not in equilibrium.

A. Formulas for gross domestic product and trade balancedo not apply to small, emergent economies in the sameway they apply to established economies, because theyare developing and are not in equilibrium

B. Because they are developing and are not in equilibrium,formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance donot apply to small, emergent economies in the same waythey apply to established economies

C. Because they are developing and are not in equilibrium,small, emergent economies are not subject to the sameapplicability of formulas for gross domestic product andtrade balance as established economies

D. Because small, emergent economies are developingand are not in equilibrium, formulas for gross domesticproduct and trade balance do not apply to them in thesame way they apply to established economies

E. Small, emergent economies are not subject to theapplicability of formulas for gross domestic product andtrade balance in the same way as established economies,because they are developing and are not in equilibrium

23. Barack Obama won two Grammy Awards, the Nobel PeacePrize, and is the first black president of the United States.

A. Barack Obama won two Grammy Awards, the NobelPeace Prize, and is the first black president of the UnitedStates.

B. Barack Obama, the first black president of the UnitedStates, won two Grammy Awards and he won the NobelPeace Prize.

C. Barack Obama is the first black president of the UnitedStates, the winner of two Grammy Awards and he won theNobel Peace Prize.

D. Barack Obama, the first black president of the UnitedStates, won two Grammy Awards as well as the NobelPeace Prize, too.

E. Barack Obama, the first black president of the UnitedStates, won two Grammy Awards and the Nobel PeacePrize.

Until recently, scientists puzzled over why some exoplanets'orbital spin runs opposite to the spin of the host star theyorbit. The first exoplanet-a planet orbiting a star other thanearth's sun-was discovered in 1995. Since then, more than500 exoplanets have been catalogued, though not directlyobserved. Among the exoplanets are "hot Jupiters," planets witha mass similar to or greater than Jupiter's, found in searing-hot proximity to their star. Some of these giants exhibit aretrograde spin, a phenomenon that challenges previously heldplanet formation theories. In our solar system, which has beenconsidered the norm, all planets rotate around their centralstar in the same direction as the star itself spins. Curiously,about a quarter of all known hot Jupiters rotate contrary tothis model. Until recently, astronomers conjectured that theseretrograde rotations happen only in binary (two-star) systems,with the second star exerting gravitational pull that causes theplanet's orbit to flip. Now, however, astrophysicists believethat gravitational perturbations from another, larger planet inthe same star's orbit are typically the cause of this unusualoccurrence. At first, the two planets of unequal size are close toeach other and far from their star. Over time, the gravitationalinfluence of the larger planet causes the smaller one closer tothe star to shift into an eccentric, needle-shaped orbit. As thatorbit gradually shrinks, it can flip to a retrograde direction. Asnew technology enables discoveries like this, we can betterappreciate the enormous diversity in celestial mechanics. "Rightnow," says astronomer Didier Queloz, "the notion that othersolar systems are like ours is completely falling apart."

24. The passage is primarily concerned with

A. clarifying the concepts of "exoplanet" and "hot Jupiter"

B. explaining an unexpected phenomenon in exoplanets

C. casting doubt on theories for which there exists nodirect evidence

D. defending the binary star theory of flipped orbits

E. refuting research that suggests some planets orbit theirstars in a retrograde motion

25. Which of the following CANNOT be inferred about hotJupiters?

A. They are very large.

B. Some are not in binary star systems.

C. Their existence has been inferred without visualobservation.

D. They are inhabitable.

E. They may not be the largest planets in their solarsystems.

26. The author most likely mentions that planets can be "closeto each other and far from their star" in order to

A. refute the two-planet model

B. describe the needle-shaped orbit of hot Jupiters

C. explain why stars are not always the dominantgravitational influence on a planet

D. show that hot Jupiters defy physics

E. illustrate the binary star model

A study of high school students found that children from homeswith a modern computer, typically one that is less than twoyears old, tend to score above average on state science exams,while students with lower scores on the same exam tend tocome from homes that either do not have a computer or haveone that is more than two years old.

