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Question 1
(1) According to urban legend, the potato chip was accidentally invented in 1853 by an irritated chef. (2) He was George Crum, the son of an African-American father and Native-American mother, who was working as a chef one summer in Saratoga Springs, New York. (3) A customer in the restaurant where Crum worked complained that his French-fried potatoes were too thick and soft and sent them back to the kitchen. (4) To teach the customer a lesson, Crum allegedly sliced a new batch of potatoes as thinly as he possibly could, fried the slices until they were hard and crunchy, and then dousing them with salt. (5) But far from being angry, the customer ended up loving the new dish, and thus the potato chip was born. (6) Saratoga Springs was famous at the time for its natural hot springs, some of which are still in operation today. (7) Soon the potato chips, originally known as "Saratoga chips" or "potato crunches," became very popular. (8) With the profits he'd made, Crum opened his own restaurant, where every table had its own basket of chips. (9) The chips remained a local delicacy until the Prohibition era. (10) This is when an entrepreneur named Herman Lay popularized the product throughout the Southeastern United States. (11) However, not everyone believes that George Crum was the inventor of the potato chip. (12) These skeptics say that certain cookbooks from the early 1800s, such as William Kitchiner's The Cook's Oracle and N.K.M. Lee's The Cook's Own Book, described recipes for very similar potato dishes- the only difference is that they weren't called "potato chips."
Which is the best way to revise and combine the underlined portions of sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)? The chips remained a local delicacy until the Prohibition era. This is when an entrepreneur named Herman Lay popularized the product throughout the Southeastern United States.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
The chips remained a local delicacy until the Prohibition era, when an entrepreneur named Herman Lay popularized the product throughout the Southeastern United States.
Combining the two sentences effectively requires the use of a concise and grammatically correct phrase that maintains the intended meaning. The word "when" serves this purpose best, linking the time period directly to the action of popularization.
A) era, this is when
Using "this is when" introduces unnecessary verbosity and disrupts the flow of the sentence. The phrase is awkward and makes the sentence less direct, which is not ideal for a smooth transition.
B) era, then
The word "then" implies a sequence of events but does not provide the necessary clarity regarding the timing of the entrepreneur's actions in relation to the Prohibition era. This option does not effectively convey the relationship between the two ideas.
C) era, which is when
"Which is when" adds unnecessary complexity to the sentence structure. It creates a relative clause that complicates the sentence rather than providing a clear and straightforward connection between the era and Lay’s actions.
D) era, when
This option is the most concise and clear. It effectively links the Prohibition era directly to the action of Herman Lay popularizing potato chips, maintaining the original meaning without added complexity.
Conclusion
The best revision combines clarity and conciseness, effectively linking the time period of the Prohibition era to Herman Lay's actions. By using "when," the sentence maintains a smooth flow and clear relationship between the local delicacy and its subsequent popularization, thereby enhancing readability and understanding.
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Question 2
(1) According to urban legend, the potato chip was accidentally invented in 1853 by an irritated chef. (2) He was George Crum, the son of an African-American father and Native-American mother, who was working as a chef one summer in Saratoga Springs, New York. (3) A customer in the restaurant where Crum worked complained that his French-fried potatoes were too thick and soft and sent them back to the kitchen. (4) To teach the customer a lesson, Crum allegedly sliced a new batch of potatoes as thinly as he possibly could, fried the slices until they were hard and crunchy, and then dousing them with salt. (5) But far from being angry, the customer ended up loving the new dish, and thus the potato chip was born. (6) Saratoga Springs was famous at the time for its natural hot springs, some of which are still in operation today. (7) Soon the potato chips, originally known as "Saratoga chips" or "potato crunches," became very popular. (8) With the profits he'd made, Crum opened his own restaurant, where every table had its own basket of chips. (9) The chips remained a local delicacy until the Prohibition era. (10) This is when an entrepreneur named Herman Lay popularized the product throughout the Southeastern United States. (11) However, not everyone believes that George Crum was the inventor of the potato chip. (12) These skeptics say that certain cookbooks from the early 1800s, such as William Kitchiner's The Cook's Oracle and N.K.M. Lee's The Cook's Own Book, described recipes for very similar potato dishes- the only difference is that they weren't called "potato chips."
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 11 (reproduced below)? However, not everyone believes that George Crum was the inventor of the potato chip.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) A
Rationale
However, not everyone believes that George Crum was the inventor of the potato chip.
This sentence effectively conveys the intended contrast without needing additional punctuation or alterations. The word "However" serves its purpose as a conjunction to introduce a counterpoint, making this option the clearest and most grammatically correct choice.
A) (As it is now)
This option is the best choice because it maintains proper sentence structure and clarity. The use of "However" at the beginning effectively indicates a shift in the narrative, introducing skepticism about George Crum's status as the inventor of the potato chip, which aligns perfectly with the context and flow of the passage.
