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Question 1
Passage 1: I have always been wary of cats, and now, walking alongside a 500-pound African black-maned lion, I know why. They remind me there is something higher than I am on the food chain. Josef, the lion beside me, is trained- 'the best lion in the business,' his owner says, beaming. Josef has starred in movies and posed for film animators. Josef is a big-time Hollywood cat. But Josef is not tame. No big cat ever is- a difficult fact to ignore as we climb the hills near the ranch Josef calls home. He strides with the fluidity of unfurling silk, deliberately- not an ounce of tentativeness in each footfall. 'Cats don't rent; they own,' it is said. Lions own everything in sight. Passage 2: From Cathy Newman, 'Nature's Masterwork: CATS.' ©1997 by National Geographic Society. While packs of cave bears and saber-toothed tigers may once have terrorized early humanity, most regions of our planet have since been stripped of their descendants. And due to a variety of factors, many other 'man-eating' species now face the possibility of extinction. Their disappearance from Earth is a sobering prospect, not least because of the role they play in keeping us humble. The possibility of being prey, rather than agents of planetary dominion, keeps us acutely aware of our membership within the natural world. The emotions inspired by such possibilities remind us that the world is a dangerous, yet beautiful, place.
According to the author of Passage 2, fierce animal species inspire what feeling in humans?
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) B
Rationale
Fierce animal species inspire humility in humans.
The author of Passage 2 emphasizes that the potential for humans to be prey rather than the dominant species fosters a sense of humility regarding our place in the natural world. This recognition of vulnerability encourages a deeper connection to the environment and an understanding of our role within it.
A) Humor
The passage does not suggest that fierce animal species evoke humor in humans. Instead, it focuses on the serious implications of human vulnerability in the face of nature's power, contrasting humor with the sobering reality of extinction and our place in the food chain.
B) Humility
The author clearly states that the awareness of being prey, rather than the dominant force, inspires humility. This feeling prompts reflection on our existence within the natural world and an acknowledgment of the dangers that come with it, making humility the correct choice.
C) Bravery
While some may view the presence of fierce animals as a call to bravery, the passage does not support this idea. The author highlights the importance of recognizing our vulnerability, which can lead to caution rather than a display of bravery in the face of potential danger.
D) Arrogance
The passage contradicts the notion that fierce animal species inspire arrogance. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of understanding our limitations and the dangers of nature, suggesting that arrogance would be misplaced in light of these realities.
Conclusion
The insights from Passage 2 convey that fierce animal species remind humans of their vulnerability and instill a sense of humility. This acknowledgment of our place in the natural order serves to keep us grounded, fostering a deeper respect for the complexities and dangers of the world around us.
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Question 2
Passage 1: I have always been wary of cats, and now, walking alongside a 500-pound African black-maned lion, I know why. They remind me there is something higher than I am on the food chain. Josef, the lion beside me, is trained- 'the best lion in the business,' his owner says, beaming. Josef has starred in movies and posed for film animators. Josef is a big-time Hollywood cat. But Josef is not tame. No big cat ever is- a difficult fact to ignore as we climb the hills near the ranch Josef calls home. He strides with the fluidity of unfurling silk, deliberately- not an ounce of tentativeness in each footfall. 'Cats don't rent; they own,' it is said. Lions own everything in sight. Passage 2: From Cathy Newman, 'Nature's Masterwork: CATS.' ©1997 by National Geographic Society. While packs of cave bears and saber-toothed tigers may once have terrorized early humanity, most regions of our planet have since been stripped of their descendants. And due to a variety of factors, many other 'man-eating' species now face the possibility of extinction. Their disappearance from Earth is a sobering prospect, not least because of the role they play in keeping us humble. The possibility of being prey, rather than agents of planetary dominion, keeps us acutely aware of our membership within the natural world. The emotions inspired by such possibilities remind us that the world is a dangerous, yet beautiful, place.
Which point do both of the passages make?
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) A
Rationale
That human beings can be prey.
Both passages emphasize the concept of humans as part of a broader food chain, where they can be vulnerable and not solely dominant. The first passage highlights the author's fear of a lion, reinforcing the idea that humans can be prey, while the second passage discusses the importance of recognizing our place within the natural world, where we are not the apex predators.
A) That human beings can be prey
This point is directly supported by both passages. The first passage illustrates the author's wariness of lions, suggesting a recognition of humans as potential prey, while the second passage discusses the historical context of humans being threatened by large predators and the humbling realization of their vulnerability in nature.
B) That human beings have a duty to protect large predatory animals
While the second passage hints at the importance of these species, it does not explicitly state that humans have a duty to protect them. Instead, it focuses on the broader implications of their potential extinction and the humility it brings, which does not directly connect to a duty to protect.
