Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
Section 2
1. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is correct. "Prohibition" refers to something
banned by legal authorities; "active" in this context
means in place or functioning. If one were to insert
these terms into the text, the sentence would read
"Despite prohibitions on taking rare tamarins from their
habitat, the illegal trade in the tiny monkeys remains
active." Since the word "despite" at the beginning of the
sentence indicates that the second missing term will
describe an outcome of the first missing term, it makes
sense to say that although taking tamarins from their
habitat is prohibited, the illegal activity still goes on.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Commendations" means
expressions of approval. "Obligatory" means legally or
morally binding. If one were to insert these terms into
the text, the sentence would read "Despite
commendations on taking rare tamarins from their
habitat, the illegal trade in the tiny monkeys remains
obligatory." It is illogical to say that the illegal traders
receive the approval of authorities or that the illegal
trade is legally binding.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Consultations" means
deliberations or discussions. "Predominant" means
most common. If one were to insert these terms into the
text, the sentence would read "Despite consultations on
taking rare tamarins from their habitat, the illegal trade
in the tiny monkeys remains predominant." Although it
is possible to have "consultations" regarding the trade
in tamarins, it does not logically follow to say the trade
remains common in spite of these discussions.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Restrictions" means limits;
"local" means confined to a certain place. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Despite restrictions on taking rare tamarins from
their habitat, the illegal trade in the tiny monkeys
remains local." It is illogical to say that there are
limitations on taking tamarins from their habitat and that
the illegal trade remains confined to a particular place.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Penalties" means
punishments prescribed by law; "illicit" means unlawful.
If one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "Despite penalties on taking rare
tamarins from their habitat, the illegal trade in the tiny
monkeys remains illicit." It is not logical to say that the
illegal trade in tamarins remains unlawful despite the
punishments imposed on those who engage in it.
2. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. "Distortion" means a lack of
proportionality. If one were to insert this term into the
text, the sentence would read "Representing a round
world on a flat surface is impossible without some
distortion: the Meractor projection map shows
Greenland as over ten times larger than Mexico, a
country in fact only slightly smaller than Greenland."
The use of the colon in this sentence indicates that
what follows it will be an explanation or definition of the
missing word, and since the appearance of Greenland
on the Mercator map clearly represents an instance of
a lack of proportionality, choice (C) makes sense.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Oversight" means watchful
care. If one were to insert this term into the text, the
sentence would read "Representing a round world on a
flat surface is impossible without some oversight: the
Mercator projection map shows Greenland as over ten
times larger than Mexico, a country in fact only slightly
smaller than Greenland." The use of the colon in this
sentence indicates that what follows it will be an
explanation or definition of the missing word; the
appearance of Greenland on the Mercator map does
not represent a case of careful watchfulness.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Simplification" means a
lessening in scope or complexity. If one were to insert
this term into the text, the sentence would read
"Representing a round world on a flat surface is
impossible without some simplification: the Mercator
projection map shows Greenland as over ten times
larger than Mexico, a country in fact only slightly
smaller than Greenland." The use of the colon in this
sentence indicates that what follows it will be an
explanation or definition of the missing word, and since
the appearance of Greenland on the Mercator map
represents not so much a lessening of complexity as a
change in relative size, choice (B) is incorrect.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Sophistication" would in this
context most likely mean an increase in development or
cultivation. If one were to insert this term into the text,
the sentence would read "Representing a round world
on a flat surface is impossible without some
sophistication: the Mercator projection map shows
Greenland as over ten times larger than Mexico, a
country in fact only slightly smaller than Greenland."
Since the appearance of Greenland on the Mercator
map in no way represents a heightened development or
level of complexity, choice (D) is incorrect.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Superficiality" means affecting
only the surface. If one were to insert this term into the
text, the sentence would read "Representing a round
world on a flat surface is impossible without some
superficiality: the Mercator projection map shows
Greenland as over ten times larger than Mexico, a
country in fact only slightly smaller than Greenland."
Since the appearance of Greenland on the Mercator
map does not clearly represent a case of only the
surface of something being affected or observed,
choice (E) does not make sense.
3. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. "Cosmetic" means superficial, or
lacking in true significance. If one were to insert this
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Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
term into the text, the sentence would read "The highly
publicized redesign of the car is essentially cosmetic:
the exterior has been updated, but the engine remains
unchanged." The colon in this sentence introduces a
definition or explanation of the missing term.
"Cosmetic" makes sense in this context, since the
changes to the car's exterior are more superficial than
fundamental.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Intuitive" means perceived
through instinct. If this term were inserted into the text,
the sentence would read "The highly publicized
redesign of the car is essentially intuitive: the exterior
has been updated, but the engine remains unchanged."
It makes little sense to say that the changes to a car's
exterior design are "intuitive," or based on instinct.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Incoherent" means lacking
orderliness or relevance. If one were to insert this term
into the text, the sentence would read "The highly
publicized redesign of the car is essentially incoherent:
the exterior has been updated, but the engine remains
unchanged." It is illogical to say that the new design,
which changes the exterior but not the engine, is
lacking relevance.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Consequential" means
significant. If one were to insert this term into the text,
the sentence would read "The highly publicized
redesign of the car is essentially consequential: the
exterior has been updated, but the engine remains
unchanged." It does not make sense to say that the
car's redesign is significant because the information
after the colon suggests the opposite.
consciousness just as we strain to recall a face or a
name." This does not make sense, since the use of the
comma in the sentence indicates that what follows will
be an explanation or definition of the missing word, and
"pervasive" means nearly the opposite of "escaping our
consciousness."
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Unvaried" means uniform, or
all of the same kind. If one were to insert this term into
the text, the sentence would read "Many of our
memories are unvaried, escaping our consciousness
just as we strain to recall a face or a name." It would
not make sense here to speak of "uniform memories,"
certainly not of the tendency of such memories to
escape, or elude, our consciousness.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Insensitive" means lacking in
feeling or being tactless. If one were to insert this term
into the text, the sentence would read "Many of our
memories are insensitive, escaping our consciousness
just as we strain to recall a face or a name." It does not
make sense to speak of memories as unfeeling or
tactless; in addition, the word "insensitive" is not
explained or defined by the material after the comma.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Impractical" means incapable
of being put to use. If one were to insert this term into
the text, the sentence would read "Many of our
memories are impractical, escaping our consciousness
just as we strain to recall a face or a name." It is not
logical to speak of memories as being useful or not
useful; moreover, the word "impractical" is not
explained by the material after the comma.
5. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Retroactive" means extending
to conditions that existed or originated in the past. If
one were to insert this term into the text, the sentence
would read "The highly publicized redesign of the car is
essentially retroactive: the exterior has been updated,
but the engine remains unchanged." It makes little
sense to say that the car's redesign reflects conditions
that originated in the past.
4. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is correct. "Elusive" means hard to
apprehend or find. If one were to insert this term into
the text, the sentence would read "Many of our
memories are elusive, escaping our consciousness just
as we strain to recall a face or a name." Because the
use of the comma in the sentence indicates that what
follows it will be an explanation or definition of the
missing word, it makes sense to say that memories—
because they often escape our consciousness at the
moment when we are trying to grasp them—are difficult
to capture.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Pervasive" means tending to
permeate, or to spread throughout. If one were to insert
this term into the text, the sentence would read "Many
of our memories are pervasive, escaping our
Choice (E) is correct. "Entertaining" means lively or
amusing; "exhibited" means demonstrated. If one were
to insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Although Caroline Gordon was rigorously
objective in her journalistic writing, her lively and
entertaining private correspondence exhibited a
delightful capacity for biting commentary on the social
scene." The word "although" indicates that the part of
the sentence following the comma will contrast with the
idea of "rigorous" objectivity, and the use of "and"
before the first missing term indicates that this term will
complement the word "lively." Therefore, it makes
sense to say that Gordon's amusing private letters, in
contrast to her straightforward and detached journalistic
writing, demonstrated a pleasing subjective element.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Incisive" means clear or sharp;
"disguised" means hidden or concealed. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Although Caroline Gordon was rigorously
objective in her journalistic writing, her lively and
incisive private correspondence disguised a delightful
capacity for biting commentary on the social scene."
