Reading · Drill 21

Reading practice 21

66 questions ~9 min recommended

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1. In the context of the third paragraph, the 'Good Roads Movement' was initiated primarily because:

A. manufacturers needed better roads to transport steel tubing to factories.

B. the government wanted to create jobs during an economic depression.

C. automobile drivers were demanding better infrastructure for their vehicles.

D. cyclists needed smooth, paved surfaces to safely ride their new bicycles.

2. According to the passage, why do whales often host barnacles while sharks do not?

A. The microscopic structure of shark skin physically prevents attachment.

B. Whales have a rougher skin texture than sharks.

C. Whales swim slower than sharks, allowing barnacles to attach.

D. Shark skin secretes a chemical toxin that repels barnacles.

3. According to the passage, which of the following best represents the correct sequence in which the bicycle's impacts unfolded?

A. Demand for paved roads → manufacturing innovations → social independence for women

B. Manufacturing innovations and road improvements → expanded social mobility for women and rural communities

C. Rural social isolation → invention of the safety bicycle → manufacturing innovations

D. Social independence for women → manufacturing innovations → demand for paved roads

4. Based on the passage, the "turbulent eddies" mentioned in line 28 occur when:

A. the shark stops swimming and rests on the ocean floor.

B. the shark swims against a strong current.

C. water is channeled into linear streams by ridges.

D. water flows over a perfectly smooth surface.

5. In a Humanities passage about photography, the author argues that candid street photographs can appear spontaneous while still reflecting careful choices. The photographer decides where to stand, what lens to use, and when to press the shutter. The author concludes that “chance” in such images is partly constructed. Sentence 1: “Even ‘unplanned’ photographs are shaped by the photographer’s decisions.” Sentence 2: “Selecting a vantage point, for instance, determines which interactions can enter the frame at all.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first presents a claim, and the second provides an example that helps explain how the claim works in practice.

B. The first describes a historical trend, while the second identifies a technological invention that ended that trend.

C. The first provides evidence, while the second draws a conclusion that goes beyond what the evidence supports.

D. The first states an exception, while the second offers a rule that contradicts the exception.

6. In a Natural Science passage about earthquakes, the author explains that seismic waves travel at different speeds through different materials. By measuring the arrival times of P-waves and S-waves at several stations, scientists can estimate an earthquake’s epicenter. The author notes that the method works best when stations are widely distributed. Sentence 1: “Differences in P-wave and S-wave arrival times allow scientists to calculate how far a station is from the quake.” Sentence 2: “Using distances from multiple stations, researchers can triangulate the epicenter’s location.” How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first argues that triangulation is impossible, while the second explains why seismic waves cannot be measured accurately.

B. The first and second describe two competing theories about what causes earthquakes.

C. The first describes a step that produces needed information, and the second explains how that information is combined to reach a result.

D. The first provides the conclusion, while the second supplies the evidence that was gathered after the conclusion was reached.

7. Read the following passage and answer the question. A natural science passage describes why some animals in cold regions have compact body shapes. The author notes that a lower surface-area-to-volume ratio reduces heat loss, because less skin is exposed per unit of body mass. This helps explain why Arctic mammals often have shorter ears and limbs than closely related species in warmer climates. Sentence 1: A lower surface-area-to-volume ratio reduces heat loss because less skin is exposed per unit of body mass. Sentence 2: This helps explain why Arctic mammals often have shorter ears and limbs than related species in warmer climates. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first proposes a solution for warming climates, while the second explains why Arctic mammals migrate to avoid cold weather.

B. The first and second contradict each other, since shorter limbs increase exposed skin and therefore increase heat retention.

C. The first describes a specific Arctic example, while the second defines surface area and volume as unrelated mathematical terms.

D. The first provides a general principle about heat loss, while the second applies that principle to a specific anatomical pattern.

8. In a Natural Science passage about plant growth, the author explains that plants use stomata—tiny pores on leaves—to exchange gases. Opening stomata allows carbon dioxide in for photosynthesis but also lets water vapor escape. During drought, many plants partially close their stomata, which conserves water but can slow growth. Sentence 1: “Closing stomata reduces water loss by limiting evaporation from the leaf.” Sentence 2: “But this same response can decrease photosynthesis by restricting carbon dioxide intake.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first introduces an experimental error, while the second corrects it by proposing a new measurement technique.

B. The first describes a benefit of a plant response, while the second describes a trade-off or cost of that same response.

C. The first states an effect of increased photosynthesis, while the second explains the cause of drought conditions.

D. The first and second provide two unrelated definitions of stomata that the author compares for accuracy.

9. Read the following passage and answer the question. A social scientist studying public libraries notes that many people still assume libraries are primarily for borrowing books. Yet observational data from ten branches show that, on weekdays, more visitors use libraries for internet access, job applications, and quiet workspace than for checkouts. The researcher argues that if city budgets treat libraries as “optional cultural amenities,” they will underfund services that residents already rely on. Sentence 1: The researcher reports that weekday visitors more often use libraries for internet access and work than for book checkouts. Sentence 2: The researcher argues that budgets will underfund services residents rely on if libraries are treated as optional amenities. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first states the researcher’s main claim, while the second supplies numerical data that qualifies that claim.