27. What additional information would strengthen the claim thatparents who do not have a modern computer in their homecause their children to fall behind in science skills?

A. The students involved in the study had unlimited accessto computers both at school and at their local public library.

B. Children who have access to a home computer aregenerally happier than are other children.

C. Many of the computers found in the homes of the high-achieving students were home office computers that werenot used by the children.

D. Outside of school, students spend most of their timeplaying sports, watching television, or playing with friends.

E. Students whose homes have a modern computer areas motivated to study for the exams as are students whosehomes do not have a modern computer.

Economist: Most companies become less efficient overtime. Some analysts suggest that all companies shoulddissolve and restart after no more than 20 years by replacingall employees and allowing the company infrastructure todevelop anew. However, this suggestion is too extreme,because it does not acknowledge the cost of losing brandawareness, relearning best practices, and rebuildingcompany infrastructure.

28. In the economist's argument above, the two portions inboldface play which of the following roles?

A. The first is data offered in support of an opinion thatthe economist rejects; the second offers information thatcontradicts that data.

B. The first is an assertion that the author rejects; thesecond offers a premise that supports the economist'sposition.

C. The first is a conclusion that the economist arguesagainst; the second is the conclusion that the economistdefends.

D. The first is an observation that supports a position theeconomist rejects; the second supports the economist'sposition.

E. The first is a generalization that is used as the basisfor the economist's position; the second offers additionalevidence in support of that position.

29. The runaway success of stretchy rubber bracelets, extrudedin a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led to the formation ofdozens of online storefronts dedicated to the sale of them.

A. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led tothe formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated tothe sale of them

B. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led tothe formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated fortheir sale

C. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led tothe formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated tothe sale of the bracelets

D. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, has led tothe formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated totheir sale

E. being extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes,has led to the formation of dozens of online storefrontsdedicated to the sale of the bracelets

30. Although the tarantula rarely bites and is much lessvenomous than either the black widow or brown recluse,its fangs are of such size and power that they can causemechanical damage.

A. its fangs are of such size and power that they can be acause of mechanical damage

B. its fangs are so large and powerful as to causemechanical damage

C. such are the size and power of its fangs that they canbe a cause of mechanical damage

D. their fangs are large and powerful enough to cause ofmechanical damage

E. such are the size and power of its fangs that it cancause mechanical damage

A journalist covering professional poker players found thatthese individuals tend to be risk-takers and possess thecomplementary traits of aggressiveness, confidence, andquick-wittedness. The journalist concluded that the world ofprofessional poker tends to attract those who naturally enjoytaking risks.

31. If true, which of the following statements would mostweaken the journalist's conclusion?

A. Professional poker players develop their risk-lovingtraits through years of experience playing the game ofpoker.

B. Professional poker players often display good publicspeaking skills that stem from their natural self-confidence.

C. Many individuals who are not poker players have takengreater risks than has the average professional pokerplayer.

D. The most successful professional poker players haveclaimed that skill, rather than luck, is responsible for theirsuccess.

E. The professional poker players featured in thejournalist's story were not able to successfully apply theirbetting strategies to similar activities, such as investing.

32. Prior to the 1800s, people dwelling in rural locations madeup nearly 90 percent of the entire human population; in 2007,they decreased by 50 percent.

A. in 2007, they decreased by 50 percent.

B. in 2007, they decreased to less than 50 percent.

C. decreasing to less than 50 percent in 2007.

D. in 2007, this proportion decreased to less than 50percent.

E. which decreased to less than 50 percent in 2007.

33. Though most ocean life neophytes typically consider thekiller whale a whale due to its physical similarity to one, geneticanalysis has revealed that it is more closely connected to themodern dolphin than any member of the whale family.