B) However
This choice lacks necessary punctuation. While it retains the transitional phrase, presenting it as a standalone option does not complete the sentence, which can confuse the reader and disrupt the intended flow of ideas.
C) However—
This option introduces an unnecessary dash that disrupts the sentence's clarity. The dash implies a pause that is not needed in this context, making the sentence feel awkward and less formal, which detracts from the overall readability and coherence of the statement.
D) However:
Using a colon here is incorrect, as colons typically introduce lists, explanations, or quotations rather than continuing a sentence. This choice alters the intended meaning and structure, making it grammatically incorrect in this context.
Conclusion
The original phrasing of the sentence is the most effective option, as it maintains clarity and proper grammatical structure. The other choices either introduce unnecessary punctuation or disrupt the flow of the sentence, making them less suitable. In discussing the invention of potato chips, it is crucial to present contrasting viewpoints clearly and concisely, which the original sentence does adeptly.
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Question 3
(1) According to urban legend, the potato chip was accidentally invented in 1853 by an irritated chef. (2) He was George Crum, the son of an African-American father and Native-American mother, who was working as a chef one summer in Saratoga Springs, New York. (3) A customer in the restaurant where Crum worked complained that his French-fried potatoes were too thick and soft and sent them back to the kitchen. (4) To teach the customer a lesson, Crum allegedly sliced a new batch of potatoes as thinly as he possibly could, fried the slices until they were hard and crunchy, and then dousing them with salt. (5) But far from being angry, the customer ended up loving the new dish, and thus the potato chip was born. (6) Saratoga Springs was famous at the time for its natural hot springs, some of which are still in operation today. (7) Soon the potato chips, originally known as "Saratoga chips" or "potato crunches," became very popular. (8) With the profits he'd made, Crum opened his own restaurant, where every table had its own basket of chips. (9) The chips remained a local delicacy until the Prohibition era. (10) This is when an entrepreneur named Herman Lay popularized the product throughout the Southeastern United States. (11) However, not everyone believes that George Crum was the inventor of the potato chip. (12) These skeptics say that certain cookbooks from the early 1800s, such as William Kitchiner's The Cook's Oracle and N.K.M. Lee's The Cook's Own Book, described recipes for very similar potato dishes- the only difference is that they weren't called "potato chips."
What is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence 4 (reproduced below)? To teach the customer a lesson, Crum allegedly sliced a new batch of potatoes as thinly as he possibly could, fried the slices until they were hard and crunchy, and then dousing them with salt.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) B
Rationale
and then doused
Using "and then doused" maintains a parallel structure with the preceding verbs in the list, which enhances clarity and flow. This concise phrasing effectively conveys the sequence of actions without unnecessary words.
A) and then he doused
This option introduces the subject "he," which is unnecessary and disrupts the parallel structure established by the earlier verbs. The added word makes the sentence less concise and does not align with the rhythm of the previous actions.
B) and then doused
This choice preserves the list's parallelism by omitting unnecessary subjects, maintaining a consistent verb form throughout. It succinctly conveys the sequence of actions taken by Crum, making the sentence clearer and more engaging.
C) doused them
While "doused them" is grammatically correct, it alters the sentence's structure by removing the conjunction "and then." This changes the flow and creates a less cohesive list of actions, making it less effective in conveying the sequence of events.
D) and finally dousing
This option introduces an awkward phrasing that mixes verb forms by using "dousing" instead of a past tense verb to match the preceding actions. It disrupts the parallel structure and creates inconsistency in the sentence's rhythm.
Conclusion
The best revision, "and then doused," maintains the parallel structure and clarity of the original sentence while presenting a clear sequence of actions. This enhances readability and comprehension, making it the most effective choice among the options provided. The focus on maintaining verb consistency in lists is crucial for effective writing.
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Question 4
(1) According to urban legend, the potato chip was accidentally invented in 1853 by an irritated chef. (2) He was George Crum, the son of an African-American father and Native-American mother, who was working as a chef one summer in Saratoga Springs, New York. (3) A customer in the restaurant where Crum worked complained that his French-fried potatoes were too thick and soft and sent them back to the kitchen. (4) To teach the customer a lesson, Crum allegedly sliced a new batch of potatoes as thinly as he possibly could, fried the slices until they were hard and crunchy, and then dousing them with salt. (5) But far from being angry, the customer ended up loving the new dish, and thus the potato chip was born. (6) Saratoga Springs was famous at the time for its natural hot springs, some of which are still in operation today. (7) Soon the potato chips, originally known as "Saratoga chips" or "potato crunches," became very popular. (8) With the profits he'd made, Crum opened his own restaurant, where every table had its own basket of chips. (9) The chips remained a local delicacy until the Prohibition era. (10) This is when an entrepreneur named Herman Lay popularized the product throughout the Southeastern United States. (11) However, not everyone believes that George Crum was the inventor of the potato chip. (12) These skeptics say that certain cookbooks from the early 1800s, such as William Kitchiner's The Cook's Oracle and N.K.M. Lee's The Cook's Own Book, described recipes for very similar potato dishes- the only difference is that they weren't called "potato chips."