B. The first explains why budgets are shrinking, and the second describes how residents adapt by borrowing fewer books.

C. The first provides observational evidence, and the second draws a policy-oriented conclusion based on that evidence.

D. The first and second present opposing interpretations of the same library data, emphasizing disagreement among scholars.

10. Read the following passage and answer the question. A natural science article describes how some desert plants open their stomata at night rather than during the day. Because nighttime air is cooler, less water evaporates during gas exchange. The article notes that this strategy, called CAM photosynthesis, helps plants survive long dry seasons, though it can limit growth when water is plentiful. Sentence 1: “Because nighttime air is cooler, less water evaporates during gas exchange.” Sentence 2: “This strategy…helps plants survive long dry seasons.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first describes an effect of plant growth, while the second identifies the unrelated cause of cooler nighttime temperatures.

B. The first and second describe two competing strategies plants use, emphasizing why CAM is less effective than daytime stomata.

C. The first provides a mechanism explaining reduced water loss, and the second states the survival advantage that results.

D. The first introduces a debate about photosynthesis, while the second resolves it by defining CAM photosynthesis precisely.

11. Read the following passage and answer the question. A natural science passage explains that some metals corrode faster in salty environments because dissolved ions in saltwater increase the conductivity of the water. This conductivity allows electrochemical reactions to proceed more readily on the metal’s surface. As a result, cars driven on winter roads treated with salt often show rust sooner than cars in dry climates. Sentence 1: Dissolved ions in saltwater increase conductivity, allowing electrochemical reactions to proceed more readily. Sentence 2: Cars driven on salted winter roads often show rust sooner than cars in dry climates. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first presents a mechanism, while the second gives a real-world example of the effect that mechanism produces.

B. The first describes a benefit of saltwater, while the second argues that rust is unrelated to electrochemical reactions.

C. The first states an effect of rust, while the second identifies the chemical cause of salty roads in winter.

D. The first and second offer competing explanations for corrosion, emphasizing that scientists disagree about conductivity.

12. Read the following passage and answer the question. A sociology passage discusses “weak ties,” the acquaintances who are not close friends but connect people to different social circles. The author notes that job leads often come from weak ties because close friends tend to know the same information you do. Therefore, networks that include many weak ties can increase access to opportunities. Sentence 1: Job leads often come from weak ties because close friends tend to know the same information you do. Sentence 2: Therefore, networks with many weak ties can increase access to opportunities. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first offers a causal explanation, and the second states a conclusion that follows from that explanation.

B. The first presents a conclusion, while the second provides an anecdote that contradicts it.

C. The first defines weak ties, while the second lists the historical origins of the concept in early sociology.

D. The first and second describe two unrelated ways people find jobs, emphasizing that social networks rarely matter.

13. Read the following passage and answer the question. A humanities essay considers why some translations of poetry feel “stiff.” The author argues that translators sometimes preserve original word order so faithfully that the translated lines sound unnatural. Still, the author cautions that smoothness in the new language can come at the cost of the poem’s strangeness, which may be part of its power. Sentence 1: Translators may preserve original word order so faithfully that the translation sounds unnatural. Sentence 2: Smoothness can come at the cost of the poem’s strangeness. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first praises literal translation, while the second explains why literal translations are always more accurate than smooth ones.

B. The first gives a single cause of stiffness, while the second qualifies the critique by noting a trade-off in translation choices.

C. The first describes readers’ preferences, while the second provides statistical evidence about how often translators change word order.

D. The first and second present unrelated complaints, one about rhyme and the other about punctuation in translated poetry.

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A. The first presents evidence that the station is reliable, while the second concludes the broadcast must have been imagined.

B. The first explains how the radio works mechanically, while the second argues that mechanics matter more than memory.

C. The first hints at the father’s emotional response, and the second develops Jun’s longing after the moment passes.

D. The first describes Jun’s annoyance at the radio, while the second shows him deciding to throw the radio away.

15. $29

A. The first explains why small delays grow, and the second uses that logic to justify a focused intervention.

B. The first contrasts two competing explanations for delays, and the second declares that neither explanation matters.

C. The first lists the pilot program’s results, while the second describes the original problem the pilot aimed to solve.

D. The first criticizes driver testimony as unreliable, while the second relies on that testimony to support a conclusion.

16. In a Social Science passage about workplace productivity, the author discusses “open office” layouts. Managers often claim that removing walls increases collaboration, but observational studies show employees in open offices sometimes send more emails and speak less face-to-face, possibly to avoid being overheard. The author suggests that the layout may change how people communicate rather than simply increasing it. Sentence 1: “Open offices are frequently promoted as a straightforward way to boost collaboration.” Sentence 2: “Yet evidence from workplace observations suggests that employees may actually reduce in-person conversation in such spaces.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first states a commonly held claim, while the second challenges it with an opposing finding.

B. The first provides statistical evidence, while the second draws a broad conclusion about office architecture.

C. The first describes a solution to low morale, while the second proposes a different solution that is more cost-effective.

