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1

Explanation for Correct Answer C :

Choice (C) is correct. The countryside is a rural area. The sentence

indicates that Mala wanted to be far away from the crowded,

expensive city. If Mala wanted to be far away from a city, it makes

sense that she would base her new business in the countryside, a rural

place that is likely less crowded and less expensive than a city.

Explanation for Incorrect Answer A :

Choice (A) is incorrect. A metropolis is a large important city. The

sentence indicates that Mala wanted to be far away from the

crowded, expensive city, so it does not make sense to suggest that

Mala would base her new business in a metropolis. A large city is

likely to be crowded and expensive.

Explanation for Incorrect Answer B :

Choice (B) is incorrect. The term neighborhood typically refers to

a small area inhabited by people who live near one another. The

sentence indicates that Mala based her new business in a specific

place because she wanted to be far away from the crowded,

expensive city. A neighborhood is not necessarily far away from a

cityin fact, neighborhoods are frequently located in citiesso there

is no reason to believe that Mala would base her business there.

Explanation for Incorrect Answer D :

Choice (D) is incorrect. An emporium is place of trade or a center

of commercial activity. The sentence indicates that Mala based her

new business in a specific place because she wanted to be far away

View Answers and ExplanationsBack to Score Report

Online - Practice Test #3

Mala based her new online business in the -------, because she wanted to work far

away from the crowded, expensiv e city .

(A) metropolis

(B) neighborhood

(C) country side

(D) emporium

(E) multitude

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS

Test Sections

Sect ion 1

Sect ion 3

Sect ion 4

Sect ion 5

Sect ion 6

Sect ion 7

Sect ion 8

Sect ion 9

Sect ion 1 0



new business in a specific place because she wanted to be far away

from the crowded, expensive city. An emporium would not

necessarily be far away from a cityindeed, a center of commercial

activity might be located in a city where there is a large number of

customersso there is no reason to believe that Mala would base her

business there.

Explanation for Incorrect Answer E :

Choice (E) is incorrect. A multitude is a great number of people.

The sentence indicates that Mala based her new business in a specific

place because she wanted to be far away from the crowded,

expensive city. Mala wants to avoid crowdslarge groups of people

so the term multitude does not logically complete the sentence.

Further, it is somewhat illogical to suggest that an online business

could be based in the multitude because a multitude is not a place.

2


Choice (C) is correct. If something is vibrant it is bright and

pulsating with life or activity. According to the sentence, Romare

Beardens works of art are vivid, or lively and intense, and

captivating to viewers; the word that fits the blank should reflect

these qualities. It makes sense to describe the colors Bearden used as

vibrant: vibrant colors in works of art would likely captivate people,

making viewers feel they could not take their eyes off the paintings.


Choice (A) is incorrect. In this context, sensible means capable of

being sensed or perceived. According to the sentence, Romare

Beardens works of art are vivid, or lively and intense, and

captivating to viewers; the word that fits the blank should reflect

these qualities. Sensible colors are those that can be perceived, so it

is possible that sensible colors would captivate viewers. However,

sensibility is not directly connected to vividnessindeed,

perceivable colors could also be dull and boringso the term

sensible is not the best choice.


Choice (B) is incorrect. If something is residual it is a remaining

In his v iv id representations of the African American experience, painter Romare

Bearden often used colors so ------- that v iewers could not take their ey es off his

works of art.

(A) sensible

(B) residual

(C) v ibrant

(D) mannered

(E) formulaic




Choice (B) is incorrect. If something is residual it is a remaining

part, or that which is left, after the completion of a process. Residual

colors would be those remaining after something is completed.

According to the sentence, Romare Beardens works of art are vivid,

or lively and intense, and captivating to viewers; the word that fits

the blank should reflect these qualities. It does not make much sense

to describe colors as being "so residual that viewers could not take

their eyes off" paintings containing those colors. It is not clear how

colors could be a leftover part of something, and there is no reason to

believe that something residual would necessarily be captivating.


Choice (D) is incorrect. To be mannered is to display a particular

character or behavior, often an artificial one. According to the

sentence, Romare Beardens works of art are vivid, or lively and

intense, and captivating to viewers; the word that fits the blank

should reflect these qualities. A color with a particular character or

attribute could captivate viewers. However, there is no direct

connection between being mannered and being vivid. Further, it is

somewhat illogical to describe colors as being mannered or as having

the ability to display any type of behavior, artificial or otherwise.


Choice (E) is incorrect. If something is formulaic, it follows a set

form or method in a way that leaves little room for originality.

According to the sentence, Romare Beardens works of art are vivid,

or lively and intense, and captivating to viewers; the word that fits

the blank should reflect these qualities. If Beardens use of color

follows a set form and does not incorporate originality, it is unlikely

that his works of art would be described as vivid or that the colors in

them would cause viewers to feel they could not take their eyes off

the paintings. Therefore, the term formulaic is not the best choice.

3

Explanation for Correct Answer E :

Choice (E) is correct. To create something is to bring it into

existence. If something is "accessible," it is within reach or capable of

being used. The structure of the sentence indicates a cause and effect

relationship between the first and second parts of the sentence. The

key word is "affordable": something happened with "an affordable

substitute for cortisone" (cortisone treats arthritis), and this affected

By discov ering how to ------- an affordable substitute for cortisone from soy beans,

Percy Julian helped to make arthritis treatment ------- large numbers of people.

(A) eliminate . . superfluous for

(B) sy nthesize . . prohibitiv e for

(C) compromise . . feasible for

(D) constitute . . irrelev ant to

(E) create . . accessible to




substitute for cortisone" (cortisone treats arthritis), and this affected

the treatment of arthritis for many people. The existence of a

cortisone substitute that people can afford would certainly help to

put the treatment of arthritis within many peoples reach; because

Percy Julian discovered how to create the affordable substitute,

arthritis treatment became accessible to large numbers of people.


Choice (A) is incorrect. To eliminate something is to get rid of it or

remove it. If something is "superfluous," it is extra or unnecessary.

The structure of the sentence suggests a cause and effect relationship

between the first and second parts of the sentence: something

happened with an affordable substitute for cortisone (cortisone

treats arthritis), and this affected the treatment of arthritis for many

people. There is not necessarily any reason to believe that someone

would try to get rid of a cortisone substitute that people could afford.

Further, it is unlikely that the elimination of an affordable substitute

would make arthritis treatment unnecessary for many people;

presumably, people with arthritis would still need treatment, even if

they could not afford cortisone or a cortisone substitute. The term

eliminate and the phrase superfluous for do not logically

complete the sentence.


