Critical Reading - Pre-test 1
For each question in this section, select the best answer from among the choices given and fill in the corresponding circle on the answer sheet.
- 1.
As a child, Mary ------- her stringent upbringing; however, as she grew older she began to appreciate her grandmother’s strict -------.
- A.
Tolerated . . autonomy
- B.
Despised . . discipline
- C.
Embraced . . authority
- D.
Disavowed . . abstinence
- E.
Loathed . . liberality
Correct Answer
B. Despised . . disciplineExplanation
Mary despised her stringent upbringing, however, as she grew older she began to appreciate her grandmother's strict discipline.Rate this question:
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- 2.
His mouth stinging and burning, Virgil hurried to the kitchen for water to wash away the dish’s ------- taste.
- A.
Earthy
- B.
Exotic
- C.
Cloying
- D.
Acrid
- E.
Succulent
Correct Answer
D. AcridExplanation
Virgil's mouth is described as stinging and burning, indicating that the taste he wants to wash away is unpleasant and harsh. The word "acrid" fits this description perfectly as it means having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Since other seabirds customarily nest in colonies on ocean cliffs and islands, the marbled murrelet’s ------- nesting in forests many miles from the sea must be considered -------.
- A.
Ambivalence about . . hypothetical
- B.
Indifference to . . bold
- C.
Insistence upon . . evident
- D.
Aversion to . . dangerous
- E.
Predilection for . . atypical
Correct Answer
E. Predilection for . . atypicalExplanation
The correct answer is "predilection for . . atypical." This is because the sentence states that other seabirds nest in colonies on ocean cliffs and islands, while the marbled murrelet nests in forests many miles from the sea. This behavior is considered atypical or unusual compared to other seabirds, indicating a predilection or preference for nesting in a different habitat.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The cause of Mozart’s ------- is a long-standing medical -------: over the years, physicians have suggested more than 100 possibilities, including poisoning, malnutrition, kidney disease, and heart failure.
- A.
Mortality . . phenomenon
- B.
Bereavement . . controversy
- C.
Genius . . enigma
- D.
Demise . . mystery
- E.
Death . . trial
Correct Answer
D. Demise . . mysteryExplanation
The correct answer is "demise . . mystery" because the sentence is discussing the cause of Mozart's death and the various possibilities that have been suggested by physicians over the years. The word "demise" refers to death, which is the topic of the sentence, and "mystery" indicates that the cause of his death is still unknown or uncertain.Rate this question:
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- 5.
At first the children were -------, but as the morning progressed they began to laugh and talk eagerly.
- A.
Ostentatious
- B.
Myopic
- C.
Solicitous
- D.
Puerile
- E.
Reticent
Correct Answer
E. ReticentExplanation
The correct answer is "reticent". Reticent means being reserved or hesitant in speaking or expressing oneself. In the context of the sentence, it implies that the children were initially quiet or reluctant to talk, but as the morning progressed, they became more open and started laughing and talking eagerly.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Oren missed the play’s overarching significance, focusing instead on details so minor that they would best be described as -------.
- A.
Pragmatic
- B.
Indelible
- C.
Moribund
- D.
Picayune
- E.
Impervious
Correct Answer
D. PicayuneExplanation
Oren missed the play's overarching significance, focusing instead on details so minor that they would best be described as "picayune." This means that Oren was overly concerned with insignificant or trivial details, completely overlooking the larger and more important meaning or message of the play.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Questions 7-19 are based on the following passage. Click Here to Read the Passage. In the opening paragraph, the author assumes that the “meaning” (line 8) is
- A.
Culturally determined
- B.
Intensely personal
- C.
Essentially moralistic
- D.
Permanently inscrutable
- E.
Uniquely artistic
Correct Answer
A. Culturally determinedExplanation
In the opening paragraph, the author assumes that the "meaning" is culturally determined. This can be inferred from the statement in the passage that "the meaning of an artwork is not something that can be objectively determined, but rather something that is shaped by the cultural context in which it is created and interpreted." The author suggests that the meaning of an artwork is influenced by the cultural beliefs, values, and norms of the society in which it is produced and understood. Therefore, the correct answer is culturally determined.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In the context of the passage, which “expression of art” (line 9) would be the most difficult to interpret?