C) That large predatory animals are vanishing from the planet
Although the second passage mentions the extinction of certain species, the first passage does not address this theme. Therefore, it does not serve as a common point between the two passages, as it is not a focus in the first.
D) That big cats can never be tamed
The first passage discusses the nature of big cats and their untamed essence, but this theme is not present in the second passage. Thus, it cannot be considered a shared point between the two texts.
Conclusion
Both passages highlight the idea that humans can experience vulnerability and be prey within the natural world. This perspective encourages a humbling awareness of our place in the ecosystem, contrasting with the common belief of human dominance. By recognizing our potential as prey, both passages invite reflection on the intricacies of nature and our relationship with other species.
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Question 3
Passage 1: I have always been wary of cats, and now, walking alongside a 500-pound African black-maned lion, I know why. They remind me there is something higher than I am on the food chain. Josef, the lion beside me, is trained- 'the best lion in the business,' his owner says, beaming. Josef has starred in movies and posed for film animators. Josef is a big-time Hollywood cat. But Josef is not tame. No big cat ever is- a difficult fact to ignore as we climb the hills near the ranch Josef calls home. He strides with the fluidity of unfurling silk, deliberately- not an ounce of tentativeness in each footfall. 'Cats don't rent; they own,' it is said. Lions own everything in sight. Passage 2: From Cathy Newman, 'Nature's Masterwork: CATS.' ©1997 by National Geographic Society. While packs of cave bears and saber-toothed tigers may once have terrorized early humanity, most regions of our planet have since been stripped of their descendants. And due to a variety of factors, many other 'man-eating' species now face the possibility of extinction. Their disappearance from Earth is a sobering prospect, not least because of the role they play in keeping us humble. The possibility of being prey, rather than agents of planetary dominion, keeps us acutely aware of our membership within the natural world. The emotions inspired by such possibilities remind us that the world is a dangerous, yet beautiful, place.
Unlike Passage 2, Passage 1 makes use of:
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
Passage 1 makes use of personal anecdote.
The use of personal anecdotes in Passage 1 allows for a more relatable and engaging narrative, helping to illustrate the points being made through individual experiences and stories. This contrasts with the more analytical approach taken in Passage 2.
A) Scientific observation
Scientific observation involves the systematic collection of data through experiments or empirical evidence. While both passages may discuss scientific concepts, Passage 1 does not present observations in the traditional scientific method context, focusing instead on personal narratives, making this choice incorrect.
B) Historical allusion
Historical allusion refers to references made to past events or figures to provide context or depth. Although the passages may reference historical figures in science, Passage 1 specifically employs personal anecdotes rather than alluding to historical events or figures to make its points, thus making this option inaccurate.
D) Logical reasoning
Logical reasoning entails drawing conclusions based on premises or evidence in a structured manner. Passage 1's reliance on anecdotal evidence does not strictly follow logical reasoning patterns, which would require a more formal argumentative structure. Instead, it focuses on subjective experiences, rendering this choice incorrect.
Conclusion
In summary, Passage 1's distinctive feature is its use of personal anecdotes, which contrasts with the approaches found in Passage 2. By sharing individual stories, the author makes the content more engaging and relatable, providing a narrative that emphasizes the inevitability of scientific discoveries. Other choices, such as scientific observation, historical allusion, and logical reasoning, do not accurately describe the primary technique used in Passage 1.
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Question 4
Passage 1: I have always been wary of cats, and now, walking alongside a 500-pound African black-maned lion, I know why. They remind me there is something higher than I am on the food chain. Josef, the lion beside me, is trained- 'the best lion in the business,' his owner says, beaming. Josef has starred in movies and posed for film animators. Josef is a big-time Hollywood cat. But Josef is not tame. No big cat ever is- a difficult fact to ignore as we climb the hills near the ranch Josef calls home. He strides with the fluidity of unfurling silk, deliberately- not an ounce of tentativeness in each footfall. 'Cats don't rent; they own,' it is said. Lions own everything in sight. Passage 2: From Cathy Newman, 'Nature's Masterwork: CATS.' ©1997 by National Geographic Society. While packs of cave bears and saber-toothed tigers may once have terrorized early humanity, most regions of our planet have since been stripped of their descendants. And due to a variety of factors, many other 'man-eating' species now face the possibility of extinction. Their disappearance from Earth is a sobering prospect, not least because of the role they play in keeping us humble. The possibility of being prey, rather than agents of planetary dominion, keeps us acutely aware of our membership within the natural world. The emotions inspired by such possibilities remind us that the world is a dangerous, yet beautiful, place.
In context, the second quotation in Passage 1 ('Cats... own') serves to:
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) B
Rationale
Reinforce an observation by using a metaphor.
