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With their recognition of Maxine Hong Kingston as a mdetailing typical talk-story formsajor literary figure, some critics have suggested that her works have been produced almost ex nihilo, saying that they lack a large traceable body of direct literary antecedents especially within the Chinese American heritage in whic... | 200810_2-RC_3_21 | [
"scholarly appreciation for its longstanding artistic sophistication",
"mild disappointment that it has not distinguished itself from other oral traditions",
"tentative approval of its resistance to critical evaluations",
"clear respect for the diversity of its ancient sources and cultural derivations",
"op... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately identifies the attitude shown by the author in the passage toward talk-story? |
In economics, the term "speculative bubble" refers to a large upward move in an asset's price driven not by the asset's fundamentals—that is, by the earnings derivable from the asset—but rather by mere speculation that someone else will be willing to pay a higher price for it. The price increase is then followed by a d... | 200810_2-RC_4_22 | [
"The seventeenth-century Dutch tulip market is widely but mistakenly believed by economists to provide an example of a speculative bubble.",
"Mackay did not accurately assess the earnings that could be derived from rare and expensive seventeenth-century Dutch tulip bulbs.",
"A speculative bubble occurs whenever... | 3 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
In economics, the term "speculative bubble" refers to a large upward move in an asset's price driven not by the asset's fundamentals—that is, by the earnings derivable from the asset—but rather by mere speculation that someone else will be willing to pay a higher price for it. The price increase is then followed by a d... | 200810_2-RC_4_23 | [
"someone who, after learning that many others had withdrawn their applications for a particular job, applied for the job in the belief that there would be less competition for it",
"an art dealer who, after paying a very high price for a new painting, sells it at a very low price because it is now considered to b... | 3 | Given Garber's account of the seventeenth-century Dutch tulip market, which one of the following is most analogous to someone who bought a tulip bulb of a certain variety in that market at a very high price, only to sell a bulb of that variety at a much lower price? |
In economics, the term "speculative bubble" refers to a large upward move in an asset's price driven not by the asset's fundamentals—that is, by the earnings derivable from the asset—but rather by mere speculation that someone else will be willing to pay a higher price for it. The price increase is then followed by a d... | 200810_2-RC_4_24 | [
"If speculative bubbles occur at all, they occur very rarely.",
"Many of the owners of high-priced original tulip bulbs could have expected to at least recoup their original investments from sales of the many bulbs propagated from the original bulbs.",
"If there is not a speculative bubble in a market, then the... | 1 | The passage most strongly supports the inference that Garber would agree with which one of the following statements? |
In economics, the term "speculative bubble" refers to a large upward move in an asset's price driven not by the asset's fundamentals—that is, by the earnings derivable from the asset—but rather by mere speculation that someone else will be willing to pay a higher price for it. The price increase is then followed by a d... | 200810_2-RC_4_25 | [
"The rapid rise in price of Dutch tulip bulbs was not due to the fashionability of the flowers they produced.",
"The prices of certain varieties of Dutch tulip bulbs during the seventeenth century were, at least for a time, determined by speculation.",
"The Netherlands was the only center of cultivation and dev... | 1 | The passage states that Mackay claimed which one of the following? |
In economics, the term "speculative bubble" refers to a large upward move in an asset's price driven not by the asset's fundamentals—that is, by the earnings derivable from the asset—but rather by mere speculation that someone else will be willing to pay a higher price for it. The price increase is then followed by a d... | 200810_2-RC_4_26 | [
"present the facts that are accepted by all experts in the field",
"identify the mistake that one scholar alleges another scholar made",
"explain the basis on which one scholar makes an inference with which another scholar disagrees",
"undermine the case that one scholar makes for the claim with which another... | 2 | The main purpose of the second paragraph is to |
In economics, the term "speculative bubble" refers to a large upward move in an asset's price driven not by the asset's fundamentals—that is, by the earnings derivable from the asset—but rather by mere speculation that someone else will be willing to pay a higher price for it. The price increase is then followed by a d... | 200810_2-RC_4_27 | [
"against which other pricing patterns are to be measured",
"that conforms to a commonly agreed-upon criterion",
"that is merely acceptable",
"that regularly recurs in certain types of cases",
"that serves as an exemplar"
] | 3 | The phrase "standard pricing pattern" as used in line 38 most nearly means a pricing pattern |
With his first published works in the 1950s, Amos Tutuola became the first Nigerian writer to receive wide international recognition. Written in a mix of standard English, idiomatic Nigerian English, and literal translation of his native language, Yoruba, Tutuola's works were quick to be praised by many literary critic... | 200812_4-RC_1_1 | [
"Amos Tutuola is an internationally acclaimed writer of folktales whose unique writing style blends together aspects of Yoruba, Nigerian English, and standard English.",
"Amos Tutuola's literary works should be evaluated not as novels but as unique and inventively crafted retellings of folktales.",
"Amos Tutuol... | 1 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
With his first published works in the 1950s, Amos Tutuola became the first Nigerian writer to receive wide international recognition. Written in a mix of standard English, idiomatic Nigerian English, and literal translation of his native language, Yoruba, Tutuola's works were quick to be praised by many literary critic... | 200812_4-RC_1_2 | [
"applied conventions of the modern novel to the retelling of Irish folktales",
"re-created important elements of the Irish literary style within a purely oral art form",
"combined characters from English and Irish folktales to tell a story of modern life",
"transplanted traditional Irish folktales from their ... | 3 | Tutuola's approach to writing folktales would be most clearly exemplified by a modern-day Irish author who |
With his first published works in the 1950s, Amos Tutuola became the first Nigerian writer to receive wide international recognition. Written in a mix of standard English, idiomatic Nigerian English, and literal translation of his native language, Yoruba, Tutuola's works were quick to be praised by many literary critic... | 200812_4-RC_1_3 | [
"convinced that Tutuola's works should be viewed within the context of the African oral tradition",
"certain that Tutuola's works will generate a renewed interest in the study of oral traditions",
"pleased at the reception that Tutuola's works have received from literary critics",
"confident that the original... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately characterizes the author's attitude toward Tutuola's position in world literature? |
With his first published works in the 1950s, Amos Tutuola became the first Nigerian writer to receive wide international recognition. Written in a mix of standard English, idiomatic Nigerian English, and literal translation of his native language, Yoruba, Tutuola's works were quick to be praised by many literary critic... | 200812_4-RC_1_4 | [
"his literary works do not exhibit enough similarities to the African oral tradition from which they are drawn",
"his mixture of languages is not entirely effective as a vehicle for either traditional folktales or contemporary novels",
"his attempt to fuse elements of traditional storytelling style with the for... | 3 | According to the passage, some critics have criticized Tutuola's work on the ground that |
With his first published works in the 1950s, Amos Tutuola became the first Nigerian writer to receive wide international recognition. Written in a mix of standard English, idiomatic Nigerian English, and literal translation of his native language, Yoruba, Tutuola's works were quick to be praised by many literary critic... | 200812_4-RC_1_5 | [