Although it does make sense to say that Gordon wrote
"incisive" letters, it does not make sense to say that
such a writing style hid a capacity for satire. On the
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Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
contrary, this type of writing would more likely reveal
such a capacity.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Eloquent" means vividly
expressive; "derided" means ridiculed or treated with
contempt. If one were to insert these terms into the text,
the sentence would read "Although Caroline Gordon
was rigorously objective in her journalistic writing, her
lively and eloquent private correspondence derided a
delightful capacity for biting commentary on the social
scene." While it makes sense to say that Gordon wrote
expressive letters, it is illogical to say that such a writing
style "derided," or was contemptuous of, a talent for
satirical writing.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Dispassionate" means
unemotional; "demonstrated" means showed. If one
were to insert these terms into the text, the sentence
would read "Although Caroline Gordon was rigorously
objective in her journalistic writing, her lively and
dispassionate private correspondence demonstrated a
delightful capacity for biting commentary on the social
scene." Gordon's letters may have showed a capacity
for satire, but letters cannot be both lively and
"dispassionate."
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Designated" means chosen;
"pertinent" means relevant. If these terms were inserted
into the text, the sentence would read "An effective
member of a debating team must focus clearly on the
designated issue and avoid pertinent arguments."
Since the structure of the sentence indicates that the
missing terms should be opposites, it may make sense
here to say that good debates would focus on the
"designated," or specified, issue, but it does not make
sense to say that good debates would avoid relevant
arguments.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Comprehensive" means
inclusive; in this context, "general," means applicable to
the whole. If these terms were inserted into the text, the
sentence would read "An effective member of a
debating team must focus clearly on the
comprehensive issue and avoid general arguments."
Since the structure of the sentence indicates that the
missing terms should be opposites, it does not make
sense to say that debaters should focus on the
inclusive topic while avoiding arguments that pertain to
the whole. Rather than being opposites, these terms
are somewhat synonymous.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Exuberant" means extremely
enthusiastic; "minimized" means to reduce to the least
possible degree. If one were to insert these terms into
the text, the sentence would read "Although Caroline
Gordon was rigorously objective in her journalistic
writing, her lively and exuberant private
correspondence minimized a delightful capacity for
biting commentary on the social scene." It is possible
that Gordon's letters were both lively and enthusiastic,
but it does not make sense to say that such a writing
style reduced a capacity for satire.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Subtle" means refined or
artful; "significant" means meaningful. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "An effective member of a debating team must
focus clearly on the subtle issue and avoid significant
arguments." Since the structure of the sentence
indicates that the missing terms should be opposites, it
does not make sense to say that debaters should focus
on artful, or crafty, issues while avoiding significant
arguments. Although the missing terms are somewhat
opposite in meaning, they are presented in the wrong
order to work in the sentence.
6. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
7. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. "Principal" means first in
importance; in this context, "peripheral," means of
minor importance. If these terms were inserted into the
text, the sentence would read "An effective member of
a debating team must focus clearly on the principal
issue and avoid peripheral arguments." Since the
structure of the sentence indicates that the missing
terms should be opposites, it makes sense to say that
debaters should focus on important issues and avoid
less important issues.
Choice (A) is correct. "Avid" means very eager; "to
seek" means to go in search of. If one were to insert
these terms into the text, the sentence would read "The
avidness with which merchants and landowners in
early-nineteenth-century Maryland and Virginia sought
Joshua Johnston's professional services attests to his
artistic skill as a portrait painter." Since the structure of
the sentence indicates that the first missing term
modifies or describes the second missing term, it is
logical to say that people looking for a skilled portrait
painter went in search of Johnston with great
eagerness.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Equivocal" means uncertain;
"obstreperous" means unruly. If these terms were
inserted into the text, the sentence would read "An
effective member of a debating team must focus clearly
on the equivocal issue and avoid obstreperous
arguments." Since the structure of the sentence
indicates that the missing terms should be opposites, it
does not make sense to say that debaters should focus
on uncertain issues while avoiding unruly or noisy
arguments.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Diffidence" means the quality
or state of being hesitant; "purchased" means bought. If
one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "The diffidence with which
merchants and landowners in early-nineteenth-century
Maryland and Virginia purchased Joshua Johnston's
professional services attests to his artistic skill as a
portrait painter." This does not make sense, since
hesitance on the part of patrons to buy Johnston's work
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Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
would not be proof of his skill.
pleasing manner.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Patience" is a willingness to
wait; "to replace" means to put something new in the
place of. If one were to insert these terms into the text,
the sentence would read "The patience with which
merchants and landowners in early-nineteenth-century
Maryland and Virginia replaced Joshua Johnston's
professional services attests to his artistic skill as a
portrait painter." This does not make sense, since a
willingness to put off or forestall replacing Johnston's
work does not affirm his skill.
Choice (C) is incorrect. To be "sanctimonious" means
to affect, or feign, piety or devoutness. If one were to
insert this term into the text, the sentence would read
"The man's colleagues characterized him as
sanctimonious because he had an irritable,
quarrelsome disposition." A person described as
"sanctimonious" by others would almost certainly not
have a quarrelsome disposition, but would instead
maintain a superficially pious or virtuous manner.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Elegant" means refined or
graceful; "regarded" means observed. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "The elegance with which merchants and
landowners in early-nineteenth-century Maryland and
Virginia regarded Joshua Johnston's professional
services attests to his artistic skills as a portrait painter."
Patrons regarding, or looking at, Johnston's services
with a graceful attitude would make little sense and
would also not pertain to Johnston's skill as a painter.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Zealous" means emotionally
intense; "overlooked" means failed to notice. If one
were to insert these terms into the text, the sentence
would read "The zealousness with which merchants
and landowners in early-nineteenth-century Maryland
and Virginia overlooked Joshua Johnston's professional
services attests to his artistic skill as a portrait painter."
It makes no sense to say that patrons exercised great
intensity in failing to notice Johnston's services.
8. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. "Cantankerous" means illtempered and quarrelsome, or argumentative. If one
were to insert this term into the text, the sentence
would read "The man's colleagues characterized him
as cantankerous because he had an irritable,
quarrelsome disposition." A man with "an irritable,
quarrelsome disposition" could correctly be
characterized as cantankerous.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Tyrannical" means harsh in
the use of power. If one were to insert this term into the
text, the sentence would read "The man's colleagues
characterized him as tyrannical because he had an
irritable, quarrelsome disposition." While a "tyrant," or
harsh authority figure, might very well have an irritable
disposition, not all people with such a disposition
possess enough power to be tyrannical.
Choice (E) is incorrect. To be "morose" means to have
a gloomy disposition. If one were to insert this term into
the text, the sentence would read "The man's
colleagues characterized him as morose because he
had an irritable, quarrelsome disposition." A person
described as "morose" by others would more likely
have a disposition that was more superficially sullen, or
somber, than quarrelsome and irritable.
9. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. In Passage 1 Sayers identifies
the constraints felt by "the most successful writers" of
detective stories to "contrive to keep the story running
from beginning to end upon the same emotional level."
Passage 2 argues that Sayers seemed unable to free
her own stories from that "arid formula."
Choice (A) is incorrect. Passage 1 describes certain
aspects of writing in the detective genre but does not
address how the genre changed over time, while
Passage 2 further elaborates on those same aspects of
the genre.
Choice (C) is incorrect. While Passage 2 does discuss
certain deficiencies in the approach of some writers
who work in the genre, Passage 1 focuses on the
constraints inherent in writing in the detective genre,
and so could not be said to be celebrating it.
Choice (D) is incorrect. While Passage 1 does mention
the approach taken by "the most successful writers,"
Passage 2 confines its discussion to the artistic rather
than commercial successes of those writers.
Choice (E) is incorrect. While Passage 1 says that the
detective genre "does not and cannot attain the loftiest
level of literary achievement," Passage 2 does not
make the argument that the genre has features that
distinguish it from other fiction.
10. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Disingenuous" means
insincere or calculating. If one were to insert this term
into the text, the sentence would read "The man's
colleagues characterized him as disingenuous because
he had an irritable, quarrelsome disposition." A person
described as "disingenuous" by others would not likely
have a quarrelsome disposition, but would more
probably hide his dishonesty behind a superficially
Choice (A) is correct. The author of Passage 2 argues
that authors like Sayers fail in that they do not give their
"characters their heads and let them make their own
mystery"— in other words, that these authors do not let
their characters grow and show the full range of human
emotions.
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Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 says
that Sayers— and, by implication, similar writers—does
use formulas.
with the view that readers prefer the formalized and
unrealistic situations found in many detective stories,
she does not address this issue in the passage.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2,
rather than accepting the view expressed in Passage 1
that strong emotions are inappropriate in detective
fiction, holds that such an approach is formulaic and
that characters in detective stories should "be real."