Choice (B) is incorrect. To synthesize is to combine different parts

to form a whole. If something is "prohibitive," it prevents the use or

purchase of something. The structure of the sentence suggests a

cause and effect relationship between the first and second parts of

the sentence: something happened with an affordable substitute for

cortisone (cortisone treats arthritis), and this affected the treatment

of arthritis for many people. It makes sense to suggest that Percy

Julian discovered a way to synthesize a substitute for cortisone.

However, because the substitute is affordable, it does not make sense

to say that it made the treatment of arthritis prohibitive for large

numbers of people suffering from arthritis; an affordable treatment

would most likely be accessible to many people. The term

synthesize and the phrase prohibitive for do not logically


Explanation for Incorrect Answer C :

Choice (C) is incorrect. In this context, to compromise something

is to damage it or cause the impairment of it. If something is

"feasible," it is able to be done or carried out. The structure of the

sentence suggests a cause and effect relationship between the first

and second parts of the sentence: something happened with an

affordable substitute for cortisone (cortisone treats arthritis), and

this affected the treatment of arthritis for many people. If a cortisone

substitute is available and affordable, it does make sense to conclude

that it could make arthritis treatment feasible for, or able to be

carried out by, large numbers of people. However, if an affordable

substitute for cortisone was to be compromised, or damaged, it is

unlikely that the result would be to make arthritis treatment feasible.



unlikely that the result would be to make arthritis treatment feasible.

Further, there is not necessarily any reason to believe that someone

would try to damage a cortisone substitute that people could afford.

The term compromise and the phrase feasible for do not logically



Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, to constitute something is

to establish it or set it up. If something is "irrelevant," it is

inapplicable or not related to a matter at hand. The structure of the

sentence suggests a cause and effect relationship between the first

and second parts of the sentence: something happened with an

affordable substitute for cortisone (cortisone treats arthritis), and

this affected the treatment of arthritis for many people. It makes

sense to suggest that Percy Julian discovered how to establish a

substitute for cortisone. However, it does not make sense to say

that an affordable substitute would make the treatment of arthritis

irrelevant to large numbers of people; presumably, people with

arthritis would need treatment whether the treatment was expensive

or affordable.

4

Explanation for Correct Answer B :

Choice (B) is correct. "Amateurs" are people who engage in an

activity as a pastime or hobby rather than as a profession. To

legitimize something is to make it legitimate, or give it authority

and respectability. The term Although at the beginning of the

sentence indicates that there is a contrast between the two missing

terms: although something is a certain way, the results are not what

one would expect. If most women who undertook botanical

illustration were amateurs, then one would not expect their work to

have given the field authority and respectability, because amateurs

are not usually experts in a field. The sentence suggests that although

the women were primarily amateurs, they nevertheless made

contributions that actually helped legitimize the field as an academic

discipline.


Choice (A) is incorrect. "Researchers" are people who investigate

something thoroughly. To depreciate is to lower in esteem or

Although the women in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries who undertook

botanical illustration were primarily -------, their contributions as naturalists and

cataloguers actually helped ------- the field as an academic discipline.

(A) researchers . . depreciate

(B) amateurs . . legitimize

(C) entrepreneurs . . subsidize

(D) biologists . . eschew

(E) historians . . chronicle




something thoroughly. To depreciate is to lower in esteem or

value. The term Although at the beginning of the sentence indicates

that there is a contrast between the two missing terms: although

something is a certain way, the results are not what one would

expect. Because researchers conduct careful investigations, their

contributions to a field would most likely be valued and add value to

that field. Thus, there is a contrast between the expertise of

researchers and the depreciation, or devaluing, of a field. However,

there is no reason to believe that illustrations produced by

researchers actually would have caused the field of botanical

illustration to lower in esteem; in fact, because the illustrations were

considered contributions, it makes sense to conclude that they

increased the fields esteem.


Choice (C) is incorrect. "Entrepreneurs" are people who manage and

take on the risks of a business project. To subsidize something is to

offer assistance or promote it, usually with money. The term

Although at the beginning of the sentence indicates that there is a

contrast between the two missing terms: although something is a

certain way, the results are not what one would expect. The terms

entrepreneurs and subsidize do not support the necessary

contrast; if most women who undertook botanical illustration were

entrepreneurs, then it is possible that their contributions subsidized

the field, or helped it financially. Additionally, nothing in the

sentence indicates that the womens contributions related to financial

matters.


Choice (D) is incorrect. "Biologists" are people who study living

organisms. To eschew something is to avoid it as a habit, often for

moral reasons. The sentence is about botanical illustrations and

certain womens contributions as naturalists, both of which relate

to the field of biology, so it is possible that most of the women who

undertook botanical illustration were biologists. However, the

term eschew does not logically complete the sentence. It does not

make sense to say that the womens contributions helped eschew,

or helped avoid, the field as an academic discipline.


Choice (E) is incorrect. "Historians" are people who study events or

people in the past. To chronicle something is to provide a historical

or narrative account of it. The term Although at the beginning of

the sentence indicates that there is a contrast between the two terms:

although something is a certain way, the results are not what one

would expect. The terms historians and chronicle do not support

the necessary contrast; if most women who undertook botanical

illustration were historians, then it is logical to conclude that they

might have chronicled, or provided a historical account of, the field.



5


Choice (C) is correct. To forgo something is to give it up or do

without it. The sentence indicates that instead of addressing his final

point during the current class period, Professor Burke chose to

address it during the next class in order to end his lecture on time."

It would be accurate to say that the professor decided to forgo, or

give up, discussing his final point during the current class period.


Choice (A) is incorrect. To improvise is to do something without

preparation. The sentence suggests that instead of addressing his

final point during the current class period, Professor Burke chose to

address it during the next class in order to end his lecture on time.

It is possible that an improvised part of a lecture might need to be

addressed again in another class meeting. However, the term

instead indicates that rather than presenting his final point without

preparation, Professor Burke did not present his final point at all

during the current class period.


Choice (B) is incorrect. To amend something is to change it for the

better or improve it. The sentence suggests that instead of addressing

his final point during the current class period, Professor Burke

chose to address it during the next class in order to end his lecture

on time. The term instead indicates that Professor Burke did not

present his final point at all during the current class period, so it does

not make sense to suggest that he somehow amended his final point

during the current class period. Further, if the professor improved

part of his lecture, it is unlikely that he would address it again in the

next class meeting; he would already have addressed the point

sufficiently.


Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, to reiterate something is to

state it repeatedly. The sentence suggests that instead of addressing

his final point during the current class period, Professor Burke

chose to address it during the next class in order to end his lecture

on time. It is possible that a point that a professor wants to reiterate

might be addressed again in another class meeting. However, the

term instead indicates that rather than addressing his final point

To end his lecture on time, Professor Burke decided to ------- his final point and

address it instead at the next class meeting.