D. The first and second describe two steps in a process, with the second occurring after the first in time.

17. In a Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative passage, two siblings clean out their late mother’s kitchen. The older sibling wants to donate everything quickly; the younger insists on wrapping each teacup in newspaper, as if the cups could bruise. When the older sibling laughs, the younger replies that some objects “remember hands.” Sentence 1: “To my brother, the kitchen was inventory.” Sentence 2: “To me, it was a map of touch: the worn drawer pull, the spoon bent just so.” How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. They describe the same viewpoint twice, with the second merely adding decorative imagery to repeat the first.

B. The first offers a solution to the conflict, while the second introduces the problem that led to that solution.

C. They present two contrasting perspectives on the same setting, emphasizing differing ways the siblings experience grief.

D. The first explains why the narrator donates items, while the second shows the brother refusing to help with cleaning.

18. In a Social Science passage about social media, the author describes how recommendation algorithms prioritize content likely to keep users engaged. Because outrage and surprise often prompt comments and shares, emotionally charged posts can spread faster than neutral ones. The author argues this can distort what users perceive as “common” opinions. Sentence 1: “Engagement-based algorithms tend to amplify posts that trigger strong emotional reactions.” Sentence 2: “Consequently, users may overestimate how widespread extreme viewpoints are.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first offers a solution to polarization, while the second explains why that solution is too expensive to implement.

B. The first and second describe two unrelated trends in technology that happen to occur at the same time.

C. The first provides a cause, while the second describes an effect on users’ perceptions that follows from that cause.

D. The first states a personal opinion, while the second replaces it with a neutral definition of engagement.

19. In a Humanities passage about architecture, the author discusses how public libraries often signal civic values through design. A glass façade can suggest transparency and welcome, while imposing stone steps may imply tradition and authority. The author notes that these signals can conflict when a building tries to convey both openness and grandeur. Sentence 1: “Architectural choices communicate ideas about who belongs in a public space.” Sentence 2: “A library that looks like a fortress may unintentionally discourage the very visitors it aims to serve.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first provides a general principle, while the second gives a specific consequence that can follow from that principle.

B. The first and second describe two equally effective strategies for attracting visitors to libraries.

C. The first introduces a historical fact, while the second explains the engineering methods used to build early libraries.

D. The first presents evidence, while the second states a claim that the evidence contradicts.

20. Read the following passage and answer the question. In an article about urban heat, a journalist describes how darker surfaces absorb more solar energy than lighter ones. In one neighborhood, residents organized a project to paint roofs with reflective coatings, and summer indoor temperatures dropped measurably in several buildings. The journalist suggests that small design changes can sometimes outperform expensive technological fixes. Sentence 1: Residents painted roofs with reflective coatings, and indoor temperatures dropped measurably. Sentence 2: The journalist suggests small design changes can sometimes outperform expensive technological fixes. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first argues against reflective coatings, while the second concedes that they may work only in rural areas.

B. The first offers a specific example, and the second draws a broader conclusion from that example.

C. The first introduces a hypothesis, while the second explains why the hypothesis could not be tested in real buildings.

D. The first describes a technological fix, while the second recommends replacing it with darker surfaces to absorb heat.

21. In a Natural Science passage about urban heat islands, the author explains that city centers often stay warmer at night than nearby rural areas. Dark roofs and asphalt absorb sunlight during the day and release it slowly after sunset, while sparse tree cover reduces cooling from shade and evaporation. The author then notes that some cities have begun installing “cool roofs” that reflect more sunlight. Sentence 1: “Because many urban surfaces store heat efficiently, nighttime temperatures in dense neighborhoods can remain several degrees higher than in surrounding countryside.” Sentence 2: “Therefore, replacing dark roofs with reflective materials can measurably reduce overnight heat retention.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first provides a specific example, while the second restates the same example in more technical language.

B. The first states a cause of elevated nighttime temperatures, and the second presents a solution that follows from that cause.

C. The first introduces a counterargument, while the second dismisses it by emphasizing an unrelated benefit of reflective roofs.

D. The first offers a conclusion from data, while the second provides the evidence that was used to reach it.

22. The passage suggests that developers modified Gruen's original concept by:

A. adding more parking spaces to accommodate larger automobiles.

B. placing malls in urban centers rather than in the suburbs.

C. removing the civic and community elements to focus solely on retail.

D. using open-air designs instead of enclosed structures.

23. According to the passage, the narrator's attitude toward the greenhouse changes over the course of the summer primarily from:

A. resentful obligation to genuine affection for Miriam as a maternal figure.

B. fearful unfamiliarity to confident competence as he learns the greenhouse's rhythms and demands.

C. overwhelming anxiety to cautious optimism as his parents' divorce is resolved.

D. eager curiosity to boredom as the repetitive daily tasks become routine.

24. Based on the passage, the water erupting from the hydrothermal vents does not boil, despite reaching temperatures of 400°C, because of the:

A. rapid cooling effect of the surrounding ocean water.

B. absorption of heat by the giant tube worms.

C. high concentrations of dissolved iron and copper.

D. extreme hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the ocean.

25. Read the following passage and answer the question. In a memoir excerpt, the narrator remembers learning to cook from her grandmother, who never used measuring cups. The grandmother would say, “Stop counting—listen,” meaning the simmering sauce would tell you when it was ready. Years later, the narrator realizes that the advice was less about food than about attention: noticing small changes before they become obvious. Sentence 1: The grandmother says, “Stop counting—listen,” as the sauce simmers. Sentence 2: The narrator realizes the advice was really about attention, not just cooking. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first provides a literal instruction, while the second interprets that instruction as a broader life lesson.

