Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
Section 2
1. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. “Foresight” is the ability to see
ahead. According to the sentence, Aleksandr
Solzhenitsyn “predicted,” or stated in advance, that his
books would someday appear in Russia. It makes
sense to say that Solzhenitsynʼs foresight was very
keen, or sharp, as his prediction turned out to be
accurate ("he accurately predicted . . .").
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Nostalgia” is a wistful and
sentimental longing to return to the past. According to
the sentence, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn “predicted,” or
stated in advance, that his books would someday
appear in Russia. Whereas nostalgia relates to events
that occurred in the past, Solzhenitsyn predicted what
would happen in the future. Therefore, it does not make
sense to describe Solzhenitsynʼs accurate prediction as
a demonstration of his keen nostalgia.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Folly” is the lack of good sense
or the inability to see ahead. According to the sentence,
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn “predicted,” or stated in
advance, that his books would someday appear in
Russia. Solzhenitsynʼs accurate prediction indicates
that he has a keen, or sharp, ability to see ahead;
therefore, it does not make sense to describe his
prediction as an indication of his inability to see ahead.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Despair” is an utter loss of
hope. According to the sentence, Aleksandr
Solzhenitsyn “predicted,” or stated in advance, that his
books would someday appear in Russia. Although a
person could lose hope and still have the ability to
make predictions, making predictions does not directly
relate to despair. It does not make sense to describe
Solzhenitsynʼs accurate prediction as an indication of
his keen, or sharp, despair.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Artistry” is artistic ability.
According to the sentence, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
“predicted,” or stated in advance, that his books would
someday appear in Russia. Solzhenitsyn has written
books, so he may be considered artistic; however,
making predictions is not really an artistic ability. It does
not make sense to describe Solzhenitsynʼs accurate
prediction as an indication of his keen, or sharp, artistry.
2. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. In this context, “candid” means
characterized by honest sincerity and a lack of
deception. The sentence indicates that Dorothea
Langeʼs “simple and direct” photographs reflect “a
bygone social milieu,” or a social environment of the
past; if Langeʼs photographs contain simple,
straightforward images, it makes sense to say that they
provide a candid, or honest and sincere, reflection of a
certain place and time.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Intricate” means complicated or
difficult to understand. The sentence indicates that
Dorothea Langeʼs “simple and direct” photographs
reflect “a bygone social milieu,” or a social environment
of the past. It is unlikely that simple, direct images
would provide an intricate reflection of a certain place
and time; images that are simple are by definition not
complicated.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Ostentatious” means
characterized by showiness and vanity. The sentence
indicates that Dorothea Langeʼs “simple and direct”
photographs reflect “a bygone social milieu,” or a social
environment of the past. It is unlikely that simple, direct
images would provide an ostentatious reflection of a
certain place and time; images that are simple are by
definition not showy.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Fictional” means imagined or
fabricated. The sentence states that Dorothea Langeʼs
“simple and direct” photographs reflect “a bygone social
milieu,” or a social environment of the past. Nothing in
the sentence indicates that the images in the
photographs provide a fictional, or fabricated, reflection;
on the contrary, the phrase “simple and direct” suggests
that Langeʼs photographs are straightforward,
presenting a glimpse of how things really were.
Choice (E) is correct. “Convoluted” means intricate or
complicated. The sentence indicates that Dorothea
Langeʼs “simple and direct” photographs reflect “a
bygone social milieu,” or a social environment of the
past. It is unlikely that simple, direct images would
provide a convoluted reflection of a certain place and
time; images that are simple are by definition not
intricate or complicated.
3. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. Someone who is “capricious” is
characterized by impulsive behavior and sudden
actions. Because Kate is “impulsive” and acts on
“sudden whims,” it makes sense that her friends would
label her capricious.
Choice (B) is incorrect. To be “bombastic” is to be
pompous or use fancy speech and writing. The
structure of the sentence suggests that Kateʼs friends
would describe her in a way that reflects her “impulsive
nature and sudden whims.” Someone who is pompous
may also be impulsive and have sudden whims, but
there is no direct connection between behaving
impulsively and being pompous. Therefore, there is no
reason to believe Kateʼs friends would label her
bombastic.
Choice (C) is incorrect. To be “loquacious” is to be
extremely talkative. The structure of the sentence
suggests that Kateʼs friends would describe her in a
way that reflects her “impulsive nature and sudden
whims.” Someone who is extremely talkative may also
be impulsive and have sudden whims, but there is no
direct connection between behaving impulsively and
being very talkative. Therefore, there is no reason to
believe Kateʼs friends would label her loquacious.
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
Choice (D) is incorrect. Someone who is
“dispassionate” is not influenced by personal feelings or
emotions. The structure of the sentence suggests that
Kateʼs friends would describe her in a way that reflects
her “impulsive nature and sudden whims.” If Kate is
impulsive, she certainly might make sudden decisions
based on her feelings, but such behavior would lead
her friends to label her passionate, not dispassionate.
Choice (E) is incorrect. To be “decorous” is to be
characterized by good taste and socially appropriate
behavior. The structure of the sentence suggests that
Kateʼs friends would describe her in a way that reflects
her “impulsive nature and sudden whims.” Although it is
possible that a person could be decorous and make
impulsive decisions, impulsive people are not
necessarily decorous; in fact, in order to avoid
inappropriate behavior a decorous person would
probably make decisions carefully. There is no reason
to believe that Kateʼs behavior would cause her friends
to label her decorous.
4. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. In this context, “deliberate”
means characterized by careful thought. “Instinctive”
means spontaneous or unplanned. The phrase “rather
than” indicates that there is a contrast between the term
“visceral” and the term that fits the first blank. The term
“deliberate” supports this contrast, because a visceral
decision is one that is made spontaneously, without
thinking—it is not carefully thought out. Additionally, the
phrase “that is” indicates that the part of the sentence
after the semicolon restates the idea in the first part of
the sentence: Canady believed that people choose their
careers instinctively, or spontaneously, rather than
rationally.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In this context, “emotional”
means directly connected with oneʼs feelings.
“Intellectual” means rational or guided by intellect. The
phrase “rather than” indicates that there is a contrast
between the term “visceral” and the term that fits the
first blank. The term “emotional” does not support this
contrast, because a visceral decision is one that is
made spontaneously, and such a decision might very
well be connected to oneʼs emotions. Additionally, the
phrase “that is” indicates that the part of the sentence
after the semicolon restates the idea in the first part of
the sentence. The statement that Canady believed
career choices to be intellectual and not rational is not a
restatement of the previous idea. The statement is also
illogical.
Choice (B) is incorrect. A “chance” judgment is one that
occurs unpredictably and without a known cause.
“Random” means made, done, or chosen without a
definite plan or purpose. The phrase “rather than”
indicates that there is a contrast between the term
“visceral” and the term that fits the first blank. The term
“chance” does not support this contrast, because a
visceral decision is one that is made spontaneously,
and such a decision might be unpredictable. The part of
the sentence after the semicolon makes sense, but the
part of the sentence before the semicolon features a
central flaw: a visceral decision is not the opposite of a
chance judgment.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Intuitive” means known by
intuition, or an immediate understanding or insight.
“Impulsive” means arising from an impulse, or a
sudden, spontaneous inclination. The phrase “rather
than” indicates that there is a contrasting relationship
between the term “visceral” and the term that fits the
first blank. The term “intuitive” does not support this
contrast, because a visceral decision is one that is
made spontaneously and without thinking, and such a
decision might be driven by oneʼs intuitive
understanding of a situation—a “gut feeling.” The part
of the sentence after the semicolon makes sense, but
the part of the sentence before the semicolon features
a central flaw: a visceral decision is not the opposite of
an intuitive judgment.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Intentional” means done with a
specific design, or a particular goal, in mind. “Logical”
means related to logic and reasoning. The phrase
“rather than” indicates that there is a contrasting
relationship between the term “visceral” and the term
that fits the first blank. The term “intentional” supports
this contrast, because a visceral decision is made
spontaneously, without thinking—it is not made with a
particular goal in mind. However, the phrase “that is”
indicates that the part of the sentence after the
semicolon will restate the idea in the first part of the
sentence, and this is not the case. The statement that
Canady believed career choices to be logical and not
rational is not a restatement of the previous idea.
Further, the statement makes no sense.
5. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. In this context, to ossify means to
become fixed or inflexible. “Bureaucratization”
describes a process of developing rules and systems
that are unlikely to change. The sentence indicates that
as a result of something, creative business stratagems
are transformed from being versatile and adaptable to
being rigid. The term “bureaucratization” makes sense
in the second blank, because the development of rules
that are unlikely to change would likely result in rigid
policies. Additionally, the term “ossified” makes sense in
the first blank, because policies that have become rigid
could certainly be described as having become
inflexible.
Choice (A) is incorrect. To streamline something is to
make it more efficient. “Infighting” describes rivalries
and disagreements among members of a group or
organization. The sentence indicates that as a result of
something, creative business stratagems are
transformed from being versatile and adaptable to
being rigid. The term “infighting” does not make sense
in the second blank because it does not describe a
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
process that would necessarily result in rigid policies;
disagreements might actually prevent the development
of any policies. Additionally, it is somewhat illogical to
suggest that infighting would lead to business
stratagems being streamlined.
Choice (B) is incorrect. To mitigate something is to
make it less harsh or hostile. “Jingoism” is extreme
nationalism. The sentence indicates that as a result of
something, creative business stratagems are
transformed from being versatile and adaptable to
being rigid. The terms “mitigated” and “jingoism” do not
logically complete the sentence. Nothing in the
sentence suggests that the versatile and creative
stratagems are harsh, so they would not likely be
mitigated, or made less harsh. Additionally, extreme
nationalism has nothing to do with business
stratagems.
Choice (D) is incorrect. To politicize something is to
give it a political tone. An “innovation” is the introduction
of something new. The sentence indicates that as a
result of something, creative business stratagems are
transformed from being versatile and adaptable to
being rigid. The term “innovation” does not make sense
in the second blank because it does not describe a
process that would necessarily result in rigid policies;
on the contrary, innovation might lead to even more
creative stratagems. The term “politicized” does not
make sense in the first blank because nothing in the
sentence suggests that the business stratagems have
anything to do with politics.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Venerable” describes
something of great age and value. “Legislation” is the
action of making laws. The sentence indicates that as a
result of something, creative business stratagems are
transformed from being versatile and adaptable to
being rigid. Laws can be considered rigid policies, but
the word "venerable" connotes value and respect and
does not fit in this context. A writer might lament the
destruction of something venerable, but a writer
focused on the destruction of something ("their
versatility and adaptability destroyed") would not
describe the result as venerable.
6. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. The author of the passage
describes the experiences of hearing wind “Whistling
and moaning,” seeing “a river of clouds,” and observing
a comet that looked like “a feathery fishing lure” and
stars that “winked.” Meanwhile, the horses wandering
nearby “never glanced skyward”—that is, they never
seemed to notice the “wondrous spectacle” enjoyed by
the author. When the author states that “It felt good to
be human,” he or she suggests that the ability to
appreciate the spectacle, or dramatic display, of
natureʼs beauty is uniquely human.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Although the author might
believe that making occasional mistakes is part of being
human, he or she does not discuss this idea in this
passage. Rather, the passage addresses the
“wondrous spectacle,” or dramatic display, of nature
that only humans can appreciate: the “Whistling and
moaning” wind, the sliding “river of clouds,” the hanging
comet, and the twinkling stars. The author expresses
his or her satisfaction at having the ability to observe
this display of beauty, in contrast to the horses that
"never glanced skyward."
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author might think that
enjoying the company of others is part of being human,
but he or she does not discuss this idea in this
passage. The passage addresses the beauty of nature
that humans, but not horses, can appreciate: the
“Whistling and moaning” wind, the sliding “river of
clouds,” the hanging comet, and the twinkling stars.
The author seems to be enjoying this “wondrous
spectacle,” or dramatic display, of natureʼs beauty
without the company of others.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Although the passage as a
whole might be considered a reflection on a past
experience, the statement that “It felt good to be
human” conveys what the author felt at the moment
that he or she was experiencing the “wondrous
spectacle,” or dramatic display, of natureʼs beauty on
Kitt Peak. The author suggests that, in contrast to the
horses that "never glanced skyward," humans can
appreciate the beauty of nature: the “Whistling and
moaning” wind, the sliding “river of clouds,” the hanging
comet, and the twinkling stars.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author certainly seems to
appreciate—and might even find joy in—the things he
or she observed on Kitt Peak, but the author does not
address the idea of simplicity in the passage. On the
contrary, the scene the author describes is somewhat
complex: the wind is “Whistling and moaning,” the
clouds look like a “river,” the comet hangs “like a
feathery fishing lure” creating a “gossamer swath,” and
the stars appear to be winking. The author suggests
that appreciating such beauty in nature is part of being
human and is not shared with horses or other animals.
7. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. This passage primarily features
metaphorical language, or the use of metaphors. A
metaphor is a figure of speech in which the description
of something is enhanced by a direct or indirect
reference to something else. The author employs
metaphor when he or she refers to “a river of clouds”—
the clouds are not really a river, but the use of the word
“river” helps the reader visualize the scene. The author
then uses simile—a type of metaphor that usually
includes the terms “like” or “as”—when he or she
describes the comet as hanging “like a feathery fishing
lure.”
Choice (A) is incorrect. Appeal to emotion is a rhetorical
device in which an author manipulates the readerʼs
emotions in order to achieve some goal—for example,
persuading or convincing the reader to accept the
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
authorʼs argument. Although the descriptions of the
scene in this passage might affect a readerʼs emotions,
there does not seem to be manipulation for any sort of
purpose. Rather, the author uses descriptive language
to convey his or her own emotional response to the
scene.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The passage does not primarily
feature extended analogy, or an extended comparison
of two things for the purpose of explaining an unfamiliar
or difficult concept. Rather, the author uses
metaphorical language to achieve an artistic effect; he
or she refers to the clouds as “a river,” describes the
comet as looking “like a feathery fishing lure,” and
describes the stars as winking in order to help the
reader visualize the scene—not to explain a concept
that is difficult to understand.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The entire passage relates the
authorʼs recollection of an event, but the passage itself
does not feature flashback—a rhetorical device in
which an earlier event is inserted into the normal
chronological order of a narrative. The authorʼs
narrative is uninterrupted.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Irony is a rhetorical device in
which words are used to express something other than
or the opposite of their literal meaning. Nothing
suggests that the author of this passage is using irony.
Rather, he or she seems to describe the scene on Kitt
Peak with genuine appreciation.
8. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. The passage describes Augusta
Ada King as an "icon," a celebrated person to whom
others are devoted. King's accomplishments are
mentioned, but the real focus of the passage is on the
fact that King has been celebrated above and beyond
others who "have helped to advance computer
science." The passage summarizes how ("She has
inspired biographies, plays, novels, and even a feature
film") and why ("her fascinating life and lineage") King is
celebrated.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The passage describes Augusta
Ada King as an “icon,” a celebrated person to whom
others are devoted. One might conclude from the
passage that King was interested in computer science,
but the real focus of the passage is on the fact that King
has been celebrated above and beyond others who
“have helped to advance computer science.” The
passage does not directly address Kingʼs interest in
computer science.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The passage describes Augusta
Ada King as an "icon," a celebrated person to whom
others are devoted. Although the passage mentions
Kingʼs “fascinating life and lineage,” it does not provide
a character analysis. The focus of the passage is on
the fact that King has been celebrated above and
beyond others who "have helped to advance computer
science."
Choice (D) is incorrect. The passage describes Augusta
Ada King as an "icon," a celebrated person to whom
others are devoted. King's accomplishments in
computer science are mentioned, but the real focus of
the passage is on the fact that King has been
celebrated above and beyond others who "have helped
to advance computer science." The passage does not
trace the development of the modern-day computer.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The passage describes Augusta
Ada King as an "icon," a celebrated person to whom
others are devoted. The focus of the passage is on the
fact that King has been celebrated above and beyond
others who "have helped to advance computer
science." King's example might have inspired other
women to become computer scientists, but the passage
is not primarily concerned with encouraging more
women to pursue careers in computer science.
9. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. The author of the passage would
surely disagree with the statement that King's family
history plays no part in her fame. The author states
unambiguously that King's "lineage (she was the
daughter of the flamboyant poet Lord Byron)" is a factor
in her status as an "icon," or celebrated person to
whom others are devoted. The fact that King had a
famous father is clearly significant.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author indicates that King
"published an influential set of notes describing . . . the
first design for an automatic computer." Her notes also
included her "program for computing a series of figures
called Bernoulli numbers." King clearly made important
and original contributions to computer science, so it is
likely that the author would agree, not disagree, with
the statement in (B).
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author indicates that King
"has inspired biographies, plays, novels, and even a
feature film." Interest in King appears to have spread
throughout popular culture, so the author would likely
agree, not disagree, with the statement in (C).