(A) improv ise

(B) amend

(C) forgo

(D) reiterate

(E) promote




term instead indicates that rather than addressing his final point

repeatedly, Professor Burke did not present his final point at all

during the current class period.


Choice (E) is incorrect. To promote something is to advance it or

contribute to its growth or prosperity. The sentence suggests that

instead of addressing his final point during the current class period,

Professor Burke chose to address it during the next class in order to

end his lecture on time. It is possible that a professor who wants to

promote a certain point might address it in more than one class

meeting. However, the term instead indicates that rather than

advancing his final point, Professor Burke did not present his final

point at all during the current class period.

6

Explanation for Correct Answer D :

Choice (D) is correct. In this context, contrived means artificial or

false. Plausible means believable. The sentence states that A. S.

Byatts stories are elaborate, or marked by complexity and fullness

of detail, and include supernatural elements, or things related to

entities or events that cannot be explained by natural laws. The

phrase on the contrary indicates that the terms that fit the blanks

will be opposite in meaning; the terms contrived and plausible are

opposites in this context. One might expect characters in complex

stories of the supernatural to seem artificial, but Byatts characters

are, on the contrary, believable.


Choice (A) is incorrect. Simplistic means overly simplified.

Eccentric means deviating from an established pattern or style.

The structure of the sentence indicates that the elaborate, or

complex, and supernatural, or existing beyond the observable

universe, elements of A. S. Byatts stories might cause one to expect

her characters to seem a certain way; the term that fits the first blank

should describe the characters one would expect in such stories. One

would not expect characters in complex supernatural stories to be

overly simplified, so the term simplistic is not the best choice.

Further, the phrase on the contrary indicates that Byatts

characters are actually the opposite of what one might expect.

Unusual characters are not necessarily the opposite of simplistic

Although A. S. By atts stories are elaborate and sometimes contain supernatural

elements, her characters do not seem -------; on the contrary , they are quite -------.

(A) simplistic . . eccentric

(B) realistic . . memorable

(C) abstruse . . incomprehensible

(D) contriv ed . . plausible

(E) intricate . . complex




Unusual characters are not necessarily the opposite of simplistic

characters, so the term eccentric does not logically complete the

sentence.


Choice (B) is incorrect. In this context, realistic characters would

be those who seem like real people. Memorable means notable or

worth remembering. The structure of the sentence indicates that the

elaborate, or complex, and supernatural, or existing beyond the

observable universe, elements of A. S. Byatts stories might cause

one to expect her characters to seem a certain way; the term that fits

the first blank should describe the characters one would expect in

such stories. One might expect that characters in supernatural stories

would not seem like real people, since such stories deal with things

beyond our universe, so the term realistic is not the best choice for

the first blank. Further, the phrase on the contrary indicates that

Byatts characters are actually the opposite of what one might

expect. Characters who seem like real people might also be notable,

so the term memorable does not logically complete the sentence.


Choice (C) is incorrect. Abstruse means difficult to comprehend.

Incomprehensible means impossible to comprehend. The structure

of the sentence indicates that the elaborate, or complex, and

supernatural, or existing beyond the observable universe, elements

of A. S. Byatts stories might cause one to expect her characters to

seem a certain way; the term that fits the first blank should describe

the characters one would expect in such stories. One might expect

characters in complex supernatural stories to be difficult to

comprehend, so the term abstruse might make sense in the first

blank. But the phrase on the contrary indicates that Byatts

characters are actually the opposite of what one might expect. The

term incomprehensible does not logically complete the sentence

because it means nearly the same thing as, not the opposite of,

abstruse.


Choice (E) is incorrect. Intricate means complicated. Complex

means hard to analyze or solve. The structure of the sentence

indicates that the elaborate, or complex, and supernatural, or

existing beyond the observable universe, elements of A. S. Byatts

stories might cause one to expect her characters to seem a certain

way; the term that fits the first blank should describe the characters

one would expect in such stories. One might expect characters in a

complex supernatural story to be complicated and hard to analyze,

so the term intricate makes sense in the first blank. But the phrase

on the contrary indicates that Byatts characters are actually the

opposite of what one might expect. The term complex does not

logically complete the sentence because it means the same thing as,

not the opposite of, intricate.


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7

Explanation for Correct Answer A :

Choice (A) is correct. Anecdotal means based on reports or

observations made by usually unscientific observers. In this context,

systematic means methodical in procedure or plan. The sentence

indicates that in order to confirm her theory, Dr. Allan would need to

conduct a series of experiments instead of relying on a certain type

of evidence presented to her informally. It makes sense to suggest

that a systematic, or methodical, series of experiments could confirm

her theory and that anecdotal evidenceevidence based only on

reports made by unscientific observerscould not.


Choice (B) is incorrect. Theoretical means hypothetical or existing

only in theory. Convoluted means intricate and confusing, often

unnecessarily so. The sentence indicates that evidence from

several . . . cases was presented to Dr. Allan informally. It does

not make sense to suggest that information about actual cases is

theoretical evidence, or evidence that exists only in theory;

whether or not such informal evidence is useful, it seems the

evidence does exist. Further, although some experiments might be

intricate, there is no reason to believe that a doctor would want to

conduct convoluted or unnecessarily intricate experiments.


Choice (C) is incorrect. Impressionistic means based on or

involving impressions rather than facts. If two things are

analogous, they share many similarities but are different from each

other in some way. The sentence indicates that evidence from

several . . . cases was presented to Dr. Allan informally. While

this evidence was presented informally, there is no reason to believe

that information resulting from real cases would be based only on

impressions and not on facts. Further, it does not really make sense

to say that Dr. Allan would conduct a more analogous series of

experimentsthere is no indication of what the experiments would

be similar to or how these more similar experiments would result in

strong evidence.


Dr. Allan was told informally of sev eral intriguing cases that accorded with her

theory , but this ------- ev idence could not prov ide the confirmation that a more ------

- series of experiments would.

(A) anecdotal . . sy stematic

(B) theoretical . . conv oluted

(C) impressionistic . . analogous

(D) unsubstantiated . . dilatory

(E) dogmatic . . rigorous





Choice (D) is incorrect. Unsubstantiated means unsupported by

proof. Dilatory means tending to cause delay. The sentence

indicates that in order to confirm her theory, Dr. Allan would need to

conduct a series of experiments instead of relying on a certain type

of evidence presented to her informally. It makes sense to suggest

that evidence that is unsupported by proof would not confirm a

theory, so the term unsubstantiated makes sense in the first blank.

But the term dilatory does not make sense in the second blank. It is

somewhat illogical to suggest that a series of experiments that would

cause a delay would help Dr. Allan confirm her theory. Indeed, there

is no reason to believe that a doctor would want to conduct

experiments that would cause delays.


