The second paragraph (sentences 4-7) could best be developed by
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
Elaborating on the physical features that characterize 'thinking' brains and indicating if animals' brains have these features would best develop the second paragraph.
Providing a detailed examination of the physical characteristics associated with 'thinking' brains would enrich the discussion in the second paragraph by directly connecting the concept of brain function to the specific anatomical traits observed in animals' brains.
A) Comparing the shapes and sizes of the brains of various types of animals
While comparing shapes and sizes may offer some insights into brain structure, it does not directly address the specific physical features that define 'thinking' brains. This choice lacks the depth needed to explore the correlation between brain anatomy and cognitive abilities, which is essential for understanding the topic comprehensively.
B) Providing biographical information about some of the scientists who study animal brains and behavior
Biographical information about scientists might provide context, but it would not contribute to the scientific understanding of brain characteristics relevant to the question of animal cognition. This approach diverges from the focus on the anatomical features that correlate with thinking, making it less effective in developing the paragraph.
C) Noting some of the changes over the last century in scientific opinion about the ability of animals to think
Discussing changes in scientific opinion could provide historical context but would not delve into the specific physical traits of brains that correlate with cognitive abilities. This choice would likely steer the discussion away from the anatomical focus needed to enhance the understanding of 'thinking' brains.
Conclusion
To effectively develop the second paragraph, it is crucial to concentrate on the physical features that distinguish 'thinking' brains and evaluate whether animal brains possess these characteristics. This focus not only strengthens the paragraph's argument but also establishes a clear link between anatomy and cognition, enhancing the reader's comprehension of the subject matter.
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Question 2
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 10? The same ravens seemed unconcerned about protecting their hidden food when other ravens were nearby, but, stuck behind an obstacle that would have obscured their view.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
food when other ravens were nearby but
This option correctly maintains the flow of the sentence by using a simple conjunction without unnecessary punctuation, ensuring clarity and coherence in meaning.
A) (as it is now)
This option retains the original phrasing, which includes a comma and an em dash. The use of these punctuation marks is incorrect in this context, as it disrupts the sentence's flow and creates confusion rather than clarity.
B) food–when other ravens were nearby–but
This choice introduces em dashes, which suggest a sudden break in thought that is inappropriate here. The phrasing should be more straightforward and fluid, without the interruptions caused by the dashes.
C) food: when other ravens were nearby, but
In this option, the use of a colon is incorrect because it implies a list or explanation that does not follow. The sentence simply needs to continue without introducing a pause that a colon would suggest.
Conclusion
The best choice for revising the underlined portion is option D, which provides a clear and direct connection between the clauses without unnecessary punctuation. Maintaining a simple structure enhances readability and comprehension, effectively conveying the intended meaning of the sentence.
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Question 3
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 11? This last behavior suggests that ravens can monitor the presumed mental states of animals besides themselves, which shouldn't be possible without some kind of thought processing.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
Such behavior suggests that ravens can monitor the presumed mental states of animals besides themselves.
The phrase "such behavior" effectively clarifies what is being referred to, linking the behavior of ravens to their ability to monitor the mental states of other animals. This choice maintains coherence and emphasizes the connection between the two ideas in the sentence.
A) (as it is now)
Leaving the phrase as it currently stands creates ambiguity regarding what "this" refers to. The vague reference detracts from the clarity of the sentence, making it less effective in conveying the intended meaning about raven behavior and thought processing.
B) this
Using "this" as a reference can create confusion, as it lacks specificity. A reader may struggle to understand exactly which behavior or idea is being highlighted, leading to a less impactful statement. It fails to clearly establish the relationship between the ravens' behavior and their cognitive abilities.
C) it
The use of "it" similarly lacks clarity and specificity. Like "this," it does not effectively reference the behavior being discussed, which may lead the reader to misinterpret the sentence. The vagueness of "it" undermines the overall strength of the argument about raven cognition.
D) such behavior
This choice is the most effective because it directly connects the behavior of ravens to their capacity for monitoring the mental states of others. It provides a clear referent, ensuring that the reader understands the relationship between the actions of the ravens and the cognitive processes implied.
Conclusion
Choosing "such behavior" enhances the clarity and impact of the sentence, effectively connecting the concept of raven behavior to their cognitive abilities. The other options fail to provide the necessary specificity, leading to ambiguity and a weaker argument. Clear referents are essential for strong writing, particularly when discussing complex ideas such as animal cognition.
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Question 4
Where would the following sentence best be placed? The scientific community is getting closer to settling this debate.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
After sentence 8 is the best placement for the sentence "The scientific community is getting closer to settling this debate."
This placement effectively summarizes the preceding arguments and transitions smoothly into the concluding thoughts of the paragraph, providing a logical progression in the discussion of the debate.
A) After sentence 2
Placing the sentence here would interrupt the flow of ideas, as the first two sentences likely introduce the topic without yet providing enough context for the scientific community's involvement. This position does not effectively connect the new information with the ongoing debate.
B) After sentence 3
While this position is closer to the earlier sentences discussing the debate, it still lacks sufficient context for the statement about the scientific community's progress. The discussion needs to build more before introducing this summary statement, making it less effective.
C) After sentence 8
This placement is ideal as it follows a detailed examination of the debate, allowing the statement to encapsulate the ongoing developments before the conclusion. It serves as a pivotal moment that highlights the progress made, leading smoothly into the final thoughts.
D) After sentence 9
Positioning the statement here places it after the conclusion of the paragraph, which diminishes its impact. Instead of summarizing the ongoing discussion, it would feel disjointed and out of place, not contributing effectively to the argument or narrative flow.
Conclusion
The effective placement of transitional statements is crucial for maintaining coherence in writing. By inserting "The scientific community is getting closer to settling this debate" after sentence 8, the writer reinforces the discussion's relevance and prepares the reader for the concluding remarks. This strategic positioning enhances the overall clarity and persuasive power of the text.
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Question 5
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2? Vital to a neighborhood, clean water, unspoiled open lands, and diverse species of plants and wildlife are essential for a thriving community.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
Clean
Using "Clean" as the underlined portion directly emphasizes the importance of clean water while maintaining the sentence's clarity and impact. This concise choice effectively highlights that cleanliness is a critical factor in ensuring the community thrives without unnecessary elaboration that could dilute the message.
A) (As it is now)
The original phrasing, "Vital to a neighborhood, clean water, unspoiled open lands, and diverse species of plants and wildlife are essential for a thriving community," is overly wordy and lacks directness. The use of "Vital to a neighborhood" adds unnecessary complexity and can distract from the main point about clean water being essential.
B) Mandatory for residents, clean
The phrase "Mandatory for residents, clean" introduces a sense of obligation that may not accurately reflect the intended meaning. It suggests that cleanliness is a requirement specifically for residents rather than presenting it as an essential aspect of the community itself. This shifts the focus away from the broader environmental context.
C) Crucially, clean
While "Crucially, clean" does highlight the importance of clean water, the adverb "Crucially" adds an extra layer that makes the sentence more complex than necessary. This can weaken the straightforward assertion of the importance of clean water, which is better served by a direct approach.
Conclusion
Choosing "Clean" as the underlined portion succinctly conveys the essential nature of clean water for a thriving community. Unlike the other options, it provides clarity and directness, ensuring that the focus remains on the vital role of cleanliness in community health and sustainability. By eliminating unnecessary modifiers, this choice strengthens the overall impact of the sentence.
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