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author states that "King has
had a computer language named after her," which
clearly signifies King's lasting prominence in the field of
computer science. The author would likely agree, not
disagree, with the statement that King was well known
in the field of computer science long after she had
completed her work.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author refers to King's
"fascinating life and lineage" as one reason that she
became an "icon," or celebrated person to whom others
are devoted. The other reason is "her role as a female
pioneer in her field" of computer science. This suggests
that King's life would have been noteworthy even if she
had not been a computer scientist. The author likely
would not disagree with the statement in (E).
10. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. The author of the passage claims
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
that Black Americans “have managed to sustain links
with the continent of their origin,” keeping “various ties
to Africa intact,” and indicates that Black Americans and
Africans are linked. People in these two groups may
believe that “the roots that had once bound [them]
together” had already “withered and died,” but they
nevertheless have an ongoing relationship; the author
writes that “as long as Black people in America have
reached back to Africa . . . Africans have reached to
Black people in the Americas.” The primary purpose of
the passage is to emphasize the significance of the
ongoing relationship between Black Americans and
Africans.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author does describe the
relationship between Black Americans and Africans: the
two groups are connected through their ties to the
African continent. Although the author does briefly
mention that “Black people in America have reached
back to Africa to offer . . . reassurance, reaffirmation,
fraternity, and strength,” his primary purpose does not
seem to be to show the impact Black Americans have
had on African societies. If anything, he emphasizes the
impact African societies have had on Black Americans,
noting African proverbs and stating that “Africa has left
her mark on all of us.”
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author does describe the
relationship between Black Americans and Africans: the
two groups are connected through their ties to the
African continent. However, nowhere in the passage
does the author indicate that Africans are attempting to
embrace American culture. Rather, the proverbs he
describes in the first paragraph and his statement that
“Africa has left her mark on all of us” suggest that
Americans are affected by and can learn from African
culture, not that Africans are eagerly adopting aspects
of American culture.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Ambivalence describes
simultaneous contradictory feelings toward an object or
person. The author of the passage does briefly mention
in the last paragraph that when Black Americans and
Africans “finally [meet],” there is sometimes
disappointment because a feeling of kinship might not
be immediate; however, the passage does not support
the idea that one community has both positive and
negative feelings for the other. Rather, the author
emphasizes that “Through ingenuity and dogged
determination . . . Black Americans have kept various
ties to Africa intact” and that “Africans have reached to
Black people in the Americas.” The author primarily
focuses on the positive relationship between the two
groups, noting that when they have “made contact, the
world has been forced to take note.”
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author does describe the
relationship between Black Americans and Africans, but
the ties are not really “cultural,” or based on intellectual
or artistic commonality. The author speaks of Black
Americans “reach[ing] back to Africa to offer and
receive reassurance,” which seems to emphasize
emotional rather than cultural ties. The author does
describe two proverbs, both of which are aspects of
Kikongo culture. However, he does not indicate that
Black Americans and Africans share these proverbs
within their respective cultures. The main emphasis of
the passage is not on cultural ties between two peoples
—and not “between two nations.”
11. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. The message that “a people
cannot flourish without their life-giving foundations in
the past” is best characterized as cautionary advice, or
a kind of warning. The author states that his ancestors
felt that connections with the past are essential “if a
people is to survive”—in other words, the ancestors
warned that the survival of a community depends on its
ties to “its roots.”
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author states that the
Kikongo proverb sends “a clear and powerful message”
from his ancestors, not a veiled, or somewhat
disguised, criticism. The author writes that the message
explicitly emphasizes that the survival of a community
depends on its ties to “its roots.”
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author states that the
Kikongo proverb sends a message from his ancestors;
nothing in the passage suggests that the message is a
questionable proposition, or a potentially problematic
proposal. Rather, the message gives a sort of warning,
stating that the survival of a community depends on its
ties to “its roots.”
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although the author might feel
nostalgic, or sentimental, when recalling his ancestorsʼ
proverb, the message is an interpretation of the
proverb, not a description of what the author is feeling.
The message gives a sort of warning, stating that the
survival of a community depends on its ties to “its
roots.”
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although the Kikongo proverb
might be said to contain a prediction—that people who
do not maintain connections to the past will not survive
or flourish—the prediction is certainly not optimistic.
The message of the proverb is a warning: the survival
of a community depends on its ties to “its roots.”
12. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. An “inherent” characteristic is one
that is firmly fixed in a person; it is not changing. In the
sentence after the proverb, the author writes that the
past has a “seemingly instinctive pull” on people
because of their “inborn curiosity.” The use of the terms
“instinctive” and “inborn” suggest that interest in oneʼs
history is fixed before birth. Therefore, “inherent interest
in their history” is a logical way to describe the curiosity
people have about their origins.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In the sentence after the
proverb, the author writes that the past has a
“seemingly instinctive pull” on people because of their
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
“inborn curiosity.” This sentence also indicates that the
proverb in lines 15-16 is a metaphor, not a literal
discussion of children. Further, nothing in the rest of the
passage suggests that the author is describing the
actual behavior of young children. This proverb offers
information about the inherent interest people have in
their history.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The proverb in lines 15-16 does
describe one way in which a child is vulnerable: it may
be stolen from its parents. However, nothing in the rest
of the passage suggests that the author is describing
actual incidents that children experience. In the
sentence after the proverb, the author writes that the
past has a “seemingly instinctive pull” on people
because of their “inborn curiosity.” The sentence
indicates that the proverb emphasizes the inherent
interest people have in their history, not the vulnerability
of children.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The proverb in lines 15-16 does
describe a situation that a family might experience.
However, nothing in the rest of the passage suggests
that the author relates the proverb to demonstrate the
complexity of familial relations. In the sentence after the
proverb, the author writes that the past has a
“seemingly instinctive pull” on people because of their
“inborn curiosity.” The sentence indicates that the
proverb emphasizes the inherent interest people have
in their history, not the complexity of familial relations.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The proverb in lines 15-16 could
be an example of a family being undermined. However,
the author does not address the consequences of
stealing a child. Rather, in the sentence after the
proverb, the author writes that the past has a
“seemingly instinctive pull” on people because of their
“inborn curiosity.” The sentence indicates that the
proverb emphasizes the inherent interest people have
in their history and is not intended to warn those who
seek to undermine the family.
13. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. If something is “unsubstantiated,”
it is not proven by evidence. In line 41, the author uses
the term “shadowy” to describe “imaginings,” or
impressions about something that is not actually
happening; these impressions are indistinct and
unverifiable. The fact that the imaginings “do not
usually hold up in the light of real experience” further
suggests that they are unsubstantiated.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In line 41, the author uses the
term “shadowy” to describe “imaginings,” or
impressions about something that is not actually
happening. There is nothing in the sentence to suggest
that these imaginings are “gloomy,” or dark or sad.
Rather, the “Shadowy imaginings” are thoughts that “do
not usually hold up in the light of real experience”; they
are unsubstantiated—not proven by evidence—but not
necessarily gloomy.
Choice (B) is incorrect. In line 41, the author uses the
term “shadowy” to describe “imaginings,” or
impressions about something that is not actually
happening. Because imaginings are simply ideas a
person has rather than real events, they might be
“secret,” but nothing in the sentence suggests that the
author describes them as shadowy because he wishes
to conceal or hide them. In lines 41-42, the contrast
between “Shadowy imaginings” and “real experience”
indicates that these imaginings are unsubstantiated, or
not proven by evidence, rather than secret.
Choice (C) is incorrect. If something is “sinister,” it is
evil or wrong. In line 41, the author uses the term
“shadowy” to describe “imaginings,” or impressions
about something that is not actually happening. Nothing
in the sentence suggests that these imaginings are evil.
Rather, “Shadowy imaginings” are thoughts that “do not
usually hold up in the light of real experience”;
therefore, they are unsubstantiated, or not proven by
evidence, not sinister.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In line 41, the author uses the
term “shadowy” to describe “imaginings,” or
impressions about something that is not actually
happening. Because imaginings are simply ideas a
person has rather than real events, they might be
“concealed,” or hidden, but nothing in the sentence
suggests that the author wishes to hide them. In lines
41-42, the contrast between “Shadowy imaginings” and
“real experience” indicates that these imaginings are
unsubstantiated, or not proven by evidence, rather than
concealed.
14. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. In the sentence that starts in line
42, the author asks “if [Black Americans and Africans]
hadnʼt been mistaken” that kinship exists between the
two groups, thus indicating that there have been
feelings of uncertainty or doubt. But he goes on to state
that despite that initial doubt, the two groups are “time
and again . . . reminded of what [is] shared.” Finally, in
the last sentence, the author remarks that when
Africans and Black Americans “have reached out to one
another” and formed relationships “through literature,
politics, music, and religion . . . the world has been
forced to take note.” The author clearly feels proud of
the relationships—and their effects—that Black
Americans and Africans have formed. The sentences in
lines 42-50 illustrate a shift from doubt to pride.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In the sentence that starts in
line 42, the author shows doubt, wondering “if we
hadnʼt been mistaken” that ties between Africans and
Black Americans exist. Although doubt may be
accompanied by feelings of fear, nothing in this
paragraph suggests that the author is or was afraid. In
the last sentence, the author notes that when Africans
and Black Americans form relationships “through
literature, politics, music, and religion . . . the world has
been forced to take note.” There is no indication that
members of the two groups must show special courage
Page 6 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
in order to form these relationships, of which the author
is clearly proud.
general way, conveying his point through the use of
broad generalizations, not hypothetical scenarios.
Choice (B) is incorrect. In the sentence that starts in
line 42, the author shows doubt, wondering “if we
hadnʼt been mistaken” that ties between Africans and
Black Americans exist. Although doubt may be
accompanied by feelings of anger, nothing in this last
paragraph suggests that the author is angry. Moreover,
because the two groups are not especially angry with
one another, their kinship does not require
“forgiveness.”
Choice (C) is incorrect. The authorʼs point in this
passage is that despite the distance (across time and
space) between Africans and Black Americans, they are
still connected by their links to Africa. He conveys this
point through Kikongo proverbs and broad
generalizations. He does not primarily rely on historical
facts. A statement like "whenever we've made contact,
the world has been forced to take note" may be based
on historical fact, but it is better described as a broad
generalization.
Choice (C) is incorrect. In the sentence that starts in
line 42, the author asks “if we hadnʼt been mistaken”
that ties between Africans and Black Americans exist,
indicating uncertainty, or doubt. However, the tone of
the last sentence does not reflect despair, or a loss of
hope. Rather, in the last sentence, the author displays
hope and pride rather than hopelessness, claiming that
“the world has been forced to take note” of the
relationships between Africans and Black Americans.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In the sentence that starts in
line 42, the author asks “if we hadnʼt been mistaken”
that ties between Africans and Black Americans exist,
indicating uncertainty, or doubt. The author suggests
that one cause of this uncertainty is the institution of
slavery, which may produce a tone of regret, or a
feeling of sorrow about the past. However, the tone of
the last sentence is not one of determination, or
resolution to achieve a desired result. The author is
expressing pride in past relationships between the two
groups (“through literature, politics, music, and
religion . . . the world has been forced to take note”)
rather than a determination to change those
relationships in the future.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The authorʼs point in this
passage is that despite the distance (across time and
space) between Africans and Black Americans, they are
still connected by their links to Africa. He supports his
point with Kikongo proverbs and broad generalizations,
both of which describe the characteristics of large
groups of people. Therefore, he conveys his point
through the use of broad generalizations, not stories
about himself, or personal anecdotes. One reflection of
this strategy is the authorʼs repeated use of the
pronoun "we," which suggests generalizations about a
group of people, in place of "I," which would indicate
personal anecdotes.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The authorʼs point in this
passage is that despite the distance (across time and
space) between Africans and Black Americans, they are
still connected by their links to Africa. If the author were
making a scholarly analysis, or a well-supported
examination of an idea, he would need to convey his
point using the work of other scholars. Instead, he
conveys his point through Kikongo proverbs and other
generalizations.
15. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
16. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (B) is correct. The author makes many broad
generalizations, statements that apply to or describe a
wide range of people or situations. The author does not
use many specifics to support his point that Africans
and Black Americans are connected by their links to
Africa. Rather, in the first paragraph, he describes the
desire to learn about oneʼs past as a “quest we all
share,” and later in the passage he writes, “Africa has
left her mark on all of us.” Through these statements
the author describes broad characteristics, feelings,
and attitudes of large groups of people.
Choice (C) is correct. Both passages refer to the
enormous popular appeal of the painting: Passage 1
mentions that "1.6 million people jostled to see it" when
it was shown in New York, and Passage 2 mentions
that millions of people "know the name of only one
picture—the Mona Lisa." Further, both passages
attempt to explain why the painting has such appeal.
The question of the Mona Lisa's popular appeal is a
central concern of both passages.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The authorʼs point in this
passage is that despite the distance (across time and
space) between Africans and Black Americans, they are
still connected by their links to Africa. He supports his
point through claims that the desire to learn about oneʼs
past is a “quest we all share,” and that “Africa has left
her mark on all of us.” Hypothetical scenarios are
accounts of events that have not happened or are
imagined. The author describes specific events that
have happened ("whenever we've made contact, the
world has been forced to take note") in a vague,
Choice (A) is incorrect. While Passage 1 alludes to the
Mona Lisa's "famous smile," Passage 2 does not
mention that particular feature of the painting.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Passage 1 addresses the
question of the Mona Lisa's identity ("its subject was
nobody special, probably the wife of a Florentine
merchant named Giocondo"), but Passage 2 does not.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Passage 1 indicates the various
ways in which da Vinci's painting influenced later
artists: the use of perspective and triangular
composition; the relaxed pose; the technique of starting
with dark undertones and adding "layers and layers of
Page 7 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
thin, transparent glazes." Passage 2, on the other
hand, is not concerned with the painting's influence on
artists. Passage 2 is concerned with the painting's
impact on people in general, even "those who have no
taste or passion for painting."
Choice (E) is incorrect. Neither passage indicates that
the painting is deteriorating or has suffered any type of
damage or ill effects. Rather, it appears that the
painting, despite its age, still has substantial power to
influence those who view it.
17. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. The author of Passage 2 says
that, in attempting to explain the great appeal of the
Mona Lisa, he or she starts “with the assumption that
the renown of a masterpiece rests on a sequence of
events and historical agencies (people, institutions,
processes) working in a largely unplanned manner for
different ends." In other words, the Mona Lisa's renown,
or fame, is a result of many different actions and
decisions over the years—events such as the decision
of Napoleon to hang the painting in his bedroom, or the
decision of a New York museum to hold a special
showing of the painting, or the decision of a Tokyo
museum to allow viewers only ten seconds each to
view the painting.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2
believes that the true importance of the Mona Lisa, or
of any masterpiece, "rests on a sequence of events and
historical agencies (people, institutions, processes)
working in a largely unplanned manner for different
ends." The events listed in the first paragraph of
Passage 1 are examples of such events. These events,
then, do not "distort" the true importance of the Mona
Lisa; rather, they give the Mona Lisa whatever
importance it has.
Choice (C) is incorrect. There is no indication that the
author of Passage 2 would consider the events listed in
Passage 1 likely to cause art enthusiasts any
annoyance whatsoever. The author of Passage 2
mentions art enthusiasts in line 34—"Art historians,
poets, and admirers have tried to explain the
commanding place that the Mona Lisa has"—but does
not predict how these individuals might respond to
events such as those mentioned in the first paragraph
of Passage 1.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2
believes that the "renown," or fame, of any masterpiece
"rests on a sequence of events and historical agencies
(people, institutions, processes) working in a largely
unplanned manner for different ends." The events listed
in the first paragraph of Passage 1 are examples of
such events. These events, then, are worthy of the
consideration of art historians, and possibly art critics
as well.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2
explains that, in attempting to explain the great appeal
of the Mona Lisa, "like most historians,” he or she starts
“with the assumption that the renown of a masterpiece
rests on a sequence of events and historical agencies
(people, institutions, processes) working in a largely
unplanned manner for different ends." The events listed
in the first paragraph of Passage 1 are examples of
such events. These events, then, would seem to be
convenient, not inconvenient, facts for many art
historians.
18. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. The word "But" at the beginning
of the second sentence of the paragraph indicates a
contrast with the previous sentence. While the first
sentence notes that the subject of the Mona Lisa was
"nobody special," the second sentence counters that
"her portrait set the standard for High Renaissance
paintings." In other words, an unimportant (ordinary)
woman is the subject of an important (aesthetically
significant) painting.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The word "But" at the beginning
of the second sentence of the paragraph indicates a
contrast with the previous sentence. While the first
sentence notes that the subject of the Mona Lisa was
"nobody special," the second sentence counters that
"her portrait set the standard for High Renaissance
paintings." The first sentence indicates nothing about
the woman's appearance, only that she was "probably
the wife of a Florentine merchant."
