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Question 1
(1) Calling someone a rat may be complimentary. (2) in one experiment, University of Chicago
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)? Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely, that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought.
The use of a comma before "namely" is crucial for proper punctuation in the sentence. It clarifies that what follows is an explanation or elaboration of the statement about empathy and altruism, ensuring that the reader understands the connection between the two parts of the sentence.
A) (as it is now)
This option does not provide any punctuation before "namely," making the sentence grammatically incorrect. The lack of a comma fails to signal that an elaboration or specification follows, which can lead to confusion in understanding the relationship between the two ideas.
B) altruism: namely
Using a colon before "namely" is incorrect in this context. A colon is typically used to introduce a list or a quote, but in this case, the phrase following "namely" is not a list or direct quote, making this punctuation inappropriate.
C) altruism, namely,
This option correctly uses a comma before "namely" to set up the explanation that follows. It maintains the flow of the sentence and ensures clarity, allowing readers to understand that the characteristics being discussed are elaborated upon in the subsequent clause.
D) altruism-namely,
Using a hyphen before "namely" is grammatically incorrect. Hyphens are used to connect words or parts of words, and their use here disrupts the sentence's structure, creating confusion rather than clarity.
Conclusion
Proper punctuation is essential for clear communication in writing. In this case, option C uses the comma correctly to introduce an explanation, enhancing the sentence's clarity and maintaining the intended meaning. The other options either lack necessary punctuation or use incorrect forms, which can mislead the reader and obscure the intended message.
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Question 2
(1) Calling someone a rat may be complimentary. (2) in one experiment, University of Chicago
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
Where would the following sentence best fit in the passage? The results of two new experiments suggest that rats are surprisingly selfless.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
The results of two new experiments suggest that rats are surprisingly selfless.
This sentence best fits after sentence 8, as it introduces a new topic that could relate to the author's reflections on their irrational fears and the broader theme of self-discovery and understanding. It provides a contrasting idea that can serve as a metaphorical pivot in the narrative, linking the author’s journey of personal growth to a surprising insight about behavior in another species.
A) After sentence 1
Placing the sentence here would disrupt the flow of the passage, as it would introduce an unrelated topic immediately after the author discusses their personal experience moving to New York City. This would confuse the reader since sentence 1 sets the stage for a narrative focused on self-confidence and adjustment, not animal behavior.
B) After sentence 3
This choice would also be inappropriate because it follows a description of the author's rural background and their comfortable upbringing. Introducing a statement about rats at this point would feel jarring and would not resonate with the themes of personal identity and cultural adjustment that are being developed.
C) After sentence 8
This location is ideal as it follows a reflection on the author's irrational fears, allowing the new sentence to serve as a metaphor for selflessness and adaptability. It emphasizes a thematic shift towards understanding and acceptance, which mirrors the author's journey in adapting to city life.
D) After sentence 11
Inserting the sentence here would be disruptive as it follows a discussion about local festivals and cultural experiences. This would detract from the celebratory tone of community and diversity, leading to a disjointed transition into an unrelated topic about rats.
Conclusion
The placement of the sentence about rats after sentence 8 effectively enhances the narrative by connecting the author's personal growth with broader themes of understanding and adaptability. This metaphorical insight serves to enrich the reader's comprehension of the author's journey, while emphasizing the importance of perspective and overcoming personal fears.
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Question 3
(1) Calling someone a rat may be complimentary. (2) in one experiment, University of Chicago
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
In context, how should the underlined part of sentence 6 (reproduced below) be revised? The rats eating the chocolate themselves.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
The rats eating the chocolate themselves.
In the context of the sentence, "the rats eating the chocolate themselves" suggests an ongoing or recent action, which is best expressed using the present perfect tense "have eaten." This choice indicates that the action of the rats eating chocolate is relevant to the present moment.
A) would have eaten
This option implies a conditional situation that did not occur, suggesting that the rats might have eaten the chocolate under certain circumstances. This does not align with the presented context, which describes a past action that has implications for the present.
B) could have eaten
This choice indicates a potential action that was possible but not confirmed, which does not accurately reflect the certainty implied in the original statement. The context suggests that the action of eating is being presented as a completed action, not a hypothetical one.
C) had eaten
Using "had eaten" denotes a past perfect tense, indicating that the rats ate the chocolate before another past event. This does not fit well in the current context, where the emphasis is on the present relevance of the action rather than its relation to another past event.
D) have eaten
This option uses the present perfect tense, which is appropriate for indicating that the action of the rats eating chocolate has occurred and is relevant to the current situation. It conveys a sense of immediacy and connection to the present, which is what the sentence intends.
Conclusion
The best revision of the underlined part in sentence 6 is "have eaten" because it accurately reflects the present relevance of the rats' action. The other options fail to capture the necessary immediacy or certainty that the original phrasing intended, thereby making "have eaten" the clear choice for conveying the intended meaning.
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Question 4
(1) Calling someone a rat may be complimentary. (2) in one experiment, University of Chicago
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
neuroscientist Peggy Mason placed 30 pairs of rats in pens. (3) One rat was caged in the middle of the pen, while the other was free to run around. (4) Eventually, 23 of 30 rats liberated their peers by pushing the cage door open with their heads or leaning against the door until it tipped over.
(5) In another experiment, Mason gave rats access to two cages, in one cage was another rat, in the other was a pile of chocolate chips. (6) The rats eating the chocolate themselves. (7) instead, most of the rodents opened both cages and shared the sweets. (8) "In rat land, that is big." Mason says, claiming that this study is the first to show altruistic behavior in rodents.
(9) Not all scientists agree with the conclusion Mason drew from the experiment, however. (10) The jailbreaking rats might have only been trying to silence their cohorts' distressing alarm calis. (11) Mason counters that the alarm calls from the caged rats were not frequent enough to motivate their peers, but both parties are speculating at this point.