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although Sayers might agree
with the notion that "real people often act in ways that
are unexpected," she argues in the passage that the
successful approach to writing detective stories
necessarily involves the creation of unreal and
constrained characters.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 is not
concerned with the commercial success or failure of
detective stories, but with their artistic integrity.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although the author of Passage
2 does mention plot, he does not discuss the attitude of
readers toward plots in detective stories.
11. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. The intense emotions resulting
from rage, jealousy, and revenge are very unlikely to
appear in detective stories written following the
"artificial pattern" mentioned in Passage 2.
Choice (A) is incorrect. It is unlikely that a story created
following the "artificial pattern," with its "unreal"
characters, would be able to achieve the level of high
literary art.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Detective stories created
according to the "artificial pattern" would be more likely
to focus on facts than on emotional responses.
Choice (D) is incorrect. It is very likely that detective
stories created following the "pattern" would display a
"dispassionate," or unemotional, attitude toward
dramatic events.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The "artificial pattern," in order
to avoid emotional ups and downs in a story, would
probably recommend avoiding insights into the "inner
workings of the murderer's mind."
13. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is correct. The lecture details how Pasteurʼs
experiments "disproved," or proved wrong, the
"erroneous," or incorrect, theory of spontaneous
generation.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The lecture does not discuss
the documentation or publication of Pasteurʼs
experiments, but it does discuss what they proved.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Pasteurʼs experiments were
concerned not with killing "microbes," or tiny organisms,
but with discovering how and why they come to grow in
previously sterile, or clean, liquids.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although Pasteur may have
later applied his findings to new problems, this passage
is concerned only with how Pasteur proved the theory
of spontaneous generation to be inaccurate.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The lecture is concerned not
with the improvement of laboratory standards but with
Pasteurʼs study of the growth of bacteria.
14. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. At the end of the lecture, Pasteur
declares that “[l]ife comes only from life,” or that
microbes that are observed in liquid broth have
migrated there from the air.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In the lecture, Pasteur
concludes just the opposite: bacteria do not arise
"spontaneously," or suddenly, without outside influence.
12. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. Sayers states that "the most
successful writers" are those who keep their stories at
an even "emotional level" until the very end, and even
that "it is better to err in the direction of too little feeling
than too much." These lines suggest that plot should
always take precedence over character development.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Sayers argues that unlike great
literary fiction, detective fiction "rarely touches the
heights and depths of human passion."
Choice (B) is incorrect. Sayers states that detective
stories deal "with the most desperate effects of rage,
jealousy, and revenge."
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although Sayers might agree
Choice (C) is incorrect. Pasteur does not conclude that
"impurities," or unclean elements, in the original broth
caused the growth of bacteria. Rather, his experiment
shows that existing bacteria in the air were the source
of bacteria in the broth.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The curved neck of the flask
helped Pasteur better conduct his experiment but was
itself not responsible for the growth of bacteria in the
broth.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The broken flask helped
Pasteur to control the way that air and bacteria passed
into the broth, but it does not explain where and how
the bacteria grew.
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Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
15. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. Pasteur uses the first two
paragraphs of his lecture to explain his "motivation," or
reason, for studying the microbes—that he wanted to
contribute to the scientific knowledge of the origins of
life.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The first two paragraphs do not
explain the results of Pasteurʼs experiments. Rather,
they explain why he undertook the study.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The opposite is true: Pasteur
criticizes those who have passion but have failed to
increase scientific knowledge.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although Pasteur mentions that
he was faced with criticism, nowhere in these
paragraphs does he attack his detractors.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The purpose of these
paragraphs is not to counter a false impression
concerning Pasteurʼs interest in applied or nonapplied
science but to explain why he chose to study the
growth of bacteria.
16. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is incorrect. Pasteur does not describe past
research as demonstrating the "futility," or
pointlessness, of practical studies. On the contrary, he
criticizes past studies for failing to be practical or
scientific.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Nowhere" in his discussion of
past research on spontaneous generation does Pasteur
mention the sterilization of any laboratory apparatus, or
tool.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Pasteur does not discuss his
own early experiments in the context of past research
on spontaneous generation.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Pasteur claims that past
experiments failed to increase scientific knowledge.
Therefore, it does not make sense to say that they
"resolved," or settled, the "controversy," or debate,
around the question of spontaneous generation.
18. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is correct. Pasteur refers to his desire to
bring a “little stone” to the “frail edifice,” or unsteady
structure, of the human knowledge of life and death. In
other words, the goal of his research was to make a
contribution to the existing body of scientific fact,
thereby increasing human knowledge.
Choice (B) is correct. It makes sense to describe
spontaneous generation, a frustrating area of research,
as a "quagmire," or complicated situation from which it
is difficult to escape.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Pasteur does not want to have
a small effect on one person; he wants to have an
effect on scientific knowledge in general.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In this context, "quagmire"
refers to the problem of spontaneous generation, not to
the general state of scientific ignorance, or lack of
knowledge.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The “little stone” Pasteur is
speaking of is his own potential contribution to science,
not the "rebuff," or criticism, he received at the hands of
his fellow scientists.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Morality," or standards of right
and wrong, is unrelated to Pasteurʼs concerns
respecting spontaneous generation
Choice (D) is incorrect. It does not make sense to say
that Pasteur desired to contribute to the narrowmindedness of others.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Whether or not some people
differentiate between "pure," or theoretical, and
"applied," or practical, science is unrelated to the
difficulty of the problem of spontaneous generation
itself.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The “little stone” refers to the
contribution Pasteur desired to make when he began
his research, not the results of his experiments.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Pasteur does not criticize
proposed solutions to the problem of spontaneous
generation on grounds of simplicity; rather, he says
they were "metaphysical" and not truly scientific.
Choice (D) is correct. In the lecture, Pasteur
encourages his students to pursue projects whose
applications are not yet known so that they will be
better able to recognize and "exploit," or take
advantage of, chance discoveries in the laboratory.
19. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
17. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. Pasteur acknowledges that past
experiments had been conducted with passion but
argues that they were not tested in the laboratory and
therefore did not increase the body of scientific
knowledge on the subject.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The opposite is true: Pasteur
believes that pursuing projects without immediate
applications prepares a scientist for future discoveries
and is as important as the practical work itself.
Choice (B) is incorrect. According to the lecture, it is
not practice but a solid grounding in theory that
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Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
prepares a scientist to make "significant," or important,
discoveries.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The statement is concerned
not with the number of scientists who create useful
theories but with the best way to prepare oneself for
scientific discovery.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In this context, "rich" is used to
describe the quantity of bacteria present. It does not
make sense to define that amount as "productive," or
able to create something.
22. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is incorrect. Pasteur does not claim that
good luck and timing result in discoveries of any kind.
Rather, he argues that pursuing research whose
applications are unknown prepares a scientist to better
understand and make use of later discoveries.
20. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. The passage indicates that after
failing to convince the academy of his findings, Pasteur
felt it was necessary to design more "persuasive," or
convincing, experiments.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The fact that Pasteur argued
unsuccessfully for his research before the academy
may have motivated him to prove his critics wrong, but
it does not explain his initial desire to contribute to
scientific knowledge.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Pasteur "replicated," or
repeated, Spallanzaniʼs experiments before he
presented his findings to the academy.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The reference to the academy
illustrates how difficult it was for Pasteurʼs experiments
to be accepted by the scientific community, not that his
research joined with that of others who were also
disproving spontaneous generation.
Choice (E) is correct. Pasteur's critics claimed that by
using heat to seal the neck of the bottle in earlier
experiments, Pasteur had made the air unsuitable for
spontaneous generation to take place. In his last
experiment, he answered this opposition by using a
special flask that permitted fresh air, but not bacteria, to
come into contact with the liquid.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Pasteur's critics argued that
sterilizing, or purifying, the flasks had made the air unfit
for spontaneous generation. In other words, there had
been too much sterilization, not an inadequate amount.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The last experiment was
designed to answer critics who maintained confidence
in the theory of spontaneous generation, not those who
argued against nonapplied science.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The "conclusive experiment"
was not designed to address inconsistencies between
Pasteur's and his colleagues' data, which the passage
attributes to carelessness. It was designed to satisfy
those who argued that the liquid must come into
contact with fresh air in order for spontaneous
generation to occur.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The nutritional content of the
various broths is unrelated to the results or design of
the experiments.
23. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is incorrect. The incident at the Academy of
Sciences does not suggest that Pasteurʼs colleagues
thought spontaneous generation was an inappropriate
research project. Rather, it shows that they were not
convinced by his findings.
21. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. In this context, which speaks of
"a rich growth of bacteria," "rich" means abundant, or
existing in large quantities.
Choice (A) is incorrect. It does not make sense to
describe the growth of bacteria as "precious," or rare.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Vital," or indispensable for
survival, does not describe the growth of bacteria in
Pasteurʼs flasks.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although the presence of
bacteria was "meaningful," or significant, for Pasteurʼs
research, it does not make sense to describe the
growth itself as such.
Choice (E) is correct. In the context of the passage, it
makes sense to say that the “vital force” is the element
that Pasteurʼs opponents believed to be responsible for
the spontaneous generation of life.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The “vital force” is not what
Pasteur called the basic unit of life; that was his fellow
scientistsʼ word for an energy or substance that caused
living matter to appear.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Nothing in the passage
indicates that this term was no longer in use in
Pasteurʼs time. On the contrary, the fact that it was
used by his colleagues indicates that it was a popular
notion.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The “vital force” is what was
thought to cause life, not the nutrients, or nourishing
material.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The “vital force” was not seen
as something that detroys life but as something that
brings life into being.
Page 7 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
24. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. When kept in the vertical
position, the design of the flasks prevented the fluid in
the bowl from touching bacteria trapped in the curved
neck.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The opposite of this statement
is true. The passage states that in the vertical position,
there was no "hindrance," or obstacle, to the entrance
of fresh air.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Pasteur did not position the
flasks vertically to "retain," or keep, the liquid inside; he
did it to control the flow of air and bacteria.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Pasteur kept the flasks in the
vertical position not to avoid disturbing the liquid but to
trap the bacteria and prevent it from coming into
contact with the liquid.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Pasteur revised his method
and used the curved flask not to "replicate," or repeat,
his previous experiments but to improve upon them.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Calculating" means figuring
out or estimating, and "successes" are things that turn
out well. If one were to insert these terms into the text,
the sentence would read "After winning the lottery, John
bought sports cars, built a mansion, and wore designer
suits; however, by thus calculating his successes, he
alienated his friends." Even though, John may have
calculated his successess, this probably would not
have been why he alienated his friends.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Moderating" means lessening
in extent or intensity, and "consumption," in this context,
means spending money. If one were to insert these
terms into the text, the sentence would read "After
winning the lottery, John bought sports cars, built a
mansion, and wore designer suits; however, by thus
moderating his consumption, he alienated his friends."
Since the word "thus" indicates that the missing terms
will paraphrase John's actions after he won the lottery,
inserting these terms makes a completely illogical
sentence. After winning the lottery, John did not spend
less money; he spent so much money that he alienated
his friends.
2. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Section 5
1. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. "Flaunting" means displaying
showily or pretentiously, and "prosperity" means
economic well-being. If one were to insert these terms
into the text, the sentence would read "After winning
the lottery, John bought sports cars, built a mansion,
and wore designer suits; however, by thus flaunting his
prosperity, he alienated his friends." The word "thus"
indicates that the missing terms will paraphrase John's
actions after he won the lottery, so it makes sense to
say that John's pretentious displays of wealth alienated,
or aroused hostile feelings in, his friends.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Enduring" means undergoing
or tolerating, and "hardship" means misfortune. If one
were to insert these terms into the text, the sentence
would read "After winning the lottery, John bought
sports cars, built a mansion, and wore designer suits;
however, by thus enduring his hardship, he alienated
his friends." It makes little sense to say that winning a
lottery is a misfortune that has to be endured.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Undermining" means
weakening gradually and secretly, and "image" means
impression. If one were to insert these terms into the
text, the sentence would read "After winning the lottery,
John bought sports cars, built a mansion, and wore
designer suits; however, by thus undermining his
image, he alienated his friends." It is more probable
that John made these showy purchases to build, not
undermine, his image.
Choice (E) is correct. “Complexity” means intricacy. If
one were to insert this term into the text, the sentence
would read “The study of biology, once considered the
key to solving natureʼs mysteries, has instead served to
emphasize natureʼs incredible complexity.” Since the
word “instead” indicates that what follows will contrast
in meaning with “solving natureʼs mysteries,” it makes
sense to say that biology has not solved natureʼs
mysteries but has instead uncovered new, perhaps
unexplained, intricacies.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Tranquility” means freedom
from commotion or disturbance. If one were to insert
this term into the text, the sentence would read “The
study of biology, once considered the key to solving
natureʼs mysteries, has instead served to emphasize
natureʼs incredible tranquility.” Since the word “instead”
indicates that what follows will contrast in meaning with
“solving natureʼs mysteries,” it makes sense to say that
biology, rather than solving natureʼs mysteries, has
uncovered natureʼs lack of commotion or disturbance.
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Immobility” means to be
motionlessness. If one were to insert this term into the
text, the sentence would read “The study of biology,
once considered the key to solving natureʼs mysteries,
has instead served to emphasize natureʼs incredible
immobility.” Since the word “instead” indicates that what
follows will contrast in meaning with “solving natureʼs
mysteries,” it makes sense to say that biology, rather
than solving natureʼs mysteries, biology has uncovered
natureʼs lack of movement.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Consistency” means
uniformity. If one were to insert this term into the text,
Page 8 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
the sentence would read “The study of biology, once
considered the key to solving natureʼs mysteries, has
instead served to emphasize natureʼs incredible
consistency.” Since the word “instead” indicates that
what follows will contrast in meaning with “solving
natureʼs mysteries,” it makes sense to say that biology
has uncovered natureʼs uniformity, or predictability,
rather than solving its mysteries.
terms into the text, the sentence would read "In 1575
Venetians instituted an annual celebration to solemnize
the end of the fame that had struck the city." Although
citizens might approach an annual celebration with
solemnity and gravity, it does not make sense to say
that "fame" had struck the city.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Desirability” means pleasing. If
one were to insert this term into the text, the sentence
would read “The study of biology, once considered the
key to solving natureʼs mysteries, has instead served to
emphasize natureʼs incredible desirability.” Since the
word “instead” indicates that what follows will contrast
in meaning with “solving natureʼs mysteries,” it makes
sense to say that biology has uncovered natureʼs
pleasing qualities rather than solving its mysteries.
Choice (D) is correct. "Vapid" means dull and lacking
interest. If one were to insert this term into the text, the
sentence would read "Lena Horne's singing style is
such that she can invest even the most vapid lyrics with
dramatic meaning." Since the word "even" is used as
an intensifier in this sentence to indicate that the
missing term describes lyrics that are lacking in
dramatic meaning, choice (D) works here.
3. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. "Commemorate" means a
remembrance, and a "plague" is an epidemic disease.
If one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "In 1575 Venetians instituted an
annual celebration to commemorate the end of the
plague that had struck the city." Since the first missing
word refers to the celebration's purpose, and the
second to the event whose end was being
remembered, choice (B) makes sense: it is logical to
rejoice over the memory of the end of a plague.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Lament" means to express
sorrow, and "turmoil" means a state of commotion. If
one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "In 1575 Venetians instituted an
annual celebration to lament the end of the turmoil that
had struck the city." It would not make sense for
citizens to be sad about the end of a period of
commotion or distress.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Eulogize" means to praise,
and "pestilence" is another word for plague. If one were
to insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "In 1575 Venetians instituted an annual
celebration to eulogize the end of the pestilence that
had struck the city." Although citizens would certainly be
happy that a plague had come to an end, it is unlikely
that they would arrange for a yearly celebration merely
to "praise" the plague's end.
4. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Harmonious" means musically
concordant or pleasing. If one were to insert this term
into the text, the sentence would read "Lena Horne's
singing style is such that she can invest even the most
harmonious lyrics with dramatic meaning." It makes no
sense to speak of "harmonious lyrics"; harmony has to
do with music, not the words set to music.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Sensational" means
exaggeratedly dramatic. If one were to insert this term
into the text, the sentence would read "Lena Horne's
singing style is such that she can invest even the most
sensational lyrics with dramatic meaning." Choice (B)
does not work here—"sensational" lyrics are already
dramatic, even excessively so.
Choice (C ) is incorrect. "Impeccable" means faultless.