B. The first and second present conflicting memories, leaving unclear whether the grandmother ever cooked without measuring.

C. The first introduces the narrator’s conclusion, while the second supplies the quotation that supports it.

D. The first describes a mistake the narrator made, while the second shows how the grandmother corrected the recipe precisely.

26. In a Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative passage, a character named Leena takes a night shift at a bakery. She tells herself the hours are temporary, just until rent is paid. But she begins arriving early to watch the first trays emerge from the oven, and she learns the names of regular customers without meaning to. Sentence 1: “Leena insisted the job was only a bridge, nothing more.” Sentence 2: “Yet she started memorizing the rhythm of the place as if it were a song she planned to keep.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first introduces a conflict with customers, while the second resolves that conflict through an apology.

B. The first explains why Leena loves baking, while the second provides the recipe that convinces her to quit.

C. The first describes Leena’s stated attitude, while the second contrasts it by showing behavior that suggests growing attachment.

D. The first presents the narrator’s conclusion, while the second supplies statistical evidence about bakery profits.

27. $32

A. The first introduces a question about migration, and the second answers it by focusing on how butterflies choose mates in new habitats.

B. The first reports an experimental limitation, and the second explains how the researchers removed that limitation by changing their methods.

C. The first describes a mechanism affecting the butterflies, and the second draws a broader conclusion about what that mechanism implies for populations.

D. The first offers a counterexample to the team’s hypothesis, while the second restates the hypothesis in a more extreme and absolute form.

28. Read the following passage and answer the question. In a prose fiction scene, a violinist prepares for an audition and insists she is not nervous. She jokes loudly in the waiting room, offering compliments that sound slightly rehearsed. When her name is called, she pauses at the door, presses her fingertips into the wood once, and exhales as if counting herself back into the present. Sentence 1: The violinist insists she is not nervous and jokes loudly in the waiting room. Sentence 2: She pauses at the door, presses her fingertips into the wood, and exhales to steady herself. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first describes the audition results, while the second explains how the judges scored her performance.

B. The first establishes a claim about her calmness, while the second provides behavior that subtly undermines that claim.

C. The first explains why she loves performing, while the second shows why she decides to quit music permanently.

D. The first and second describe the same action in different words, emphasizing the narrator’s repetition for rhythm.

29. In a Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative passage, the narrator describes returning to a hometown diner after many years. The waitress recognizes the narrator immediately, calling him by a childhood nickname. The narrator is startled not by her memory, but by how easily he slips back into answering to that name. Sentence 1: “I had outgrown the nickname, or so I believed.” Sentence 2: “But the moment she said it, I turned as if it had been stitched into my skin.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first describes a future plan, while the second gives instructions for achieving that plan.

B. The first introduces the waitress’s perspective, while the second explains why the diner closed years earlier.

C. The first provides evidence of the narrator’s confidence, while the second offers further evidence supporting that confidence.

D. The first states the narrator’s belief, while the second reveals an experience that contradicts and revises that belief.

30. Read the following passage and answer the question. A biology textbook explains that in many ecosystems, predators can indirectly benefit plant life by controlling herbivore populations. In a well-known case, when wolves returned to a national park, elk spent less time grazing in open river valleys, and young trees began to survive there again. The textbook uses this example to illustrate a “trophic cascade,” in which changes at one level of a food web affect other levels. Sentence 1: After wolves returned, elk grazed less in river valleys and young trees began to survive again. Sentence 2: The textbook uses this to illustrate a trophic cascade affecting multiple levels of a food web. The first underlined sentence provides ______ while the second provides ______.

A. a list of herbivores in the park; a description of how scientists measure elk population size

B. a specific example involving wolves and elk; a general concept that the example is meant to illustrate

C. a prediction about future tree growth; an explanation of why wolves avoid river valleys

D. a definition of a trophic cascade; a counterexample showing predators rarely influence plant growth

31. In a Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative passage, a young musician auditions for a community orchestra. She plays flawlessly in the practice room, but on stage her bow hand trembles when she notices the conductor watching. Afterward, she tells her friend she “just needs more time,” though she avoids discussing the moment her mind went blank. Sentence 1: “In the practice room, she belonged to the music as naturally as breathing.” Sentence 2: “On stage, the same notes felt like a language she had learned too late in life.” How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. They provide two similar descriptions of her confidence, reinforcing that she performs equally well in any setting.

B. The first introduces a conflict with her friend, while the second resolves it by showing their reconciliation.

C. The first identifies the cause of her stage fright, while the second explains why the conductor is unsympathetic.

D. They contrast her ease in private with her difficulty in public, highlighting how context alters her performance.

32. In a Humanities passage about translation, the author notes that translators must choose between preserving literal wording and preserving tone. A translator working on a comedy may replace an untranslatable pun with a different joke that produces a similar effect, even if the words change substantially. The author argues that this approach can be more faithful to the work’s spirit. Sentence 1: “Literal accuracy is not always the same as artistic fidelity.” Sentence 2: “A substituted joke can maintain the original’s comic timing even when the exact phrasing is lost.” The first underlined sentence provides ______ while the second provides ______.