Choice (B) is incorrect. The word "But" at the beginning
of the second sentence of the paragraph indicates a
contrast with the previous sentence. While the first
sentence notes that the subject of the Mona Lisa was
"nobody special," the second sentence counters that
"her portrait set the standard for High Renaissance
paintings." The woman may have been from "humble
origins," or a poor background, but the second
sentence indicates nothing about her portrait's
monetary value.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The word "But" at the beginning
of the second sentence of the paragraph indicates a
contrast with the previous sentence. While the first
sentence notes that the subject of the Mona Lisa was
"nobody special," the second sentence counters that
"her portrait set the standard for High Renaissance
paintings." The first sentence does not indicate that the
woman suffered an "untimely demise," or early death,
and the second sentence does not discuss her
portraitʼs immortality.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The word "But" at the beginning
of the second sentence of the paragraph indicates a
contrast with the previous sentence. While the first
sentence notes that the subject of the Mona Lisa was
"nobody special," the second sentence counters that
"her portrait set the standard for High Renaissance
paintings." The first sentence does not indicate that the
woman exhibited a lack of charisma, or charm. The
phrase "nobody special" refers to her social status, as
the information about her husband suggests—not to
Page 8 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
her personal characteristics.
19. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. The third paragraph of Passage 1
discusses the characteristics of the Mona Lisa. The
author explains that Leonardo “built the illusion of threedimensional features through layers and layers of thin,
transparent glazes. . . . [creating] a continuous
gradation of subtle tones, without crisp separating
edges.” As Leonardoʼs quote indicates, the artist used a
special painting technique to create a unique effect: his
painting appeared to be “without lines or borders, in the
manner of smoke.”
Choice (A) is incorrect. The third paragraph of Passage
1 discusses the characteristics of the Mona Lisa. The
author explains that Leonardo "built the illusion of
three-dimensional features through layers and layers of
thin, transparent glazes. . . . [creating] a continuous
gradation of subtle tones, without crisp separating
edges." As Leonardo's quote indicates, the artist used a
special painting technique to create a unique effect: his
painting appeared to be "without lines or borders, in the
manner of smoke." Leonardoʼs quote serves to
characterize an effect, not to defend a methodology.
edges." Leonardo rejected tradition ("Instead of
proceeding from outlined figures, as painters did
before . . .") and used a new technique to create a
unique effect. Leonardoʼs quote does not serve to
acknowledge an influence; rather, Leonardoʼs
statement that his paintings appeared “in the manner of
smoke” serves to characterize an effect.
20. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. The reference at the end of
Passage 1 to "that famous smile" suggests that one
aspect of the subject of the Mona Lisa that has
attracted attention is her mouth. In line 32, the author of
Passage 2 indicates that Mona Lisaʼs eyes and hands
are instantly recognizable to many people. It seems
clear from the reference in Passage 1 that her mouth is
recognizable as well.
Choice (B) is incorrect. In line 32, the author of
Passage 2 indicates that the eyes and hands of the
subject of the Mona Lisa are instantly recognizable to
many people. It seems clear from the reference to "that
famous smile" in Passage 1 that her mouth is
recognizable as well. Mona Lisa's hair is not mentioned
in Passage 1.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The third paragraph of Passage
1 discusses the characteristics of the Mona Lisa. The
author explains that Leonardo "built the illusion of
three-dimensional features through layers and layers of
thin, transparent glazes. . . . [creating] a continuous
gradation of subtle tones, without crisp separating
edges." As Leonardo's quote indicates, the artist used a
special painting technique to create a unique effect: his
painting appeared to be "without lines or borders, in the
manner of smoke." The author is not criticizing
Leonardo's technique, and Leonardo is not criticizing
his own technique or any other artistʼs technique.
Instead, Leonardoʼs quote serves to characterize an
effect.
Choice (C) is incorrect. In line 32, the author of
Passage 2 indicates that the eyes and hands of the
subject of the Mona Lisa are instantly recognizable to
many people. It seems clear from the reference to "that
famous smile" in Passage 1 that her mouth is
recognizable as well. Mona Lisa's nose is not
mentioned in Passage 1.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The third paragraph of Passage
1 discusses the characteristics of the Mona Lisa. The
author explains that Leonardo "built the illusion of
three-dimensional features through layers and layers of
thin, transparent glazes. . . . [creating] a continuous
gradation of subtle tones, without crisp separating
edges." As Leonardo's quote indicates, the artist used a
special painting technique to create a unique effect: his
painting appeared to be "without lines or borders, in the
manner of smoke." The author is not downplaying
Leonardo's accomplishment, and Leonardo is not
downplaying his own accomplishments or those of any
other artist. Instead, Leonardoʼs quote serves to
characterize an effect.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In line 32, the author of
Passage 2 indicates that the eyes and hands of the
subject of the Mona Lisa are instantly recognizable to
many people. It seems clear from the reference to "that
famous smile" in Passage 1 that her mouth is
recognizable as well. Mona Lisa's profile is mentioned
indirectly in Passage 1, in that she appears "in a
relaxed, natural, three-quarter pose" rather than in the
position of one of the "stiff, profile portraits that had
been the norm." But this suggests that Mona Lisa's
profile—a stiff side view—does not appear in the
painting.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The third paragraph of Passage
1 discusses the characteristics of the Mona Lisa. The
author explains that Leonardo "built the illusion of
three-dimensional features through layers and layers of
thin, transparent glazes. . . . [creating] a continuous
gradation of subtle tones, without crisp separating
Choice (D) is incorrect. In line 32, the author of
Passage 2 indicates that the eyes and hands of the
subject of the Mona Lisa are instantly recognizable to
many people. It seems clear from the reference to "that
famous smile" in Passage 1 that her mouth is
recognizable as well. Mona Lisa's chin is not mentioned
in Passage 1.
21. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. The first paragraph of Passage 2
opens with the question, "Why is the Mona Lisa the
best-known painting in the entire world?" and provides
an answer, citing "Art historians, poets, and admirers":
"There is something, they argue, inside the painting
that speaks to us all." This point of view, as the last
Page 9 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
sentence of the paragraph indicates, "is still the position
of many art critics." In this context, the term "position"
means view, or point of view.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The first paragraph of Passage
2 opens with the question, "Why is the Mona Lisa the
best-known painting in the entire world?" and provides
an answer, citing "Art historians, poets, and admirers":
"There is something, they argue, inside the painting
that speaks to us all." This point of view, as the last
sentence of the paragraph indicates, "is still the position
of many art critics." In this context, the term "position"
means view, or point of view, not “rank.”
Choice (B) is incorrect. The first paragraph of Passage
2 opens with the question, "Why is the Mona Lisa the
best-known painting in the entire world?" and provides
an answer, citing "Art historians, poets, and admirers":
"There is something, they argue, inside the painting
that speaks to us all." This point of view, as the last
sentence of the paragraph indicates, "is still the position
of many art critics." In this context, the term "position"
means view, or point of view, not “role.”
Choice (C) is incorrect. The first paragraph of Passage
2 opens with the question, "Why is the Mona Lisa the
best-known painting in the entire world?" and provides
an answer, citing "Art historians, poets, and admirers":
"There is something, they argue, inside the painting
that speaks to us all." This point of view, as the last
sentence of the paragraph indicates, "is still the position
of many art critics." In this context, the term "position"
means view, or point of view, not “policy.”
Choice (E) is incorrect. The first paragraph of Passage
2 opens with the question, "Why is the Mona Lisa the
best-known painting in the entire world?" and provides
an answer, citing "Art historians, poets, and admirers":
"There is something, they argue, inside the painting
that speaks to us all." This point of view, as the last
sentence of the paragraph indicates, "is still the position
of many art critics." In this context, the term "position"
means view, or point of view, not “location.”
22. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. Paul Barolsky attributes the
power of the Mona Lisa to "Leonardo's remarkable
technique, which creates a sense of texture and depth,"
and adds that the painting conveys the "mind or soul" of
the woman it portrays. Barolsky's use of the word
"depth" indicates that the two-dimensional image
appears to occupy three dimensions: height, width, and
depth. The author of Passage 1 agrees that Leonardo's
technique allowed the artist to create "the illusion of
three-dimensional features."
Choice (A) is incorrect. Paul Barolsky attributes the
power of the Mona Lisa to "Leonardo's remarkable
technique, which creates a sense of texture and depth,"
and adds that the painting conveys the "mind or soul" of
the woman it portrays. Neither Barolsky nor the author
of Passage 1 states that the painting elicits
idiosyncratic, or unique and peculiar, responses from
viewers; on the contrary, both suggest that many
people have similar responses to the painting.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Paul Barolsky attributes the
power of the Mona Lisa to "Leonardo's remarkable
technique, which creates a sense of texture and depth,"
and adds that the painting conveys the "mind or soul" of
the woman it portrays. Both Barolsky and the author of
Passage 1 indicate that the painting is revered, or
highly respected, by many people, but neither suggests
that it is revered "unduly," or excessively.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Paul Barolsky attributes the
power of the Mona Lisa to "Leonardo's remarkable
technique, which creates a sense of texture and depth,"
and adds that the painting conveys the "mind or soul" of
the woman it portrays. The author of Passage 1 states
that the painting has influenced many artists, but
Barolsky does not make this point.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Paul Barolsky attributes the
power of the Mona Lisa to "Leonardo's remarkable
technique, which creates a sense of texture and depth,"
and adds that the painting conveys the "mind or soul" of
the woman it portrays. The author of Passage 1 states
that the painting was “intended to be framed and hung,”
but Barolsky indicates nothing about how the painting
was intended to be displayed.
23. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. At the beginning of the last
paragraph, the author of Passage 2 explains that "one
should avoid succumbing to the charm of a myth." The
"myth" is the idea that there is something inside each
famous work of art that speaks directly to every viewer,
independent of the work's history or reputation. The
author is clearly skeptical of this idea, believing that
"the renown of a masterpiece rests on a sequence of
events and historical agencies" rather than on a
"mysterious yet almost palpable contact" with each
viewer's "sensibility." By putting quotation marks around
the word "innate," the author indicates this skepticism,
suggesting that the sensibility that leads a viewer to
appreciate a famous work of art is not really innate, or
something a person is born with. In other words,
according to the author, viewers do not admire
paintings like the Mona Lisa solely because of a
"mysterious" connection between the painting and the
viewer's innate, inborn sensibility; they admire them, at
least in part, because the paintings are famous.
Choice (A) is incorrect. At the beginning of the last
paragraph, the author of Passage 2 explains that "one
should avoid succumbing to the charm of a myth." The
"myth" is the idea that there is something inside each
famous work of art that speaks directly to every viewer,
independent of the work's history or reputation. The
author is clearly skeptical of this idea, believing that
"the renown of a masterpiece rests on a sequence of
events and historical agencies" rather than on a
"mysterious yet almost palpable contact" with each
viewer's "sensibility." By putting quotation marks around
Page 10 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
the word "innate," the author indicates this skepticism.
There is no suggestion that the sensibility discussed is
part of a revolutionary movement.
Choice (B) is incorrect. At the beginning of the last
paragraph, the author of Passage 2 explains that "one
should avoid succumbing to the charm of a myth." The
"myth" is the idea that there is something inside each
famous work of art that speaks directly to every viewer,
independent of the work's history or reputation. The
author is clearly skeptical of this idea, believing that
"the renown of a masterpiece rests on a sequence of
events and historical agencies" rather than on a
"mysterious yet almost palpable contact" with each
viewer's "sensibility." By putting quotation marks around
the word "innate," the author indicates this skepticism.
There is no suggestion that the sensibility discussed is
an overused artistic technique.
Choice (C) is incorrect. At the beginning of the last
paragraph, the author of Passage 2 explains that "one
should avoid succumbing to the charm of a myth." The
"myth" is the idea that there is something inside each
famous work of art that speaks directly to every viewer,
independent of the work's history or reputation. The
author is clearly skeptical of this idea, believing that
"the renown of a masterpiece rests on a sequence of
events and historical agencies" rather than on a
"mysterious yet almost palpable contact" with each
viewer's "sensibility." By putting quotation marks around
the word "innate," the author indicates this skepticism.
There is no hint that the term "innate," which means
inborn, is being used symbolically.
Choice (D) is incorrect. At the beginning of the last
paragraph, the author of Passage 2 explains that "one
should avoid succumbing to the charm of a myth." The
"myth" is the idea that there is something inside each
famous work of art that speaks directly to every viewer,
independent of the work's history or reputation. The
author is clearly skeptical of this idea, believing that
"the renown of a masterpiece rests on a sequence of
events and historical agencies" rather than on a
"mysterious yet almost palpable contact" with each
viewer's "sensibility." By putting quotation marks around
the word "innate," the author indicates this skepticism,
suggesting that the sensibility that leads a viewer to
appreciate a famous work of art is not really "innate," or
something a person is born with. There is no hint that
the term "innate" is being highlighted for any reason
other than this.
24. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. Both passages discuss the Mona
Lisa, but focus on very different aspects of the painting.
The author of Passage 1 stresses that the painting "set
the standard for High Renaissance paintings in many
important ways," and then explains what those ways
were, highlighting Leonardo's stylistic innovations. The
author of Passage 2, on the other hand, opens with the
question, "Why is the Mona Lisa the best-known
painting in the entire world?" and, after discussing the
role of "qualities intrinsic to the work," ultimately
concludes that one should "start with the assumption
that the renown of a masterpiece rests on a sequence
of events and historical agencies." The author of
Passage 2 is seeking to account for the fame, or
cultural preeminence, of the Mona Lisa.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does
not stress the unique smile in the Mona Lisa; he or she
only mentions the smile briefly at the end of the
passage. Further, the author of Passage 2 does not
focus on the woman who was the subject of the
painting; he or she focuses on how the painting is
received by viewers.Choice (B) is incorrect. The author
of Passage 1 does explain the techniques Leonardo
used to produce the striking appearance of the Mona
Lisa, but the author of Passage 2 does not examine
Leonardo's background. Leonardo's background is not
mentioned anywhere in Passage 2.Choice (D) is
incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does speculate
briefly about the life of the woman who was the subject
of the painting: she was "probably the wife of a
Florentine merchant." However, the author of Passage
2 does not argue that historical interpretations are
irrelevant. He or she simply states that, "like most
historians, I start with the assumption that the renown
of a masterpiece rests on a sequence of events and
historical agencies." The author of Passage 2 favors
historical interpretations over aesthetic ones.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does
not explicitly allude to the societal importance of the
Mona Lisa, and the author of Passage 2 does not
explicitly debate the paintingʼs artistic merits. The
author of Passage 1 does indicate that the painting has
great artistic importance and is extremely popular, and
the author of Passage 2 implies that the Mona Lisa may
enjoy continued fame for reasons other than its intrinsic
qualities. But the passages are not effectively
characterized by the statement in (E).
Section 5
1. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. “Hospitality” is characterized by
the generous and pleasant reception of guests. If
Miranda “eagerly welcomes anyone into her home,” it
makes sense that she would be known for her
hospitality.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Cowardice” is a lack of courage
or resolution. The structure of the sentence suggests
that the word that fits the blank will describe Mirandaʼs
eagerness to welcome people into her home.
Demonstrating a lack of courage is not related to
eagerly welcoming guests, so the term “cowardice”
does not logically complete the sentence. Instead, the
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
term “hospitality” best describes Mirandaʼs eagerness.
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Prudence” is characterized by
good judgment or shrewdness in the management of
affairs. The structure of the sentence suggests that the
word that fits the blank will describe Mirandaʼs
eagerness to welcome people into her home.
Demonstrating good judgment while managing
something is not related to eagerly welcoming guests,
so the term “prudence” does not logically complete the
sentence. Instead, the term “hospitality” best describes
Mirandaʼs eagerness.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Aloofness” is the quality of
being removed or distant, either emotionally or
physically. The structure of the sentence suggests that
the word that fits the blank will describe Mirandaʼs
eagerness to welcome people into her home. It does
not make sense to describe someone who eagerly
welcomes guests as aloof, or emotionally or physically
distant. Rather, Miranda would likely be described as
demonstrating hospitality.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Loyalty” is the quality of being
faithful to a person, cause, institution, or product. The
structure of the sentence suggests that the word that
fits the blank will describe Mirandaʼs eagerness to
welcome people into her home. Someone who is loyal
might be enthusiastic to welcome certain people into
her home, but there is no connection between
demonstrating loyalty and eagerly welcoming "anyone,"
so the term “loyalty” is not the best choice. Rather, the
term “hospitality” best describes Mirandaʼs eagerness.
supporters of the governorʼs plan would be
“disappointed” by a court decision that “permitted,” or
allowed, that plan to go into effect. On the contrary, one
would expect that the supporters would be pleased with
such a decision.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In this context, to anticipate
something is to foresee it or to give it thought in
advance. The sentence states that the court decision
“disappointed” the people who supported the
governorʼs plan, so the court must not have been in
favor of the plan. There is no reason to expect that the
plan's supporters would be disappointed by a decision
that “anticipated,” or foresaw, the plan, unless more
information about the decision is provided.
3. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. A “stimulus” is something that
stimulates, rouses, or incites to activity. The sentence
states that brain activity increases when one plays a
musical instrument; therefore, it makes sense to
describe "playing a musical instrument" as a "stimulus
to promote learning."
2. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (A) is incorrect. A “condition” is something
essential to the appearance or occurrence of something
else. The sentence states that brain activity increases
when one plays a musical instrument; therefore, playing
an instrument can “promote learning.” It does not make
sense to refer to the act of playing a musical instrument
as a condition for learning because children can learn
and increase their brain activity in other ways. Playing a
musical instrument is not essential to the occurrence of
learning.
Choice (B) is correct. To derail something is to obstruct
its progress. The court decision “disappointed” those
who supported the governorʼs plan, so the court must
not have been in favor of the plan. It makes sense to
suggest that those who wanted to set aside land for a
forest preserve would be disappointed when the plan
was “derailed,” or obstructed.
Choice (B) is incorrect. A “highlight” is an event or detail
that is of major significance or special interest. Although
something that increases brain activity could certainly
be described as being of major significance, it does not
make sense to describe the act of playing a musical
instrument as a detail of something larger, let alone a
detail that can be used to promote learning.
Choice (A) is incorrect. To applaud something is to
express approval of it or to praise it. It does not make
sense to suggest that the supporters of the governorʼs
plan would be “disappointed” by a court decision that
“applauded,” or approved of, that plan. On the contrary,
one would expect that the supporters would be pleased
with such a decision.
Choice (D) is incorrect. A “dictum” is a noteworthy
statement or announcement. The sentence states that
brain activity increases when one plays a musical
instrument; therefore, playing an instrument can
“promote learning.” It does not make sense to describe
the act of playing a musical instrument as a dictum, or
an announcement, to promote learning.
Choice (C) is incorrect. In this context, to acknowledge
something is to take notice of it. The sentence states
that the court decision “disappointed” the people who
supported the governorʼs plan, so the court must not
have been in favor of the plan. There is no reason to
expect that the plan's supporters would be disappointed
by a decision that “acknowledged,” or took notice of,
the plan, unless more information regarding the
decision is provided.
Choice (E) is incorrect. A “respite” is an interval of rest
or relief. The sentence states that brain activity
increases when one plays a musical instrument;
therefore, playing an instrument can “promote learning.”
It is somewhat illogical to describe an engaging activity
—such as playing a musical instrument—as a respite,
or interval of rest. Additionally, the sentence does not
indicate why the children would need rest or relief.
Choice (D) is incorrect. To permit something is to allow
it. It does not make sense to suggest that the
Choice (A) is correct. To “negotiate” is to confer with
another in order to settle some matter. In this context,
4. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
to make a concession is to yield something, or to give
something up. The sentence indicates that although
two different attitudes will be described, the difference
between these attitudes will be “subtle”; this suggests
that the two attitudes will actually be similar in some
way. The terms “negotiate” and “concessions” logically
complete the sentence. Although concessions are
frequently made during negotiations, being willing to
confer to settle a matter is not the same as being
obviously ready to give things up; these attitudes are
related but different.
lacking in fitness or aptitude. The dancerʼs moves were
“taken from” other dancers, so it makes sense to
describe his or her style as derivative. It also makes
sense to describe the dancerʼs style as inept if his or
her moves were “poorly executed,” or not done well.
Choice (B) is incorrect. To “antagonize” is to incur or
provoke hostility. To “make friends” is to become friends
with someone. The sentence indicates that two different
attitudes will be described. However, the difference
between these attitudes will be “subtle”; this suggests
that the two attitudes will actually be similar in some
way. The terms “antagonize” and “friends” do not
logically complete the sentence. A countryʼs willingness
to provoke hostility is not related to its readiness to
become friendly with another country.
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Pedestrian” means
commonplace or unimaginative. “Evolving” means
developing, or undergoing change. If the dancerʼs
moves were taken from other dancers and were “poorly
executed,” or not done well, his or her style might be
described as commonplace or unimaginative. However,
nothing in the sentence suggests that the style is
developing or changing in any way, so it is unlikely that
it would be described as evolving.
Choice (C) is incorrect. To “surrender” is to yield to the
power, control, or possession of another. To “make
enemies” is to cause others to be hostile. The sentence
indicates that two different attitudes will be described.
However, the difference between these attitudes will be
“subtle”; this suggests that the two attitudes will actually
be similar in some way. The terms “surrender” and
“enemies” do not logically complete the sentence. A
countryʼs willingness to yield to the power of another
country is not related to its readiness to make enemies.
Choice (D) is incorrect. To "dominate" is to rule or
control. "Inquiries" are requests for information. The
sentence indicates that two different attitudes will be
described. However, the difference between these
attitudes will be “subtle”; this suggests that the two
attitudes will actually be similar in some way. The terms
“dominate” and “inquiries” do not logically complete the
sentence. There is no direct connection between a
countryʼs willingness to rule and its readiness to
request information; therefore, it does not make sense
to say that the difference between the attitudes is
subtle.
Choice (E) is incorrect. To “equivocate” is to use
language that is open to different interpretations and
may mislead, confuse, or deceive. “Denunciations” are
statements pronouncing something to be blameworthy
or evil. The sentence indicates that two different
attitudes will be described. However, the difference
between these attitudes will be “subtle”; this suggests
that the two attitudes will actually be similar in some
way. The difference between equivocating and making
denunciations is not subtle: equivocations are
confusing while denunciations are straightforward.
5. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. “Derivative” means derived,
taken, or obtained from something else. “Inept” means
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Rousing” means stirring, or
giving rise to excitement. “Memorable” means notable
or worth remembering. If the dancerʼs moves were
taken from other dancers and were “poorly executed,”
or not done well, it is unlikely that his or her style would
be described as either stirring or notable.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Chaotic” means disordered,
unpredictable, and confusing. “Unprecedented” means
novel, new, or having no precedent. Although it is
possible that “poorly executed” dance moves could be
chaotic, or disordered, it is unlikely that the dancerʼs
style would be described as unprecedented, or new, if
his or her moves were taken from other dancers.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Spontaneous” means arising
from momentary impulse. “Graceless” means artistically
inept or lacking beauty. Although the dancerʼs style
might certainly be described as graceless if his or her
moves were “poorly executed,” or not done well,
nothing in the sentence suggests that the dancerʼs style
is spontaneous. There is no connection between taking
moves from other dancers and acting on momentary
impulses.
6. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. To transform something is to
change it in character or condition. In this context,
“viable” means having a reasonable chance of
succeeding. The method developed by Lewis Latimer
had some effect on “the nascent electric industry”—that
is, the electric industry that had recently come into
existence. It makes sense to say that Latimer changed
the condition of the electric industry when his
inexpensive way of producing a necessary part made
electric lamps “commercially viable,” or capable of
succeeding in the commercial, or business, market.
The electric industry surely benefited greatly from the
ability to produce electric lamps inexpensively.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In this context, “cheapened”
means lowered in value. “Affordable” means
inexpensive. The method developed by Lewis Latimer
had some effect on “the nascent electric industry”—that
is, the electric industry that had recently come into
existence. Latimerʼs inexpensive way of producing a
necessary part might have led to an affordable, or
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
inexpensive, price for electric lamps. However, it does
not make sense to say that his method cheapened, or
lowered the value of, the electric industry itself. This
development likely raised the value of the industry and
made those who worked in it very wealthy.
Choice (C) is incorrect. To revolutionize something is to
change it fundamentally or completely. “Prohibitive”
means tending to rule out the use or purchase of
something. The method developed by Lewis Latimer
had some effect on “the nascent electric industry”—that
is, the electric industry that had recently come into
existence. Latimerʼs method of producing a necessary
part for electric lamps certainly might have
“revolutionized,” or changed completely, the electric
industry, but it does not make sense to suggest that this
“inexpensive” method caused electric lamps to be
“commercially prohibitive.” It is illogical to suggest that
Latimerʼs inexpensive method would rule out the use or
purchase of the lamps.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, “provoked”
means provided a necessary stimulus or boost.
“Improbable” means unlikely to be true or to occur. The
method developed by Lewis Latimer had some effect
on “the nascent electric industry”—that is, the electric
industry that had recently come into existence. One
might describe Latimerʼs method of producing a
necessary part for electric lamps as having provided a
necessary stimulus if, for example, the method had
spurred innovation in the electric industry. But it does
not make sense to say that an inexpensive method of
producing parts for electric lamps would make the
lamps improbable.
Choice (E) is incorrect. To stimulate something is to
excite it to activity, growth, or greater activity.
“Inaccessible” means not accessible, or unavailable for
use. The method developed by Lewis Latimer had
some effect on “the nascent electric industry”—that is,
the electric industry that had recently come into
existence. It is possible that Latimerʼs method of
producing a necessary part for electric lamps excited
the electric industry to growth or further activity, but this
idea is not made clear in the sentence. Further, it does
not make sense to suggest that an inexpensive method
of producing parts for electric lamps would make the
lamps inaccessible, or unavailable for use.
7. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. “Supercilious” means coolly and
patronizingly haughty. The sentence describes Phillipʼs
pose after he won the award as “haughty,” or blatantly
and disdainfully proud, and indicates that he treated
“even his best friends” in a similar manner. Therefore, it
makes sense to say that Phillip treated his friends in a
supercilious, or patronizingly haughty, manner.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Cryptic” means mysterious or
seeming to have a hidden meaning. The sentence
describes Phillipʼs pose after he won the award as
“haughty,” or blatantly and disdainfully proud, and
indicates that he treated “even his best friends” in a
similar manner. A cryptic, or mysterious, manner is not
related to being blatantly proud, so the term “cryptic” is
not the best choice.
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Judicious” means having or
being characterized by good judgment. The sentence
describes Phillipʼs pose after he won the award as
“haughty,” or blatantly and disdainfully proud, and
indicates that he treated “even his best friends” in a
similar manner. Being judicious is not related to being
blatantly proud. Additionally, one might say that
behaving in a haughty way does not demonstrate good
judgment.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Jubilant” means filled with or
expressing great joy. Although Phillip might have been
filled with joy after winning the award, the sentence
describes his pose as “haughty,” or blatantly and
disdainfully proud, and indicates that he treated “even
his best friends” in a similar manner. Being joyful is not
the same as being haughty, so the term “jubilant” is not
the best choice.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Pugnacious” means having a
combative nature, or being eager to fight. The sentence
describes Phillipʼs pose after he won the award as
“haughty,” or blatantly and disdainfully proud, and
indicates that he treated “even his best friends” in a
similar manner. Nothing in the sentence suggests that
Phillip was eager to fight, and being pugnacious is not
the same as being blatantly proud.
8. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. “Perfidy” means disloyalty. The
generalʼs name “eventually became synonymous with
disloyalty,” so he must have been suspected of acts of
disloyalty during the war. The term “perfidy” logically
completes the sentence.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Belligerence” is an aggressive
or harsh attitude. The generalʼs name “eventually
became synonymous with disloyalty,” so the suspicions
about him during the war must have been related to
disloyalty. An aggressive attitude is not necessarily
related to being disloyal, so the term “belligerence”
does not logically complete the sentence.
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Indigence” is a level of poverty
characterized by real hardship and deprivation. The
generalʼs name “eventually became synonymous with
disloyalty,” so the suspicions about him during the war
must have been related to disloyalty. Being
impoverished and suffering hardships are not related to
being disloyal, so the term “indigence” does not
logically complete the sentence.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Aspersion” is the act of making
false or misleading charges in order to harm someoneʼs
reputation. The generalʼs name “eventually became
synonymous with disloyalty,” so the suspicions about
him during the war must have been related to disloyalty.
Attempting to harm someoneʼs reputation could be
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
seen as an act of disloyalty, but the sentence does not
indicate that the general behaved in such a way, so the
term “aspersion” is not the best choice. Rather, the
general was suspected of “perfidy,” or disloyalty.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Tenacity” is the quality or state
of being persistent. The generalʼs name “eventually
became synonymous with disloyalty,” so the suspicions
about him during the war must have been related to
disloyalty. Being persistent is not related to being
disloyal, so the term “tenacity” does not logically
complete the sentence.
9. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. The author of Passage 2 and the
teachers mentioned in Passage 1 would likely disagree
about the extent to which Walden presents nature as
being threatened. The author of Passage 1 states that
teachers have used Walden as an example of “the
intensity with which nineteenth-century America
protested the intrusion” of “industrialization and
urbanization” into “pastoral harmony”—in other words,
many teachers have asserted that Walden presents
nature as being threatened by industrialization. In
contrast, the author of Passage 2 asserts that while
Thoreau sometimes had mixed feelings about
“mechanization,” or industrialism, at other times, he
“was downright enthusiastic” about industrialism; the
author also notes that "At Walden Pond, civilization and
industrialization no longer seemed threatening."
Choice (B) is incorrect. Although the author of Passage
1 refers to Walden as a text that “recounts [Thoreauʼs]
experiment in living in solitary harmony with nature,” he
or she does not discuss the teachersʼ feelings about the
textʼs success in recounting Thoreauʼs experiment.
Nowhere in Passage 2 does the author address the
idea that the text recounts Thoreauʼs experiment in
solitary living. Therefore, we do not know if the author
of Passage 2 and the teachers mentioned in Passage 1
would agree or disagree about how successfully
Walden recounts Thoreauʼs experiment.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does
describe Walden as being “revered,” or worthy of great
honor, and one might assume that “Generations of
teachers” have assigned it because it is an important
work of literature. Nowhere in Passage 2, however,
does the author discuss Walden as an important work
of literature. Therefore, we do not know if the author of
Passage 2 and the teachers mentioned in Passage 1
would agree or disagree about the extent to which
Walden has been considered an important work of
literature.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 states
that teachers have used Walden as an example of “the
intensity with which nineteenth-century America
protested the intrusion” of “industrialization and
urbanization,” so the teachers likely would say that
Walden does recognize the spread of industrialization
and urbanization. The author of Passage 2 notes that
while Thoreau was at Walden Pond, “civilization and
industrialization no longer seemed threatening,” so he
or she would also likely say that Walden recognizes the
spread of industrialization and urbanization. The author
of Passage 2 and the teachers mentioned in Passage 1
would probably agree on this point, not disagree.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 states
that “Generations of teachers” have discussed Walden
as generally protesting “the intrusion” of
“industrialization and urbanization,” but he or she does
not indicate whether the teachers consider the specific
topic of the power of the machine to be central to
Walden. Therefore, we do not know if the author of
Passage 2 and the teachers mentioned in Passage 1
would agree or disagree regarding the power of the
machine as a central topic in Walden.
10. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. The author of Passage 1
describes Walden as a protest against “the intrusion
into pastoral harmony of the forces of industrialization
and urbanization” and states that Thoreau “epitomizes
a long-standing American worship of nature.”
Therefore, the author would likely say that Thoreau
would agree that the “power unleashed by the machine”
was largely destructive of natureʼs tranquility—in other
words, that industrialization and “mechanization” were
harmful to nature.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1
describes Walden as a protest against “the intrusion
into pastoral harmony of the forces of industrialization
and urbanization” and states that Thoreau “epitomizes
a long-standing American worship of nature.” He or she
does not suggest that certain forces in nature might
have kept “the power unleashed by the machine” in
check, or that Thoreau would have agreed with that
notion.
Choice (C) is incorrect. One might view the quote from
Walden—written by Thoreau, who did seek out nature
—in Passage 2 (“shaking the earth with his feet, and
breathing fire and smoke from his nostrils”) as an
exaggerated description of the “power unleashed by the
machine,” but nothing in Passage 1 suggests that
Thoreau would agree that this power is exaggerated by
some people. Passage 1 does not address Thoreauʼs
feelings about people who do not seek out nature.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2
suggests that Walden compares the “power unleashed
by the machine” to “the power required to transform the
wilderness into a productive garden,” but neither the
author of Passage 2 nor the author of Passage 1
asserts that Thoreau thought mechanization was
necessary to transform nature into something
productive. Further, the author of Passage 1 describes
Walden as a protest against “the intrusion into pastoral
harmony of the forces of industrialization and
urbanization”; if Thoreau believed that the “power
unleashed by the machine” was necessary to transform
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
nature into something productive, it is unlikely that he
would consider this power to be an “intrusion.”
Choice (E) is incorrect. Passage 1 does not suggest
that Thoreau would agree that the “power unleashed by
the machine” was less threatening to one who lived
close to nature. On the contrary, the author of Passage
1 states that Thoreau experimented with “living in
solitary harmony with nature,” and that Walden, the
product of this experiment, is a protest against “the
intrusion into pastoral harmony of the forces of
industrialization and urbanization.” Passage 1 suggests
that Thoreau would argue that mechanization was
threatening to nature and to those who lived close to
nature.
11. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. Passage 2 states that Thoreau
was sometimes “downright enthusiastic” about
“mechanization” and industrialization. The author of
Passage 1, however, would likely argue that this
enthusiasm is atypical of Thoreauʼs perceived attitude
toward mechanization. People typically perceive
Thoreau as being opposed to, not enthusiastic about,
mechanization; Passage 1 states that “Generations of
teachers” have used Walden as an example of
nineteenth-century America's reaction against
industrialization.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Although the author of Passage
1 refers to Walden as a “lament” in response to the
“intrusion . . . of industrialization,” the author of
Passage 2 claims that, at times, Thoreau “was
downright enthusiastic” about “mechanization.” Lament
and enthusiasm are contradictory feelings; it is unlikely
that one would argue that Thoreauʼs enthusiasm for
machines supports the idea that Walden expresses
regret about industrialization.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Passage 2 states that Thoreau
was sometimes “downright enthusiastic” about
“mechanization” and industrialization. The author of
Passage 1 states that “nineteenth-century America
protested the intrusion . . . of industrialization,” so it is
unlikely that he or she would argue that Thoreauʼs
enthusiasm for certain machines would have resonated
—that is, related harmoniously or struck a chord—with
nineteenth-century Americans.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Passage 2 states that Thoreau
was sometimes “downright enthusiastic” about
“mechanization” and industrialization. The author of
Passage 1 probably would not argue that this
enthusiasm is a characteristic often emphasized by
teachers; on the contrary, the author of Passage 1 says
that “Generations of teachers” have used Walden as an
example of a response against “the intrusion . . . of
industrialization.”
Choice (D) is incorrect. Although Passage 2 states that
in Walden Thoreau was sometimes “downright
enthusiastic” about “mechanization” and
industrialization, the author of Passage 1 probably
would not argue that Thoreauʼs enthusiasm derived
from his experiment in solitary living at Walden Pond.
The author of Passage 1 says that “Generations of
teachers” have used Walden as an example of a
response against “the intrusion . . . of industrialization”
and that Thoreau worshipped nature, so he or she
probably would not argue that Thoreauʼs experiment
led to his enthusiasm for certain machines.
12. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. The author of Passage 2 states
that, while Thoreau was at Walden Pond, he found that
“civilization and industrialization no longer seemed
threatening.” The author also notes that at times
Thoreau “was downright enthusiastic” about
“mechanization.” The author of Passage 1 writes that
“Generations of teachers” have drawn precisely the
opposite conclusions about Walden, using the book “as
an illustration of the intensity with which nineteenthcentury America protested the intrusion into pastoral
harmony of the forces of industrialization and
urbanization.” The author of Passage 1 would surely
agree that the interpretation of Walden in Passage 2 is
not representative of the way the text is often taught in
schools.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1
suggests that Walden depicts machines as destructive:
he or she writes that the text is a reaction against “the
intrusion into pastoral harmony of . . . industrialization.”
On the other hand, the author of Passage 2 focuses on
the idea that Thoreau was at times “downright
enthusiastic” about “mechanization.” The author of
Passage 1 would likely argue that the interpretation
offered by the author of Passage 2 underestimates,
rather than exaggerates, the destructive power of the
machine.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1
addresses the idea that Thoreau “epitomizes a longstanding American worship of nature.” The author of
Passage 2 does not really address the worship of
nature; on the contrary, he or she focuses on the
positive aspects of “mechanization,” even suggesting
that “the power unleashed by the machine” is similar to
the “power required to transform the wilderness into a
productive garden.” It is unlikely, then, that the author of
Passage 1 would say that the interpretation offered in
Passage 2 is overly influenced by a long-standing
worship of nature.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author of Passage 2
explicitly discusses Thoreauʼs enthusiasm for the
railroad. He or she notes Thoreauʼs reaction, as
expressed in Walden: “it seems as if the earth had got a
race now worthy to inhabit it.” Because the author of
Passage 2 directly addresses Thoreauʼs enthusiasm for
the railroad, it is not likely that the author of Passage 1
would agree that he or she overlooks it.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author of Passage 1 does
not discuss the way Walden was understood in
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
Thoreauʼs time, so there is no reason to assume that
he or she would agree that the interpretation of Walden
in Passage 2 is more in accord with the way the text
was understood in Thoreauʼs time than it is currently.
13. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. A “conception” is a thought or an
idea. In the first line, the author presents “one vision of
the city,” that is, one idea about cities: that cities are
“unnatural.” The author suggests that he or she is
troubled by this particular idea or conception.
Choice (A) is incorrect. A “fantasy” is a daydream or an
unrealistic image. The idea that a city contains
“unnatural” features is not merely a fantasy or a
daydream. It is a well-established idea, and that
bothers the author.
Choice (B) is incorrect. An “illusion” is a false
impression or a deception. Although the author believes
that the people who hold one particular "vision" of the
city—that cities are "unnatural"—are wrong, the word
"vision" does not mean illusion. In this context, the term
“vision" means an idea or conception.
Choice (C) is incorrect. A “prophecy” is a prediction.
The author does not use the word “vision” to indicate
peopleʼs predictions or forecasts of how cities will be in
the future. Rather, the author refers to the wellestablished idea or conception that today's cities are
“unnatural.”
Choice (E) is incorrect. An “apparition” is a phantom or
a spirit. When the author writes that he or she
disagrees with “one vision of the city,” the author is
referring to a real and well-defined notion that cities are
"unnatural," not to a phantom or a spirit. In this context,
the term "vision" means an idea or conception.
14. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. Throughout the passage, the
author disputes the claim that cities are "unnatural."
The second paragraph presents the argument used in
support of that claim ("The argument goes like this").
Given that the author disagrees with the claim, it follows
that the author would disagree with the supporting
argument as well. One of the points made in the
argument is that there was a "happier state of
existence" before the growth of cities. It is likely that the
author would describe that so-called "happier state" as
a false supposition, or an inaccurate idea.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The argument that abandoning
cities and technologies and returning to nature will
result in a “happier state of existence” is a notion the
author rejects (“one vision of the city really gets my
hackles up”). Therefore, the author would most likely
not describe this return to nature as a satisfactory
solution to problems associated with the city.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, the
author disputes the claim that cities are "unnatural."
The second paragraph presents the argument used in
support of that claim ("The argument goes like this").
Given that the author disagrees with the claim, it follows
that the author would disagree with the supporting
argument as well. One of the points made in the
argument is that there was a "happier state of
existence" before the growth of cities. Therefore, the
author would most likely not describe the “happier
state” as an agreeable stroke of luck.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, the
author strongly disagrees with the claim that cities are
"unnatural" and with the supporting argument. In the
second paragraph the author describes the argument,
which claims that we should abandon cities and return
to a “happier state of existence.” There is no indication
that the author would see this condition as a
complicated arrangement.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author does not believe
that to be part of nature one needs to return to an
earlier or “happier state of existence.” Rather than
considering this “happier state” to be a bittersweet
memory, the author states that the whole idea bothers
him or her and puts forward an alternative vision of the
city as a natural system.
15. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. When the author mentions people
who “think this way,” he or she refers to those who
support the argument that “nature, left to itself, will find
a state of equilibrium” and that humanity should find a
way to adjust to that balance. The author suggests that
following this line of argument leads one to believe that
the Industrial Revolution, which is associated with
modern technology and the growth of cities,
"represents a wrong turning." In other words, people
who “think this way” view the Industrial Revolution as
the beginning of a harmful trend in human history.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The Industrial Revolution may
be considered an important human achievement in the
history of humankind. However, the authorʼs reference
in line 18 to people who “think this way” points
specifically to those who think that the Industrial
Revolution brought about a negative result—that is, the
destruction of nature.
Choice (B) is incorrect. It may well be that the Industrial
Revolution is an instance of technologyʼs double-edged
potential, or of both positive and negative
developments. However, the authorʼs mention of people
who “think this way” refers to those who believe the
Industrial Revolution had only a negative outcome—
that the Industrial Revolution caused much harm to the
natural environment and destroyed the balance
between nature and humanity.
Choice (C) is incorrect. When the author refers to
people who “think this way,” he or she does not refer to
those who believe that the Industrial Revolution made
cities self-sufficient and balanced. Rather, the author
refers to people who think that the Industrial Revolution
destroyed the balance between nature and humanity.
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
Choice (D) is incorrect. The Industrial Revolution may
well have happened during a time when people were
beginning to go beyond strict social distinctions.
However, when the author refers to people who “think
this way,” he or she does not refer to this particular
social transformation. Rather, the author refers to
people who believe that the Industrial Revolution
brought about much harm to the environment and
helped destroy the “balance of nature.”
16. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. The “environmental thinkers”
referred to in line 28 believe that large populations and
cities contribute to the destruction of nature. The author
does not agree with this line of argument (“What
bothers me . . . is that it implies that human beings . . .
are not part of nature”). Therefore, the author would
most likely characterize the views of the environmental
thinkers as erroneous, or wrong.
Choice (A) is incorrect. According to the author, the
argument made by the “environmental thinkers” has a
flaw: “it implies that human beings . . . are not part of
nature.” Therefore, the author probably would not
suggest that their argument is carefully reasoned;
rather, he or she points out that their argument does not
take into consideration the possibility that cities are part
of nature.
Choice (B) is incorrect. While the argument put forth by
the “environmental thinkers” may be thought-provoking
for some, the author probably would not characterize it
as such. Instead, the author points out that the
argument bothers him or her (“What bothers me about
this point of view is that it implies that human beings . . .
are not part of nature”).
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Unintelligible” refers to
something that is not comprehensible. The author
understands the argument put forth by the
“environmental thinkers” well enough to point out the
flaw in the thinkersʼ reasoning (“it implies that human
beings . . . are not part of nature”), so it is not
unintelligible.
Choice (D) is incorrect. According to the author, the
argument made by the “environmental thinkers” is
conclusive; that is, it concludes that cities are not part
of nature. The author disagrees with that conclusion
and proposes another line of argument, stating that
cities are natural systems.
17. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. The author proposes that cities
are the product of humanityʼs natural inclination to
survive and to “build shelters.” By comparing cities to
beaver dams and anthills, the author is suggesting that
all three are part of a “survival strategy”—or products of
natural impulses—by which humans, beavers, and ants
“alter their environments and build shelters” in order to
survive.
Choice (A) is incorrect. The purpose of the authorʼs
comparison of cities to beaver dams and anthills is not
to explain the workings of ecological systems. Rather, it
is to suggest that all three products are the result of a
"survival strategy" by which humans, like beavers and
ants, engage in altering their environments in order to
survive.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author does not suggest
that cities, beaver dams, and anthills are detrimental to
nature. On the contrary, the author asserts that they are
products of nature—that is, they represent the natural
impulses of humans, beavers, and ants to survive by
altering their environments and creating shelters.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The author does not compare
cities, beaver dams, and anthills in order to point out
that different forms of life are products of different
environments. Rather, the author compares these three
natural environments to emphasize something similar in
all of them: they are all products of a natural inclination
to survive.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author does not compare
cities, beaver dams, and anthills in order to show
obstacles facing cities today. Rather, the comparison
calls attention to the positive function of a city. Humans
use their natural instincts to create cities for the
purpose of continuing their existence, just as beavers
and ants alter their environments to create shelters for
their survival.
18. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. To appreciate something is to
understand and admire it. The author demonstrates
that he or she understands that downtown areas are, in
fact, natural, and admires them for it, by offering
several examples of the cityʼs natural qualities: “Look at
the energy sources of the downtown ecosystem . . ."
The fact that the author even values the city's trash
("hamburger buns, apple cores, and partially filled softdrink containers"), as a food source, shows that the
author's attitude toward the downtown ecosystem is
positive—it is an attitude of appreciation.
Choice (A) is incorrect. To have "regret" is to feel sorry
or apologetic. When the author describes a “downtown
ecosystem,” there is no hint of regret or apology. On the
contrary, the author demonstrates a sense of pride in
the city by pointing out that there are energy sources
for providing warmth, food sources that feed animals,
and “sugar-rich soft drink cans” in waste containers that
provide “an excellent source of ʻnectarʼ” for yellow
jackets.
Choice (B) is incorrect. In describing how a downtown
area is an ecosystem, the author does not indicate that
he or she feels frustrated or irritated. Instead, the
author admiringly calls attention to the interdependence
of the city and its inhabitants by asking the reader to
consider all the different ways downtown areas provide
food (“there is a large amount of human-made detritus
that can serve as food for animals. . . . urban yellow
jackets seem to find sugar-rich soft drink cans an
Page 18 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
excellent source of ʻnectarʼ for their honey”).
Choice (C) is incorrect. The author does not display any
"ambivalence," or uncertainty, toward the “downtown
ecosystem.” On the contrary, the author gives
numerous examples of how nothing is wasted in
downtown areas to demonstrate his or her firm
conviction that cities are natural systems.
Choice (D) is incorrect. When the author describes the
“downtown ecosystem,” he or she is not unconcerned,
or indifferent. The author seems to admire how waste in
downtown areas can become a source of food for
animals and insects. The author demonstrates his or
her enthusiasm for downtown ecosystems by offering
several examples and by imploring readers to take note
of how efficient these ecosystems are.
19. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. The discussion in lines 57-81 of
"three different levels" presents a number of related
arguments in support of the idea that the city is “a
natural system." The first sentence of the paragraph
beginning on line 57 states clearly that "the city can be
thought of as a natural system on at least three
different levels." The lines that follow explain the three
levels; in each level the author presents, with reasoning
and evidence, ways in which the city is like an
ecosystem.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Nothing in lines 57-81 indicates
that the author has organized his or her opinions about
the city from most to least important. Instead, the
author organizes his or her arguments according to
their level of complexity: from the most obvious
illustration of the city as an ecosystem to the more
complex or deeper explanations. The author's overall
point is that the fundamental structures of cities can be
seen as being the same as those of natural systems.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Lines 57-81 do not present a
process of reasoning by which the author makes an
initial assertion and ends with an ultimate conclusion. In
these lines, the author supports and strengthens—with
three different, but related, examples—his or her main
argument that the city is a natural system.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In lines 57-81 the author
expresses one main hypothesis and backs it up with
three different examples: "the city can be thought of as
a natural system on at least three different levels."
There is no evidence of opposing principles. The single
hypothesis that the author supports is that the city is a
natural system.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Lines 57-81 do not express
alternative or competing theories. Rather, they express
the authorʼs main theory that the city is a natural
system that can be observed and studied like other
natural systems: "the city can be thought of as a natural
system on at least three different levels."
20. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. In lines 61-63, the author
suggests that all ecosystems have their own
combinations of animal and plant life and states that the
city has its own “peculiar” combination. In this context,
the term “peculiar” means “distinctive,” or characteristic
of only one person, group, or thing. The author makes
the point that like “any other ecosystem,” the city has a
distinctive blend of animal and plant life.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In lines 61-63, the author
suggests that all ecosystems have their own
combinations of animal and plant life and states that the
city has its own “peculiar” combination. One might find
the combination of animals and plants in the city to be
“eccentric,” or strange, but the author does not use the
word “peculiar” to suggest this. Rather, the author
suggests that like “any other ecosystem,” the city has a
distinctive, or unique, “collection of flora and fauna.”
Choice (B) is incorrect. In lines 61-63, the author
suggests that all ecosystems have their own
combinations of animal and plant life and states that the
city has its own “peculiar” combination. The author
does not use the word “peculiar” to imply that the
combination of animals and plants in the city is
“abnormal,” or that it deviates from what is normal.
Rather, the author suggests that it is normal for every
ecosystem to have its own “collection of flora and
fauna”; like “any other ecosystem,” the city has a
distinctive, or unique, blend of animal and plant life.
Choice (C) is incorrect. In lines 61-63, the author
suggests that all ecosystems have their own
combinations of animal and plant life and states that the
city has its own “peculiar” combination. The author
makes the point that like “any other ecosystem,” the city
has a distinctive, or unique, “collection of flora and
fauna.” The author does not imply that the animals and
plants found in the city are “rare,” or not commonly
found.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In lines 61-63, the author
suggests that all ecosystems have their own
combinations of animal and plant life and states that the
city has its own “peculiar” combination. The author
might agree that the “collection of flora and fauna”
found in the city is “significant,” or noteworthy, but he or
she does not use the word “peculiar” to suggest this.
Rather, the author suggests that like “any other
ecosystem,” the city has a distinctive, or unique, blend
of animal and plant life.
21. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. The author clearly approves of
the creation of “urban ecology”—he or she calls the
creation of the subfield “the ultimate academic
accolade,” or a great mark of acknowledgment. The
subfield, which is designed to study cities as
ecosystems, gives legitimacy to the authorʼs stance that
cities are natural systems.