A. due to its physical resemblance to one, genetic analysishas revealed that it is more closely connected to themodern dolphin than

B. due to the fact that it physically resembles one, geneticanalysis revealed that it is more closely connected to themodern dolphin than is

C. because of its physical resemblance to one, geneticanalysis has revealed that it is more closely connected tothe modern dolphin than to

D. because of its physical resemblance to one, geneticanalysis has revealed that it is more closely connected tothe modern dolphin than

E. because of its resemblance to one physically, geneticanalysis has revealed that it is more closely connected tothe modern dolphin than is

The California ground squirrel must constantly balancethe conflicting demands of self-preservation and predatorassessment. Because predator assessment requires a fairlyhigh degree of proximity and sensory contact, the groundsquirrel can only safely assess predators from whom thereis little to no immediate threat. For example, when avianpredators, including the red-tailed hawk and golden eagle,launch sudden, unexpected aerial attacks, self-preservationmust take precedence over the acquisition of knowledge.Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, pose relatively little immediatedanger, and give the squirrel the greatest opportunity forpredator assessment.

Predator assessment might normally be hampered by theinherent danger of the rattlesnake's lethal bite. But whilesquirrels constitute almost 70 percent of the rattlesnake'sdiet, adult ground squirrels are all but immune to rattlesnakes.Rattlesnakes hunt slowly and stalk their prey, in markedcontrast to sudden avian attacks. And even though arattlesnake's strike is fast, the ground squirrel can move muchfaster. More important, any danger posed by a snakebiteis mitigated by proteins in the squirrel's blood that conferresistance to rattlesnake venom. Adult ground squirrels willgenerally survive a rattlesnake bite that could prove lethal toa grown human. Indeed, it is the squirrel pups that are mostsusceptible to rattlesnake bites, because their smaller bodiescannot neutralize a full bite's worth of venom.

This innate resistance allows the ground squirrel to changethe dynamic of the traditional predator-prey relationshipand approach the rattlesnake in an effort to acquire usefulinformation regarding size and body temperature. Largersnakes, which deliver more venom per strike, are naturally moredangerous, as are warmer snakes, which can strike faster,from a greater distance, and with greater accuracy. Visualcues can be helpful, but the squirrel is often hampered by the

surrounding vegetation and darkness of burrows. Auditory cuesare generally more reliable. For this reason, the ground squirrelwill engage in tail-flagging, sand-kicking, and substrate-throwingin an attempt to put the snake on the defensive, and coax thesnake into rattling its tail. The sound of a particular snake'srattle "leaks" information about the snake's size and bodytemperature. Not only does this information allow the squirrel toaccurately assess the surrounding danger to itself and its pups,but it also allows the squirrel to communicate this danger (orlack thereof) to other squirrels by additional tail-flagging.

34. Which of the following can most reasonably be concludedabout adult ground squirrels on the basis of the passage?

A. They are found exclusively in California.

B. They have always been immune to rattlesnake venom.

C. They are sometimes vulnerable to a rattlesnake'svenom.

D. They generally stay away from rattlesnakes in order toprotect their young.

E. They have only avian and reptilian predators.

35. According to the passage, the adult ground squirrelgenerally does NOT engage in which of the following?

A. The self-application of snake scent

B. Acquisition of knowledge regarding a rattlesnake's size

C. Biting rattlesnakes

D. Large-scale assessment of avian predators

E. Communication with other adult ground squirrels

36. The author mentions the hunting method of rattlesnakes inorder to

A. show how the rattlesnake can sneak up on a groundsquirrel engaged in predator assessment.

B. give an example of an attack against which the adultground squirrel must defend itself in order to survive.

C. explain why 70 percent of squirrels are eaten byrattlesnakes.

D. show how the rattlesnake is different from the red-tailedhawk and golden eagle.

E. provide a secondary explanation for the adult Californiaground squirrel's ability to safely approach the rattlesnake.

37. The passage suggests which of the following aboutpredator-prey relationships?

A. They only allow for predator assessment when there isno danger from the predator.

B. They often do not allow for a high degree of predatorassessment.

C. They are fairly traditional in their resistance to evolution.

D. They tend to minimize the predator-prey proximity.

E. They are the same regardless of the species inquestion.

38. According to a poll conducted by the library association,young readers prefer not only longer books, like the HarryPotter and Chronicles of Narnia series, over those that aremuch shorter, but also more complex stories over those that aresimpler.