If one were to insert this term into the text, the sentence
would read "Lena Horne's singing style is such that she
can invest even the most impeccable lyrics with
dramatic meaning." Since "impeccable" lyrics are by
definition faultless, it is illogical that they would need to
be enhanced by a singer.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Esteemed" means highly
regarded. If one were to insert this term into the text,
the sentence would read "Lena Horne's singing style is
such that she can invest even the most esteemed lyrics
with dramatic meaning." If lyrics were held in high
regard, they would already be considered of high
quality and therefore would not need to be enhanced.
5. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Hail" means to salute, and
"prosperity" means economic well-being. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "In 1575 Venetians instituted an annual
celebration to hail the end of the prosperity that had
struck the city." Venetians would be quite unlikely to
salute the end of a period of prosperity.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Solemnize" means to
celebrate with dignity and gravity, and "fame" means
popular acclaim or renown. If one were to insert these
Choice (E) is correct. "Repudiate" means, in this
context, to reject as untrue, and "acrimony" means a
biting sharpness of speech or manner. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "A long-standing theory about the migration of
green turtles was repudiated by an innovative marine
biologist who graciously defused potential acrimony by
dedicating her work to the original researcher." Since
the first missing term refers to what the biologist did to
the theory, and the second missing term relates to
Page 9 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
consequences of research conducted to reexamine the
theory, choice (E) makes sense: the second researcher
"defused," or made less potent, any bitterness that
might arise out of her disproving the first researcher's
theory by dedicating the work to the first researcher,
possibly acknowledging a debt to the latter.
with terms like "streaked" and "blew to pieces." The
sentence is a forceful description of a spectacular
event.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "To instigate" means to provoke
or urge forward, and "rancor" means ill will or
bitterness. If one were to insert these terms into the
text, the sentence would read "A long-standing theory
about the migration of green turtles was instigated by
an innovative marine biologist who graciously defused
potential rancor by dedicating her work to the original
researcher." Although it makes sense to say that the
biologist defused potential ill will with a gracious
gesture, it does not make sense to say that she
provoked or urged on the theory of the original
researcher and that her doing so might cause
bitterness.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The language in this sentence
is straightforward, not humorous.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Renounce" means to refuse to
recognize or acknowledge something further, and
"approval" means acceptance of something as
satisfactory. If one were to insert these terms into the
text, the sentence would read "A long-standing theory
about the migration of green turtles was renounced by
an innovative marine biologist who graciously defused
potential approval by dedicating her work to the original
"researcher." Although a theory might be renounced by
a forward-thinking biologist, it does not make sense to
say that she avoided potential approval, since it would
be highly illogical to do so, especially with a gracious
gesture.
Choice (E) is correct. The sentence is intended to
mock gently the circuslike atmosphere coming soon to
Nelda Wallace's town. The author labels the unusual
visitors to the normally quiet town as "alien life-forms"
to describe humorously the types of people who are
interested in meteorites.
Choice (C ) is incorrect. "Displace" means to remove
or to banish, and "attribution" means the ascribing of a
work to an author. If one were to insert these terms into
the text, the sentence would read "A long-standing
theory about the migration of green turtles was
displaced by an innovative marine biologist who
graciously defused potential attribution by dedicating
her work to the original researcher." Although a theory
might conceivably be displaced, or put aside, by an
improved theory, it makes no sense to speak of
"defusing," or disarming, attribution of authorship.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Enhance" means to heighten
or increase, and "alteration" means modification. If one
were to insert these terms into the text, the sentence
would read "A long-standing theory about the migration
of green turtles was enhanced by an innovative marine
biologist who graciously defused potential alteration by
dedicating her work to the original researcher."
Although a theory might well be improved upon by new
discoveries, it makes no sense to speak of potential
alteration, being defused
Choice (A) is incorrect. There is no irony in this
sentence; it is a description of an event.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Nostalgia is about
remembering something in the past. This sentence
describes how an event occurred, not how people felt
when remembering it.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The event may be something to
celebrate, but the sentence describes the event
objectively.
7. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is incorrect. There is nothing menacing or
suggestive of danger in the paragraph. "Alien lifeforms" refers to human visitors, not to dangerous
creatures.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The subtle mockery here is of
those who will invade the town in search of meteorites,
not of the general public.
Choice (C ) is incorrect. The passage does not discuss
the reliability of information about meteorites.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of this paragraph
clearly understands what occurs when meteorites fall to
earth.
8. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. Researchers had not been
studying pretending behavior in free-ranging
orangutans; if they had done so, they would have had
data to compare with the data about orangutans raised
by humans.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Orangutans are the only type of
ape Russon has studied; research on other apes would
not be relevant.
6. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C ) is incorrect. Lines 1-3 make it clear that
most research on playacting behaviors has focused on
orangutans raised by humans, not on wild orangutans.
Choice (B) is correct. This sentence describes an
extraordinary event, emphasizing its dramatic nature
Choice (D) is incorrect. Only research on the freeranging orangutans is needed to fully test the
Page 10 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
hypothesis.
Choice (E) is incorrect. When such behavior was first
recorded is not the issue; the frequency of such
behavior is the concern.
9. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is correct. The implication of the
paragraph's last sentence is that many researchers feel
that contact with humans determines the frequency of
pretending behavior in orangutans.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Performing might be a
consequence of pretending behavior, but it is not an
explanation of that behavior.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The researchers think that
pretending behavior is learned from humans, so they
would not expect wild orangutans to demonstrate it.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Geographical or demographic
influences are not discussed in the passage.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The researchers in the
passage are not assuming that the apes' behavior has
been misinterpreted; instead, they are arguing that it is
real and has been learned from humans.
10. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. The passage offers examples of
many American and Japanese values and practices
that must be balanced: table manners, clothing, and
speech are among the areas considered.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Although the narrator is aware
of different standards of behavior in the two
households, no conflict is ever mentioned.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Although examples in the
passage do illustrate some assimilation of the narratorʼs
mother, the narrator does not discuss any immigrants
beyond her own family.
Choice (A) is incorrect. While the daughter does
succeed in "[getting] good grades," no mention is made
of friends or companions, which would evidence
"camaraderie."
Choice (C) is incorrect. The grandmotherʼs comments
about grades and dress do not touch on either
"enlightenment" (spiritual insight) or
"introspection" (self-examination).
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although "good grades" may
have been a result of "diligence," or hard work, the
grandmotherʼs comments do not address
homesickness.
Choice (E) is incorrect. No competition with, for
instance, other students is necessarily suggested by
the daughterʼs "good grades," though scholarship may
have helped produce them.
12. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. The act of "entertaining"
thoughts involves "harboring," or holding them in the
mind.
Choice (A) is incorrect. To "regale" someone is to
provide him or her with great enjoyment; it has nothing
to do with holding thoughts in the mind.
Choice (B) is incorrect. In this context, the word
"entertained" has to do with thought, not with
entertaining people.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The thoughts that the daughter
entertains remain internal and cannot therefore be
"flaunted," or shown off.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although the word "entertained"
means that the daughter thought about being a
biologist, it does not suggest that she took great
pleasure in this.
13. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although the narrator gives
examples of Japanese traditions valued by her
grandmother and mother, the passage focuses on the
challenge of change rather than the desirability of
maintaining traditions.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The passage does address
both traditional customs and modern society, but the
issue of irrelevance is never raised.
11. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. The fact that the daughter earns
good grades shows her academic accomplishment; that
she never wears a kimono again shows that in her
manner of dress she is assimilated into American
culture.
Choice (C) is correct. The narratorʼs mother becomes
a teacher because “her father wanted it” and because
she allowed “his wishes to prevail.”
Choice (A) is incorrect. The narratorʼs statement that
her mother was “a dutiful daughter” emphasizes the
motherʼs willingness to put aside her interest in science
and accept her fatherʼs plans for her.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The narratorʼs comment is
made about a period of time after her mother had
already left home for college.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although the narratorʼs mother
is a “dutiful daughter” to her father, there is no
suggestion that there is a tradition of her always
Page 11 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
acceding to his demands.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The narrator simply describes
her motherʼs response to her grandfatherʼs wishes; she
does not describe doing anything.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The narrator lists
representative activities not to show their variety but to
illustrate the range of behaviors that require discipline.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The narrator is interested in the
ways discipline pervaded her motherʼs life, not
suggesting that her mother strove for perfection.
14. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. The narrator reads the book in
hopes of understanding her mother, who is mysterious
to her.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The narrator does not doubt
her mother's loyalty to the family; rather, she finds her
puzzling as a person.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The narrator does not say that
she had fantasies about her mother.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The narrator does not suggest
that her mother is unwilling to talk about the past.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The narratorʼs mother was
homesick during her early time in California, but the
narrator offers no evidence of any unhappiness at the
time she read her motherʼs recipe book.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although the narrator mentions
that the koto was "thought to teach girls discipline," she
repeats "everything" to emphasize the extent to which
discipline was required in other activities as well.
17. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. The picture of young girls
dwarfed by flower arrangements suggests a sense of
"absurdity," or ridiculous incongruity.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The description does not
indicate any sense of excitement or "adventure."
Choice (B) is incorrect. The narrator would not have
been relieved to be walking home with a flower
arrangement that "more often than not, towered above"
her head.
15. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is incorrect. The description offers a picture
that is odd but not sad.
Choice (C) is correct. Despite her complaints about
"Japanese indirectness," the mother is still
embarrassed by her childrenʼs loud voices and
tendency to talk "all at once."
Choice (E) is incorrect. The description of the girls and
the flower arrangements does not carry any particular
sense of "vitality," or energy.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The children are loud and speak
"all at once," but they are not naïve. The mother is
"mortified" by their volume and manners but not fearful
for them.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Although the mother complains
about "Japanese indirectness," she does not express
any dislike for the language lessons.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Only English is spoken in the
narratorʼs home, and the passage describes the mother
as having mixed feelings about Japanese customs.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The motherʼs concern about
the childrenʼs way of speaking has to do with their
volume and their talking simultaneously, not with their
Japanese language skills.
18. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is correct. The narrator understands her
sisterʼs question to refer to the making of sushi as well
as to every other aspect of their Japanese heritage.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The rest of the passage makes
clear the ways the mother has made her daughters
aware of their heritage and background.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The question refers to the end
of cultural influence, not to the scope of the motherʼs
education.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The sister asked the question
sometime in the past, presumably before the mother
thought of moving.
16. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. The repetition of "everything" in a
list of occupations requiring great control calls attention
to the pervasiveness of discipline in her motherʼs
Japanese upbringing.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Although the sisters both
studied ikebana, the narrator is concerned with
discipline, not competition.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Though the sisters do not
follow the traditional customs themselves, the question
strongly suggests that they will miss such customs.
19. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. The first two paragraphs offer
several examples in support of the claim that medieval
European art did not accurately portray children's
Page 12 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
specific physical characteristics.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Lines 1-37 do not argue that
children should not be portrayed; rather, they describe
how they are portrayed.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Although the second paragraph
suggests that medieval art was conservative in that it
preserved an old tradition, the main focus of the two
paragraphs is on representations of children.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The first two paragraphs
primarily supply examples of unrealistic
representations. The second paragraph mentions a
period in Greek art when realistic representation of
children flourished, but it makes clear that this period
was followed by a return to lack of realism.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Although the passage offers a
fleeting sociological analysis of medieval people—that
childhood images "had neither interest nor even reality
for them"—the author does not provide any analyses of
medieval artists.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The passage does not mention
modern images of the body; it discusses only medieval
and ancient images of children's bodies.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The passage does not consider
the nature of childhood; rather, it infers from the way
children are depicted in medieval art that medieval
Europeans did not consider childhood to have a
philosophical nature worth reflecting upon.
22. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is incorrect. The purpose of the first two
paragraphs is not to address the themes of medieval
art but to address the lack of accurate representations
of childhood. Possible theories about this lack of
realistic childhood imagery are put forward only in the
third paragraph.
20. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is correct. The author's argument assumes
that inaccurate depictions of children in medieval art
are a direct result of the era's widespread lack of
interest in the nature of children or in childhood images.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author is not concerned
with the connection between religion and medieval art.
The passage mentions Biblical scenes in art only to
examine the way in which children are depicted in
them.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author is concerned not
with tracing the evolution of artistic depictions of
childhood but with indicating a direct connection
between artistic interpretations of children and real-life
medieval attitudes toward them.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The basis of the author's
argument is that depictions of children in medieval art
were not varied but were almost uniformly inaccurate.
Choice (C) is correct. The last sentence offers an
explanation for why children were so rarely accurately
depicted in medieval art—namely, because childhood
was considered a forgettable state that did not merit
accurate depiction.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The last sentence does not
define any of the terms of the argument; it suggests an
explanation for the examples of childhood depictions
listed earlier in the passage.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The last sentence expands on
the author's thesis that images of childhood held no
interest for people of the tenth and eleventh centuries,
but no objections to this thesis are indicated in the
passage.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The last sentence does not
introduce any examples; it provides an explanation for
the examples of inaccurate childhood depictions in art
introduced earlier in the passage.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The historian Calvé is
mentioned earlier in the same paragraph; however,
neither his nor any other historian's views are
discussed in the last sentence, which attempts to
explain why childhood was virtually ignored in medieval
art.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although the passage mentions
childhood images that date to the ninth century B.C.,
there is no indication that the author views these earlier
cultures as corrupt.
23. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
21. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is incorrect. In line 48, "translation" refers
not to a "substitution" for life but to a rendering of life
that is unrealistic.
Choice (B) is correct. Most of the passage is devoted
to examples of depictions of children in medieval
paintings.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author doesn't quote any
literary sources and only mentions in passing one
literary historian.
Choice (C) is correct. In line 48, "translation" refers to
the "representation," or artistic depiction, of childhood.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Explanation" is not a possible
meaning in the context of line 48, since the "translation"
doesn't attempt to explain or even recognize childhood.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In the context of line 48,
Page 13 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
"translation" is not used to mean something that
"transports" its viewers.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The "translation" discussed in
line 48 is not a "correction" of real life as much as it is a
rendering of it.
24. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. The passage indicates that
"childhood was a period of transition" that was seen not
as a separate phase but as a quickly forgotten period of
pre-adulthood.
Choice (A) is incorrect. There is no mention in the
passage of artists' models, either children or adults.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Children may well have been
more difficult to paint than adults, but the passage
indicates that "incompetence or incapacity" (lines 3-4)
on the part of an artist was not a likely explanation for
the absence of accurate childhood depictions.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The passage points out that
"representations of Eros, the Greek child god of love,"
were plentiful in ancient Greek paintings.
Choice (E) is incorrect. According to the passage, one
medieval painting was a depiction of Jesus surrounded
by small children, indicating that childhood was indeed
recognized in medieval theology (even if painters
depicted children as small adults).
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Avoided" means kept away
from, and "necessary" means essential. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Most pioneers avoided this valley on their journey
to the West because its rugged terrain and frequent
landslides made it a necessary place for travelers."
Although it would have been reasonable for pioneers to
avoid the dangerous valley, it makes no sense to say
that they avoided it because its hazards made it a
"necessary place for travelers."
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Encompassed" means
enclosed, and "curious," in this context, means
unusual. If one were to insert these terms into the text,
the sentence would read "Most pioneers encompassed
this valley on their journey to the West because its
rugged terrain and frequent landslides made it a
curious place for travelers." It is not reasonable to
characterize the threat of injury or death as "curious,"
and "encompassing," or surrounding, the valley during
the pioneers' journey would not have been a logical
result of their discovering the valley's danger.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Enjoyed" means took pleasure
in, and "troublesome" means difficult. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Most pioneers enjoyed this valley on their journey
to the West because its rugged terrain and frequent
landslides made it a troublesome place for travelers."
Dangerous conditions would certainly make the valley a
difficult place for travelers, but they would almost
certainly not find the place pleasurable.
2. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Section 8
Choice (E) is correct. "Skirted" means avoided, and
"hazardous" means dangerous. If one were to insert
these terms into the text, the sentence would read
"Most pioneers skirted this valley on their journey to the
West because its rugged terrain and frequent landslide
made it a hazardous place for travelers." Since the
word "because" indicates that the activity in the first
part of the sentence is directly affected by the factors
mentioned in the second part of the sentence, choice
(E) makes sense: The pioneers avoided the valley as a
direct result of their awareness of its dangerous terrain.
Choice (D) is correct. "Admirable" means deserving
approval, and "unjust" means unfair. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Ballads often praise popular figures who have
performed feats that many perceive as admirable, such
as defending the poor or resisting unjust authority."