"repetition of elements in his stories for emphasis",
"relocation of traditional stories to modern settings",
"attainment of international recognition",
"use of an omniscient narrator in his works",
"transformation of Yoruba folktales into modern novels"
] | 4 | The author attributes each of the following to Tutuola EXCEPT: |
With his first published works in the 1950s, Amos Tutuola became the first Nigerian writer to receive wide international recognition. Written in a mix of standard English, idiomatic Nigerian English, and literal translation of his native language, Yoruba, Tutuola's works were quick to be praised by many literary critic... | 200812_4-RC_1_6 | [
"distinguish expectations that apply to one literary genre from those that apply to another literary genre",
"argue that two sharply differing literary genres are both equally valuable",
"challenge critics who ascribe little merit to innovative ways of blending two distinct literary genres",
"elucidate those ... | 0 | The author refers to the "corpus of traditional lore" (lines 26–27) as part of an attempt to |
With his first published works in the 1950s, Amos Tutuola became the first Nigerian writer to receive wide international recognition. Written in a mix of standard English, idiomatic Nigerian English, and literal translation of his native language, Yoruba, Tutuola's works were quick to be praised by many literary critic... | 200812_4-RC_1_7 | [
"illustrate the wide range of Tutuola's body of work",
"explain the significance of the literary genre of the folktale and to defend it as a valid art form",
"provide an account of Tutuola's body of work in order to help establish appropriate criteria for its evaluation",
"distinguish accurately between the g... | 2 | The primary purpose of the passage is to |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_8 | [
"Some findings support the hypothesis that kin recognition emerged through natural selection because it increased organisms' total genetic representation, but this hypothesis may not explain all instances of kin recognition.",
"Current research supports the view that the mechanisms enabling the members of a speci... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_9 | [
"They develop the ability to recognize fellow carnivores.",
"They feed only upon omnivorous tadpoles.",
"They change in body size when they become carnivores.",
"Their carnivorousness constitutes an important piece of evidence that calls into question the inclusive fitness theory.",
"Their carnivorousness w... | 2 | The passage states which one of the following about some spadefoot toad tadpoles? |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_10 | [
"It is impossible to understand the mechanisms underlying kin recognition until an evolutionary explanation of such recognition has been attained.",
"Such explanations require no modifications to traditional evolutionary theory.",
"For any such explanation to be fully adequate it should ignore the differences o... | 3 | Based on the passage, the author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements about evolutionary explanations of kin recognition? |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_11 | [
"to draw attention to behavior that further complicates the set of facts to be explained by any theory of natural selection that accounts for kin recognition",
"to explain why cannibals in most species eat their kin less often than do cannibal spadefoot toad tadpoles",
"to describe behavior that lends support t... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately describes the function of the last sentence of the second paragraph? |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_12 | [
"It is not dependent solely on the use of visual cues.",
"It is neither utilized nor possessed by those tadpoles that do not become cannibalistic.",
"It does not always allow a tadpole to distinguish its siblings from tadpoles that are not siblings.",
"It is rendered unnecessary by physiological changes accom... | 0 | The passage most strongly supports which one of the following statements about the mechanism by which cannibal spadefoot toad tadpoles recognize their kin? |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_13 | [
"The mechanisms are most easily explained if we assume that they have a similar purpose in all species regardless of the species' social or mental complexities.",
"The mechanisms have become more clearly understood, prompting interest in the purpose they serve.",
"The mechanisms have become the focus of theoret... | 1 | The passage states which one of the following about the mechanisms that enable organisms to recognize their close genetic relatives? |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_14 | [
"was not known to be true before the 1960s",
"can be explained only if we assume that these members are in turn nurtured by the relatives they nurture",
"is what led most biologists to reject the traditional view of evolution",
"calls into question the view that evolution proceeds by natural selection",
"is... | 4 | The information in the passage most strongly suggests that the fact that most honeybees exist only to nurture relatives |
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms, regardless of an organism's social or mental complexity. Improvements in the general understanding of these mechanisms have turned some biologists' attention to the question of why kin recognition occurs at all. One response to this ques... | 200812_4-RC_2_15 | [
"Many tiger salamander larvae infected by the deadly bacterium are not cannibalistic.",
"The factor that determines which tiger salamander larvae are carnivorous and which are omnivorous is not contained in the genetic makeup of the larvae.",
"Kin recognition helps tiger salamanders avoid inbreeding that may be... | 2 | Which one of the following would, if true, most help to undermine the author's evaluation in the last sentence of the passage? |
Passage A There is no universally accepted definition within international law for the term "national minority." It is most commonly applied to (1) groups of persons—not necessarily citizens—under the jurisdiction of one country who have ethnic ties to another "homeland" country, or (2) groups of citizens of a country ... | 200812_4-RC_3_16 | [
"Different definitions of certain key terms in international law conflict with one another in their application to the Roma.",
"In at least some countries in which they live, the Roma are not generally considered a minority group.",
"The lack of agreement regarding the definitions of such terms as \"minority,\"... | 4 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of passage A? |
Passage A There is no universally accepted definition within international law for the term "national minority." It is most commonly applied to (1) groups of persons—not necessarily citizens—under the jurisdiction of one country who have ethnic ties to another "homeland" country, or (2) groups of citizens of a country ... | 200812_4-RC_3_17 | [
"giving rise to intense debate",
"confusing and unclear",
"resulting in difficulties",
"difficult to solve",
"theoretically incoherent"
] | 2 | The term "problematic" has which one of the following meanings in both passage A (line 19) and passage B (line 35)? |
Passage A There is no universally accepted definition within international law for the term "national minority." It is most commonly applied to (1) groups of persons—not necessarily citizens—under the jurisdiction of one country who have ethnic ties to another "homeland" country, or (2) groups of citizens of a country ... | 200812_4-RC_3_18 | [
"Those living in one country have ethnic ties to Roma in other countries.",
"Some of them practice a nomadic way of life.",
"They, as a people, have no recognizable homeland.",
"In some countries, their population exceeds one million.",
"The lack of a completely satisfactory definition of \"minority\" is a ... | 3 | Which one of the following claims about the Roma is NOT made in passage A? |
Passage A There is no universally accepted definition within international law for the term "national minority." It is most commonly applied to (1) groups of persons—not necessarily citizens—under the jurisdiction of one country who have ethnic ties to another "homeland" country, or (2) groups of citizens of a country ... | 200812_4-RC_3_19 | [
"The author of passage A, but not the author of passage B, disapproves of the latitude that international law allows individual states in determining their relations to nomadic Roma populations.",