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Curiosity” is not the best
characterization of the authorʼs attitude toward the
creation of the subfield of “urban ecology.” The author
Page 19 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
writes from a knowledgeable point of view; he or she
seems to be an authority on urban ecology. Rather than
being curious, the author seems pleased that this “way
of looking at cities" is receiving the recognition and
scientific legitimacy it deserves.
Choice (C) is incorrect. There is no indication that the
author is uncertain about the creation of the subfield of
“urban ecology.” The author supports this new way of
looking at cities and is thus very pleased with this new
subfield. In fact, he or she describes the creation of the
subfield as “the ultimate academic accolade,” or a great
mark of acknowledgment.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Given that the author is a strong
supporter of the notion that the city is a natural system,
it should not come as a surprise to him or her that a
subfield of science designed to study “urban ecology”
has been created. Rather, the author sees the creation
of this new subfield as an opportunity for science to
further its understanding of the city as a natural system.
Choice (E) is incorrect. The author is not dismayed, or
disappointed, by the creation of the subfield of “urban
ecology.” On the contrary, the author is a strong
supporter of the point of view that the city is a natural
system, and he or she considers the creation of the
subfield to be a positive development (“the ultimate
academic accolade”).
22. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. The discussion in lines 67-73 is
best characterized as a “comparison.” In these lines,
the author lays out the similarities between the
evolution of a forest and the transformation of a city in
order to illustrate how the city is a functioning
ecosystem. The use of the word "metaphor" ("a forest is
a powerful metaphor to aid in understanding how cities
work") suggests that a city and a forest have much in
common. The remainder of the paragraph compares
the two, focusing on their similarities.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In lines 67-73, the author does
not defend his or her position in response to any
particular argument. Instead, the author supports the
claim that a city is an ecosystem by presenting a
“metaphor to aid in understanding how cities work”: the
author compares the city and a forest ecosystem,
focusing on their similarities.
Choice (B) is incorrect. The authorʼs discussion of a
forest ecosystem cannot be characterized as a
“concession,” or an acknowledgment that part of an
opposing argument is correct. The author does not
back away from his or her argument that a city is a
natural system; rather, the author compares the city
and a forest ecosystem, focusing on their similarities,
with the goal of supporting his or her claim.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The discussion of a forest
ecosystem cannot be characterized as an “exception,”
or unusual case. Rather, the comparison of a forest and
a city supports the main point of the passage—that a
city functions in the same way as a natural system.
Choice (E) is incorrect. An “allusion” is a mention or a
passing reference. In lines 67-73, the author
demonstrates that a city and a forest ecosystem share
similar fundamental structures. This comparison is not
just an allusion or a passing reference. It is an
important comparison that supports the authorʼs
argument.
23. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. In lines 74-81, the author
discusses limits in order to point out that similar laws of
nature guide all natural systems, including those
shaped by humans. Just as the height of a tree is
governed by the various forces that exist between
atoms in wood, so is the height of a building—whether
it is made of wood or another material—“influenced by
those same interatomic forces.”
Choice (A) is incorrect. While it may be true that cities
have the ability to change and grow, the main purpose
of the discussion of limits is not to show how cities
change and grow. Rather, the author discusses limits in
order to point out that similar laws of nature guide all
natural systems, including those shaped by humans.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Nothing in lines 74-81 suggests
that the author believes cities are too large. The
authorʼs point in these lines is that cities, like other
natural systems, are governed by certain laws of
nature.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Nothing in lines 74-81 suggests
that the author thinks a city must be self-regulating. The
author discusses limits in order to point out that similar
laws of nature guide all natural systems, including
those shaped by humans. It is clear that cities are
regulated in part by natural laws.
Choice (D) is incorrect. The discussion of limits does
not suggest that efforts to conquer nature backfire, or
fail. The author simply acknowledges that human efforts
to shape nature are subject to natural laws—buildings
cannot be built infinitely tall, for example—as a way of
showing that cities "are like every other natural
system."
24. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. In the last paragraph, the author
emphasizes, or stresses, the point he or she makes
throughout the entire passage: “A city is a natural
system” and we should be able to observe it in the
same way we observe other natural systems.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In the last paragraph, the author
does not restate the elements of a dilemma. To the
author, there is no dilemma, or difficult choice. Instead,
he or she clearly restates the position he or she takes
throughout the passage: the city should be considered
a natural system.
Choice (B) is incorrect. In the last paragraph, the author
does not summarize evidence. Instead, the author
Page 20 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
emphasizes his or her belief that cities are natural
systems. The author discusses evidence for this claim
throughout the passage.
the term “elliptical” does not logically complete the
sentence.
Choice (C) is incorrect. In the last paragraph, the author
does not attempt to heighten or intensify the emotional
impact of his or her argument—the author's argument
appeals to logic, not emotion. Rather, the final
paragraph serves to emphasize, or stress, the point the
author makes throughout the passage: the city should
be considered a natural system.
Choice (C) is correct. “Enormous” means marked by
extraordinarily great size, number, or degree.
“Deafening” means very loud. The sentence suggests
that the “size of the crowd” and the resonance of the
cheers indicate a “resurgence,” or renewal, of the
teamʼs popularity. An enormous crowd whose cheers
were loud and echoing would certainly indicate that the
team was popular.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In the last paragraph, the author
does not suggest further research. Rather, the author
uses the final paragraph to emphasize, or stress, the
point that he or she makes throughout the entire
passage: the city should be considered a natural
system.
Section 9
1. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. “Straightforward” means clear-cut
and precise. The sentence describes Richard Wrightʼs
prose as being “free of stylistic tricks or evasiveness.”
In other words, the book is written in a way that is clear
and precise; the book is straightforward.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Imprecise” means vague or not
exact. The sentence describes Richard Wrightʼs prose
as being “free of stylistic tricks or evasiveness.” In other
words, the book is written in a way that is clear and
precise. Something that is vague or not exact is the
opposite of something that is precise, so the term
“imprecise” does not logically complete the sentence.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Deficient” means lacking in
some necessary quality or element. Although the
sentence describes Richard Wrightʼs prose as being
“free of” certain things, the term “deficient” is not the
best choice; nothing suggests that “stylistic tricks” and
“evasiveness” are necessary elements that Wrightʼs
prose lacks. On the contrary, evasiveness is something
a writer might try to avoid.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Obtrusive” means undesirably
prominent or noticeable. The sentence describes the
prose of Richard Wrightʼs autobiography as “free of
stylistic tricks or evasiveness.” Stylistic tricks might be
described as undesirably noticeable, but it is unlikely
that one would describe prose that does not contain
such tricks as obtrusive.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Something that is “elliptical” is
deliberately obscure, or not clearly expressed. The
sentence describes Richard Wrightʼs prose as being
“free of stylistic tricks or evasiveness.” In other words,
the book is written in a way that is clear and precise. If
the prose is precise and not evasive, it does not make
sense to describe it as deliberately obscure. Therefore,
2. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Vast” means very great in size.
In this context, “hollow” means lacking real value,
sincerity, or substance. The sentence suggests that the
“size of the crowd” and the resonance of the cheers
indicate a “resurgence,” or renewal, of the teamʼs
popularity. A popular team would certainly draw a great
crowd, so the term “vast” makes sense. But the term
“hollow” does not logically complete the sentence; if the
team was popular, the crowdʼs cheers would probably
not have been hollow, or insincere.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Something that is “sparse”
consists of few and scattered elements. “Thunderous”
means great or intense. The sentence suggests that
the “size of the crowd” and the resonance of the cheers
indicate a “resurgence,” or renewal, of the teamʼs
popularity. The terms “sparse” and “thunderous” do not
logically complete the sentence. A popular team would
probably draw a large crowd, not a small, scattered
crowd, and it is somewhat unlikely that a small crowdʼs
cheers would be described as thunderous.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Unimpressive” means lacking
the power to excite attention, awe, or admiration.
“Muted” means toned down or subdued. The sentence
suggests that the “size of the crowd” and the resonance
of the cheers indicate a “resurgence,” or renewal, of the
teamʼs popularity. The terms “unimpressive” and
“muted” do not logically complete the sentence. A
popular team would likely draw a crowd of an
impressive size that cheers loudly, not a crowd of an
unimpressive size whose cheers are muted, or
subdued.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Negligible” means so small or
unimportant as to warrant little or no attention.
“Rousing” means lively, or giving rise to excitement.
The sentence suggests that the “size of the crowd” and
the resonance of the cheers indicate a “resurgence,” or
renewal, of the teamʼs popularity. The terms “negligible”
and “rousing” do not logically complete the sentence;
even a very small crowd could produce a lively cheer,
but it is illogical to suggest that a negligible crowd
would indicate that the team was popular.
3. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. “Altered” means changed. In this
context, “revolution” means a fundamental or radical
change. The sentence indicates two cause and effect
Page 21 of 30
Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
relationships: evidence regarding the expansion of the
universe had a certain effect on the “perception,” or
concept, of the universe; then, this new concept had a
certain effect on astronomical thinking. The missing
terms must work together to illustrate these cause and
effect relationships. Together, the terms “altered” and
“revolution” logically complete the sentence: the
evidence altered our perception of the universe, and
this change led to a fundamental change in
astronomical thinking.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In this context, to advance
something is to accelerate its growth or progress. A
“setback” is a sudden stoppage of progress. The
sentence indicates two cause and effect relationships:
evidence regarding the expansion of the universe had a
certain effect on the “perception,” or concept, of the
universe; then, this new concept had a certain effect on
astronomical thinking. The missing terms must work
together to illustrate these cause and effect
relationships. The terms “advanced” and “setback” do
not logically complete the sentence. If the evidence
accelerated the progress of our perception of the
universe, it does not make sense to say that the
evidence led to a sudden stop in the progress of
astronomical thinking.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Contradicted” means implied
the opposite of something. A “truce” is an agreement to
a suspension of fighting. The sentence indicates two
cause and effect relationships: evidence regarding the
expansion of the universe had a certain effect on the
“perception,” or concept, of the universe; then, this new
concept had a certain effect on astronomical thinking.
The missing terms must work together to illustrate
these cause and effect relationships. The terms
“contradicted” and “truce” do not logically complete the
sentence. The evidence may have contradicted our
concept of the universe, but it is somewhat illogical to
suggest that a contradiction would lead to a truce.
Additionally, nothing in the sentence suggests that a
truce would be needed—there is no indication that
there was any sort of fighting going on concerning
astronomical thinking.
Choice (D) is incorrect. “Reinforced” means
strengthened by additional support. A “crisis” is an
unstable or crucial time in which a decisive change is
about to occur. The sentence indicates two cause and
effect relationships: evidence regarding the expansion
of the universe had a certain effect on the “perception,”
or concept, of the universe; then, this new concept had
a certain effect on astronomical thinking. The missing
terms must work together to illustrate these cause and
effect relationships. The terms “reinforced” and “crisis”
do not logically complete the sentence. Evidence that
provided additional support to strengthen our
perception of the universe most likely would not lead to
a crisis—there would be no need to make any decisive
changes.
Choice (E) is incorrect. “Halted” means brought to a
stop. A “breakthrough” is a sudden advance. The
sentence indicates two cause and effect relationships:
evidence regarding the expansion of the universe had a
certain effect on the “perception,” or concept, of the
universe; then, this new concept had a certain effect on
astronomical thinking. The missing terms must work
together to illustrate these cause and effect
relationships. The terms “halted” and “breakthrough” do
not logically complete the sentence. If the evidence
brought our perception of the universe to a stop, there
probably would not be a breakthrough, or sudden
advance, in astronomical thinking.
4. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. In this context, “currency” means
acceptance or general use. If something is
“inconclusive,” it leads to no definitive conclusion and is
unable to end a debate. The structure of the sentence
suggests that the theory has “gained” something, but
has not gained it completely because of “the evidence.”
The term “currency” fits into the first blank, because it
makes sense to say that a theory could gain
acceptance, and the term “inconclusive” fits into the
second blank, because evidence can certainly be
inconclusive, or not lead to a definitive conclusion. The
two terms logically complete the sentence: the theory
that lead poisoning led to the decline of the Roman
Empire has gained acceptance, but because the
evidence is inconclusive, the theory cannot be proven.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Credence” means credibility or
acceptance. “Irrefutable” means impossible to refute or
disprove. The structure of the sentence suggests that
the theory has “gained” something, but has not gained
it completely because of “the evidence”—there is
something problematic about the evidence. The term
“credence” fits into the first blank, because it makes
sense to say that a theory could gain acceptance, but
the term “irrefutable” does not fit into the second blank.
Irrefutable evidence provides confirmation or proof of
any theory: it is not problematic in any way.
Choice (B) is incorrect. “Disrepute” is the lack or decline
of a good reputation. “Dubious” means producing doubt
or uncertainty. The use of the word “although” at the
beginning of the sentence suggests that the second
term shows the limitations of the first term. That is, the
theory may have gained a poor reputation, but the
structure of the sentence indicates that there is
something preventing it from becoming completely
disreputable. As a result, it would be illogical to suggest
that dubious evidence makes a theory less
disreputable. Rather, evidence that produces doubt
would support the theoryʼs disrepute.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Something that has
“acceptance” is satisfactory or has approval.
“Convincing” means conveying truth or rightness. The
structure of the sentence suggests that the theory has
“gained” something, but has not gained it completely
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
because of “the evidence”—there is something
problematic about the evidence. The term “acceptance”
fits into the first blank, because it makes sense to say
that a theory could gain approval, but the term
“convincing” does not fit into the second blank.
Convincing evidence provides solid support for a theory
and should not be problematic in any way.
possible to determine what the designer would consider
abnormal, or anomalous. Further, the structure of the
sentence indicates that the phrase “virtually
transparent” describes the fabrics that the designer
favored; there is no logical connection between a fabric
that is virtually transparent and a fabric that is
anomalous.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Something with “momentum”
has strength or force. “Systematic” means having a
coherent and regular structure. The use of the word
“although” at the beginning of the sentence suggests
that the second term shows the limitations of the first
term. That is, the theory may have strength or force, but
the structure of the sentence indicates that there is
something about the "evidence" that is holding the
theory back or weakening it. It would be illogical to
suggest that systematic evidence makes a theory
weaker. Rather, coherent evidence would support the
theoryʼs strength.
6. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
5. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. A “diaphanous” fabric has a very
delicate texture that enables one to see through it. The
structure of the sentence indicates that the phrase
“virtually transparent” describes the fabrics that the
designer favored. Because virtually transparent fabric
would be almost entirely see-through, the term
“diaphanous” is the term that logically completes the
sentence.
Choice (A) is incorrect. “Palpable” means capable of
being touched or easy to perceive. The structure of the
sentence indicates that the phrase “virtually
transparent” describes the fabrics that the designer
favored. Because fabrics that can be felt or easily
perceived might also be thick and not see-through, the
term “palpable” does not logically complete the
sentence.
Choice (C) is incorrect. “Variegated” means having
different markings or colors, so variegated fabrics
would be very colorful. The structure of the sentence
indicates that the phrase “virtually transparent”
describes the fabrics that the designer favored. Fabrics
that are decorated with many colors are not necessarily
see-through, so the term “variegated” does not logically
complete the sentence.
Choice (D) is incorrect. A luxury is something that
provides great satisfaction or comfort, but is not
necessary. “Luxurious” fabrics, then, would be very
pleasurable. The structure of the sentence indicates
that the phrase “virtually transparent” describes the
fabrics that the designer favored. Fabrics that are
luxurious or very pleasurable are not necessarily seethrough, so the term “luxurious” does not logically
complete the sentence.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Something that is “anomalous”
is characterized by irregularity or deviation from what is
considered normal. The sentence does not offer rules
for what fabrics are considered normal, so it is not
Choice (D) is correct. Because the term “iconoclast”
describes a person who rejects tradition, attacking
common beliefs and powerful institutions, it certainly
makes sense to describe Professor Williams as an
iconoclast.
Choice (A) is incorrect. An "egalitarian" believes in and
works towards the goal of equality for all people. It is
possible that Professor Williams was an egalitarian,
attacking beliefs and institutions that she considered to
be opposed to equality, but there is no way to conclude
this from the information provided in the sentence.
Choice (B) is incorrect. A "dowager" is a widow or
elderly woman. It is possible that Professor Williams
was a dowager, but nothing in the sentence suggests
this.
Choice (C) is incorrect. A "dilettante" is a person who
has a superficial knowledge of and interest in many
different subjects. Being a dilettante has nothing to do
with attacking beliefs and institutions, so there is no
reason to believe such behavior would earn Professor
Williams a reputation as a dilettante.
Choice (E) is incorrect. A "purveyor" is someone who
supplies goods or provisions to others, usually by
selling them. There is no logical connection between
selling goods and attacking beliefs and institutions, so
there is no reason to believe that Professor Williamsʼ
behavior would earn her a reputation as a purveyor.
7. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. The first paragraph of the
passage states that Miss Keeldar and her uncle have
extremely different "characters"—that is, they have very
different personalities, temperaments, and values. The
rest of the passage shows these differences in action:
Mr. Sympson believes that Miss Keeldar should marry a
man she does not like just because the man has wealth
and connections; Miss Keeldar vows that she will marry
only for love. Clearly this is a confrontation between two
people whose differences seem irreconcilable, or
unable to be resolved.
Choice (A) is incorrect. There is no indication that the
relationship between Miss Keeldar and her uncle has
ever been warm or friendly. The first sentence states
that "Miss Keeldar and her uncle had characters that
would not harmonize,—that never had harmonized."
Mr. Sympson's attitude towards his niece is revealed at
the end of the second paragraph: he wants to "give her
in charge to a proper husband, and wash his hands of
her for ever"—that is, he wants to have nothing more to
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
do with her. Such feelings are not characteristic of a
warm family relationship.
Choice (B) is incorrect. This episode would not be best
described as a "disappointment" for Miss Keeldar. Her
reaction to her uncle's proposal is better described as
hostile or contemptuous: her eyes are “large, dilated,
unsmiling" as she commands her uncle ("Cease to
annoy me with the subject: I forbid it!"). Miss Keeldar is
angry, not disappointed. Further, a description of the
episode should mention both characters.
Choice (D) is incorrect. It would be wrong to describe
this episode as a collaboration (a collaboration involves
working together) between two people with similar
goals. Miss Keeldar and her uncle have very different
goals and opinions: Miss Keeldar says she will marry
only for love, while Mr. Sympson insists she marry a
man he deems suitable.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Although this conversation does
take place within an extended family—Miss Keeldar is
Mr. Sympson's niece—it cannot be said to be "about
the need for unity." Miss Keeldar and Mr. Sympson do
not seem interested in family unity; on the contrary, Mr.
Sympson wishes to “wash his hands of [Miss Keeldar]
for ever,” and Miss Keeldar insists that she will not
follow her uncleʼs orders.
8. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. In lines 3-5, Mr. Sympson is
described as “irritable,” “despotic,” and “worldly.” The
rest of the passage supports this image of Mr. Sympson
as an ill-tempered, controlling figure who approaches
things practically—he cannot understand why Miss
Keeldar objects to marrying a man he has deemed
“suitable” and is quite frustrated by her refusal. In lines
3-5, Miss Keeldar is described as having a very
different character from her uncle: she is “spirited,” likes
“freedom,” and is “perhaps, romantic.” The rest of the
passage supports the idea that where Mr. Sympson is
rigid and practical, Miss Keeldar is passionate and
unconventional: she is resolved to “love with [her]
whole heart” and refuses to marry a man she does not
love, even though he has “money,” “connections,” and
“respectability.” Many people of the time would indeed
see this decision as unconventional, or out of the
ordinary.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Lines 3-5 describe differences
between Miss Keeldar and Mr. Sympson. Mr. Sympson
is described as being “irritable,” “despotic,” and
“worldly”—in other words, he is ill-tempered, controlling,
and approaches things practically. In contrast, Miss
Keeldar is described as being “spirited,” liking
“freedom,” and being “perhaps, romantic”—suggesting
that she is passionate and unconventional where her
uncle is rigid and practical. We later see Miss Keeldarʼs
passion in her vow to “love with [her] whole heart”
before she marries, and her refusal to marry a man she
does not love—even though he has been deemed
“suitable.” Many people of the time would indeed see
this decision as unconventional, or out of the ordinary.
Miss Keeldar may in fact seem attractive and
mysterious to others (such as Sam Wynne), but the
passage does not indicate this.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Lines 3-5 describe differences
between Miss Keeldar and Mr. Sympson. Mr. Sympson
is described as being “irritable,” “despotic,” and
“worldly”—in other words, he is ill-tempered, controlling,
and approaches things practically. In contrast, Miss
Keeldar is described as being “spirited,” liking
“freedom,” and being “perhaps, romantic”—suggesting
that she is passionate and unconventional where her
uncle is rigid and practical. Although Miss Keeldar does
express her intent to love a man before she marries
him, the passage does not suggest that she is “overly
concerned” with finding a good husband.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Lines 3-5 describe differences
between Miss Keeldar and Mr. Sympson. Mr. Sympson
is described as being “irritable,” “despotic,” and
“worldly”—in other words, he is ill-tempered, controlling,
and approaches things practically. In contrast, Miss
Keeldar is described as being “spirited,” liking
“freedom,” and being “perhaps, romantic”—suggesting
that she is passionate and unconventional where her
uncle is rigid and practical. Miss Keeldar is resolved to
“love with [her] whole heart,” so she might enjoy
reading books and poetry about love, but the passage
does not indicate this.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Lines 3-5 describe differences
between Miss Keeldar and Mr. Sympson. Mr. Sympson
is described as being “irritable,” “despotic,” and
“worldly”—in other words, he is ill-tempered, controlling,
and approaches things practically. In contrast, Miss
Keeldar is described as being “spirited,” liking
“freedom,” and being “perhaps, romantic”—suggesting
that she is passionate and unconventional where her
uncle is rigid and practical. Nothing in the passage
suggests that Miss Keeldar is featured in any stories,
exaggerated or not.
9. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. Mr. Sympson and his niece, Miss
Keeldar, have “characters that would not harmonize”—
in other words, their personalities are very different and
they often do not get along. Because he and Miss
Keeldar have such conflicting demeanors and
viewpoints, Mr. Sympson is eager to “give her in charge
to a proper husband, and wash his hands of her for
ever.” He desperately wants to free himself of any
responsibility for Miss Keeldar; he wants her to get
married as soon as possible so her husband can be the
one to take care of her.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson and his niece,
Miss Keeldar, have “characters that would not
harmonize”—in other words, their personalities are very
different and they often do not get along. The passage
states that Mr. Sympson is eager to “give her in charge
to a proper husband, and wash his hands of her for
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
ever.” In other words, he no longer wants any
responsibility for Miss Keeldar; in fact, he no longer
wants her in his life. It is unlikely, then, that he is
anxiously anticipating a project on which he and his
niece can collaborate, or work together. He is merely
looking for the quickest and easiest way to get rid of
her.
definition of a suitable marriage focuses on the social
and financial advantages—a nice home, wealth,
relationships with influential people—that would present
themselves if Miss Keeldar were to marry Mr. Wynne.
Nothing in the passage indicates that Mr. Sympson
gives any thought to the emotional needs of either
partner in a marriage.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson and his niece,
Miss Keeldar, have “characters that would not
harmonize”—in other words, their personalities are very
different and they often do not get along. Rather than
wanting to help his headstrong niece to realize her
ambitious goals, such as marrying for love rather than
for money, Mr. Sympson is eager to “give her in charge
to a proper husband, and wash his hands of her for
ever.” In other words, he no longer wants any
responsibility for Miss Keeldar; in fact, he no longer
wants her in his life. He is merely looking for the
quickest and easiest way to get rid of her.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson states that Mr.
Wynne would be a “suitable” and “proper” husband
because he has “a fine unencumbered estate; real
substance; good connections.” Clearly, Mr. Sympsonʼs
definition of a suitable marriage focuses on the social
and financial advantages—a nice home, wealth,
relationships with influential people—that would present
themselves if Miss Keeldar were to marry Samuel
Wynne. Nothing in the passage indicates that Mr.
Sympson gives any consideration to how a marriage—
suitable or otherwise—will benefit the local community.
Choice (C) is incorrect. The passage does suggest that
Mr. Sympson is somewhat concerned about the familyʼs
reputation: he wants to “make for her a suitable match”
and he warns Miss Keeldar not to “sully” the family
name “by a misalliance.” However, the passage also
states that Mr. Sympson anxiously desires to “give her
in charge to a proper husband, and wash his hands of
her for ever.” In other words, he no longer wants any
responsibility for Miss Keeldar; in fact, he no longer
wants her in his life. His concern for his familyʼs
reputation is overshadowed by his primary motivation to
get rid of her completely.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson and his niece,
Miss Keeldar, have “characters that would not
harmonize”—in other words, their personalities are very
different and they often do not get along. Because he
and Miss Keeldar have such conflicting demeanors and
viewpoints, Mr. Sympson is eager to “give her in charge
to a proper husband, and wash his hands of her for
ever.” In other words, he no longer wants any
responsibility for Miss Keeldar; in fact, he no longer
wants her in his life. While Miss Keeldar herself may be
frustrated with the limited opportunities available, Mr.
Sympson is not: he considers marriage to Samuel
Fawthrop Wynne a "suitable" opportunity for his niece.
10. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. Mr. Sympson states that Mr.
Wynne would be a “suitable” and “proper” husband
because he has “a fine unencumbered estate; real
substance; good connections.” Clearly, Mr. Sympsonʼs
definition of a suitable marriage focuses on the social
and financial advantages—a nice home, wealth,
relationships with influential people—that would present
themselves if Miss Keeldar were to marry Mr. Wynne.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson states that Mr.
Wynne would be a “suitable” and “proper” husband
because he has “a fine unencumbered estate; real
substance; good connections.” Clearly, Mr. Sympsonʼs
Choice (C) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson states that Mr.
Wynne would be a “suitable” and “proper” husband
because he has “a fine unencumbered estate; real
substance; good connections.” Clearly, Mr. Sympsonʼs
definition of a suitable marriage focuses on the social
and financial advantages—a nice home, wealth,
relationships with influential people—that would present
themselves if Miss Keeldar were to marry Samuel
Wynne. Mr. Sympson does not mention the necessity
for all family members to approve of a marriage.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson states that Mr.
Wynne would be a “suitable” and “proper” husband
because he has “a fine unencumbered estate; real
substance; good connections.” Clearly, Mr. Sympsonʼs
definition of a suitable marriage focuses on the social
and financial advantages—a nice home, wealth,
relationships with influential people—that would present
themselves if Miss Keeldar were to marry Samuel
Wynne. Mr. Sympson does not mention formal
ceremonies or celebrations.
11. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. Miss Keeldarʼs first objection to
Mr. Wynne is that he “has run a course of despicable,
commonplace profligacy.” A person who exhibits
profligacy behaves in a wildly extravagant and wasteful
manner. In other words, Miss Keeldar thinks Mr. Wynne
wastes his time in reckless, undignified pursuits.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Miss Keeldarʼs first objection to
Mr. Wynne is that he “has run a course of despicable,
commonplace profligacy.” A person who exhibits
profligacy behaves in a wildly extravagant and wasteful
manner. Mr. Wynneʼs actions could certainly cause
damage, and he may not necessarily express any
regret for this damage; however, Miss Keeldar does not
comment on any damages caused or on Mr. Wynneʼs
response to the consequences of his actions. She
simply states her objection based on the reckless
nature of his actions.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Miss Keeldarʼs first objection to
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
Mr. Wynne is that he “has run a course of despicable,
commonplace profligacy.” A person who exhibits
profligacy behaves in a wildly extravagant and wasteful
manner. It is possible that Mr. Wynne, through his
reckless actions, fails to treat others with the respect
they deserve. However, Miss Keeldar does not
comment on Mr. Wynneʼs interactions with others or on
the effects of Mr. Wynneʼs actions on others. She
simply states her objection based on the reckless
nature of his actions.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Miss Keeldarʼs first objection to
Mr. Wynne is that he “has run a course of despicable,
commonplace profligacy.” A person who exhibits
profligacy behaves in a wildly extravagant and wasteful
manner. Mr. Wynne could certainly be dependent on his
family for financial support because of his wasteful
tendencies, but Miss Keeldar does not indicate this in
her objection. She merely comments on the reckless
nature of his actions.
or whether she plans to remain unmarried. There are
no exaggerations implicit in the question, so Miss
Keeldar does not respond by correcting any
exaggerations. Instead, she responds by insisting that
Mr. Sympson has no right to ask the question and that
she has no obligation to answer it.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In lines 54-55, Mr. Sympson
poses the following question to Miss Keeldar: “Is it your
intention ever to marry, or do you prefer celibacy?” The
question is straightforward; Mr. Sympson is simply
asking Miss Keeldar whether she plans to get married
or whether she plans to remain unmarried. Although
she asserts her right to refuse to marry Sam Wynne,
Miss Keeldar does not make, or contradict, any claims
about complete independence. Instead, she responds
by insisting that Mr. Sympson has no right to ask the
question and that she has no obligation to answer it.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Later in the passage, Miss
Keeldar does remark that Mr. Wynne is lacking in
abilities related to literature and art (“He cannot write a
note without . . . errors; he reads only a sporting
paper”). But in lines 41-43, Miss Keeldar presents her
first objection to Mr. Wynne: he “has run a course of
despicable, commonplace profligacy.” A person who
exhibits profligacy behaves in a wildly extravagant and
wasteful manner. Miss Keeldar is simply objecting to
the reckless nature of Mr. Wynneʼs actions.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In lines 54-55, Mr. Sympson
poses the following question to Miss Keeldar: “Is it your
intention ever to marry, or do you prefer celibacy?” The
question is straightforward; Mr. Sympson is simply
asking Miss Keeldar whether she plans to get married
or whether she plans to remain unmarried. In the
passage, Miss Keeldar does assert her right to refuse
to marry Sam Wynne, but she does not respond to her
uncleʼs question by asserting her right to live without
marrying. Rather, she responds by insisting that Mr.
Sympson has no right to ask the question and that she
has no obligation to answer it.
12. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
13. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (B) is correct. In lines 54-55, Mr. Sympson
poses the following question to Miss Keeldar: “Is it your
intention ever to marry, or do you prefer celibacy?” The
question is straightforward; Mr. Sympson is simply
asking Miss Keeldar whether she plans to get married
or whether she plans to remain unmarried. Miss
Keeldar responds by saying, “I deny your right to claim
an answer to that question.” In other words, Mr.
Sympson has no right to ask the question, so Miss
Keeldar feels she has no obligation to address the
question by providing an answer.
Choice (D) is correct. When Mr. Sympson says to Miss
Keeldar, “be on your guard!—I will not be trifled with!”
he is warning her not to mock him or treat him as
unimportant. Throughout the passage, however, it is
clear that Mr. Sympson has no real power over Miss
Keeldar. She blatantly refuses to marry Sam Wynne;
she asserts her right not to answer his inappropriate
questions; and she does not let him persuade her to act
against her beliefs. Lines 75-76 even suggest that Mr.
Sympson is intimidated by Miss Keeldar, as he
unsteadily tries to instill fear in her: “ʻTake care! take
care!ʼ (warning her with voice and hand that trembled
alike.).” The passage suggests that Mr. Sympsonʼs
implied threats are baseless—they are unwarranted
and unjustified.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In lines 54-55, Mr. Sympson
poses the following question to Miss Keeldar: “Is it your
intention ever to marry, or do you prefer celibacy?” The
question is straightforward; Mr. Sympson is simply
asking Miss Keeldar whether she plans to get married
or whether she plans to remain unmarried. He is not
accusing her of being secretly engaged, so Miss
Keeldar does not respond by denying the accusation.
Rather, she responds by insisting that Mr. Sympson has
no right to ask the question and that she has no
obligation to answer it.
Choice (C) is incorrect. In lines 54-55, Mr. Sympson
poses the following question to Miss Keeldar: “Is it your
intention ever to marry, or do you prefer celibacy?” The
question is straightforward; Mr. Sympson is simply
asking Miss Keeldar whether she plans to get married
Choice (A) is incorrect. When Mr. Sympson says to
Miss Keeldar, “be on your guard!—I will not be trifled
with!” he is warning her not to mock him or treat him as
unimportant. The threat implied by his warning is
somewhat implausible, or difficult to believe, but not
because Miss Keeldar is able to outwit Mr. Sympson.
Rather, the passage suggests that the threat is
implausible because Mr. Sympson does not have any
real power over Miss Keeldar. She blatantly refuses to
marry Sam Wynne; she asserts her right not to answer
his inappropriate questions; and she does not let him
persuade her to act against her beliefs. She even calls
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
attention to Mr. Sympsonʼs lack of authority: “What
shadow of power have you over me?”
Choice (B) is incorrect. When Mr. Sympson says to
Miss Keeldar, “be on your guard!—I will not be trifled
with!” he is warning her not to mock him or treat him as
unimportant. Although Mr. Sympson might very well be
serious when he warns Miss Keeldar to be on her
guard, the threat implied in his warning is not a serious
one; Mr. Sympson has no real power over Miss
Keeldar's decisions. In fact, Mr. Sympson wishes that
he had more authority over Miss Keeldar so that he
could just force her to marry Sam Wynne: “Why are not
the laws more stringent, that I might compel her to hear
reason?”