A. like the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series,over those that are much shorter, but also more complexstories over

B. like the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, tothose that are much shorter, but they prefer more complexstories to

C. such as the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narniaseries, more than those that are much shorter, but alsomore complex stories more than

D. such as the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narniaseries, more than those much shorter, and also morecomplex stories more than

E. such as the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narniaseries, to those that are much shorter, but also morecomplex stories to

Patronage at a small bookstore has been declining since anational book chain opened a store in the same neighborhoodsix weeks ago. The small store's owner has decided that thebest way to recapture patronage is to offer coffee and pastriesto compete with similar amenities offered by the national chain.

39. The small store owner's conclusion depends on which of thefollowing assumptions?

A. Some of the books purchased by patrons of the chainbookstore are also available for purchase at the smallbookstore.

B. The local store's prices are higher than those of similarstores in nearby towns.

C. Patronage at the local store was at its peak threemonths ago.

D. The local store does not currently offer any food orbeverages.

E. The national chain is serving coffee and pastries onlyfor a limited time and is expected to stop serving food insix months.

40. A growing number of mature readers had been turning toyoung adult fiction, bringing booksellers a welcome source ofrevenue.

A. had been turning to young adult fiction, bringingbooksellers a welcome source

B. have been turning to young adult fiction, bringingbooksellers a welcome source

C. had been turning to young adult fiction, which bringsbooksellers welcome sources

D. have been turning to young adult fiction, which broughtbooksellers welcome sources

E. had been turning to young adult fiction and bringing tobooksellers a welcome source

41. In response to allegations of corruption reported in aprominent newspaper, the state attorney general demandedthat all official telephone and e-mail records should have theircontent examined.

A. that all official telephone and e-mail records shouldhave their content examined

B. that the content be examined for all official telephoneand e-mail records

C. that the content of all official telephone and e-mailrecords should be examined

D. that the content of all official telephone and e-mailrecords be examined

E. all official telephone and e-mail records to be examinedfor their content

In most cases, employees of the Acme Company receive lesstake-home pay than do employees of the Bobber Company,and employee insurance benefits are approximately equal atboth companies. However, in Employee Monthly's quarterly listof the best employers, the Acme Company is ranked ahead ofthe Bobber Company.

42. Which of the following, if true, best explains the apparentdiscrepancy described above?

A. On average, employees at the Bobber Company workas many overtime hours as do employees at the AcmeCompany.

B. Unlike the Bobber Company, the Acme Company givesstock options to its employees as part of their annualbonus.

C. Salaries at the Bobber Company are higher than thoseof the Acme Company.

D. Many employees have transferred from the BobberCompany to the Acme Company.

E. The Bobber Company has recently moved to a state-of-the-art building.

Researchers at MIT have created a new nanotube sensorcapable of detecting tiny traces of explosives-even as little asone molecule. The cylinders are made of carbon and coatedwith protein fragments found in bee venom, called bombolitins.The bombolitins react to the nitro-aromatic class of explosives,such as TNT, by shifting the wavelength of the fluorescentlight naturally produced by the carbon tubes. The sensorrepresents a step forward. Earlier carbon nanotubes, whichutilize inexpensive and reliable ion mobility spectronometers,can detect molecules of some dangerous compounds, suchas hydrogen peroxide and sarin, but until now they couldnot detect nitro-aromatics. In these sensors, the intensity offluorescence changes when specific molecules are detected; asa result, the light dims or brightens. Although these sensors areeffective, they are not always easy to use or to interpret, giventhe effect of ambient light. The new sensors, however, workon wavelength rather than intensity. This change makes themeasier to work with and less prone to error.