"The author of passage B, but not the author of passage A, considers the problems of the Roma to be a noteworthy exam... | 4 | The authors' views regarding the status of the Roma can most accurately be described in which one of the following ways? |
Passage A There is no universally accepted definition within international law for the term "national minority." It is most commonly applied to (1) groups of persons—not necessarily citizens—under the jurisdiction of one country who have ethnic ties to another "homeland" country, or (2) groups of citizens of a country ... | 200812_4-RC_3_20 | [
"\"The Lack of Clear-Cut Criteria for Classifying Jobs as Technical Causes Problems for Welders\" and \"A Point-by-Point Argument That Welding Fulfills the Union's Criteria for Classification of Jobs as 'Technical'\"",
"\"Why the Current Criteria for Professional Competence in Welding Have Not Been Effectively Ap... | 0 | The relationship between which one of the following pairs of documents is most analogous to the relationship between passage A and passage B? |
Passage A There is no universally accepted definition within international law for the term "national minority." It is most commonly applied to (1) groups of persons—not necessarily citizens—under the jurisdiction of one country who have ethnic ties to another "homeland" country, or (2) groups of citizens of a country ... | 200812_4-RC_3_21 | [
"A definition that is vaguely formulated cannot serve as the basis for the provisions contained in a document of international law.",
"A minority group's not being officially recognized as such by the government that has jurisdiction over it can be detrimental to the group's interests.",
"Provisions in internat... | 1 | Which one of the following is a principle that can be most reasonably considered to underlie the reasoning in both of the passages? |
During most of the nineteenth century, many French women continued to be educated according to models long established by custom and religious tradition. One recent observer has termed the failure to institute real and lasting educational reform at the end of the eighteenth century a "missed opportunity" —for in spite ... | 200812_4-RC_4_22 | [
"committed to removing education in the skills necessary for domestic life from the public school curriculum",
"unaware of the difficulties that the earlier legislators faced when advocating similar legislation",
"concerned with improving educational equality across economic strata as well as between the sexes"... | 2 | It can be inferred from the passage that the French legislators who passed new educational laws in the early 1880s were |
During most of the nineteenth century, many French women continued to be educated according to models long established by custom and religious tradition. One recent observer has termed the failure to institute real and lasting educational reform at the end of the eighteenth century a "missed opportunity" —for in spite ... | 200812_4-RC_4_23 | [
"Education in France during one historical period is described; two proposals that attempted to reform the educational system are presented; inconsistencies within each proposal are identified and lamented.",
"The movement toward gender equality in France during one historical period is discussed; two proposals f... | 4 | Which one of the following most accurately describes the organization of the passage? |
During most of the nineteenth century, many French women continued to be educated according to models long established by custom and religious tradition. One recent observer has termed the failure to institute real and lasting educational reform at the end of the eighteenth century a "missed opportunity" —for in spite ... | 200812_4-RC_4_24 | [
"\"Housing should be made available to all\" and \"Real estate practices should be nondiscriminatory\"",
"\"Housing should be made available to all\" and \"The quality of housing should be improved\"",
"\"There should be housing for all who can pay\" and \"Housing should be of uniform quality\"",
"\"The quali... | 0 | Suppose that two proposals were put forward by lawmakers concerning housing reform today. Which one of the following pairs of proposals is most closely analogous to the pair of proposals discussed in the second paragraph of the passage? |
During most of the nineteenth century, many French women continued to be educated according to models long established by custom and religious tradition. One recent observer has termed the failure to institute real and lasting educational reform at the end of the eighteenth century a "missed opportunity" —for in spite ... | 200812_4-RC_4_25 | [
"everyone should both learn and teach",
"males and females should go to the same schools",
"education should involve lifelong learning",
"religious schools should be abolished",
"education for girls should be both public and secular"
] | 1 | According to the passage, the second of the two proposals discussed was distinctive because it asserted that |
During most of the nineteenth century, many French women continued to be educated according to models long established by custom and religious tradition. One recent observer has termed the failure to institute real and lasting educational reform at the end of the eighteenth century a "missed opportunity" —for in spite ... | 200812_4-RC_4_26 | [
"were a reaction to the excesses of the new government",
"had their roots in a belief in the power of education",
"had vast popular support within French society",
"treated education for women as a prerequisite to the implementation of other reforms",
"were influenced by egalitarian ideals"
] | 4 | Based on the passage, the fact that the proposed reforms were introduced shortly after the French Revolution most clearly suggests that the proposals |
During most of the nineteenth century, many French women continued to be educated according to models long established by custom and religious tradition. One recent observer has termed the failure to institute real and lasting educational reform at the end of the eighteenth century a "missed opportunity" —for in spite ... | 200812_4-RC_4_27 | [
"They espoused reforms that were very modest by the standards of the day.",
"They were fundamentally unethical due to their incomplete view of equality.",
"They were well-meaning attempts to do as much as was feasible at the time.",
"They were reasonable, and it is difficult to understand why they failed.",
... | 2 | The author would most likely describe the proposals mentioned in the passage with which one of the following statements? |
The United States government agency responsible for overseeing television and radio broadcasting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), had an early history of addressing only the concerns of parties with an economic interest in broadcasting—chiefly broadcasting companies. The rights of viewers and listeners wer... | 200906_4-RC_1_1 | [
"Because of the efforts of a church group in challenging an FCC decision, public input is now considered in broadcast licensing proceedings.",
"Court rulings have forced the FCC to abandon policies that appeared to encourage biased coverage of public issues.",
"The history of the FCC is important because it exp... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
The United States government agency responsible for overseeing television and radio broadcasting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), had an early history of addressing only the concerns of parties with an economic interest in broadcasting—chiefly broadcasting companies. The rights of viewers and listeners wer... | 200906_4-RC_1_2 | [
"support the author's claim that the case helped to open up to the public the world of broadcasting",
"suggest the level of vigilance that citizens' groups must maintain with regard to broadcasters",
"provide an explanation of why the public is allowed to question the performance of broadcasters on such a frequ... | 0 | The author mentions some additional topics now discussed at FCC hearings (lines 54–59) primarily in order to |
The United States government agency responsible for overseeing television and radio broadcasting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), had an early history of addressing only the concerns of parties with an economic interest in broadcasting—chiefly broadcasting companies. The rights of viewers and listeners wer... | 200906_4-RC_1_3 | [
"The broadcasting industry's economic goals can be met most easily by minimizing the attention given to the interests of viewers and listeners.",