(12) Mason's new study is one of many that are changing how scientists think about empathy and altruism, namely: that such characteristics are not limited to people, as they once thought. (13) It now seems that many animals have evolved instincts to help others.
Should sentence 15 (reproduced below) be kept in the fourth paragraph? Actually, there's Mason counters that the alarm calls, and I've even gotten used to the noise
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) B
Rationale
Yes, because it reinforces the paragraph's focus on the narrator's evolving perspective about the city.
The sentence highlights the narrator's transformation from feeling intimidated by the city to embracing its vibrancy, which is central to the paragraph's theme of personal growth and adaptation.
A) Yes, because it is appropriate to the paragraph's purpose of creating a feeling of being in a busy city.
While the sentence does convey the busy nature of the city, its primary function is to illustrate the narrator's shift in attitude rather than to evoke the city's atmosphere. Thus, it does not directly support the specific purpose of creating that feeling.
C) No, because it blurs the paragraph's focus on the uncommon experiences the narrator has had in the city.
This choice misinterprets the paragraph's intent. The sentence actually aligns with the narrator's experiences by highlighting the change in perception, rather than detracting from the unique aspects of city life.
D) No, because it is irrelevant to the paragraph's topic about the challenges of moving from the country to the city.
This option incorrectly assumes that the sentence is irrelevant. In fact, it addresses the challenges faced by the narrator and illustrates how those challenges have been overcome, reinforcing the overall message of adaptation and acceptance.
Conclusion
The sentence in question is vital to the paragraph as it encapsulates the narrator's journey from fear to comfort in the urban environment. By emphasizing the change in perspective, it effectively supports the narrative of personal growth and acceptance within the bustling life of the city. This development is crucial to understanding the narrator's evolving relationship with their new surroundings.
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Question 5
(1) When I moved to New York City ten months ago to go to college, it was mainly my lack of self-confidence that made it hard to adjust to my new surroundings. (2) I'm a country kid from rural Texas. (3) 1 grew up on a ranch on the prairie. (4) I was used to wide-open spaces and peace and quiet, and most of my friends were of Mexican descent like me. (5) Fortunately, I've come to enjoy living in the city, but for a long time I felt overwhelmed and out of place.
(6) Early on for example my anxiety about getting lost was so bad that I was even scared to go for a walk or to take a bus or the subway. (7) I feared that I might have to ask a stranger for directions and that that person might not speak one of the languages I do, (8) My irrational fears went on and on.
(9) That's why I was relieved when, after many hours of reflection, I finally realized that it was my attitude and not the city that were making me miserable. (10) I adopted a new outlook and began to develop friendships and explore the city with my new companions. (11) Together we've attended many of the local festivals that are held from time to time to celebrate a holiday, a historic event, or a culture. (12) I've enjoyed the diversity here, and wanting to learn as much as I can about the different sorts of people who live here. (13) It has also been great to meet so many other people who are bilingual in Spanish and English.
(14) Being able to meet others who speak Spanish has definitely helped me. (15) Actually, there's not much about living here that intimidates me anymore, and I've even gotten used to the noise. (16) The city never sleeps, as they say, and day or night there are always hundreds of people out and about on the streets. (17) Now I wonder whether I'll be able to fall asleep when I go back to Texas, where the only noise I'll hear at night is lowing of the cattle.
(6) Early on for example my anxiety about getting lost was so bad that I was even scared to go for a walk or to take a bus or the subway. (7) I feared that I might have to ask a stranger for directions and that that person might not speak one of the languages I do, (8) My irrational fears went on and on.
(9) That's why I was relieved when, after many hours of reflection, I finally realized that it was my attitude and not the city that were making me miserable. (10) I adopted a new outlook and began to develop friendships and explore the city with my new companions. (11) Together we've attended many of the local festivals that are held from time to time to celebrate a holiday, a historic event, or a culture. (12) I've enjoyed the diversity here, and wanting to learn as much as I can about the different sorts of people who live here. (13) It has also been great to meet so many other people who are bilingual in Spanish and English.
(14) Being able to meet others who speak Spanish has definitely helped me. (15) Actually, there's not much about living here that intimidates me anymore, and I've even gotten used to the noise. (16) The city never sleeps, as they say, and day or night there are always hundreds of people out and about on the streets. (17) Now I wonder whether I'll be able to fall asleep when I go back to Texas, where the only noise I'll hear at night is lowing of the cattle.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)?
I've enjoyed the diversity here, and wanting to learn as much as I can about the different sorts of people who live here.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
I've enjoyed the diversity here, and I also wanted to learn as much as I can about the different sorts of people who live here.
This choice correctly connects the two clauses with a coordinating conjunction, ensuring grammatical coherence while expressing the writer's desire to learn about the city's diversity.
A) (as it is now)
The original phrasing "wanting to learn" creates a grammatical error known as a sentence fragment. It lacks a subject and verb for the second clause, making it unclear and incomplete in conveying the writer's intention.
B) here and had been wanting
This option introduces a past perfect tense "had been wanting," which is unnecessary and awkward in context. The use of past perfect implies an action that was completed before another past action, which does not fit the current narrative about ongoing experiences in the city.
D) here, and I want
While this choice is grammatically correct, it changes the tense of "want" to present, which slightly alters the meaning. The original text conveys a sense of ongoing desire ("wanting") rather than a simple present wish, making it less effective in reflecting the author's ongoing engagement with the city's diversity.
Conclusion
The best choice maintains grammatical integrity and accurately reflects the ongoing desire to learn about the diverse population of the city. Option C effectively combines the two ideas, showing both enjoyment of diversity and a proactive interest in understanding it, which captures the essence of the author's experience in New York City.
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