A. a description of a translator’s method; an explanation of why literal wording is always preferable

B. a historical overview of translation theory; a critique of translators who work on humorous texts

C. a general distinction the author draws; a specific instance that helps clarify that distinction

D. an objection raised by critics; a rebuttal that relies on statistical evidence about reader laughter

33. In the following passage (Natural Science), two portions are underlined. An engineer testing a new battery chemistry observed that cells degraded quickly when charged to full capacity every cycle. To investigate, the engineer ran two identical sets of cells: one charged to 100% each time, and another charged only to 80%. After 300 cycles, the 80% group retained significantly more capacity. Sentence 1: The engineer hypothesized that high-voltage charging accelerates side reactions that permanently consume active material. To look for evidence of these side reactions, the engineer used spectroscopy on electrodes removed from both groups. The fully charged cells showed thicker surface films and more decomposition products. Sentence 2: These measurements supported the hypothesis by linking high-voltage cycling to chemical changes consistent with capacity loss. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first argues that charging level is irrelevant, while the second claims charging level is the only factor affecting batteries.

B. The first explains the spectroscopy procedure, while the second summarizes the cycling protocol used in the experiment.

C. The first reports an experimental result, while the second proposes a possible explanation for that result.

D. The first states a hypothesis, and the second describes evidence that corroborates that hypothesis.

34. According to the passage, the decline of downtown districts was primarily caused by:

A. the refusal of city governments to rezone land for commercial use.

B. the inability of downtowns to compete with the convenience of enclosed malls.

C. the lack of parking available in city centers.

D. the high crime rates in urban areas.

35. As it is used in the passage (bolded), the word viral most nearly means:

A. secret.

B. dangerous.

C. disease-causing.

D. rapid and widespread.

36. The passage suggests that developers modified Gruen's original concept by:

A. placing malls in urban centers rather than in the suburbs.

B. removing the civic and community elements to focus solely on retail.

C. using open-air designs instead of enclosed structures.

D. adding more parking spaces to accommodate larger automobiles.

37. It can reasonably be inferred that Arthur pricks the hammer felt with a needle (lines 48-50) in order to:

A. soften the packed fibers to increase the resonance of the note.

B. harden the felt so the sound becomes brighter.

C. remove dust that has accumulated on the hammer.

D. adjust the tension of the string itself.

38. In the following passage (Humanities), two portions are underlined. A critic reviewing a contemporary dance performance notes that the choreography repeatedly interrupted itself: a sequence of leaps would halt mid-phrase, and dancers would stand as if listening for a cue that never arrived. Some audience members found this frustrating, expecting continuous motion. Sentence 1: The critic argues that the interruptions were intentional, designed to make viewers aware of their own expectations. In the final section, the dancers began a familiar pattern and then slowly replaced it with small gestures—hands opening, shoulders turning—until the stage seemed to breathe rather than move. The critic writes that the earlier stops prepared the audience to notice these subtle shifts. Sentence 2: In other words, what first felt like a lack of momentum became the method by which the piece trained attention. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first describes audience frustration, while the second argues the audience’s frustration proves the choreography was accidental.

B. The first provides an example from the performance, while the second offers a counterexample that undermines the review.

C. The first summarizes the final section’s gestures, while the second shifts to the dancers’ biographies and training.

D. The first presents the critic’s claim, and the second restates it by explaining the purpose of the interruptions.

39. In a Humanities passage about oral history, the author notes that interviews capture not only facts but also the meanings people assign to events. A witness may misremember a date yet still convey how a strike felt to workers and why they believed it mattered. The author argues historians should treat such accounts as both evidence and interpretation. Sentence 1: “Oral histories are valuable even when they contain factual inaccuracies.” Sentence 2: “They can reveal participants’ motivations and perceptions that official records rarely preserve.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first makes a claim about oral history’s worth, and the second provides a reason supporting that claim.

B. The first offers an example of a strike, while the second explains how to verify the strike’s date using archives.

C. The first presents a problem with interviews, while the second argues interviews should be discarded in favor of statistics.

D. The first introduces a definition of official records, while the second contrasts it with a definition of participant motivations.

40. In a Social Science passage about voting behavior, the author describes a study in which participants read either a neutral news article or one framed to emphasize conflict. Those who read the conflict-framed article later reported feeling more anxious and were less likely to say they would attend a community meeting. The author cautions that the study measured intentions rather than actual attendance. Sentence 1: “Exposure to conflict-framed news increased participants’ reported anxiety.” Sentence 2: “However, because the study tracked stated intentions, it cannot prove that anxiety reduced real-world civic participation.” How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first proposes a hypothesis, while the second confirms it by citing an additional experiment that measured actual behavior.

B. The first presents a finding, while the second qualifies what that finding can legitimately be taken to demonstrate.

C. The first explains a limitation of the research, while the second offers the primary result the research was designed to obtain.