Because the figures mentioned in the first part of the
sentence are praised for their "feats," or notable deeds,
the first missing term will have a positive meaning. The
second missing term, used to describe the type of
authority that these figures were praised for resisting,
will have a negative meaning. Since feats such as
helping the poor and resisting unjust authority are seen
as admirable and therefore are praised by balladeers,
choice (D) is correct.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Flanked" means moved
around the side of, and "fascinating" means alluring. If
one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "Most pioneers flanked this valley
on their journey to the West because its rugged terrain
and frequent landslides made it a fascinating place for
travelers." It is unlikely that settlers would find frequent
landslides "fascinating," and even if they had, choosing
to move around the side of the valley would not have
been a reasonable expression of this fascination.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Modest" means humble, and
"acceptable" means adequate. If one were to insert
these terms into the text, the sentence would read
"Ballads often praise popular figures who have
performed feats that many perceive as modest, such as
defending the poor or resisting acceptable authority."
Resisting "acceptable authority" would not be viewed
as a modest, or humble feat, nor would performers of
such modest feats be likely to become "popular figures"
to be praised in a ballad.
1. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
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Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Inescapable" means
unavoidable, and "legitimate" means approved by law.
If one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "Ballads often praise popular
figures who have performed feats that many perceive
as inescapable, such as defending the poor or resisting
legitimate authority." Resisting "legitimate authority"
would not be seen as unavoidable; therefore, this type
of behavior would not be likely to be praised.
Choice (C ) is incorrect. "Insufficient" means
inadequate, and something that is "overpowering" is
characterized by overwhelming intensity. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Ballads often praise popular figures who have
performed feats that many perceive as insufficient,
such as defending the poor or resisting overpowering
authority." Even though figures might resist
"overpowering authority," it is not reasonable to suggest
that these figures would also perform feats that are
considered insufficient and that they would be popular
and deserving of praise.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Unbelievable" means too
improbable for belief, and "tolerable" means fairly good.
If one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "Ballads often praise popular
figures who have performed feats that many perceive
as unbelievable, such as defending the poor or
resisting tolerable authority." Resisting tolerable
authority would hardly be seen as an unbelievable feat
and, if it were, those performing the feat would not be
popular figures.
3. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. "Bizarre" means oddly eccentric,
and "revolutionary" means marked by radical change. If
one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "The serious purpose of the
paper-airplane flying contest, which attracted many
novel and sometimes truly bizarre entries, was to
determine whether any revolutionary aerodynamic
designs could be discovered." The structure of the
sentence indicates that the correct response is the only
pairing where the first missing term parallels the word
"novel," or new, and makes sense in the first part of the
sentence without contradicting the meaning of the
second missing word. Since it is logical that the
organizers of the contest hoped to discover a
revolutionary design from among the entries that were
so new that they seemed bizarre, choice (B) makes
sense.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Unorthodox" means
extraordinary, and "conventional" means ordinary. If
one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "The serious purpose of the
paper-airplane flying contest, which attracted many
novel and sometimes truly unorthodox entries, was to
determine whether any conventional aerodynamic
designs could be discovered." The terms "unorthodox"
and "conventional" have opposite meanings. Therefore,
the organizers could not have expected to find a
conventional, or traditional, design by choosing from
among novel and unconventional entries.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Derivative" means unoriginal,
and "imaginative" means creative. If one were to insert
these terms into the text, the sentence would read "The
serious purpose of the paper-airplane flying contest,
which attracted many novel and sometimes truly
derivative entries, was to determine whether any
imaginative aerodynamic designs could be discovered."
If the entries were based on already established
designs, the contest would not have been likely to yield
many imaginative or original designs, so choice (C)
does not make sense.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Mundane" means ordinary,
and "predictable" means easily foreseen, or routine. If
one were to insert these terms into the text, the
sentence would read "The serious purpose of the
paper-airplane flying contest, which attracted many
novel and sometimes truly mundane entries, was to
determine whether any predictable aerodynamic
designs could be discovered." It would not make sense
for the organizers of the contest to try to discover
predictable designs, since the point of discovery is to
find something new; ordinary, entries are unlikely to be
novel. For these reasons, choice (D) does not make
sense.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Ungainly" means graceless
and unwieldly, and "aesthetic" means tastefully
attractive. If one were to insert these terms into the text,
the sentence would read "The serious purpose of the
paper-airplane flying contest, which attracted many
novel and sometimes truly ungainly entries, was to
determine whether any aesthetic aerodynamic designs
could be discovered." The terms "ungainly" and
"aesthetic" have opposite meaning, therefore a contest
that attracted graceless entries would not be likely to
yield tastefully attractive designs.
4. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is correct. "Obstinate" means stubborn, and
"contradict" means to assert the opposite of. If one
were to insert these terms into the text, the sentence
would read "Carson presents her case so strongly and
logically that only the prejudiced or the obstinate will
attempt to contradict her." The sentence is structured
so that the first missing word will be a negative one that
parallels "prejudiced," or having a preconceived
opinion, and the second missing word will be something
that someone with the negative characteristic described
by the first missing word would attempt to do. Choice
(D) makes sense, because only a stubborn person
would attempt to contradict Carson's strong and logical
case.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Impartial" means fair, and
"defy" means to challenge. If one were to insert these
Page 15 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
terms into the text, the sentence would read "Carson
presents her case so strongly and logically that only the
prejudiced or the impartial will attempt to defy her."
Since an impartial, person would not be likely to
challenge a strong and logical argument, choice (A)
does not make sense.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Doubtful" means undecided or
skeptical, and "to champion" means to support. If one
were to insert these terms into the text, the sentence
would read "Carson presents her case so strongly and
logically that only the prejudiced or the doubtful will
attempt to champion her. Someone who is doubtful
about the strength of Carson's case is not likely to
support her.
Choice (C) is incorrect. "Gullible" means easily fooled,
and "believe" means to accept as true. If one were to
insert these terms into the text, the sentence would
read "Carson presents her case so strongly and
logically that only the prejudiced or the gullible will
attempt to believe her." If only someone who can be
easily fooled is likely to believe Carson's case, then her
case cannot be described as strong and logical.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Irrational" means not led by
reason or logic, and "follow," in this context, means to
agree with or adhere to. If Carson presents her case
strongly and logically, it would not make sense that
someone who is irrational, or illogical, would
necessarily tend to agree with her.
5. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. "Ossified" means became rigidly
set. If one were to insert this term into the text, the
sentence would read "Over the years the
anthropologist's opinions had ossified: he refused to
tolerate new ideas and nothing could change his mind."
Since the colon indicates that the phrases on either
side of it have the same meaning, the word "ossified"
makes sense: by ignoring new ideas, the anthropologist
has allowed his opinions to become rigid and
unchanging.
that his opinions rapidly multiplied.
Choice (D) is incorrect. "Germinated" means sprouted.
If one were to insert this term into the text, the sentence
would read "Over the years the anthropologist's
opinions had germinated: he refused to tolerate new
ideas and nothing could change his mind." The term
"germinated" does not make sense in this context
because the anthropologist was not open to new ideas.
Choice (E) is incorrect. "Incubated" means formed or
considered slowly. If one were to insert this term into
the text, the sentence would read "Over the years the
anthropologist's opinions had incubated: he refused to
tolerate new ideas and nothing could change his mind."
"Germination" does not make sense here because the
anthropologist "refused to tolerate new ideas."
6. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is correct. A "salvo" is a forceful assault. If
one were to insert this term into the text, the sentence
would read "As the first salvo of the political campaign,
the senator unleashed a spirited verbal attack on her
leading opponent." It makes sense that the senator
would launch a verbal "assault" on her opponent at the
opening of a political campaign.
Choice (B) is incorrect. An "encore" is an additional
performance at an audience's request . If one were to
insert this term into the text, the sentence would read
"As the first encore of the political campaign, the
senator unleashed a spirited verbal attack on her
leading opponent." It does not make sense to say that
the senator led off a political campaign with an
additional performance.
Choice (C) is incorrect. A "palliative" is something that
soothes. If one were to insert this term into the text, the
sentence would read "As the first palliative of the
political campaign, the senator unleashed a spirited
verbal attack on her leading opponent." It does not
make sense to say that a politician would "attack" her
opponent with something meant to soothe.
Choice (A) is incorrect. "Digressed" means strayed
from the subject. If one were to insert this term into the
text, the sentence would read "Over the years the
anthropologistʼs opinions had digressed: he refused to
tolerate new ideas and nothing could change his mind."