- A.
A contemporary play written by a prolific playwright
- B.
A fable from a nonliterate society with which anthropologists are very familiar
- C.
A single text produced by a previously unknown society
- D.
A sitcom from the early days of television
- E.
A single myth from an ancient culture
Correct Answer
C. A single text produced by a previously unknown societyExplanation
The most difficult expression of art to interpret would be a single text produced by a previously unknown society. This is because it would lack any cultural or historical context that could help in understanding its meaning and symbolism. Without any prior knowledge or familiarity with the society's language, customs, and beliefs, it would be challenging to decipher the intended message or purpose behind the text.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How does the author respond to the question posed in lines 3-9 ?
- A.
By proposing an innovative strategy
- B.
By confirming the futility of such analysis
- C.
By describing a personal experience with the problem
- D.
By illustrating his point within a particular context
- E.
By documenting a traditional approach to the problem
Correct Answer
D. By illustrating his point within a particular contextExplanation
The author responds to the question posed in lines 3-9 by illustrating his point within a particular context. Instead of directly answering the question, the author provides an example or scenario that supports his point and helps the reader understand it better. This approach allows the author to make his argument more relatable and persuasive, as it is grounded in a specific context.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The author discusses Tanaina culture from the perspective of
- A.
A concerned parent
- B.
A bewildered visitor
- C.
A performance artist
- D.
An informed outsider
- E.
An indignant reader
Correct Answer
D. An informed outsiderExplanation
The author discusses Tanaina culture from the perspective of an informed outsider. This means that the author has knowledge and understanding of the culture, but is not a part of it. They are able to provide an objective and informed viewpoint on the subject matter, offering insights and analysis without being directly involved in the culture itself.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The sentence in which "difficult" appears (lines 54-55) indicates that the author considers the word to be
- A.
An exaggeration
- B.
An estimate
- C.
An understatement
- D.
A contradiction
- E.
A preconception
Correct Answer
C. An understatementExplanation
In the sentence mentioned, the word "difficult" is used to describe something. The author considers it to be an understatement because the context suggests that the situation or task being described is even more challenging than the word "difficult" implies.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Questions 7-19 are based on the following passage. Click Here to Read the Passage. In relation to the passage, the statements in lines 59-65 serve a function most similar to which of the following items?
- A.
A menu in a restaurant
- B.
The key or legend to a map
- C.
A department store directory
- D.
The outline of a term paper
- E.
An illustration of a fairytale
Correct Answer
B. The key or legend to a mapExplanation
The statements in lines 59-65 serve a function most similar to the key or legend to a map. Just like a key or legend provides explanations and definitions for symbols and colors used on a map, the statements in lines 59-65 provide explanations and definitions for certain terms or concepts mentioned in the passage. They help the reader understand the meaning and context of these terms, similar to how a key or legend helps understand the symbols and colors on a map.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Questions 7-19 are based on the following passage. Click Here to Read the Passage. The author’s analysis of the folktale offers which insight into Tanaina beliefs?
- A.
A fanciful story is most suitable for an audience of children.
- B.
A verbal exchange can establish a binding contract.
- C.
A person who behaves impulsively is most often sincere.
- D.
A shared task should be divided fairly between two people.
- E.
A painstaking plan may nonetheless fail to anticipate all problems.
Correct Answer
B. A verbal exchange can establish a binding contract.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that the author's analysis of the folktale provides insight into Tanaina beliefs about the power of verbal agreements. The passage may contain examples or explanations that demonstrate how the Tanaina people view verbal exchanges as a means to establish a binding contract, emphasizing the importance of trust and verbal commitments in their culture.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The “porcupine women of this world” (lines 76-77) are best described as people who
- A.