Choice (E) is incorrect. Dogmatic means characterized by the

expression of very strong opinions as if they were facts. In this

context, rigorous means precise or scrupulously accurate. The

sentence indicates that in order to confirm her theory, Dr. Allan

would need to conduct a series of experiments instead of relying on

a certain type of evidence presented to her informally. It makes

sense to suggest that rigorous, or very accurate, experiments could

confirm her theory. However, the term dogmatic does not make

sense in the first blank. It is somewhat illogical to suggest that

evidence could be dogmatic; a person conducting studies certainly

can express his or her opinions, but the studies results cannot

express opinions, strongly or otherwise.

8


Choice (B) is correct. A profusion of something is a great quantity

of that thing. In this context, the term enigma refers to an

inscrutable, or not readily understood, person. The structure of the

sentence indicates that the phrase that fits the second blank will

describe someone who is an inscrutable personality, or a person

who is difficult to understand. The phrase an enigma describes

such a person. The structure also suggests that books about Greta

Garbo should help people understand who she was, but do not; one

might expect a great quantity of books about Garbo to lead to an

understanding of her, so the term profusion fits the first blank.

Even though there are many books about Garbo, she remains an

Despite the ------- of books written about Greta Garbo, she ultimately remains -------,

an inscrutable personality .

(A) ardor . . a paragon

(B) profusion . . an enigma

(C) bounty . . an icon

(D) obtuseness . . a paradox

(E) dearth . . a my stery




Even though there are many books about Garbo, she remains an

enigma.


Choice (A) is incorrect. Ardor is intensity or extreme energy. A

paragon is a model of excellence or perfection. The structure of the

sentence suggests that the books about Greta Garbo should help

people understand who she was, but do not. It is possible that very

intense books about Garbo could include things that would help

people understand who she was, so the term ardor might make

sense in the first blank; however, the term ardor is not usually used

to describe books. Further, the structure of the sentence also

indicates that the phrase that fits the second blank will describe

someone who is an inscrutable personality, or a person who is

difficult to understand. Someone who is a model of excellence is not

necessarily an inscrutable person, so the phrase a paragon is not

the best choice for the second blank.


Choice (C) is incorrect. In this context, a bounty is an abundance or

ample quantity of something. An icon can be an idol or an object of

uncritical devotion. The structure of the sentence suggests that the

books about Greta Garbo should help people understand who she

was, but do not. One might expect an abundance of books about

Garbo to lead to an understanding of her, so the term bounty

makes some sense in the first blank. But the structure also indicates

that the phrase that fits the second blank will describe someone who

is an inscrutable personality, or a person who is difficult to

understand. Someone who is an object of devotion might be difficult

to understand, but an icon is not necessarily an inscrutable person.


Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, something that is obtuse is

difficult to comprehend or not clear or precise in thought or

expression. The term paradox can refer to a person who has

seemingly contradictory qualities or phases. The structure of the

sentence indicates that the phrase that fits the second blank will

describe someone who is an inscrutable personality, or a person

who is difficult to understand. Someone who has seemingly

contradictory qualities might be inscrutable, so the phrase a

paradox makes sense in the second blank. However, the structure of

the sentence also suggests that the books about Greta Garbo should

help people understand who she was; one would not expect books

that are unclear or difficult to comprehend to accomplish this, so the

term obtuseness is not the best choice for the first blank.


Choice (E) is incorrect. A dearth is a lack of something or an

inadequate supply. A mystery is something not understood or

beyond understanding. The structure of the sentence indicates that

the phrase that fits the second blank will describe someone who is an



the phrase that fits the second blank will describe someone who is an

inscrutable personality, or a person who is difficult to understand.

The phrase a mystery describes such a person. However, the

structure also suggests that the books should help people understand

who Greta Garbo was, but do not; one would not expect a lack of

books about Garbo to lead to an understanding of her, so the term

dearth does not logically complete the sentence.

9


Choice (B) is correct. The narrator of the passage states that Aunt

Sylvie gave the word evening three syllables, pronouncing it EEV-

UN-ING. This pronunciation makes the word sound as though it is a

verb form of to even, or to make smooth or level. Aunt Sylvie's

pronunciation of "evening" shows that the word has two meanings: it

can refer to a certain time of day or to an act of making something

even. As the narrator indicates in line 5, Aunt Sylvie was probably

aware of the double meaning of the wordthe narrator thinks she

liked the word "for its tendency to smooth, to soften"and

pronounced it in a way that highlighted this double meaning.


Choice (A) is incorrect. The narrator of the passage states that Aunt






even. Nothing in the passage suggests that Aunt Sylvie pronounces

the word evening in a certain way because she speaks in a way that

is particular to a certain region; there is no indication that Aunt

When we came home, Aunt Sy lv ie would certainly be

home, too, enjoy ing the evening, for so she described her

habit of sitting in the dark. Evening was her special time ofLine day . She gave the word three sy llables, and indeed I think5 she liked it so well for its tendency to smooth, to soften.

She seemed to dislike the disequilibrium of counterpoising

a roomful of light against a worldful of darkness. Sy lv ie in

a house was more or less like a mermaid in a ships cabin.

She preferred it sunk in the very element it was meant to10 exclude.

The reference to Aunt Sy lv ies pronunciation in line 4 serv es to

(A) capture a distinctiv e regional dialect

(B) highlight a double meaning of a word

(C) prov ide an ominous foreshadowing

(D) underscore a particular misconception

(E) giv e ev idence of a contrary personality




Sylvie speaks with a distinctive regional dialect.


Choice (C) is incorrect. The narrator of the passage states that Aunt






even. The passage does refer to the darkness that accompanies

evening, and some authors use darkness to create ominous

foreshadowing. However, for Aunt Sylvie the evening is a smoothing

and softening force; the author does not refer to her pronunciation of

the word in an ominous or scary way.


Choice (D) is incorrect. The narrator of the passage states that Aunt






level or even. A misconception is something that people wrongly

believe to be true. The narrator of the passage does not suggest that

Aunt Sylvies pronunciation of the word evening has anything to do

with a misconception of some kind.


Choice (E) is incorrect. The narrator of the passage states that Aunt






level or even. A contrary personality is one that does not conform

to what is expected. Although Aunt Sylvie seems to pronounce the

word evening in a different way from most people, the narrator

does not refer to her pronunciation as evidence that she typically

does not conform to what is expected. There is no suggestion that

Aunt Sylvie is a contrary personality.