The new nanotechnology is also promising because multiplenanotubes can be deployed to detect different compounds. Inaddition, the new sensors can detect compounds even afterthey have broken down in the environment. The next stepbefore widespread use is to devise reliable technology forcapturing airborne molecules and bringing them into contactwith the new sensors.

43. It can be inferred from the passage that

A. the new sensors are expensive

B. nanotubes are not as effective as bomb-sniffing dogs

C. bombolitins are synthetic compounds

D. ambient light interfered with the use of older sensors

E. carbon tubes are difficult to manufacture

44. It can be inferred that the author mentions "hydrogenperoxide and sarin" primarily in order to

A. give examples of molecules detected by existingnanotubes

B. give examples of dangerous compounds thatresearchers are attempting to detect

C. present two examples of nitro-aromatic class ofexplosives

D. discuss how these molecules bind with carbon

E. detail the history of nanotechnology

45. The passage author would most likely agree that

A. current explosive detection is woefully inadequate

B. nitro-aromatic explosive detectors are too limited to bepractical

C. changes in fluorescent intensity are harder to detectthan are changes in fluorescent wavelength

D. nanotechnology sensors are too sensitive for useoutside of a controlled environment

E. airports should switch to using only nitro-aromaticexplosive detectors

46. Conservative opponents of government stimulus spendingproposals cite the unwieldy cost and the drain on sectorspending as if they were reasons not to support any suchlegislation in congress.

A. for reasons not to

B. as being reasons not to

C. as reasons not to

D. to be reasons not to

E. for reasons that they should not

Zoologists have concluded that a gorilla's longevity is primarilydetermined by how often and how adeptly it employs tools.Researchers who followed a gorilla troop known for itsmembers' longevity found that the proportion of the troop whoused tools was close to 80 percent, a figure nearly four timesthat of a gorilla troop with an average lifespan. The gorillas mostoften used simple tools to help them obtain food.

47. The zoologists' claim is based on which of the followingassumptions?

A. Tool-making increases the number of members in agorilla troop.

B. Most of the shortest-lived gorillas in the observed troopdid not use tools.

C. Unlike other primates, gorillas have a unique tool-making ability.

D. Gorillas in troops have a more diverse diet.

E. The ability to create tools allows primates to defendthemselves against predators.

48. One reason some particle physicists are switching toastronomy late in their careers is that they tire of spendingyears constructing environments in which they can conductexperiments; astronomers have an infinite and ready-madesupply of environments at their disposal.

A. One reason some particle physicists are switchingto astronomy late in their careers is that they tire ofspending years constructing environments in which theycan conduct experiments; astronomers have an infiniteand ready-made supply of environments at their disposal

B. Late in their careers, one reason that some particlephysicists are switching to astronomy is suggested by thefact that particle physicists must spend years constructingenvironments in which they can conduct experiments,while astronomers have an infinite and ready-made supplyof environments at their disposal

C. Late in their careers, one reason that some particlephysicists are switching to astronomy is suggested by thefact that particle physicists must spend years constructingenvironments in which they can conduct experiments,while an infinite and ready-made supply of environments isat the disposal of astronomers

D. The fact that particle physicists must spend yearsconstructing environments in which they can conductexperiments while astronomers have an infinite and ready-made supply of environments at their disposal is onereason, late in their careers, some particle physicists areswitching to astronomy

E. The existence of an infinite and ready-made supply ofenvironments at the disposal of astronomers comparedwith the fact that particle physicists must spend yearsconstructing environments in which they can conductexperiments suggests one reason some particle physicistsare switching to astronomy late in their careers

49. Although tomatoes were once regarded as poisonous, theyare now seen as full of compounds essential for a healthy diet.

A. were once regarded as

B. had once been regarded as

C. were once regarded as being

D. had once regarded to be

E. have once been regarded as