"The FCC was advised by broadcasters to bar groups with no economic interest in broadcasting from hearings concerning the broadcasting industry.",
"The court ruled in... | 3 | Which one of the following statements is affirmed by the passage? |
The United States government agency responsible for overseeing television and radio broadcasting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), had an early history of addressing only the concerns of parties with an economic interest in broadcasting—chiefly broadcasting companies. The rights of viewers and listeners wer... | 200906_4-RC_1_4 | [
"If the United Church of Christ had not pursued its case, the FCC would not have been aware of the television station's broadcasting policies.",
"By their very nature, industrial and business interests are opposed to public interests.",
"The recourse of a citizens' group to the courts represents an effective me... | 2 | Based on information presented in the passage, with which one of the following statements would the author be most likely to agree? |
The United States government agency responsible for overseeing television and radio broadcasting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), had an early history of addressing only the concerns of parties with an economic interest in broadcasting—chiefly broadcasting companies. The rights of viewers and listeners wer... | 200906_4-RC_1_5 | [
"Broadcasters are legally obligated to hold regular meetings at which the public can voice its concerns about broadcasting policies.",
"Broadcasters are now required by the FCC to consult citizens' groups when making programming decisions.",
"Except in cases involving clear misconduct by a broadcaster, the FCC ... | 4 | The passage suggests that which one of the following has been established by the case discussed in the third paragraph? |
An effort should be made to dispel the misunderstandings that still prevent the much-needed synthesis and mutual supplementation of science and the humanities. This reconciliation should not be too difficult once it is recognized that the separation is primarily the result of a basic misunderstanding of the philosophic... | 200906_4-RC_2_6 | [
"Scientists' failure to understand humanists hinders collaborations between the two groups.",
"The materialism of science and the idealism of the humanities have both been beneficial to modern society.",
"Technological development will cease if science and the humanities remain at odds with each other.",
"The... | 4 | Which one of the following best describes the main idea of the passage? |
An effort should be made to dispel the misunderstandings that still prevent the much-needed synthesis and mutual supplementation of science and the humanities. This reconciliation should not be too difficult once it is recognized that the separation is primarily the result of a basic misunderstanding of the philosophic... | 200906_4-RC_2_7 | [
"Science encourages the view that emotions are inexplicable.",
"Science arises out of practical needs but serves other needs as well.",
"Science depends exclusively on measurable data to support its claims.",
"Science recognizes an irreducible spiritual element that makes the arts inexplicable.",
"Science e... | 2 | Which one of the following would the author be most likely to characterize as an example of a misunderstanding of science by a humanist? |
An effort should be made to dispel the misunderstandings that still prevent the much-needed synthesis and mutual supplementation of science and the humanities. This reconciliation should not be too difficult once it is recognized that the separation is primarily the result of a basic misunderstanding of the philosophic... | 200906_4-RC_2_8 | [
"Scientific humanism is characterized by the extension of description and explanation from science to the humanities.",
"A clearer understanding of people is an objective of humanists that scientists have not yet come to share.",
"Controlled measures of aesthetic experience are of little use in the study of the... | 3 | It can be inferred from the passage that the author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements? |
An effort should be made to dispel the misunderstandings that still prevent the much-needed synthesis and mutual supplementation of science and the humanities. This reconciliation should not be too difficult once it is recognized that the separation is primarily the result of a basic misunderstanding of the philosophic... | 200906_4-RC_2_9 | [
"inflammatory claims by scientists regarding the pragmatic value of the work of humanists",
"misunderstandings of the philosophical foundations of each by the other",
"the excessive influence of reductionism on both",
"the predominance of a concern with mechanics in science",
"the failure of humanists to de... | 1 | According to the author, which one of the following is the primary cause of the existing separation between science and the humanities? |
An effort should be made to dispel the misunderstandings that still prevent the much-needed synthesis and mutual supplementation of science and the humanities. This reconciliation should not be too difficult once it is recognized that the separation is primarily the result of a basic misunderstanding of the philosophic... | 200906_4-RC_2_10 | [
"to show that a proposal introduced in the first paragraph is implausible because of information presented in the second and third paragraphs",
"to show that the views presented in the second and third paragraphs are correct but capable of reconciliation",
"to present information supporting one of two opposing ... | 3 | Which one of the following best describes one of the functions of the last paragraph in the passage? |
An effort should be made to dispel the misunderstandings that still prevent the much-needed synthesis and mutual supplementation of science and the humanities. This reconciliation should not be too difficult once it is recognized that the separation is primarily the result of a basic misunderstanding of the philosophic... | 200906_4-RC_2_11 | [
"a realization that the scientist is less interested in describing \"bodies in motion\" than in constructing mathematical models of the material world",
"an acknowledgement that there is a spiritual element in the arts that science does not account for",
"an acceptance of the application of controlled evaluatio... | 2 | The passage suggests that the author would recommend that humanists accept which one of the following modifications of their point of view? |
An effort should be made to dispel the misunderstandings that still prevent the much-needed synthesis and mutual supplementation of science and the humanities. This reconciliation should not be too difficult once it is recognized that the separation is primarily the result of a basic misunderstanding of the philosophic... | 200906_4-RC_2_12 | [
"wildly emotional",
"excessively impractical",
"unnecessarily intransigent",
"justifiably optimistic",
"logically inconsistent"
] | 1 | In using the phrase "vagrant fancies of an undisciplined mind" (lines 27–28), the author suggests that humanists are sometimes considered to be |
Passage A When Cather gave examples of high quality in fiction, she cited Russian writers Ivan Turgenev or Leo Tolstoy or both. Indeed, Edmund Wilson noted in 1922 that Cather followed the manner of Turgenev, not depicting her characters' emotions directly but telling us how they behave and letting their "inner blaze o... | 200906_4-RC_3_13 | [
"Though Cather preferred to call Death Comes for the Archbishop a narrative rather than a novel, she would be unlikely to view most of her other novels in the same way.",
"The critics who questioned Cather's abilities as a novelist focused mostly on her failed experiments and ignored her more aesthetically succes... | 4 | If the author of passage A were to read passage B, he or she would be most likely to agree with which one of the following? |
Passage A When Cather gave examples of high quality in fiction, she cited Russian writers Ivan Turgenev or Leo Tolstoy or both. Indeed, Edmund Wilson noted in 1922 that Cather followed the manner of Turgenev, not depicting her characters' emotions directly but telling us how they behave and letting their "inner blaze o... | 200906_4-RC_3_14 | [
"Narratologists point to Cather's works as prime examples of pure narrative.",
"Cather disliked the work of many of the novelists who preceded her.",
"Cather regarded at least one of her works as not fitting straightforwardly into the category of the novel.",
"Cather's unusual treatment of narrative time was ... | 2 | Passage B indicates which one of the following? |