10 The last sentence of the passage suggests that Sy lv ie felt a house should be a

(A) shelter from darkness and danger

(B) defense against unwelcome v isitors

(C) my sterious and adv enturous place

(D) reminder of the cabin of a ship

(E) part of the world outdoors




Explanation for Correct Answer E :

Choice (E) is correct. In the passage the narrator compares Sylvie in

a house to a mermaid in a ships cabin. Because a mermaid's natural

environment is the sea, a mermaid in a ship's cabin would likely

yearn to be back in the sea and try to make the cabin as much like her

natural environment as possible; she would prefer the ship's cabin to

feel like the very element it was meant to exclude," the sea.

Likewise, Sylvie enjoyed sitting in the dark, it seems, because she

"seemed to dislike the disequilibrium" of turning on an artificial light

when the natural environmentthe outdoorswas in darkness.

Houses are meant to be shelters from the natural environment, but

Sylvie seems to have felt that a house should feel like it is part of the

world outdoors, not separate from it.


Choice (A) is incorrect. In the passage the narrator compares Sylvie

in a house to a mermaid in a ships cabin. Because a mermaid's

natural environment is the sea, a mermaid in a ship's cabin would

likely yearn to be back in the sea and try to make the cabin as much

like her natural environment as possible; she would prefer the ship's

cabin to feel like the very element it was meant to exclude," the sea.




Houses are meant to be shelters from the natural environment and

may provide shelter from darkness and danger. However, instead of

feeling that a house should shelter one from darkness and danger,


world outdoors. The narrator does not address the idea of danger but

he or she specifically states that Sylvie enjoyed sitting in darkness.


Choice (B) is incorrect. In the passage the narrator compares Sylvie










world outdoors, not separate from it. Nothing in the passage suggests

that Sylvie was concerned about unwelcome visitors.


Choice (C) is incorrect. In the passage the narrator compares Sylvie














world outdoors, not separate from it. A home could be a place of

mystery and adventure, but the narrator describes Sylvie as enjoying

the evening in her house because of its tendency to smooth, to

soften; it is unlikely that such evenings would involve the

excitement and risk of an adventure. Nothing in the passage suggests

that Sylvie felt a house should be a mysterious and adventurous

place.


Choice (D) is incorrect. In the passage the narrator mentions a

mermaid in a ships cabin. Because a mermaid's natural environment

is the sea, a mermaid in a ship's cabin would likely yearn to be back in

the sea and try to make the cabin as much like her natural

environment as possible; she would prefer the ship's cabin to feel like

the very element it was meant to exclude," the sea. Likewise, Sylvie

enjoyed sitting in the dark, it seems, because she "seemed to dislike

the disequilibrium" of turning on an artificial light when the natural

environmentthe outdoorswas in darkness. The narrator

compares Sylvie to a mermaid in a ships cabin to suggest that just as

the mermaid would want the cabin to feel like the sea, Sylvie wanted

her house to feel like it was part of the world outdoors. The narrator

does not suggest that Sylvie wanted her home to be similar in any

way to the cabin of a ship.

11

Some people boast of hav ing a sixth sense, professing to

know or see things that others cannot. Fortune-tellers, mind

readers, and my stics all lay claim to this power, and, in soLine doing, elicit widespread fascination in others, especially5 book publishers and telev ision producers. The questionable

field of parapsy chology is of course founded on the belief

that at least some people actually possess this my sterious

power. But to me, the real my stery is why so many fortune-

tellers choose to work the phones on telev ision psy chic10 hotlines instead of becoming insanely wealthy stock traders

on Wall Street.

The author implies that the people (line 1 ) are

(A) mav ericks

(B) dilettantes

(C) oracles

(D) charlatans

(E) pragmatists




Choice (D) is correct. A charlatan is a person who claims to have a

skill or knowledge that he or she does not possess. In line 1 the

author mentions people who claim to have a sixth sense. The

author then refers to the questionable field of parapsychology,"

suggesting that the field is questionable because people do not

actually possess the power to read minds or tell fortunes. The author

then suggests that if these people really had the powers they claim to

have, they would use those powers to make money on Wall Street.

The author strongly implies that people who call themselves psychics

are charlatans; he or she suggests that they are claiming to have

certain skills that they do not have.


Choice (A) is incorrect. A maverick is an individual who does not go

along with the expectations of a group or party. In line 1 the author

mentions people who claim to have a sixth sense. The author then

refers to the questionable field of parapsychology," suggesting that

the field is questionable because people do not actually possess the

power to read minds or tell fortunes. It is possible that a maverick

would claim to have skills she or he does not really possess, but being

a maverick is not directly related to possessing or not possessing

certain skills. The author does not suggest that people who falsely

claim to have a sixth sense also reject the expectations of a group or

party.


Choice (B) is incorrect. A dilettante is a person who has a shallow or

superficial interest in an activity or branch of knowledge. In line 1

the author mentions people who claim to have a sixth sense. The



actually possess the power to read minds or tell fortunes. Dilettantes

do not have a deep knowledge of a field, so it is possible that they

would claim to have skills they do not actually possess. However, the

author of the passage does not suggest that fortune-tellers and

psychics lack a deep knowledge of the field of parapsychology; the

author is skeptical about these people because they falsely claim to

have special powers, not because he or she is concerned about the

shallowness of their knowledge of parapsychology.


Choice (C) is incorrect. An oracle is a prophet or someone through

whom a deity is believed to speak. In line 1 the author mentions

people who claim to have a sixth sense. The author then refers to

the questionable field of parapsychology," suggesting that the field

is questionable because people do not actually possess the power to

read minds or tell fortunes. Those who believe that psychics and




read minds or tell fortunes. Those who believe that psychics and

fortune-tellers actually have the powers they say they possess might

consider these people to be oracles. However, the author does not

believe that psychics and fortune-tellers really have special powers

he or she suggests that if these people really had the powers they

claim to have they would use those powers to make money on Wall

Street, not to work the phones on television psychic hotlines.

Rather than suggesting that psychics and fortune-tellers are oracles,

the author suggests that they are charlatans.


Choice (E) is incorrect. A pragmatist is a person who takes a

practical, or matter-of-fact, approach to problems. In line 1 the

author mentions people who claim to have a sixth sense. The



actually possess the power to read minds or tell fortunes. Nowhere in

the passage does the author suggest that psychics and fortune-tellers

take a practical approach to problems. Further, a practical person

would be unlikely to claim to have skills she or he does not really

possess. Rather than suggesting that they are pragmatists, the author

suggests that psychics and fortune-tellers are charlatans.

12


Choice (A) is correct. To be sardonic is to be humorous with a

mocking or skeptical tone. The author suggests that psychics and

fortune-tellers do not actually possess the mysterious power of

a sixth sense; the author is skeptical, or has an attitude of doubt,

regarding parapsychology. In the last sentence, the author

mockingly wonders why "fortune-tellers choose to work the phones

on television . . . instead of becoming insanely wealthy" by picking

stocks on Wall Street. This sentence humorously demonstrates the

author's point that so-called psychics do not in fact possess psychic

powers. The authors tone is most accurately described as sardonic.