D. The first and second present two competing explanations for the same pattern in the data, leaving the reader to choose between them.

41. Read the following passage and answer the question. A humanities passage about music history notes that early jazz musicians often learned through informal mentorship rather than formal schooling. The author describes how a young player might sit in at a club, imitate phrases, and receive quick corrections between sets. The author argues that this environment shaped jazz as a tradition of experimentation within shared forms. Sentence 1: Early jazz musicians often learned through informal mentorship, sitting in and receiving quick corrections. Sentence 2: The author argues this environment shaped jazz as experimentation within shared forms. The first underlined sentence provides ______ while the second provides ______.

A. a definition of shared forms; a list of famous jazz clubs where mentorship never occurred

B. a summary of modern jazz education; a prediction that experimentation will disappear from future jazz styles

C. a description of a learning practice; an interpretive claim about how that practice influenced the music’s development

D. a counterargument to mentorship; a claim that formal schooling was the primary influence on early jazz

42. Read the following passage and answer the question. A natural science passage describes an experiment on memory in birds. Researchers hid food in identical containers, but only some containers had a distinct color band. Birds later found the food more quickly when the container had the color band, suggesting the band served as a cue. The researchers conclude that small visual markers can reduce the cognitive load required for recall. Sentence 1: Birds found food more quickly when containers had a distinct color band, suggesting it served as a cue. Sentence 2: The researchers conclude that small visual markers can reduce cognitive load required for recall. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first and second describe conflicting findings, implying the color band slowed birds down despite acting as a cue.

B. The first states a conclusion about cognitive load, while the second supplies the experimental method that led to it.

C. The first explains why containers were identical, while the second argues that birds cannot use visual information to remember locations.

D. The first provides experimental results, while the second generalizes those results into a broader conclusion about memory.

43. In a Natural Science passage about astronomy, the author explains that astronomers can infer the presence of an exoplanet by measuring periodic dips in a star’s brightness. When a planet passes in front of its star from our viewpoint, it blocks a small fraction of light, producing a repeating pattern. The author notes that other phenomena can also dim stars, so repeated, regular dips are important. Sentence 1: “A consistent, repeating decrease in a star’s brightness can indicate that an orbiting planet is transiting the star.” Sentence 2: “This is why astronomers look for dips that occur at regular intervals rather than isolated dimming events.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first provides evidence against exoplanets, while the second explains why exoplanets are nevertheless common.

B. The first describes an observation, and the second explains the reasoning that makes that observation useful for detection.

C. The first criticizes the transit method, while the second proposes an alternative method based on spectroscopy.

D. The first states a result of a famous experiment, while the second gives historical background about early telescopes.

44. Read the following passage and answer the question. A natural science passage explains why some coastal areas experience fog more frequently than inland regions. When warm, moist air moves over cold ocean currents, the air cools to its dew point and water vapor condenses into tiny droplets. This is why drivers near the shore may encounter sudden low visibility even on otherwise clear days. Sentence 1: Warm, moist air moving over cold currents cools to its dew point, causing condensation into droplets. Sentence 2: Therefore, drivers near the shore may encounter sudden low visibility even on clear days. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first defines dew point, while the second argues that fog cannot form on clear days because clouds are required.

B. The first and second present competing theories of fog formation, leaving the passage undecided about condensation.

C. The first describes a consequence of fog, while the second identifies the unrelated cause of ocean currents becoming colder.

D. The first explains the physical process that forms fog, while the second describes a practical consequence of that process.

45. $3b

A. The first states a broad principle about urban design, and the second provides a specific example illustrating that principle in practice.

B. The first describes an assumption the opponents make, while the second refutes that assumption by presenting an alternative explanation.

C. The first presents data that could support a policy change, and the second qualifies how strongly that data should be interpreted.

D. The first outlines a potential drawback of the redesign, while the second offers a strategy for avoiding that drawback in future planning.

46. In a Social Science passage about negotiation, the author describes “anchoring,” where an initial number influences later judgments. In salary talks, a candidate who states a high but plausible target can shift the discussion upward, even if the final offer is lower than the target. The author warns that unrealistic anchors can backfire by seeming unserious. Sentence 1: “An initial offer can anchor the range of outcomes that both parties view as reasonable.” Sentence 2: “Still, an anchor that strains credibility may reduce trust and weaken the negotiator’s position.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first provides a counterexample to anchoring, while the second claims anchoring always works regardless of context.

B. The first and second define two unrelated biases that affect decision‑making in different situations.

C. The first explains how trust is built, while the second outlines the steps of a salary negotiation in chronological order.

D. The first presents a general effect of anchoring, while the second qualifies it by describing a circumstance in which anchoring can be harmful.

47. Read the following passage and answer the question. A humanities passage about diaries argues that private writing can still be shaped by imagined audiences. The author notes that many diarists address “Dear Reader” or explain themselves as if someone will someday judge their choices. The author concludes that diaries often sit between confession and performance, revealing not only what happened but how the writer wants events to be understood. Sentence 1: Many diarists address “Dear Reader” or explain themselves as if someone will judge them. Sentence 2: Diaries often sit between confession and performance, showing how writers want events understood. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first defines confession, while the second lists famous diarists whose writing avoided any sense of performance.