Which sentence should be deleted from the passage because it contains irrelevant information?
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) B
Rationale
Sentence 6 should be deleted from the passage because it contains irrelevant information.
Sentence 6 discusses the establishment of democratic rule in the 1990s, which, while historically significant, does not directly relate to the topic of Guarani's status or its thriving under General Stroessner. This detour into political history detracts from the main focus of the passage, which is language and cultural identity.
A) Sentence 3
Sentence 3 provides context about General Stroessner's background, linking his heritage to the promotion of the Guarani language. This information is relevant as it establishes a connection between Stroessner's identity and his policies regarding Guarani, thus enhancing the reader's understanding of the language's historical significance.
B) Sentence 6
As noted, this sentence introduces the topic of democratic rule, which, while important, shifts the focus away from Guarani and its cultural implications. The passage centers on the language's status and development under Stroessner, making this particular detail less pertinent to the core theme, thus warranting its removal for clarity.
C) Sentence 7
Sentence 7 discusses subsequent steps taken to strengthen Guarani, which is directly relevant to the passage's theme. It highlights the ongoing relevance of Guarani and reinforces the discussion around cultural preservation, making it an integral part of the narrative.
D) Sentence 12
Sentence 12 addresses concerns about Guarani's future amidst urban migration, offering insight into challenges the language faces. This perspective is essential for understanding the broader context of Guarani's status, thereby supporting the passage's main argument.
Conclusion
The passage emphasizes the historical significance and evolving status of the Guarani language, particularly under General Stroessner's regime. Sentence 6, while informative about political transitions, does not contribute meaningfully to the discussion of Guarani's cultural relevance and should be deleted for improved focus. Retaining sentences that directly relate to Guarani's development ensures the passage remains coherent and on-topic.
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Question 5
To this day, Paraguay remains the only country in the Americas where a majority of the population speaks one indigenous language: Guarani. It is taught in every school. And, in the streets: it is a source of national pride. Paraguay differs significantly even from other multilingual Latin American nations like neighboring Bolivia. In Paraguay, indigenous peoples account for less than 5 percent of the population. Yet Guarani is spoken by an estimated 90 percent of Paraguayans. Unlike Bolivia, which has many official languages, Paraguay has only two. Linguists and historians say the complex reasons for the broad use of the indigenous language here date to the earliest days of Spain's colonization in the sixteenth century. The colonial system that forced indigenous people to work for Europeans did not penetrate big parts of the territory that eventually became Paraguay. This helped sustain Guarani. Under General Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled from 1954 to 1989, Guarani thrived. General Stroessner, the son of a Bavarian immigrant father and Guarani-speaking mother, made it an official language and rewarded rural Guarani speakers with land for their loyalty. Democratic rule was established in the 1990s. Then more steps were taken to strengthen Guarani. But not everyone is optimistic about Guarani's prospects, pointing to factors like the increasing migration of peasants from the rural interior, where Guarani is often the dominant language, to cities, where Spanish holds more sway. Whether Guarani can continue to thrive, even survive, in a more urban society and an increasingly connected world remains to be seen.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed: 'The 1992 Constitution made Guarani equal to Spanish, and officials say that they have aggressively expanded Guarani instruction in primary schools'?
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
The sentence best fits after sentence 14.
This placement allows for a smooth transition into discussing the constitutional recognition of Guarani and the efforts to promote its instruction in schools after the establishment of democratic rule. It connects well with the preceding context regarding the challenges faced by the language and highlights recent initiatives aimed at its revitalization.
A) After sentence 1
Placing the sentence after the first sentence would disrupt the flow of information. The first sentence introduces Stroessner's regime and the initial thriving of Guarani, while the proposed sentence discusses later developments that are not yet relevant at this point in the text.
B) After sentence 6
This option would also be inappropriate as it comes too early in the narrative. Sentence 6 touches on the establishment of democratic rule but does not yet address the specifics of Guarani's status or educational initiatives, making the proposed sentence feel out of context.
C) After sentence 10
While this placement is closer to the discussion of Guarani's challenges, it still does not provide a logical flow. The preceding sentences do not sufficiently set the stage for the significant constitutional changes, which are better contextualized after a broader discussion of efforts related to Guarani.
D) After sentence 14
This is the most logical placement as it allows for a clear connection to be made regarding the constitutional equality of Guarani and Spanish. It follows the discussion of challenges and gives a sense of hope through the mention of expanded instruction in schools, fitting seamlessly into the narrative about the future of the language.
Conclusion
The placement of the sentence after sentence 14 effectively highlights the advancements made for Guarani since the democratic transition, making it the most suitable choice. It emphasizes the importance of educational initiatives in the context of Guarani’s challenges, thus providing a comprehensive view of the language's current status and prospects.
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