Since the colon in this sentence indicates that the
missing term should mean the same as mentally rigid
and inflexible, "digressed" does not make sense here.
Choice (D) is incorrect. A "concession" is something
yielded or granted. If one were to insert this term into
the text, the sentence would read "As the first
concession of the political campaign, the senator
unleashed a spirited verbal attack on her leading
opponent." It does not make sense to say that a
politician attacked her opponent by yielding or granting
something to the opponent.
Choice (B) is incorrect. "Proliferated" means multiplied
rapidly. If one were to insert this term into the text, the
sentence would read "Over the years the
anthropologist's opinions had proliferated: he refused to
tolerate new ideas and nothing could change his mind."
The colon in this sentence indicates that the missing
term should reflect the anthropologist's mental
inflexibility, but the term "proliferated" instead suggests
Choice (E) is incorrect. A "demurral" is a mild
expression of disagreement. If one were to insert this
term into the text, the sentence would read "As the first
demurral of the political campaign, the senator
unleashed a spirited verbal attack on her leading
opponent." This sentence makes no sense because a
demurral would not be described as a spirited attack.
Page 16 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
7. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is correct. The author tells about being
given two grants that "made it possible for me to be a
writer."
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author is concerned with
discussing the effect of funding on artists, not with
discussing how art is created.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does
not name any renowned artists.
author's argument by exemplifying the variety
encouraged by government grants. They are not
presented as exceptions to the argument.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1
doesn't discuss the relationship between legislators and
their constituents.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does
not comment on any relationship between arts funding
and the democratic form of government.
10. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (D) is incorrect. Far from providing evidence of
harmful effects of arts funding, the author expresses
gratitude for the positive effects of funding.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author does not suggest
that citizens have a right to arts funding.
Choice (A) is correct. An "ironic comment" is one that
is humorous because it presents an "incongruity," a
situation that is unexpected in a particular context.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The tone of the sentence is
humorous, rather than pleading or emotional.
8. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. The author of Passage 2
suggests that being offered large amounts of
government money could cause artists to "hope to
please the administrators of this fund" who "think in
terms of respectability." In other words, being offered
government money would make artists less likely to
take artistic risks.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2
indicates that dependence on public funding tends to
make artists too eager to please "official, honorable"
fund administrators.
Choice (C) is incorrect. A "moral pronouncement" is a
formal or authoritative statement about distinctions
between right and wrong; it is unlikely to be humorous
or to include incongruity.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The sentence does not present
a definition of any kind.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although the likelihood that a
family's child might become an artist could be a subject
for research, the author does not mention any such
research.
11. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (B) is incorrect. By indicating that censorship of
artists is unacceptable, the author of Passage 2 implies
that freedom of artistic expression is more important
than such values as "respectability" or "broad and
uncontroversial appeal."
Choice (E) is correct. A "benefactor" is one who gives
benefits or gifts, and a "fantasy," like the man in the
pinstripe suit, is something imagined.
Choice (D) is incorrect. There is no evidence that the
author of Passage 2 believes art must be shocking in
order to be good.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Although the pinstripe suit
could be seen as a stereotype that suggests a
fastidious bureaucrat, a government administrator with
high standards, the man is better described as an
imagined benefactor in the context of the sentence.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2
makes no comparison between the effect on the public
of the works of experienced artists and those of young
artists.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The man is described as a
character in a fantasy about funding, not in a novel.
9. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is incorrect. The man is described as being
from a philanthropic foundation, a group that distributes
funds; he is not described as a writer.
Choice (C) is correct. The author uses these examples
—states in several parts of the United States—to show
that opportunities for artistic success are less limited
than they once were.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The examples point out that
many different kinds of places support artistic creativity,
not that such creativity is limited to certain places.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The examples support the
Choice (D) is incorrect. A man from a philanthropic
foundation is more likely to distribute funds rather than
to serve as a critic.
12. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. The sentence indicates that
artists who are already successful are likely to continue
to be rewarded: being successful leads to more
Page 17 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
success. Another way of saying this is "Nothing
succeeds like success."
15. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is incorrect. The sentence has to do with
others' reactions to artists' success, not with the value
artists place on success.
Choice (B) is correct. Funding that deprives the
recipient of independence "undermines autonomy," or
weakens one's ability to make one's own decisions.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The sentence does not state or
suggest anything about the relationship between
money and evil.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The context doesn't suggest
that deceit is involved in funding in any way.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author does not suggest
that artists should look for the advantages of having no
funding.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The sentence has nothing to do
with the value of artists' time.
13. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is correct. The author of Passage 2
expresses concern that artists might be tempted to try
to please those who provide grants. Such temptation, it
can be inferred, might inhibit artists by steering them
away from controversial projects.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Although the author of Passage
1 uses humor more freely in making an argument than
does the author of Passage 2, there is no indication
that the author of Passage 2 is critical of using humor.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 is not
concerned with artists' need but with their tendency to
try to please funding administrators.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 does
not comment at all on the ability of artists to be
teachers.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 does
not express concern about the effect of funding for the
arts on taxes.
14. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is correct. It would take a "large number" of
such citizens to support the author.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The word "host" is used to
mean a "large number," not an organism.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Nothing in the passage
suggests that a lack of independence fosters
competitive behavior.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The context does not concern
researchers' feelings of loyalty but their dependence on
government funding.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author's remarks about
scientific research have nothing to do with the
possibility of misrepresentation.
16. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (E) is correct. Since the author suggests in
lines 65-67 that government funding may limit
independence, it can be inferred that these individuals
would not want to give control of their creativity to
anyone.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author questions whether
these individuals would want government funding
themselves but does not suggest anything about their
opinion of government funding for other artists.
Choice (B) is incorrect Since the context questions
whether these individuals would have wanted
government funding, it is unlikely that the author would
suspect them of avoiding controversy in order to get
money.
Choice (C) is incorrect. There is no indication in
Passage 2 that government funding would have made
these very influential individuals even more influential.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The fact that the individuals did
not receive government funding does not necessarily
mean that they would have thought the image of
starvation to be romantic.
17. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is incorrect. Although a "host" would, in a
sense, be a "provider" for the author, it is clear that the
author is speaking of a large number of people.
Choice (D) is incorrect. This term does not make sense
in the context of the sentence: the author's patron
wouldn't be a "proprietor" of anonymous citizens.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In the context of this sentence,
it does not make sense to say that the author's patron
is a sponsor of anonymous citizens.
Choice (D) is correct. It can be inferred that if
humanists became "politicians," that is, if artistic
decisions were made on the basis of political
considerations, artistic values would be compromised,
or endangered.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In the passage, no mention has
been made of the decisions artists face when selling
their work to such people as magazine editors and
book buyers.
Page 18 of 19
Test 12: Critical Reading Answers
has nothing to do with funding.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The question is about the
effects of government financial support, not the reasons
why it is needed.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The question, like the passage,
is primarily concerned with the relationship between
government funding and artists, not with the
involvement of the public.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although situations I and II
support the position taken in Passage 1 and provide
examples contrary to the argument in Passage 2,
situation III does not meet these criteria and so it
cannot be included in the correct answer.
Choice (E) is incorrect. There is no mention in the
passage of the relationship between funding for the arts
and other social programs.
18. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (A) is correct. Passage 2 suggests that
legislators who make funding decisions might use
guidelines that "insidiously edge toward censorship."
Passage 1 expresses no concern about any negative
effects of funding on artists.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Neither author presents an
opinion about whether artistic creation should be free of
financial risk.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2 is
concerned with the effect of government funding on
artists' artistic choices, not with the reasons artists
appreciate being funded.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Passage 2 doesn't describe the
artistic standards that administrators of arts funding
have, though the passage does suggest that those
standards, whatever they are, may be more
conservative than those of the book-buying public.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Neither author expresses an
opinion about the effect of democracy on artistic selfexpression.
19. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Choice (C) is correct. In both situation I and situation II,
governments support acts of creation; in each case,
artistic expression remains unaffected.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Situation I supports the praise
of government funding in Passage 1 and counters the
argument in Passage 2 that funding can hinder
creativity. However, both situations that meet the
criteria must be included in the correct answer.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Since situation III does not
have anything to do with government funding, it is
irrelevant to the discussions in Passage 1 and Passage
2.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Whereas situation II supports
the position taken in Passage 1 in favor of arts funding
and provides an example contrary to the argument in
Passage 2 that funding may inhibit artists, situation III
Page 19 of 19