B. The first provides an example of imagined audience, while the second draws a broader interpretive claim about the nature of diaries.

C. The first and second contradict each other, since addressing a reader proves diaries are never private in any sense.

D. The first states the author’s conclusion, while the second supplies background information about how diaries are published.

48. In a Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative passage, the narrator recalls a childhood summer spent learning to swim. The narrator’s aunt insisted that fear was “just a story the body tells,” and she would stand in the shallow end, arms folded, waiting. Years later, the narrator realizes the aunt never once stepped into deep water herself. Sentence 1: “My aunt preached bravery with the calm certainty of a lighthouse.” Sentence 2: “Only later did I notice she always kept her feet where the sand could still answer.” How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first lists the aunt’s instructions, while the second repeats them in different words to ensure clarity.

B. The first presents the narrator’s complaint, while the second provides the aunt’s direct apology for her behavior.

C. The first explains why the narrator refuses to swim, while the second describes how the narrator overcame that refusal.

D. The first praises the aunt’s courage, while the second reveals a limitation that complicates the narrator’s earlier impression.

49. In a Prose Fiction/Literary Narrative passage, a narrator describes helping an elderly neighbor, Mr. Larkin, carry groceries up three flights of stairs. The narrator notices Mr. Larkin pauses at each landing, pretending to admire the view out the window, though his knuckles whiten around the railing. Later, when the narrator offers to return the next week, Mr. Larkin insists he manages fine, but he accepts the narrator’s phone number and slips it carefully into his wallet. Sentence 1: “Mr. Larkin’s pauses were not for the view; they were for breath.” Sentence 2: “Yet he spoke with the practiced brightness of someone determined not to be helped.” Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first explains why the narrator distrusts Mr. Larkin, while the second provides evidence that the narrator is mistaken.

B. The first describes a physical vulnerability, while the second contrasts it with Mr. Larkin’s effort to conceal that vulnerability.

C. The first presents an effect of Mr. Larkin’s optimism, while the second identifies the cause of his improved health.

D. The first introduces a humorous misunderstanding, while the second resolves it by revealing the narrator’s apology.

50. Read the following passage and answer the question. A social science passage discusses how headlines can shape perceptions of research. The author notes that a study might find a small correlation, but a headline may imply a strong causal link because decisive language attracts clicks. The author recommends that readers look for the study’s actual effect size and limitations before accepting the headline’s implication. Sentence 1: A headline may imply a strong causal link even when a study finds only a small correlation. Sentence 2: The author recommends readers check effect size and limitations before accepting the headline’s implication. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first provides a solution to clickbait, while the second introduces the problem that makes headlines misleading.

B. The first and second describe two unrelated reading habits, emphasizing personal preference rather than research interpretation.

C. The first identifies a common problem in science communication, while the second suggests a strategy to avoid being misled.

D. The first praises headlines for accuracy, while the second explains why effect sizes are unnecessary for understanding research.

51. In the following passage (Natural Science), two portions are underlined. A geologist mapping a canyon noticed alternating dark and light sediment layers and suspected periodic flooding events. To estimate how quickly the layers formed, the geologist collected samples and measured the ratio of two isotopes that decay at a known rate. The isotope data indicated that the sequence accumulated over about 4,000 years. Sentence 1: If the layers formed only during rare, extreme floods, then each flood would have had to deposit an unusually thick band of sediment. But in modern observations, even the largest floods left only thin deposits. The geologist therefore proposed that smaller, more frequent floods—and perhaps seasonal runoff—also contributed to the layering. Sentence 2: This alternative explanation better matched both the isotope timeline and the modest sediment deposits seen in present-day floods. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

A. The first describes modern flood deposits, while the second argues that modern floods are irrelevant to interpreting ancient layers.

B. The first explains how isotopes decay, and the second lists the tools used to collect canyon samples.

C. The first introduces a conditional problem with one hypothesis, and the second presents a revised hypothesis that resolves it.

D. The first summarizes the geologist’s final conclusion, while the second provides a counterexample that disproves it.

52. $3d

A. The first provides historical background on reef research, while the second summarizes the methods used in the tank experiment.

B. The first states the study’s main conclusion, while the second supplies a single example that illustrates that conclusion.

C. The first describes an observed physiological change, and the second draws a conclusion about its adaptive function.

D. The first proposes a hypothesis about goby behavior, while the second rejects it in favor of an alternative explanation.

53. In the following passage (Humanities), two portions are underlined. A music historian argues that early radio did not merely broadcast concerts; it reshaped how composers wrote. Before radio, many pieces were designed for large halls where long reverberation could blend notes together. Radio transmission, however, compressed dynamics and emphasized midrange frequencies, making dense orchestration sound muddy. Sentence 1: Some composers responded by thinning textures—using fewer instruments at once—to make melodies clearer over the air. The historian points to surviving studio memos in which producers asked for “less brass” and “more space” in arrangements, and to scores revised specifically for broadcast. Sentence 2: In this view, radio’s technical limits acted as a constraint that indirectly guided aesthetic choices. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first describes producers’ memos, while the second summarizes how audiences reacted to those memos.

B. The first rejects the idea that radio mattered, and the second offers a compromise position that radio mattered only rarely.

