Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

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?

Rationale

Both passages make the point that human beings can be prey.

The emphasis in both texts is on the vulnerability of humans in the face of predatory animals, highlighting the often-overlooked perspective that humans are not always at the top of the food chain. This shared theme illustrates the complex relationship between humans and large predators, suggesting that humans can be seen as prey in certain contexts.

A (That human beings can be prey) CORRECT

This choice correctly captures the central theme of both passages. Each text discusses scenarios where humans are vulnerable to predatory animals, emphasizing that despite their intelligence and societal structures, humans can indeed be seen as prey under certain circumstances, particularly in wild or dangerous environments.

B (That human beings have a duty to protect large predatory animals) YOUR ANSWER

While the passages may touch on conservation themes, this choice is too narrow and does not accurately reflect the shared point made in both texts. The primary focus is on the relationship between humans and predators, rather than an obligation to protect them, which is secondary to the idea of human vulnerability.

C (That large predatory animals are vanishing from the planet) YOUR ANSWER

This statement may relate to conservation issues mentioned in the passages, but it does not encapsulate the main point made by both. The discussions center more on the predatory nature of these animals and the human experience of being prey, rather than a focus on their extinction.

D (That big cats can never be tamed) YOUR ANSWER

This choice suggests a specific assertion about big cats that may not be the primary focus of the passages. While taming may be implied, the overarching theme revolves around the dynamic of predation and vulnerability rather than the potential for taming or domestication.

Conclusion

The passages collectively underscore the idea that human beings can be prey, highlighting the intricate and sometimes perilous relationship between humans and large predatory animals. While other points like conservation and taming are mentioned, they do not capture the essence of the shared message about human vulnerability in the face of these powerful predators. Understanding this relationship is crucial for appreciating the balance of nature and the role of humans within it.

Related Questions

View all