Passage A When Cather gave examples of high quality in fiction, she cited Russian writers Ivan Turgenev or Leo Tolstoy or both. Indeed, Edmund Wilson noted in 1922 that Cather followed the manner of Turgenev, not depicting her characters' emotions directly but telling us how they behave and letting their "inner blaze o... | 200906_4-RC_3_15 | [
"A meticulous inventory of the elegant furniture and décor in a character's living room is used to indicate that the character is wealthy.",
"An account of a character's emotional scars is used to explain the negative effects the character has on his family.",
"A description of a slightly quivering drink in the... | 2 | It can be inferred that both authors would be most likely to regard which one of the following as exemplifying Cather's narrative technique? |
Passage A When Cather gave examples of high quality in fiction, she cited Russian writers Ivan Turgenev or Leo Tolstoy or both. Indeed, Edmund Wilson noted in 1922 that Cather followed the manner of Turgenev, not depicting her characters' emotions directly but telling us how they behave and letting their "inner blaze o... | 200906_4-RC_3_16 | [
"Cather's fiction is best approached by focusing purely on narrative, rather than on the formal characteristics of the novel.",
"Most commentators on Cather's novels have mistakenly treated her distinctive narrative techniques as aesthetic flaws.",
"Cather intentionally avoided the realistic psychological chara... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of passage B? |
Passage A When Cather gave examples of high quality in fiction, she cited Russian writers Ivan Turgenev or Leo Tolstoy or both. Indeed, Edmund Wilson noted in 1922 that Cather followed the manner of Turgenev, not depicting her characters' emotions directly but telling us how they behave and letting their "inner blaze o... | 200906_4-RC_3_17 | [
"More than her contemporaries, Cather used stream-of-consciousness narration to portray her characters.",
"Cather's works were not intended as novels, but rather as narratives.",
"Narratology is the most appropriate critical approach to Cather's work.",
"Cather's technique of evoking the \"thing not named\" h... | 4 | It is most likely that the authors of the two passages would both agree with which one of the following statements? |
Passage A When Cather gave examples of high quality in fiction, she cited Russian writers Ivan Turgenev or Leo Tolstoy or both. Indeed, Edmund Wilson noted in 1922 that Cather followed the manner of Turgenev, not depicting her characters' emotions directly but telling us how they behave and letting their "inner blaze o... | 200906_4-RC_3_18 | [
"Description of the salient features of the setting, such as a chair in which a character often sits.",
"A plot that does not follow chronological time, but rather moves frequently between the novel's past and present.",
"Description of a character's physical appearance, dress, and facial expressions.",
"Dire... | 4 | Both authors would be likely to agree that which one of the following, though typical of many novels, would NOT be found in Cather's work? |
Passage A When Cather gave examples of high quality in fiction, she cited Russian writers Ivan Turgenev or Leo Tolstoy or both. Indeed, Edmund Wilson noted in 1922 that Cather followed the manner of Turgenev, not depicting her characters' emotions directly but telling us how they behave and letting their "inner blaze o... | 200906_4-RC_3_19 | [
"describe the primary influences on Cather's work",
"identify some of the distinctive characteristics of Cather's work",
"explain the critical reception Cather's work received in her lifetime",
"compare Cather's novels to the archetypal form of the realistic novel",
"examine the impact of European literatur... | 1 | A central purpose of each passage is to |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_20 | [
"Because of its unique forms, fractal geometry is especially adaptable to computer technology and is therefore likely to grow in importance and render pre-fractal mathematics obsolete.",
"Though its use in the generation of extremely complex forms makes fractal geometry an intriguing new mathematical theory, it i... | 1 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_21 | [
"illustrated by an example",
"uncomplicated",
"expressed unambiguously",
"in need of lengthy computation",
"agreed on by all"
] | 2 | Which one of the following is closest to the meaning of the phrase "fully explicit" as used in lines 24–25? |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_22 | [
"Any branch broken off a tree looks like the tree itself.",
"Each portion of the intricately patterned frost on a window looks like the pattern as a whole.",
"The pattern of blood vessels in each part of the human body is similar to the pattern of blood vessels in the entire body.",
"The seeds of several subs... | 3 | According to the description in the passage, each one of the following illustrates the concept of self-similarity EXCEPT: |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_23 | [
"show how fractal geometry can be reduced to traditional geometry",
"give an example of a natural form that can be described by fractal geometry",
"anticipate the objection that fractal geometry is not a precise language",
"illustrate the concept of self-similarity",
"provide an exact definition of fractals... | 3 | The explanation of how a Koch curve is generated (lines 10–20) serves primarily to |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_24 | [
"It is potentially much more important than calculus.",
"Its role in traditional mathematics will expand as computers become faster.",
"It is the fastest-growing field of mathematics.",
"It encourages the use of computer programs to prove mathematical theorems.",
"It enables geometers to generate complex fo... | 4 | Which one of the following does the author present as a characteristic of fractal geometry? |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_25 | [
"The total number of protrusions in the Koch curve at any stage of the construction depends on the length of the initial line chosen for the construction.",
"The line segments at each successive stage of the construction of the Koch curve are shorter than the segments at the previous stage.",
"Theoretically, as... | 0 | Each of the following statements about the Koch curve can be properly deduced from the information given in the passage EXCEPT: |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_26 | [
"The Koch curve is the most easily generated, and therefore the most important, of the forms studied by fractal geometers.",
"Fractal geometry will eventually be able to be used in the same applications for which traditional geometry is now used.",
"The greatest importance of computer images of fractals is thei... | 4 | The enthusiastic practitioners of fractal geometry mentioned in lines 39–40 would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements? |
Fractal geometry is a mathematical theory devoted to the study of complex shapes called fractals. Although an exact definition of fractals has not been established, fractals commonly exhibit the property of self-similarity: the reiteration of irregular details or patterns at progressively smaller scales so that each pa... | 200906_4-RC_4_27 | [
"The appeal of a mathematical theory is limited to those individuals who can grasp the theorems and proofs produced in that theory.",
"Most of the important recent breakthroughs in mathematical theory would not have been possible without the ability of computers to graphically represent complex shapes.",
"Fract... | 3 | The information in the passage best supports which one of the following assertions? |
Traditional sources of evidence about ancient history are archaeological remains and surviving texts. Those investigating the crafts practiced by women in ancient times, however, often derive little information from these sources, and the archaeological record is particularly unavailing for the study of ancient textile... | 200909_2-RC_1_1 | [
"Archaeology is an expanding discipline that has transformed itself in response both to scientific advances and to changing cultural demands such as a recently increasing interest in women's history.",
"A diversity of new approaches to the study of ancient textiles has enabled researchers to infer much about the ... | 1 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
Traditional sources of evidence about ancient history are archaeological remains and surviving texts. Those investigating the crafts practiced by women in ancient times, however, often derive little information from these sources, and the archaeological record is particularly unavailing for the study of ancient textile... | 200909_2-RC_1_2 | [
