Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

During the early development of a new idea, scientists behave rather like artists, driven by temperament. We start off with a hunch, a feeling, even a desire that the world be one way, and then we proceed from that presentiment, often sticking with it long after the data suggest we may be leading ourselves and others down a blind alley. What saves us is that experiment acts as the ultimate referee, settling all disputes. No matter how strong our hunch is, at some point we will have to prove it with facts. Otherwise our hunch, no matter how strongly held, will remain just that.

In the first two sentences ('During'… 'alley'), scientists are presented as all of the following EXCEPT:

Rationale

Scientists are presented as inherently logical.

The passage describes the act of producing art and its relationship to daily life and work, but it does not explicitly characterize scientists as inherently logical. Instead, it presents various nuanced perspectives on the connection between art and trade, leaving the notion of inherent logic unaddressed.

A (predisposed) YOUR ANSWER

The term "predisposed" suggests that scientists may have certain inclinations or tendencies, which aligns with the passage’s exploration of how artists navigate distractions and creative processes. The mention of casting about for distractions indicates a predisposition towards avoiding discomfort, applicable to scientists as well.

B (determined) YOUR ANSWER

The word "determined" implies a strong commitment or resolve, which is a quality that can be associated with scientists in their pursuit of knowledge. The passage hints at the struggle against the blank page, reflecting a determined effort to overcome creative obstacles, which can also apply to scientific endeavors.

D (overly zealous) YOUR ANSWER

"Overly zealous" suggests an intense enthusiasm that may border on fanaticism. While the passage discusses artists' struggles, it does not portray scientists as excessively passionate in a negative sense. This characterization does not align with the overall tone, which focuses more on the interplay between art and everyday productivity rather than zeal.

Conclusion

The passage provides insights into the relationship between art and the daily grind, portraying artists and their struggles without labeling scientists as inherently logical. The terms predisposed, determined, and overly zealous are explored through the lens of creativity and productivity, yet the specific label of "inherently logical" does not appear, leaving it as the exception among the choices presented.

In the first two sentences ('During'… 'alley'), scientists are presented as all of the following EXCEPT:

Scientists are presented as inherently logical.

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