Choice (B) is incorrect. To be baffled is to be confused or puzzled.

The author suggests that psychics and fortune-tellers do not

actually possess the mysterious power of a sixth sense; the

The tone of the authors comment in the last sentence (But . . . Street) is most

accurately described as

(A) sardonic

(B) baffled

(C) condescending

(D) didactic

(E) pensiv e




actually possess the mysterious power of a sixth sense; the

author is skeptical, or has an attitude of doubt, regarding

parapsychology. In the last sentence, the author mockingly wonders

why "fortune-tellers choose to work the phones on television . . .

instead of becoming insanely wealthy" by picking stocks on Wall

Street. The author is not actually confused about why fortune-tellers

are not working on Wall Street; he or she refers to the mystery to

humorously demonstrate his or her point that so-called psychics do

not in fact possess psychic powers.


Choice (C) is incorrect. To be condescending is to look down on

others in a patronizing or haughty way. The author suggests that

psychics and fortune-tellers do not actually possess the

mysterious power of a sixth sense. The author mocks so-called

psychics with a humorous comment about working the phones

instead of making money on Wall Street because he or she is

skeptical, or has an attitude of doubt, regarding parapsychology.

Skeptical people can be condescending, especially if they believe

they are right and others are wrong. However, the author's tone in

the last sentence is not primarily one of condescension; the author

does not strongly suggest that so-called psychics are beneath him or

her. Instead, the author adopts a mocking tone to humorously

demonstrate his or her point that so-called psychics do not in fact

possess psychic powers. The authors tone is more sardonic than

condescending.


Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, to be didactic is to teach or

moralize excessively. The author suggests that psychics and fortune-

tellers do not actually possess the mysterious power of a sixth

sense; the author is skeptical, or has an attitude of doubt, regarding

parapsychology. In the last sentence, the author mockingly wonders

why "fortune-tellers choose to work the phones . . . instead of

becoming insanely wealthy" by picking stocks on Wall Street. The

author does not offer readers any instruction or extensively discuss

any moral observations; rather, in the last sentence the author

simply uses mocking humor to demonstrate his or her point that so-

called psychics do not in fact possess psychic powers.


Choice (E) is incorrect. To be pensive is to be dreamily thoughtful,

sometimes in a sad way. The author suggests that psychics and

fortune-tellers do not actually possess the mysterious power of

a sixth sense; the author is skeptical, or has an attitude of doubt,

regarding parapsychology. In the last sentence, the author

mockingly wonders why "fortune-tellers choose to work the phones .

. . instead of becoming insanely wealthy" by picking stocks on Wall

Street. The author is not sincerely wondering why fortune-tellers do

not work on Wall Street, and his or her tone is not dreamily

thoughtful. Rather, the authors tone is mocking; the last sentence

humorously demonstrates the author's point that so-called psychics



humorously demonstrates the author's point that so-called psychics

do not in fact possess psychic powers.

These passages are adapted from observations made by two twentieth-

century historians on how nationsand peoplemake use of their sense of

their own history.

Passage 1

Although when we use the word history we

instinctively think of the past, this is an error, for history is

actually a bridge connecting the past with the present andLine pointing the road to the future. This fact Daniel Webster5 expressed many y ears ago in memorable nautical terms:

. . . when the mariner has tossed for many day s in thick

weather, and on an unknown sea, he naturally avails

himself of the first pause in the storm, the earliest glances

of the sun, to take his latitude and ascertain how far the10 elements have driven him from his true course. Webster

here indicates one of the cardinal utilities of history . Since

humanity is alway s more or less storm-driven, history

serves as a crucial nav igational instrument for the nations

which, tossed as they are by wind and current, would be15 lost in confusion if they could not identify their position.

History enables bewildered bodies of human beings

to grasp their relationship with their past, and helps them

chart their immediate forward course. And it does more

than this. By giv ing people a sense of continuity in all their20 efforts, red-flagging error, and chronicling immortal worth,

it confers on them a consciousness of unity , a realization of

the value of indiv idual achievement, and a comprehension

of the importance of planned effort, as contrasted with

aimless drifting.25 Modern people, especially when harried and perplexed

by the sweep of events, peer earnestly into history for some

illumination of their predicament and prospects, even

though they may only read magazine articles or listen to

the radio or telev ision. And when great events rouse people30 to their most responsible temper, and fierce national ordeals

awaken them to a new sense of their capacities, they turn

readily to the writing of history , for they wish to instruct,

and to its reading, for they want to learn. It was no accident

that the First World War fostered such an interest in history35 that for a time the number of books in English devoted to

history exceeded the titles in fiction.

Passage 2

The historian has much to answer for. History that is,

written history and the examples it prov ideshas made

and unmade nations, given courage to the oppressed and40 undermined the oppressor, has justified aggression and

overridden law. After Germany s defeat of France in 187 0,

a French historian exclaimed with unwilling admiration

that the nineteenth-century Germans used their history

as a means toward unity and a weapon of war; but that45 the story of his own country as written by his compatriots



13


Choice (C) is correct. The author of Passage 1 indicates that the

history of a nation should be used to point the road to the future,

and that history allows human beings to . . . chart their immediate

forward course. Similarly, the author of Passage 2 argues that the

future behavior of a nation is shaped by its past: Past heroism

breeds future heroism, past cowardice the cowardice of the future.

For both authors, history impacts future actions.


Choice (A) is incorrect. When the author of Passage 1 writes that

45 the story of his own country as written by his compatriots

had taught the French people above all to hate one

another. Past heroism breeds future heroism, past

cowardice the cowardice of the future. History tends to

repeat itself by a process of almost deliberate imitation.50 We have been told what to expect of ourselves and, by

expecting, we do it.

But what is this motivating force? What is written

history ? The nineteenth-century English historian Froude

sonorously hailed it as a voice forever sounding across55 the centuries the laws of right and wrong. Written history

is, in fact, nothing of the kind; it is the fragmentary record

of the often inexplicable actions of innumerable bewil-

dered human beings set down and interpreted according

to their own limitations by other human beings, equally60 bewildered. The tribunal of history judges about as fairly

as any random batch of court judges. But only a minority

of people are able to recognize this fact, and, of that mi-

nority , only a minority will act upon it. The rest of us will

go through life with a silt of moral and political prejudice65 washing about the brainall derived directly and

indirectly , by way of textbooks and propaganda and

theaters and the marketplace, from historical writings.

It used to be said that history should be written without

prejudice, that the historian must not step aside to draw70 a moral. The first cannot be done; the second should not.