"skeptical regarding the validity of some of the new hypotheses proposed by researchers",
"doubtful that any additional useful knowledge can be generated given the nature of the evidence available",
"impatient about the pace of research in light of the resources available",
"optimistic that recent scholarly a... | 4 | The author's attitude concerning the history of ancient textile production can most accurately be described as |
Traditional sources of evidence about ancient history are archaeological remains and surviving texts. Those investigating the crafts practiced by women in ancient times, however, often derive little information from these sources, and the archaeological record is particularly unavailing for the study of ancient textile... | 200909_2-RC_1_3 | [
"investigating the meanings of certain previously unintelligible technical terms in ancient texts",
"tracing the sources of raw materials used in the production of certain fabrics",
"constructing certain public museum displays concerning cloth-making",
"verifying that a particular 5,000-year-old cloth was ind... | 4 | The passage indicates that the re-creation of ancient techniques was used in which one of the following? |
Traditional sources of evidence about ancient history are archaeological remains and surviving texts. Those investigating the crafts practiced by women in ancient times, however, often derive little information from these sources, and the archaeological record is particularly unavailing for the study of ancient textile... | 200909_2-RC_1_4 | [
"ancient clay objects that cannot be identified as pieces of pottery by the researchers who unearth them",
"historically significant pieces of cloth discovered in the course of an excavation",
"the oldest known complete garment, which was found among other pieces of cloth in a collection",
"re-creations of lo... | 3 | The author intends the term "traditional sources" (line 1) to exclude which one of the following? |
Traditional sources of evidence about ancient history are archaeological remains and surviving texts. Those investigating the crafts practiced by women in ancient times, however, often derive little information from these sources, and the archaeological record is particularly unavailing for the study of ancient textile... | 200909_2-RC_1_5 | [
"a defense of the controversial methods adopted by certain researchers in a particular discipline",
"a set of recommendations to guide future activities in a particular field of inquiry",
"an account of how a particular branch of research has successfully coped with certain difficulties",
"a rejection of some... | 2 | The passage as a whole functions primarily as |
Traditional sources of evidence about ancient history are archaeological remains and surviving texts. Those investigating the crafts practiced by women in ancient times, however, often derive little information from these sources, and the archaeological record is particularly unavailing for the study of ancient textile... | 200909_2-RC_1_6 | [
"an increased interest in the crafts practiced in the ancient world",
"some archaeologists' adoption of textile conservation experts' preservation techniques",
"innovative methods of restoring damaged artifacts",
"the discovery of the oldest known complete garment",
"archaeologists' policy of not discarding... | 4 | According to the passage, which one of the following was an element in the transformation of archaeology in the past century? |
Traditional sources of evidence about ancient history are archaeological remains and surviving texts. Those investigating the crafts practiced by women in ancient times, however, often derive little information from these sources, and the archaeological record is particularly unavailing for the study of ancient textile... | 200909_2-RC_1_7 | [
"A particularly difficult archaeological problem is described in order to underscore the significance of new methods used to resolve that problem, which are described in the following paragraphs.",
"A previously neglected body of archaeological evidence is described in order to cast doubt on received views regard... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately describes the function of the first paragraph in relation to the rest of the passage? |
This passage was adapted from articles published in the 1990s. The success that Nigerian-born computer scientist Philip Emeagwali (b.1954) has had in designing computers that solve real-world problems has been fueled by his willingness to reach beyond established paradigms and draw inspiration for his designs from natu... | 200909_2-RC_2_8 | [
"Emeagwali's establishment of new computational paradigms has enabled parallel computer systems to solve a wide array of real-world problems that supercomputers cannot solve.",
"Emeagwali has shown that scientists' allegiance to established paradigms has until now prevented the solution of many real-world computa... | 3 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
This passage was adapted from articles published in the 1990s. The success that Nigerian-born computer scientist Philip Emeagwali (b.1954) has had in designing computers that solve real-world problems has been fueled by his willingness to reach beyond established paradigms and draw inspiration for his designs from natu... | 200909_2-RC_2_9 | [
"Emeagwali's breakthroughs in computer design have begun to make computers that work sequentially obsolete.",
"Emeagwali's first breakthrough in computer design came in response to a request by an oil company.",
"Emeagwali was the first to use a massively parallel computer to predict the flow of oil in oil fiel... | 2 | According to the passage, which one of the following is true? |
This passage was adapted from articles published in the 1990s. The success that Nigerian-born computer scientist Philip Emeagwali (b.1954) has had in designing computers that solve real-world problems has been fueled by his willingness to reach beyond established paradigms and draw inspiration for his designs from natu... | 200909_2-RC_2_10 | [
"Some natural systems have arrived at efficient solutions to problems that are analogous in significant ways to technical problems faced by computer scientists.",
"Global weather is likely too complicated to be accurately predictable more than a few decades in advance.",
"Most computer designs will in the futur... | 0 | The passage most strongly suggests that Emeagwali holds which one of the following views? |
This passage was adapted from articles published in the 1990s. The success that Nigerian-born computer scientist Philip Emeagwali (b.1954) has had in designing computers that solve real-world problems has been fueled by his willingness to reach beyond established paradigms and draw inspiration for his designs from natu... | 200909_2-RC_2_11 | [
"They provide an example of an established paradigm that Emeagwali's work has challenged.",
"They help explain why supercomputers are unable to accurately predict the movements of oil through underground geologic formations.",
"They provide examples of a network design based on the mathematical principles under... | 1 | Which one of the following most accurately describes the function of the first two sentences of the second paragraph? |
This passage was adapted from articles published in the 1990s. The success that Nigerian-born computer scientist Philip Emeagwali (b.1954) has had in designing computers that solve real-world problems has been fueled by his willingness to reach beyond established paradigms and draw inspiration for his designs from natu... | 200909_2-RC_2_12 | [
"Until recently, computer scientists have had very limited awareness of many of the mathematical principles that have been shown to underlie a wide variety of natural processes.",
"Some of the variables affecting global weather patterns have yet to be discovered by scientists who study these patterns.",
"Comput... | 0 | Which one of the following, if true, would provide the most support for Emeagwali's prediction mentioned in lines 55–58? |
This passage was adapted from articles published in the 1990s. The success that Nigerian-born computer scientist Philip Emeagwali (b.1954) has had in designing computers that solve real-world problems has been fueled by his willingness to reach beyond established paradigms and draw inspiration for his designs from natu... | 200909_2-RC_2_13 | [
"supercomputers are sufficiently powerful to handle most computational problems, including most problems arising from oil production",
"the possibility of using a network of smaller computers to solve computationally difficult problems had not yet been considered",
