Comprehension
Argument
Choice
Audience
100

The author uses the word “obscure” in the first sentence of paragraph 3 to mean

  1. ambiguous

  2. not well known

  3. uncertain

  4. unusually small

2. not well known

100

The primary purpose of the first paragraph is to

  1. inspire students to enter scientific professions

  2. encourage people to follow the progress of current scientific research 

  3. call attention to the decline of a significant field of study

  4. explain the relationship between different scientific disciplines

3. call attention to the decline of a significant field of study

100

The primary rhetorical strategy in the passage is the

  1. exemplification of key concepts and ideas

  2. narration of stories and use of personal anecdotes

  3. description of research methodologies

  4. comparison and contrast of differing viewpoints

1. exemplification of key concepts and ideas

100

The author’s tone is best described as

  1. polite yet condescending

  2. concerned yet hopeful

  3. critical and indignant

  4. pessimistic and discouraged 

2. concerned yet hopeful

200

In the context of sentence 7, the words “one is retired” are best described as

  1. a detail that makes a critical situation even more precarious

  2. a claim that is of equal concern to scientists and the general public

  3. an excuse for outdated designs for research projects

  4. an aside that undermines the point about taxonomy that is being made

1. a detail that makes a critical situation even more precarious

200

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the first and second paragraphs?

  1. The second paragraph illustrates the work of the specialists mentioned in the first paragraph. 

  2. The second paragraph describes the effects of an issue raised in the first paragraph. 

  3. The second paragraph questions the logic of an idea expressed in the first paragraph.

  4. The second paragraph lists the practical applications of a theory proposed in the first paragraph.

2. The second paragraph describes the effects of an issue raised in the first paragraph.

200

In the passage, italics are used to highlight

  1. ideas that scientists consider outdated

  2. the hypotheses that the author challenges

  3. trends that the author has encouraged

  4. the major points of the author’s argument

4. the major points of the author’s argument

200

One important purpose of the passage is to

  1. urge the public to contribute money to a proposed taxonomy project

  2. suggest that ecological conservation is a beneficial enterprise

  3. question why some species are better protected than others

  4. promote scientific organizations devoted to improving global well-being

2. suggest that ecological conservation is a beneficial enterprise

300

The series of phrases in the fifth sentence (“Marvelously varied… acre of land”) primarily conveys the

  1. ferocity with which springtails and oribatid mites compete for survival

  2. array of tiny animals that coexist with springtails and oribatid mites in the silk

  3. characteristics of springtails and oribatid mites

  4. life span of springtails and oribatid mites living in the soil

3. characteristics of springtails and oribatid mites

300

Which of the following is true of the position presented in the fourth and fifth sentences of the final paragraph (“The second… progress”)?

  1. It takes issue with the claims made in the previous sentence.

  2. It acknowledges that the solution to the problem will involve painful choices.

  3. It emphasizes that immediate action is essential for success. 

  4. It suggests that an assumption held by many people may be incorrect.

4. It suggests that an assumption held by many people may be incorrect.

300

The author cites a Chinese saying (last sentence of paragraph 2) to emphasize the 

  1. contrast between Eastern and Western science

  2. intricacy of the relationships that unite living beings

  3. importance of taxonomy as a field of study

  4. danger of postponing biological research

3. importance of taxonomy as a field of study

300

It can be inferred from the passage that the author assumes the reader is

  1. a generalist who needs an explanation of specialized concepts

  2. a student seeking facts in order to develop a testable thesis

  3. a colleague evaluating a proposal for a research project

  4. an enthusiast aware of current discoveries and debates

1. a generalist who needs an explanation of specialized concepts

400

The author mentions “glass-blowing and harpsichord manufacture” (third sentence) to suggest that taxonomy is

  1. a field characterized by antiquated practices

  2. an art that is extremely difficult to master

  3. a profession practiced by relatively few people

  4. an area of expertise with various practical applications

3. a profession practiced by relatively few people

400

The third paragraph serves which of the following functions?

  1. It explains the results of a controversial study.

  2. It compares examples that illustrate a point.

  3. It explores social and historical contexts.

  4. It speculates about a potential improvement.

4. It speculates about a potential improvement.

400

 The passage is most likely excerpted from

  1. an educational article promoting awareness of a critical scientific issue

  2. a scholarly essay substantiating the veracity of a recent scientific discovery

  3. a historical document describing public funding for biodiversity studies

  4. a research report criticizing the behavior of both sides in a current scientific debate

1. an educational article promoting awareness of a critical scientific issue

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