C. The first presents an effect of aesthetic choices, while the second identifies the unrelated cause as concert-hall architecture.

D. The first provides a specific example of adaptation, and the second states the broader claim that the example illustrates.

54. In the following passage (Social Science), two portions are underlined. A historian analyzing census records noticed that a coastal town’s population appeared to “shrink” every ten years, even though local newspapers described steady growth. The historian suspected the discrepancy came from seasonal workers who arrived for fishing and left before enumerators visited. To test this, the historian compared the census dates to shipping logs and payroll records from canneries. Sentence 1: The payroll records showed large spikes in employment during months when the census was not conducted. The historian then re-estimated the town’s typical population by combining census counts with average seasonal employment. The revised numbers aligned much more closely with the newspapers’ descriptions. Sentence 2: Thus, the historian argued that the apparent population decline was an artifact of measurement timing rather than a real demographic change. How do the two underlined portions relate to each other?

A. The first provides evidence of seasonal influx, and the second draws a conclusion explaining the census discrepancy.

B. The first states the historian’s final conclusion, while the second offers unrelated background about fishing industries.

C. The first describes a long‑term demographic decline, and the second explains why newspapers denied that decline.

D. The first criticizes payroll data as unreliable, and the second relies on payroll data to claim the census was accurate.

55. $40

A. The first summarizes readers’ opinions, while the second rejects the idea that readers’ purposes matter at all.

B. The first states a general principle about translation, and the second proposes a practical approach that follows from it.

C. The first argues that literal wording is always best, while the second argues that modern idioms are always best.

D. The first provides a specific example of two poems, and the second explains why poems should never be translated.

56. $42

A. The first argues that time estimates are accurate, while the second claims that time estimates are the main cause of procrastination.

B. The first describes the follow-up study’s prompt, while the second summarizes the original survey questions.

C. The first provides a specific pattern in the data, and the second offers an interpretation of why that pattern occurs.

D. The first states the researcher’s conclusion, while the second provides evidence that contradicts the conclusion.

57. $44

A. The first presents the study’s limitations, while the second lists additional limitations that weaken the study further.

B. The first states the final conclusion about the planet’s mass, while the second provides the historical context for exoplanet searches.

C. The first describes a competing hypothesis, while the second explains why that hypothesis was ultimately accepted.

D. The first explains how one observation supports a transit, and the second generalizes that multiple lines of evidence strengthen the claim.

58. $45

A. The first foreshadows a later argument, while the second provides unrelated background about the apartment building.

B. The first states the story’s main lesson, while the second offers evidence that contradicts that lesson.

C. The first presents Mara’s initial emotional reaction, and the second shows how that reaction changes after a realization.

D. The first explains why Mara came to the apartment, while the second describes how her grandmother persuaded her to leave.

59. The author of Passage A implies that the primary goal of a museum visitor is to:

A. learn about the history of the previous owners of the art.

B. experience the artwork as the artist originally intended.

C. criticize the techniques used by modern restorers.

D. appreciate the physical durability of the object.

60. The main purpose of the passage is to:

A. describe the diet and hunting techniques of the gloved octopus.

B. explain the geological formation of Jervis Bay.

C. discuss a discovery that challenges the traditional view of octopus behavior.

D. argue that the "Social Brain Hypothesis" is entirely false.

61. $49

A. The first offers a measured conclusion, while the second provides raw data that contradicts that conclusion.

B. The first describes interview opinions, while the second explains why the linguist refused to collect observational recordings.

C. The first argues gestures are unnecessary, while the second claims gestures are the primary source of comedic timing.

D. The first reports a specific behavioral pattern, and the second interprets what that pattern implies about humor ability.

62. $4b

A. The first lists survey results, and the second restates those results without adding any new implication.

B. The first offers an interpretation of a pattern, and the second cites later evidence that strengthens that interpretation.

C. The first states a conclusion drawn from the intervention, while the second provides earlier data that contradicts it.

D. The first describes the hospital’s intervention, while the second explains why the researcher refused to analyze its results.

63. Based on the passage, the "turbulent eddies" mentioned in line 28 occur when:

A. the shark swims against a strong current.

B. water is channeled into linear streams by ridges.

C. the shark stops swimming and rests on the ocean floor.

D. water flows over a perfectly smooth surface.

64. According to the passage, why do whales often host barnacles while sharks do not?

A. Whales swim slower than sharks, allowing barnacles to attach.

B. Whales have a rougher skin texture than sharks.

C. Shark skin secretes a chemical toxin that repels barnacles.

D. The microscopic structure of shark skin physically prevents attachment.

65. It can reasonably be inferred that Arthur pricks the hammer felt with a needle (lines 48-50) in order to:

A. remove dust that has accumulated on the hammer.

B. adjust the tension of the string itself.

C. soften the packed fibers to increase the resonance of the note.

D. harden the felt so the sound becomes brighter.

66. According to the passage, the decline of downtown districts was primarily caused by:

A. the refusal of city governments to rezone land for commercial use.

B. the lack of parking available in city centers.

C. the inability of downtowns to compete with the convenience of enclosed malls.

D. the high crime rates in urban areas.

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