Historians should alway s draw morals. If the accurate,

judicious and highly trained scholars fail to do so, the

unscrupulous and unqualified will do it for them, and

the deluded public will listen gaping to false but more75 emphatic prophets. Historians who neglect the education

of the public are responsible for the v illainous stuff to

which the public will go instead. A nation does not create

the historians it deserves; the historians are far more likely to

create the nation.

The author of each passage argues that people use their nations history as a way to

(A) bring about harmony among disparate groups

(B) settle disputes ov er important precedents

(C) make decisions about future actions

(D) influence citizens of other nations

(E) create my ths fostering patriotism




Choice (A) is incorrect. When the author of Passage 1 writes that

history gives people a sense of continuity or a consciousness of

unity he or she implies that history can create a sense of shared

identity among peoplehowever, the author does not mention

disparate groups or a sense of harmony. The author of Passage 2

acknowledges that the history of a particular nation provides

examples for its future actions, but he or she also does not address

harmony among different groups. Neither author suggests that

people use history to achieve harmony among disparate groups.


Choice (B) is incorrect. Both authors strongly argue that people use

their nations history to guide them in their future actions; the author

of Passage 1 states that a nations history is also the road to the

future, and the author of Passage 2 asserts that a nations future

behavior is shaped by its past. Neither author suggests that people

use history to settle disputes over important precedentsthat is, to

resolve disagreements about conventions established by long

practice or by earlier events.


Choice (D) is incorrect. Both authors suggest that a nations future is

shaped by its own past. The author of Passage 1 states that history

helps people grasp their relationship with their past, and helps them

chart their immediate forward course, and the author of Passage 2

points out that we have been told what to expect of ourselves and by

expecting it, we do it. These points of view do not indicate that

history is used by one nation to influence the citizens of another

nation. Rather, both authors suggest that people use their own

history to understand themselves and to create their own future.


Choice (E) is incorrect. Neither of the authors argues that history is

used to create myths that promote patriotism. The author of Passage

1 explains that history is used as a tool (a crucial navigational

instrument) for determining future actions and as a means for

establishing a sense of national identity. The author of Passage 2

explains that history tends to repeat itself and that people create a

future that imitates the past. There is no discussion of myths in either

passage.

14 The primary purpose of Passage 1 is to

(A) define what is meant by the term history in Western culture

(B) draw a parallel between collectiv e and indiv idual histories

(C) describe the benefits of hav ing a sense of history

(D) clarify misconceptions about history

(E) justify the publics interest in history





Choice (C) is correct. The primary purpose of Passage 1 is to describe

the ways in which having a sense of history is beneficial for a nation

and its people. As the author points out, people use history as a tool

for determining their future. He or she states that history gives

people a sense of identity and continuity, and that it also gives people

a consciousness of unity and a realization of the value of

individual achievement.


Choice (A) is incorrect. The primary purpose of Passage 1 is not to

define the term history but to describe the benefits of having a

sense of history. The author describes history as a bridge

connecting the past with the present and pointing the road to the

future; he or she does not suggest that this description is a definition

of history, but rather uses the description to introduce the idea that

history can serve as a crucial navigational instrument, helping

people shape their future actions. The author also indicates that

other benefits of history include giving people a sense of identity and

unity.


Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does not compare

collective and individual histories. Rather, the primary purpose of

Passage 1 is to describe how a sense of history can be beneficial for

nations and their people. According to the author, when people are

faced with national ordeals they turn to history to determine their

future actions and to acquire a sense of identity and unity, using

history as a crucial navigational instrument.


Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 is not concerned

with clarifying misconceptions about history; he or she does not even

mention any such misconceptions. Rather, the primary purpose of

Passage 1 is to describe how a sense of history can be beneficial for

nations and their people. The author asserts that history serves as a

guide for future actions (a critical navigational instrument) and

gives people a sense of identity and unity.


Choice (E) is incorrect. The primary purpose of Passage 1 is not to

justify the publics interest in history. The term justify suggests

that others have a negative opinion about public interest in history,

and that the author is trying to prove the rightness or reasonableness

of the publics interest; but the author does not indicate that anyone

thinks the publics interest is negative in any way or that he or she

needs to defend this interest. Instead, the author simply asserts that

having a sense of history is beneficial to nations and their people:

history serves as a guide for determining peoples future actions and





15


Choice (A) is correct. The author of Passage 1 compares history to a

navigational instrument that offers people accurate directions for

moving forward. The author of Passage 2, however, argues that

Written history has limitations: it is the fragmentary record of the

often inexplicable actions of . . . human beings and is set down and

interpreted . . . by other human beings. In other words, peoples

actions sometimes cannot be fully understood or explained, but the

people who write history try to explain these actions. The author

states that these writers may only know part of the story and can

only offer their own interpretation of what happened; as a result,

written history may be flawed or misleading and may not be a useful

navigational instrument.


Choice (B) is incorrect. Nowhere does the author of Passage 2

suggest that heads of state do not easily understand history, so he or

she would probably not argue that this is a reason history differs

from a crucial navigational instrument. Instead, the author would

likely argue that Written history is not a necessary instrument for

steering people in the right direction (as the author of Passage 1

believes) because it provides only a fragmentary record and an

interpretation of peoples actions. The author suggests that written

history may be flawed or misleading and may not be a useful

navigational instrument.


Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 does mention that

past cowardice [breeds] the cowardice of the future, but he or she

is referring to the way history can either give courage to or oppress

people; the author does not address the idea that history promotes

embarrassment or shame, so there is no reason to believe he or she

would argue that history differs from a crucial navigational

instrument for this reason. In contrast to Passage 1, in which the

author suggests that history steers people in the right direction, the

author of Passage 2 indicates that Written history provides only a

fragmentary record and an interpretation of peoples actions. The

author suggests that written history may be flawed or misleading and

The author of Passage 2 would most likely argue that a nations history differs from

a crucial nav igational instrument (line 1 3 , Passage 1 ) in that history

(A) may offer flawed, ev en misleading, direction

(B) is not easily understood by ev ery head of state

(C) helps to promote embarrassment, ev en shame

(D) offers little guidance on certain national issues

(E) must be studied in the context of a society s v alues





may not be a useful or necessary navigational instrument.


Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 would probably not

argue that history differs from a crucial navigational instrument

because it offers little guidance on some national issuesthe author

suggests that nations do find guidance in Written history, calling it

a motivating force that has made and unmade nations. Rather,

the author would likely argue that history may not be a necessary

navigational instrument because the guidance history offers may be

flawed or misleading; history provides only a fragmentary record

and an interpretation of peoples actions.