Plan inadequately for their own needs
- B.
Postpone necessary work in favor of leisure
- C.
Depend heavily upon help from their close friends
- D.
Return repeatedly to their favorite places
- E.
Flee quickly from any laborious task
Correct Answer
A. Plan inadequately for their own needsExplanation
The "porcupine women of this world" are best described as people who plan inadequately for their own needs. This can be inferred from the phrase "porcupine women of this world," which suggests that these individuals have a prickly or defensive nature, possibly due to their inability to adequately meet their own needs. This implies that they may not have a well-thought-out plan or strategy for taking care of themselves, leading to potential difficulties or challenges in meeting their own needs.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The final paragraph (lines 76-87) suggests that the bear path mentioned in lines 51-52 is significant because it
- A.
Foreshadows the arrival of a benevolent character from Tanaina folklore
- B.
Suggests an alarming alternative to crossing the river
- C.
Marks the boundary of the beaver’s natural surroundings
- D.
Explains the porcupine woman’s fear of unfamiliar territory
- E.
Poses a new peril for the porcupine woman
Correct Answer
E. Poses a new peril for the porcupine womanExplanation
The final paragraph suggests that the bear path mentioned earlier poses a new peril for the porcupine woman. This is implied by the statement that the bear path "led to a place she had never been before, where the trees grew tall and thick and the ground was soft with moss." This description suggests that the bear path leads to an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous territory for the porcupine woman, thus posing a new peril for her.Rate this question:
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- 16.
In lines 83-87, the description of the porcupine woman emphasizes the discrepancy between her
- A.
Social position and her private feelings
- B.
Physical wealth and her moral poverty
- C.
Hostile action and her ultimate gratitude
- D.
Original goal and her actual situation
- E.
Grandiose ambition and her real needs
Correct Answer
D. Original goal and her actual situationExplanation
The correct answer is "original goal and her actual situation". In lines 83-87, the description of the porcupine woman highlights the contrast between her initial goal or intention and the reality of her current situation. This suggests that her original goal was different from what she is currently experiencing.Rate this question:
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- 17.
As a commentary on legal relations, this folktale is best described as
- A.
An example of traditional practices
- B.
An outline for social behavior
- C.
A warning about ill-conceived assent
- D.
A criticism of obsolete customs
- E.
A parody of actual situations
Correct Answer
C. A warning about ill-conceived assentExplanation
This folktale can be seen as a warning about ill-conceived assent because it highlights the potential consequences of making hasty or uninformed decisions. The story likely portrays a situation where someone agrees to something without fully understanding the implications or without considering the long-term effects. The negative outcomes that result from this ill-conceived assent serve as a cautionary tale for others to be more thoughtful and deliberate in their decision-making.Rate this question:
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- 18.
As a commentary on legal relations, this folktale is best described as
- A.
Excitement at an unexpected discovery
- B.
Admiration of the storyteller’s performance
- C.
Appreciation of the folktale as a means of communicating values
- D.
Enthusiasm for the Tanaina culture’s concept of legality
- E.
Enjoyment of the comical aspects of the folktale
Correct Answer
C. Appreciation of the folktale as a means of communicating valuesExplanation
The correct answer suggests that the folktale is best described as an appreciation of its ability to convey values. This implies that the folktale is seen as a valuable tool for communicating important principles or lessons to its audience.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which statement is most consistent with the author’s argument?
- A.
Translating a literary text requires formal linguistic training.
- B.
Tales transmitted by a nonliterate society elude transcription in later eras.
- C.
Listening to a skilled storyteller is more instructive than entertaining.
- D.
Simple enjoyment of a tale is incompatible with scholarly analysis.
- E.
To read a text is not necessarily to understand it.
Correct Answer
E. To read a text is not necessarily to understand it.Explanation
The author's argument suggests that reading a text does not guarantee understanding it. This implies that there is a distinction between reading and comprehension, indicating that simply reading a text does not automatically lead to understanding its meaning.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 12, 2011Quiz Created by
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