Choice (C) is incorrect. When Mr. Sympson says to
Miss Keeldar, “be on your guard!—I will not be trifled
with!” he is warning her not to mock him or treat him as
unimportant. The threat implied by his warning is
certainly not misleading—he is truly attempting to
threaten her in some way. Further, the passage
indicates that Mr. Sympson is not especially concerned
with Miss Keeldarʼs happiness. He is simply trying to
“give her in charge to a proper husband, and wash his
hands of her for ever.” He doesnʼt seem to care
whether or not she has a happy marriage; he just
doesnʼt want to have responsibility for her anymore.
Choice (E) is incorrect. When Mr. Sympson says to
Miss Keeldar, “be on your guard!—I will not be trifled
with!” he is warning her not to mock him or treat him as
unimportant. Indeed, the threat implied by his warning
is somewhat absurd; he does not have any real power
over her. Mr. Sympson may be trying to intimidate Miss
Keeldar, but she is not making an effort to intimidate
him. Throughout the passage Miss Keeldar asserts
herself, voicing her objections to Sam Wynneʼs
character and expressing her desire to love a man
before she marries him, but she does not attempt to
exert any power over Mr. Sympson. She simply insists
that she will act as she sees fit.
14. Explanation for Correct Answer A.
Choice (A) is correct. Trying to defend himself and
prove to Miss Keeldar that he is someone to be feared,
Mr. Sympson says things like, “be on your guard!—I will
not be trifled with!” and “Take care, madam!” In
response, Miss Keeldar says, “Scrupulous care I will
take, Mr. Sympson. Before I marry, I am resolved to
esteem—to admire—to love.” Instead of “taking care,”
or being careful, not to belittle or anger him, she
deliberately misunderstands his meaning. Miss Keeldar
claims that she will indeed “take care”; that is, she will
make sure she loves a man before she marries him,
rather than carry out Mr. Sympsonʼs wishes and marry
Sam Wynne, a man she does not love.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, Miss
Keeldar voices her objections to marrying Sam Wynne,
ignores Mr. Sympsonʼs attempts to convince her that
Wynne is a suitable husband, and points out that Mr.
Sympson has no real power over her. There is no
specific blame placed, or turned back on, anyone
during their discussion. In these lines, Miss Keeldar
simply shows her refusal to be intimidated and her
desire to love a man before she marries him.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Trying to defend himself and
prove to Miss Keeldar that he is someone to be feared,
Mr. Sympson says things like, “be on your guard!—I will
not be trifled with!” and “Take care, madam!” In
response, Miss Keeldar says, “Scrupulous care I will
take, Mr. Sympson. Before I marry, I am resolved to
esteem—to admire—to love.” Although it may appear
that Miss Keeldar is mocking the tone of his comment
by twisting his words a bit, she is certainly not acting
childishly. On the contrary, she is standing by her
convictions—she vows to love a man before she
marries him, rather than marry someone she does not
even respect just because her uncle deems him a
suitable husband.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Trying to defend himself and
prove to Miss Keeldar that he is someone to be feared,
Mr. Sympson says things like, “be on your guard!—I will
not be trifled with!” and “Take care, madam!” In
response, Miss Keeldar says, “Scrupulous care I will
take, Mr. Sympson. Before I marry, I am resolved to
esteem—to admire—to love.” Miss Keeldar does not
lament Mr. Sympsonʼs failure to sympathize with her;
she seems unconcerned with Mr. Sympsonʼs lack of
sympathy. In fact, in lines 84-86 Miss Keeldar states
that although she may “speak in an unknown tongue,”
she feels “indifferent” about being understood—in other
words, she knows that her plan to marry for love is
unusual, but she does not care whether or not others
understand her decision.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Trying to defend himself and
prove to Miss Keeldar that he is someone to be feared,
Mr. Sympson says things like, “be on your guard!—I will
not be trifled with!” and “Take care, madam!” In
response, Miss Keeldar says, “Scrupulous care I will
take, Mr. Sympson. Before I marry, I am resolved to
esteem—to admire—to love.” She does not refer to any
of her previous behavior, sensible or otherwise. Instead
she is talking about how she plans to behave in the
future, expressing her desire to love a man before she
marries him.
15. Explanation for Correct Answer D.
Choice (D) is correct. As Miss Keeldar explains to Mr.
Sympson that she is “resolved to esteem—to admire—
to love” the man she intends to marry, she makes the
following comment: “I know I speak in an unknown
tongue; but I feel indifferent whether I am
comprehended or not.” In this context, the term
“tongue” means language. Miss Keeldar is
exaggerating, of course; Mr. Sympson understands the
words she is speaking. However, by saying that she is
speaking in a language that is unknown to Mr.
Sympson, she is making the point that he is incapable
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
of understanding her desire to marry for love.
Choice (A) is incorrect. As Miss Keeldar explains to Mr.
Sympson that she is “resolved to esteem—to admire—
to love” the man she intends to marry, she makes the
following comment: “I know I speak in an unknown
tongue; but I feel indifferent whether I am
comprehended or not.” In this context, the term
“tongue” means language. Miss Keeldar is
exaggerating, of course; Mr. Sympson understands the
words she is speaking. However, by saying that she is
speaking in a language that is unknown to Mr.
Sympson, she is making the point that he is incapable
of understanding her desire to marry for love. Miss
Keeldar's focus is on Mr. Sympson's inability to
understand her feelings, not on his mistrust of anything
new and unfamiliar.
Choice (B) is incorrect. As Miss Keeldar explains to Mr.
Sympson that she is “resolved to esteem—to admire—
to love” the man she intends to marry, she makes the
following comment: “I know I speak in an unknown
tongue; but I feel indifferent whether I am
comprehended or not.” Earlier in their conversation
Miss Keeldar suggests that Mr. Sympson is ignorant of
some of Sam Wynneʼs undesirable qualities, but
Wynne is not specifically mentioned in this part of the
conversation. Miss Keeldar is not suggesting that her
uncle is ignorant of Wynneʼs reputation in the
community; instead, she is suggesting that Mr.
Sympson is incapable of understanding her desire to
love a man before she marries him.
Choice (C) is incorrect. As Miss Keeldar explains to Mr.
Sympson that she is “resolved to esteem—to admire—
to love” the man she intends to marry, she makes the
following comment: “I know I speak in an unknown
tongue; but I feel indifferent whether I am
comprehended or not.” In this context, the term
“tongue” means language. Rather than suggesting that
Mr. Sympson has a tendency to speak in an obscure, or
not easily understood, way, Miss Keeldar is suggesting
that she is speaking of something Mr. Sympson will not
understand—her desire to love a man before she
marries him.
Choice (E) is incorrect. As Miss Keeldar explains to Mr.
Sympson that she is “resolved to esteem—to admire—
to love” the man she intends to marry, she makes the
following comment: “I know I speak in an unknown
tongue; but I feel indifferent whether I am
comprehended or not.” In this context, the term
“tongue” means language. Miss Keeldar is
exaggerating, of course; Mr. Sympson understands the
words she is speaking. However, by saying that she is
speaking in a language that is unknown to Mr.
Sympson, she is making the point that he is incapable
of understanding her desire to marry for love. Nowhere
in the passage is there any discussion of other family
members or the mistakes they have made.
16. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. Throughout the passage, Mr.
Sympson has been trying to convince Miss Keeldar to
marry Sam Wynne. She refuses to do so, voicing her
many objections regarding Wynneʼs character and
reputation. After expressing his disapproval with Miss
Keeldarʼs use of what he considers “Unladylike
language,” Mr. Sympson, frustrated, gestures toward
the heavens and asks, “To what will she come?”—
implying that, due to her behavior, he thinks Miss
Keeldar will come to no good. He poses the question as
a prediction of a bleak future for her.
Choice (A) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, Mr.
Sympson has been trying to convince Miss Keeldar to
marry Sam Wynne. She refuses to do so, voicing her
many objections regarding Wynneʼs character and
reputation. Mr. Sympsonʼs question is not a warning
about financial losses; he does refer to Wynne as a
“wealthy man,” but Miss Keeldar does not stand to lose
any money by refusing to marry Wynne. Rather, Mr.
Sympson implies that, due to her behavior, Miss
Keeldar has a bleak future.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, Mr.
Sympson has been trying to convince Miss Keeldar to
marry Sam Wynne. She refuses to do so, voicing her
many objections regarding Wynneʼs character and
reputation. Mr. Sympson wants Miss Keeldar to marry
this “suitable match” and “proper husband,” so he is not
relieved that Miss Keeldar objects to the marriage—far
from it. Rather than confessing his relief, Mr. Sympson
asks his question to imply that Miss Keeldar may be
facing a bleak future due to her behavior.
Choice (D) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, Mr.
Sympson has been trying to convince Miss Keeldar to
marry Sam Wynne. She refuses to do so, voicing her
many objections regarding Wynneʼs character and
reputation. Although Mr. Sympson is clearly frustrated
with Miss Keeldar and the conversation, he does not
plead for a diversion; on the contrary, he likely wants to
continue the conversation so that he might convince
Miss Keeldar to marry Wynne. Mr. Sympson asks his
question to imply that Miss Keeldar may be facing a
bleak future due to her behavior.
Choice (E) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, Mr.
Sympson has been trying to convince Miss Keeldar to
marry Sam Wynne. She refuses to do so, voicing her
many objections regarding Wynneʼs character and
reputation. Rather than condemning conventional
lifestyles, Mr. Sympson actually wants Miss Keeldar to
have a conventional lifestyle—to marry Wynne because
he is a “suitable match” and a “proper husband.” Mr.
Sympsonʼs question in line 100 implies that he thinks
Miss Keeldar will come to no good. He poses the
question as a prediction of a bleak future for her.
17. Explanation for Correct Answer C.
Choice (C) is correct. In response to Mr. Sympsonʼs
question, “To what will she come?” Miss Keeldar says,
“Never to the altar with Sam Wynne.” Throughout the
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
passage, Mr. Sympson is attempting to convince Miss
Keeldar that she should marry Sam Wynne. When Mr.
Sympson gets frustrated and asks his rhetorical
question—that is, a question to which he does not
expect an answer—Miss Keeldar responds as if he
were sincerely inquiring about her future plans. She
says that her plans will never include marrying Sam
Wynne.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In response to Mr. Sympsonʼs
question, “To what will she come?” Miss Keeldar says,
“Never to the altar with Sam Wynne.” Earlier in the
passage, in line 56, Miss Keeldar asserted her right to
ignore a question posed by Mr. Sympson—a question
she felt was inappropriate. But in line 100, Mr.
Sympsonʼs question is rhetorical—that is, it is a
question to which he does not expect an answer. Miss
Keeldar responds as if her uncle were sincerely
inquiring about her future plans, saying that her plans
will never include marrying Sam Wynne. She does not
suggest that the question is an unreasonable request.
Choice (B) is incorrect. In response to Mr. Sympsonʼs
question, “To what will she come?” Miss Keeldar says,
“Never to the altar with Sam Wynne.” Mr. Sympsonʼs
question is rhetorical—that is, it is a question to which
he does not expect an answer. Miss Keeldar responds
to the question as if her uncle were sincerely inquiring
about her future plans. She says that her plans will
never include marrying Sam Wynne. Her response
does not indicate that she sees the question as an
appeal to her sense of fair play.
“connections,” and “respectability.” Miss Keeldar does
not believe, however, that these aspects of Wynnʼs
character make him a suitable husband. She has no
desire to marry a man simply because of his financial
status or his connections. In lines 80-84, Miss Keeldar
states that, before she marries, she is “resolved to
esteem—to admire” and to “love with [her] whole heart.”
She believes that love is a crucial prerequisite—
something that is absolutely necessary—for a
satisfactory marriage.
Choice (A) is incorrect. In lines 80-84, Miss Keeldar
states that, before she marries, she is “resolved to
esteem—to admire” and to “love with [her] whole heart.”
She specifically points out that she intends to love the
man she marries before getting married, not that love is
a natural consequence, or result, of a prolonged
companionship. If Miss Keeldar did believe that love
could eventually develop from a prolonged
companionship, she most likely would be more open to
the idea of marrying Sam Wynne, a man she currently
does not love.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Although Miss Keeldar may
believe that love is a desirable element in an
independent womanʼs life, she does not necessarily
express this belief in the passage. Miss Keeldar does
specifically state in lines 80-84 that, before she marries,
she is “resolved to esteem—to admire” and to “love
with [her] whole heart.” Miss Keeldarʼs remarks in the
passage reveal that she thinks love is absolutely
necessary for a satisfactory marriage.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In response to Mr. Sympsonʼs
question, “To what will she come?” Miss Keeldar says,
“Never to the altar with Sam Wynne.” Mr. Sympsonʼs
question is rhetorical—that is, it is a question to which
he does not expect an answer. While Mr. Sympson may
be questioning Miss Keeldarʼs morals, she does not
respond to his question as if it were an expression of
moral uncertainty. Rather, she responds to the question
as if her uncle were sincerely inquiring about her future
plans, saying that her plans will never include marrying
Sam Wynne.
Choice (D) is incorrect. In lines 80-84, Miss Keeldar
states that, before she marries, she is “resolved to
esteem—to admire” and to “love with [her] whole heart.”
She specifically points out that love is something that is
necessary before getting married, not necessarily a
fortunate accident that sometimes results from
marriage. If Miss Keeldar believed that love could result
from a marriage, even when it doesnʼt exist before it,
she most likely would be more open to the idea of
marrying Sam Wynne, a man she currently does not
love.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In response to Mr. Sympsonʼs
question, “To what will she come?” Miss Keeldar says,
“Never to the altar with Sam Wynne.” Mr. Sympsonʼs
question is rhetorical—that is, it is a question to which
he does not expect an answer. Miss Keeldarʼs
response does not mention her family at all, so she
does not interpret Mr. Sympsonʼs question as an
attempt to understand her familyʼs history. Rather, she
responds to the question as if her uncle were sincerely
inquiring about her future plans, saying that her plans
will never include marrying Sam Wynne.
Choice (E) is incorrect. In lines 80-84, Miss Keeldar
states that, before she marries, she is “resolved to
esteem—to admire” and to “love with [her] whole heart.”
If Miss Keeldar believed that love is a sentimental
delusion that is potentially harmful, she probably would
not be so committed to making sure that love is a part
of her life—in particular, that she loves a man before
she marries him. She would most likely want to avoid
love at all costs.
18. Explanation for Correct Answer B.
Choice (B) is correct. As Mr. Sympson attempts to
convince Miss Keeldar that she should marry Sam
Wynne, he argues that Wynne is worthy of Miss
Keeldar because he has “money,” “common sense,”
19. Explanation for Correct Answer E.
Choice (E) is correct. More than once, Mr. Sympson
points out Sam Wynneʼs wealth as proof that he would
make a suitable husband, so he clearly thinks Miss
Keeldar should not marry someone who is poor. Miss
Keeldar agrees, to a point: when asked if her love
would ever fall on a beggar, she responds, “On a
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Test 19: Explanations to Critical Reading
beggar it will never fall. Mendicancy is not estimable.”
When Mr. Sympson mentions other poor men, such as
"a play-actor, a play-writer. . . . [a]ny literary scrub, or
shabby, whining artist," Miss Keeldar replies that,
despite her love of the arts, she has "no taste" for "the
scrubby, shabby, whining." It seems that Miss Keeldar
seeks a man of refinement, dignity, and some wealth—
not a starving artist.
Choice (A) is incorrect. More than once, Mr. Sympson
points out Sam Wynneʼs wealth and his “connections”
as proof that he would make a suitable husband, so he
clearly thinks Miss Keeldar should seek marriage with
an aristocratic man. Miss Keeldar obviously disagrees
—she objects to Sam Wynneʼs disrespectful behavior
and lack of intelligence, and refuses to marry him, even
if he is an aristocratic man.
Choice (B) is incorrect. Mr. Sympson certainly believes
that Miss Keeldar should feel honored by the attentions
of the Wynne family. He considers the union of Miss
Keeldar and Sam Wynne to be decidedly “suitable” and
most “proper.” In response to her refusal to consent to
the marriage, Mr. Sympson states, “In all respects he is
more than worthy of you.” Miss Keeldar does not feel
that she should be honored by such attention. She
immediately points out a number of Sam Wynneʼs
negative qualities and characteristics and states that
she has absolutely no desire to marry him, despite the
fact that he comes from a respected family.
Choice (C) is incorrect. Whether or not Miss Keeldar
feels she may need to become more mature before she
marries, Mr. Sympson does not care whether or not she
is mature enough to get married. He is desperately
trying to “give her in charge to a proper husband, and
wash his hands of her for ever.” He doesnʼt want to be
bothered with her anymore.
Choice (D) is incorrect. It is important to Miss Keeldar
that she stands by her beliefs, such as her resolution
“to esteem—to admire—to love” before she marries, so
she refuses to marry Sam Wynne, a man she currently
does not love. Mr. Sympson does not care whether or
not Miss Keeldar is acting against her most deeply held
beliefs. He is desperately trying to “give her in charge to
a proper husband, and wash his hands of her for ever.”
He doesnʼt want to be bothered with her anymore.
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