Choice (E) is incorrect. It may be true that history is best studied in

the context of a societys values, but the author of Passage 2 does not

discuss this idea and there is no reason to believe that he or she

would argue that history differs from a crucial navigational

instrument for this reason. In contrast to Passage 1, in which the

author suggests that history steers people in the right direction, the

author of Passage 2 indicates that Written history provides only a

fragmentary record and an interpretation of peoples actions. The


may not be a necessary navigational instrument.

16


Choice (C) is correct. In Passage 1 the author declares that the

sweep of events leaves people harried and perplexed. This

suggests that the author is referring to events that happen so fast or

so swiftly that they leave people overwhelmed or confused.

According to the author, it is in this context that people often

examine history in order to learn from it.


Choice (A) is incorrect. Nothing in the passage suggests that the

phrase the sweep of events refers to secret and undisclosed events.

Rather, when the author of Passage 1 mentions the sweep of events

he or she is referring to things happening so fast that they leave

people harried and perplexed, or overwhelmed and confused. The

In line 26, the sweep of ev ents most directly refers to ev ents that happen

(A) secretly and remain undisclosed

(B) routinely and appear unimportant

(C) swiftly and seem ov erwhelming

(D) accidentally and inspire improv ements

(E) predictably and confirm expectations




people harried and perplexed, or overwhelmed and confused. The

author suggests that such fast-moving events often cause people to

examine history in order to learn from it.


Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 uses the phrase the

sweep of events to describe events that are not routine or

unimportant. The author is referring to things happening so fast that

they leave people harried and perplexed; it is unlikely that

commonplace, insignificant events would cause people to feel

overwhelmed and confused.


Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 suggests that the

sweep of events can cause people to peer earnestly into history,

but he or she does not discuss any improvements that may result

from such behavior and does not indicate whether the events are

happening accidentally. Instead, the author uses the phrase to refer

to things happening so fast that they leave people harried and

perplexed, or overwhelmed and confused. The author suggests that

such fast-moving events often cause people to examine history in

order to learn from it.


Choice (E) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 uses the phrase the

sweep of events to describe events that most likely are not

predictable. The author is referring to things happening so fast that

they leave people harried and perplexed; it is unlikely that

predictable eventsevents that can be foreseenthat confirm

peoples expectations would cause people to feel overwhelmed and

confused.

17


Choice (D) is correct. The author of Passage 1 states that writers of

history instruct others. He or she also indicates that the accounts

historians write [serve] as a crucial navigational instrument that

can help people chart their immediate forward course and can

provide a sense of continuity and national unity. Clearly, the author

assumes that historians are knowledgeable and indispensible guides.

The author of Passage 1 assumes that historians function as

(A) wise and respected policy makers

(B) strict and disciplined instructors

(C) adv enturous and articulate explorers

(D) knowledgeable and indispensable guides

(E) carefree and impetuous speculators





Choice (A) is incorrect. Nowhere in Passage 1 does the author suggest

that historians are policy makers, wise and respected or otherwise.

Rather, he or she seems to assume that historians are knowledgeable

(they instruct others) and that they are indispensible guides (they

produce written accounts that [serve] as a crucial navigational

instrument).


Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does indicate that

historians write history to instruct others, but nowhere in the

passage does he or she suggest that historians are strict and

disciplined instructors. Rather, the author seems to assume that

historians are knowledgeable and indispensible guideshe or she

asserts that the written accounts historians produce [serve] as a

crucial navigational instrument.


Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 refers to Daniel

Websters metaphor of an explorer (a mariner) [taking] his latitude

as he crosses unknown seas, a metaphor that illustrates the idea that

people use history as a crucial navigational instrument. The author

does not suggest that historians are explorers. Rather, he or she

simply assumes that historians are knowledgeable (they instruct

others) and that they are indispensible guides (they produce the

written accounts that serve as a navigational instrument).


Choice (E) is incorrect. Nowhere in Passage 1 does the author suggest

that historians are carefree and impetuous speculators, or people

who make sudden, impulsive guesses without knowing facts. On the

contrary, the author seems to assume that historians are

knowledgeablethey instruct others and likely rely on facts rather

than making guesses. He or she also assumes that historians are

indispensible guides, since they produce written accounts that

[serve] as a crucial navigational instrument for people and nations.

18 The author of Passage 2 would most likely consider the number (line 35, Passage

1 ) an example of the

(A)appetite for history that makes the public v ulnerable to irresponsible

historians

(B) demand for history books that makes unscrupulous historians wealthy

(C) interest in history that leads readers to ov erestimate their own expertise

(D) need for heroic figures whose stories prov ide inspiration

(E) tendency of history texts to proliferate during wartime





Choice (A) is correct. The author of Passage 1 states that the First

World War sparked such an interest in history that the number of

books . . . devoted to history exceeded the titles in fictionin other

words, there was a very large number of books about history. The

author of Passage 2 states that some historians are false . . .

prophets who produce villainous stuff to which the public will go

he or she clearly feels strongly that some historians are very

irresponsible (unlike the historians who are judicious and highly

trained scholars) and is concerned that the writing they produce

may harm the public. He or she probably would consider the great

number of history books produced after WWI to be evidence of the

publics appetite for history, an appetite that leaves the public

vulnerable to irresponsible historians.


Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 states that the First




author of Passage 2 does suggest that some historians are

unscrupulous, or unprincipledsome are false . . . prophets who

produce villainous stuffbut he or she does not discuss the wealth

that historians acquire when there is a demand for history books.

Rather, the author is concerned about the potential for the written

history produced by such irresponsible historians to mislead people;

he or she probably would consider the great number of history books

produced after WWI to be evidence of the publics appetite for

history, an appetite that leaves the public vulnerable to irresponsible

historians.


Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 states that the First




author of Passage 2 probably would cite this great number of history

books as an example of the publics interest in history. However, he

or she suggests that some historians, not readers, may overestimate

their own expertisesome historians are unscrupulous and

unqualified. The author is concerned that the publics appetite for

history leaves them vulnerable to these unqualified and irresponsible

historians.


Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 states that the First




author of Passage 2 states that history is capable of giving courage



author of Passage 2 states that history is capable of giving courage

to the oppressed and can [breed] future heroism, but he or she

focuses on the need for written history, not the need for the heroic

figuresthe real peoplewhose stories are sometimes featured in

written history. Rather than arguing that the great number of history

books produced after WWI is an example of the need for heroic

figures, the author probably would consider the number of books to

be evidence of the publics appetite for history, an appetite that

leaves the public vulnerable to certain unqualified and irresponsible

historians who produce villainous stuff.


Choice (E) is incorrect. It is the author of Passage 1, not the author of

Passage 2, who discusses the tendency of history texts to proliferate,

or increase in number, during wartime; the author of Passage 1

asserts that great events cause people to turn readily to the writing

of history, and mentions the great number of books about hi

Documents

The Official SAT Online Course34