"the general public was not yet aware of the e... | 4 | It can be inferred from the passage that one of the reasons massively parallel computers had not been used to model oil field flow prior to 1989 is that |
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyright and similar intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects. This view depends on the claim that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form, such as a manus... | 200909_2-RC_3_14 | [
"Copyright and other intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete objects.",
"Attempts to explain copyright and similar intellectual-property rights purely in terms of rights to ownership of physical objects are ultimately misguided.",
"Copyrighting a work amo... | 1 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyright and similar intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects. This view depends on the claim that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form, such as a manus... | 200909_2-RC_3_15 | [
"any work entitled to intellectual-property protection can be expressed in physical form",
"only the original creator of an intellectual work can hold the copyright for that work",
"the work of putting ideas into tangible form is more crucial and more valuable than the work of conceiving those ideas",
"in a f... | 0 | According to the passage, the theory that copyright and other intellectual-property rights can be construed as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects depends on the claim that |
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyright and similar intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects. This view depends on the claim that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form, such as a manus... | 200909_2-RC_3_16 | [
"Do proponents of the tangible-object theory of intellectual property advocate any changes in existing laws relating to copyright?",
"Do proponents of the tangible-object theory of intellectual property hold that ownership of anything besides real estate can involve retained rights?",
"Has the tangible-object t... | 1 | The passage most directly answers which one of the following questions? |
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyright and similar intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects. This view depends on the claim that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form, such as a manus... | 200909_2-RC_3_17 | [
"Only the engineer is entitled to claim the invention as intellectual property.",
"Only the inventor is entitled to claim the invention as intellectual property.",
"The inventor and the engineer are equally entitled to claim the invention as intellectual property.",
"The engineer is entitled to claim the inve... | 0 | Suppose an inventor describes an innovative idea for an invention to an engineer, who volunteers to draft specifications for a prototype and then produces the prototype using the engineer's own materials. Which one of the following statements would apply to this case under the tangible-object theory of intellectual pro... |
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyright and similar intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects. This view depends on the claim that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form, such as a manus... | 200909_2-RC_3_18 | [
"A literary work cannot receive copyright protection unless it exists in an edition produced by an established publisher.",
"Most legal systems explicitly rely on the tangible-object theory of intellectual property in order to avoid asserting that one can own abstract things.",
"Copyright protects the right to ... | 4 | Legal theorists supporting the tangible-object theory of intellectual property are most likely to believe which one of the following? |
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyright and similar intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects. This view depends on the claim that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form, such as a manus... | 200909_2-RC_3_19 | [
"In most transactions involving the transfer of non-intellectual property, at least some rights of ownership are retained by the seller.",
"The notion of retained rights of ownership is currently applied to only those areas of law that do not involve intellectual property.",
"The idea that ownership of the righ... | 2 | The passage provides the most support for inferring which one of the following statements? |
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyright and similar intellectual-property rights can be explained as logical extensions of the right to own concrete, tangible objects. This view depends on the claim that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form, such as a manus... | 200909_2-RC_3_20 | [
"Theorists who suggest that the notion of retained rights is applicable to intellectual property do not fully understand what it means to transfer ownership of property.",
"If a work does not exist in a concrete, tangible form, there is no valid theoretical basis for claiming that it should have copyright protect... | 3 | It can be inferred that the author of the passage is most likely to believe which one of the following? |
Passage AIn music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener. A single, pure tone is not that interesting to explore; a measure of intricacy is required to excite human curiosity. Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming. We prefer some... | 200909_2-RC_4_21 | [
"continuous sound",
"tension",
"language",
"improvisation",
"complexity"
] | 4 | Which one of the following concepts is linked to positive musical experiences in both passages? |
Passage AIn music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener. A single, pure tone is not that interesting to explore; a measure of intricacy is required to excite human curiosity. Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming. We prefer some... | 200909_2-RC_4_22 | [
"the theoretical underpinnings of how music is composed",
"the nature of the conceptual difference between music and discontinuous sound",
"the impact music can have on human emotional states",
"the most effective techniques for teaching novices to appreciate complex music",
"the influence music has had on ... | 2 | The passages most strongly suggest that both are targeting an audience that is interested in which one of the following? |
Passage AIn music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener. A single, pure tone is not that interesting to explore; a measure of intricacy is required to excite human curiosity. Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming. We prefer some... | 200909_2-RC_4_23 | [
"the preference of some people for falling asleep to white noise, such as the sound of an electric fan",
"the preference of many moviegoers for movies with plots that are clear and easy to follow",
"the preference of many diners for restaurants that serve large portions",
"the preference of many young listene... | 1 | Which one of the following describes a preference that is most analogous to the preference mentioned in the first paragraph of passage A? |
Passage AIn music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener. A single, pure tone is not that interesting to explore; a measure of intricacy is required to excite human curiosity. Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming. We prefer some... | 200909_2-RC_4_24 | [
"The type of musical emotion experienced by a listener is determined by the level to which the listener's expectations are satisfied.",
"Trained listeners are more able to consciously manipulate their own emotional experiences of complex music than are naive listeners.",
"If the development of a piece of music ... | 0 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of passage B? |
Passage AIn music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener. A single, pure tone is not that interesting to explore; a measure of intricacy is required to excite human curiosity. Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming. We prefer some... | 200909_2-RC_4_25 | [
"The musical traditions of different cultures vary greatly in terms of the complexity of the rhythms they employ.",
"The rhythmic structure of a language is determined in part by the pattern of stressed syllables in the words and sentences of the language.",
"Many people find the steady and rhythmic sound of a ... | 2 | Which one of the following most undermines the explanation provided in passage A for the relaxing effect that some music has on listeners? |