The second quotation in Passage 1 employs a metaphor to emphasize the relationship between cats and their owners, illustrating how that dynamic mirrors the broader themes of ownership and companionship discussed in the text. This metaphorical language enhances the reader's understanding of the emotional nuance in the concept of ownership.
A) Present an alternative view of a troubling situation
This choice suggests that the quotation provides a contrasting perspective on a problem, but the metaphor instead reinforces the existing ideas about companionship and ownership rather than presenting an alternative. The focus of the quotation does not shift the narrative but rather deepens the exploration of the relationship between pets and their owners.
B) Reinforce an observation by using a metaphor
The metaphor in the quotation serves to strengthen the author's observations about the nature of relationships, particularly how they can be characterized by both affection and a sense of possession. By using metaphorical language, the author vividly illustrates the complexities of emotional attachment, making this choice the most accurate representation of the quotation's function.
C) Warn the reader of an existing danger
This option implies that the quotation serves as a cautionary statement, which is not the case. The metaphor does not highlight any dangers associated with the relationship between cats and their owners; rather, it emphasizes the emotional bond and the complexities of ownership without any implied risk.
D) Cite an authority to support a point
This choice suggests that the quotation references an authoritative source to bolster the argument, but the metaphor does not cite any authority. Instead, it expresses an observation that stands on its own, illustrating the author's viewpoint rather than relying on external endorsement.
Conclusion
The use of metaphor in the second quotation effectively reinforces the author's observations about the relationships between individuals and their pets. By creatively illustrating the emotional ties involved in ownership, the metaphor enriches the narrative rather than simply presenting facts or warnings. This deepened understanding of the bond between cats and their owners aligns with the broader themes of intimacy and complexity in human relationships.
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Question 5
Read the passage(s) below and answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage(s) and in any introductory material that may be provided.
Passage
The phenomenon of simultaneous discovery-what science historians call "multiples"-turns out to be extremely common. One of the first comprehensive lists of multiples was put together in 1922 by William Ogburn and Dorothy Thomas; they found 148 major scientific discoveries that fit the multiples pattern. Working independently, both Newton and Leibniz discovered calculus. Three mathematicians "invented" decimal fractions. For Ogburn and Thomas, the sheer number of multiples could mean only one thing: scientific discoveries must, in some sense, be inevitable. They must be in the air, products of the intellectual climate of a specific time and place.
Adapted from Malcolm Gladwell. "In the Air ©2008 by Conde Nast
Passage
The phenomenon of simultaneous discovery-what science historians call "multiples"-turns out to be extremely common. One of the first comprehensive lists of multiples was put together in 1922 by William Ogburn and Dorothy Thomas; they found 148 major scientific discoveries that fit the multiples pattern. Working independently, both Newton and Leibniz discovered calculus. Three mathematicians "invented" decimal fractions. For Ogburn and Thomas, the sheer number of multiples could mean only one thing: scientific discoveries must, in some sense, be inevitable. They must be in the air, products of the intellectual climate of a specific time and place.
Adapted from Malcolm Gladwell. "In the Air ©2008 by Conde Nast
Which of the following, if true, would best serve to challenge Ogburn and Thomas's belief that the discovery of calculus is an example of the 'phenomenon' mentioned in the first sentence?
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
Finding a previously unknown letter between Newton and Leibniz discussing calculus that predated its commonly assumed discovery.
This option directly challenges the belief that the discovery of calculus was a standalone phenomenon as it suggests prior communication between Newton and Leibniz, indicating that their discoveries may not have been entirely independent. Such a letter would imply a shared knowledge or influence that contradicts the notion of isolated invention.
A) Uncovering the existence of a journal that Newton kept while working with calculus
While this discovery could provide insight into Newton's thought process and development of calculus, it does not directly challenge the idea that he was the sole inventor. The journal may detail his independent work without implicating Leibniz or any external influences.
B) Learning that scientists other than Newton and Leibniz had also made substantial progress on calculus
This option might suggest a broader context for the development of calculus but does not specifically undermine the phenomenon of independent discovery attributed to Newton and Leibniz. It could indicate parallel developments rather than challenge their individual claims.
D) Identifying a minor error in Newton's original mathematical calculations
While finding an error could impact the perceived accuracy of Newton's work, it does not address the claim of independent discovery. An error would not negate the fact that he developed calculus, nor does it imply that Leibniz's work was influenced by Newton.
Conclusion
To effectively challenge Ogburn and Thomas's assertion regarding the discovery of calculus as an isolated phenomenon, the best evidence is a previously unknown letter indicating communication between Newton and Leibniz. Such a letter would imply a connection that undermines the notion of independent invention, while the other options either provide context or critique without directly addressing the core claim of isolated discovery.
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