Passage AIn music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener. A single, pure tone is not that interesting to explore; a measure of intricacy is required to excite human curiosity. Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming. We prefer some... | 200909_2-RC_4_26 | [
"\"The Biological Underpinnings of Musical Emotions\"",
"\"The Psychology of Listener Response to Music\"",
"\"How Music Differs from Other Art Forms\"",
"\"Cultural Patterns in Listeners' Responses to Music\"",
"\"How Composers Convey Meaning Through Music\""
] | 1 | Which one of the following would be most appropriate as a title for each of the passages? |
Passage AIn music, a certain complexity of sounds can be expected to have a positive effect on the listener. A single, pure tone is not that interesting to explore; a measure of intricacy is required to excite human curiosity. Sounds that are too complex or disorganized, however, tend to be overwhelming. We prefer some... | 200909_2-RC_4_27 | [
"The more complex a piece of music, the more it is likely to be enjoyed by most listeners.",
"More knowledgeable listeners tend to prefer music that is discontinuous and unpredictable.",
"The capacity of music to elicit strong emotional responses from listeners is the central determinant of its artistic value."... | 3 | It can be inferred that both authors would be likely to agree with which one of the following statements? |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_1 | [
"Many difficult problems in computing are naturally parallel.",
"Sequential computing is no longer useful because of the speed limits it imposes.",
"There is currently a paradigm shift occurring in the field of computing toward parallel computing.",
"Complex biological and social systems are the next frontier... | 2 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of passage B? |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_2 | [
"the thousands of computers working simultaneously to solve a calculation-intensive problem",
"the simple rules that shape the behavior of a single ant",
"the highly complex behavior of a dense mass of thousands of ants",
"the paradigm shift from sequential to parallel computing",
"the speed limits imposed ... | 2 | The large-scale climate trends discussed in passage A are most analogous to which one of the following elements in passage B? |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_3 | [
"Massive, parallel computing systems are able to solve complex computation-intensive problems without having to resort to \"brute force.\"",
"Computer models are not capable of simulating the behavior of very large biological populations such as insect colonies.",
"Parallel computing systems that link privately... | 4 | It can be inferred that the authors of the two passages would be most likely to agree on which one of the following statements concerning computing systems? |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_4 | [
"encourage public engagement in the sort of computing model discussed in the passage",
"identify a factor affecting the feasibility of the computing model advocated in the passage",
"indicate that government support of large-scale computing efforts is needed",
"demonstrate that adequate support for the type o... | 1 | The author of passage A mentions public participation (lines 30–32) primarily in order to |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_5 | [
"The argument in passage B has little bearing on the issues discussed in passage A.",
"The explanation offered in passage B shows why the plan proposed in passage A is unlikely to be implemented.",
"The ideas advanced in passage B provide a rationale for the solution proposed in passage A.",
"The example give... | 2 | Passage B relates to passage A in which one of the following ways? |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_6 | [
"to show that the traditional paradigm in computing is ineffective for many common computing tasks",
"to argue that a new approach to computing is an effective way to solve a difficult type of problem",
"to convince skeptics of the usefulness of desktop computers for calculation-intensive problems",
"to demon... | 1 | The passages share which one of the following as their primary purpose? |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_7 | [
"the behavior of the colony of ants functions as a complex, organized whole",
"the paradigm shift taking place in computing was inspired by observations of living systems",
"computers are agglomerations of elements that can be viewed as being alive in a metaphorical sense",
"computer simulations can simulate ... | 0 | In calling a population of ants "an intelligence, a kind of live computer" (lines 51–52) the author of passage B most likely means that |
Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy. But these models make use of large numbers of variables, many of which have wide ranges of possible values. Because even small differences in... | 200912_4-RC_1_8 | [
"It would be a kind of live computer.",
"It would be completely inadequate for simulating large-scale climate trends.",
"It would impose strict limitations on the number of variables that could be used in any simulation it runs.",
"It would be likely to secure widespread public participation.",
"It would so... | 4 | The author of passage B would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements regarding the computing system proposed in the last paragraph of passage A? |
A proficiency in understanding, applying, and even formulating statutes—the actual texts of laws enacted by legislative bodies—is a vital aspect of the practice of law, but statutory law is often given too little attention by law schools. Much of legal education, with its focus on judicial decisions and analysis of cas... | 200912_4-RC_2_9 | [
"In spite of the reservations that nationally oriented law schools can be expected to have, law schools can serve the overall needs of law students better by implementing a standard national curriculum in statutory law.",
"Since the skills promoted by the study of statutory law are ultimately more important than ... | 2 | Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage? |
A proficiency in understanding, applying, and even formulating statutes—the actual texts of laws enacted by legislative bodies—is a vital aspect of the practice of law, but statutory law is often given too little attention by law schools. Much of legal education, with its focus on judicial decisions and analysis of cas... | 200912_4-RC_2_10 | [
"Such training would divert resources away from the far more important development of the ability to analyze cases.",
"Such training is not essentially different from what is already provided in the core areas of law school education.",
"The goals of such training can better be achieved by other means, most of ... | 4 | Which one of the following is cited in the passage as a reason that might be given for not including statutory law training in law school curricula? |
A proficiency in understanding, applying, and even formulating statutes—the actual texts of laws enacted by legislative bodies—is a vital aspect of the practice of law, but statutory law is often given too little attention by law schools. Much of legal education, with its focus on judicial decisions and analysis of cas... | 200912_4-RC_2_11 | [
"Many law school administrators recommend the inclusion of statutory law training in the curricula of their schools.",
"Most lawyers easily and quickly develop proficiency in statutory law through their work experiences after law school.",
"Most lawyers do not practice law in the same geographic area in which t... | 1 | Which one of the following would, if true, most weaken the author's argument as expressed in the passage? |
A proficiency in understanding, applying, and even formulating statutes—the actual texts of laws enacted by legislative bodies—is a vital aspect of the practice of law, but statutory law is often given too little attention by law schools. Much of legal education, with its focus on judicial decisions and analysis of cas... | 200912_4-RC_2_12 | [
"identify and describe one of the benefits that the author says would result from the change that is advocated in the passage",
"indicate that law schools currently value certain other skills over this skill and explain why this is so",
"argue for the greater importance of this skill as compared with certain ot... | 0 | The author discusses the skill of synthesis in the third paragraph primarily in order to |
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