.The spacecraft OSIRIS-REx briefly made contact with the asteroid 101955 Bennu in 2020. NASA scientist Daniella DellaGiustina reports that despite facing the unexpected obstacle of a surface mostly covered in boulders, OSIRIS-REx successfully_______________a sample of the surface, gathering pieces of it to bring back to Earth. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
.Research conducted by planetary scientist Katarina Miljkovic suggests that the Moon’s surface may not accurately early impact events. When the Moon was still forming, its surface was softer, and asteroid or meteoroid impacts would have left less of an impression; thus, evidence of early impacts may no longer be present. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
.Handedness, a preferential use of either the right or left hand, typically is easy to observe in humans. Because this trait is present but less in many other animals, animal-behavior researchers often employ tasks specially designed to reveal individual animals’ preferences for a certain hand or paw. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
.It is by no means to recognize the influence of Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch on Ali Banisadr’s paintings; indeed, Banisadr himself cites Bosch as an inspiration. However, some scholars have suggested that the ancient Mesopotamian poem Epic of Gilgamesh may have had a far greater impact on Banisadr’s work. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
.The following text is adapted from Susan Glaspell’s 1912 short story “‘Out There.’” An elderly shop owner is looking at a picture that he recently acquired and hopes to sell. It did seem that the picture failed to fit in with the rest of the shop. A persuasive young fellow who claimed he was closing out his stock let the old man have it for what he called a song. It was only a little out-of-the-way store which subsisted chiefly on the framing of pictures. The old man looked around at his views of the city, his pictures of cats and dogs, his flaming bits of landscape. “Don’t belong in here,” he fumed. And yet the old man was secretly proud of his acquisition. There was a hidden dignity in his scowling as he shuffled about pondering the least ridiculous place for the picture. Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
.The following text is from the 1923 poem “Black Finger” by Angelina Weld Grimké, a Black American writer. A cypress is a type of evergreen tree. I have just seen a most beautiful thing, Slim and still, Against a gold, gold sky, A straight black cypress, Sensitive, Exquisite, A black finger Pointing upwards. Why, beautiful still finger, are you black? And why are you pointing upwards? Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
.The following text is from Walt Whitman’s 1860 poem “Calamus 24.” I HEAR it is charged against me that I seek to destroy institutions; But really I am neither for nor against institutions (What indeed have I in common with them?— Or what with the destruction of them?), Only I will establish in the Mannahatta [Manhattan] and in every city of These States, inland and seaboard, And in the fields and woods, and above every keel [ship] little or large, that dents the water, Without edifices, or rules, or trustees, or any argument, The institution of the dear love of comrades. Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
.The mimosa tree evolved in East Asia, where the beetle Bruchidius terrenus preys on its seeds. In 1785, mimosa trees were introduced to North America, far from any B. terrenus. But evolutionary links between predators and their prey can persist across centuries and continents. Around 2001, B. terrenus was introduced in southeastern North America near where botanist Shu-Mei Chang and colleagues had been monitoring mimosa trees. Within a year, 93 percent of the trees had been attacked by the beetles. Which choice best describes the function of the third sentence in the overall structure of the text?
.Text 1 Conventional wisdom long held that human social systems evolved in stages, beginning with hunter-gatherers forming small bands of members with roughly equal status. The shift to agriculture about 12,000 years ago sparked population growth that led to the emergence of groups with hierarchical structures: associations of clans first, then chiefdoms, and finally, bureaucratic states. Text 2 In a 2021 book, anthropologist David Graeber and archaeologist David Wengrow maintain that humans have always been socially flexible, alternately forming systems based on hierarchy and collective ones with decentralized leadership. The authors point to evidence that as far back as 50,000 years ago some hunter-gatherers adjusted their social structures seasonally, at times dispersing in small groups but also assembling into communities that included esteemed individuals. Based on the texts, how would Graeber and Wengrow (Text 2) most likely respond to the “conventional wisdom” presented in Text 1?.
.The following text is adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel The Secret Garden. Mary, a young girl, recently found an overgrown hidden garden. Mary was an odd, determined little person, and now she had something interesting to be determined about, she was very much absorbed, indeed. She worked and dug and pulled up weeds steadily, only becoming more pleased with her work every hour instead of tiring of it. It seemed to her like a fascinating sort of play. Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
.The following text is from Ezra Pound’s 1909 poem “Hymn III,” based on the work of Marcantonio Flaminio. As a fragile and lovely flower unfolds its gleaming foliage on the breast of the fostering earth, if the dew and the rain draw it forth; So doth my tender mind flourish, if it be fed with the sweet dew of the fostering spirit, Lacking this, it beginneth straightway to languish, even as a floweret born upon dry earth, if the dew and the rain tend it not. Based on the text, in what way is the human mind like a flower?
.The following text is adapted from Jack London’s 1903 novel The Call of the Wild. Buck is a sled dog living with John Thornton in Yukon, Canada. Thornton alone held [Buck]. The rest of mankind was as nothing. Chance travellers might praise or pet him; but he was cold under it all, and from a too demonstrative man he would get up and walk away. When Thornton’s partners, Hans and Pete, arrived on the long-expected raft, Buck refused to notice them till he learned they were close to Thornton; after that he tolerated them in a passive sort of way, accepting favors from them as though he favored them by accepting. Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
.Biologist Valentina Gómez-Bahamón and her team have investigated two subspecies of the fork-tailed flycatcher bird that live in the same region in Colombia, but one subspecies migrates south for part of the year, and the other doesn’t. The researchers found that, due to slight differences in feather shape, the feathers of migratory forked-tailed flycatcher males make a sound during flight that is higher pitched than that made by the feathers of nonmigratory males. The researchers hypothesize that fork-tailed flycatcher females are attracted to the specific sound made by the males of their own subspecies, and that over time the females’ preference will drive further genetic and anatomical divergence between the subspecies. Which finding, if true, would most directly support Gómez-Bahamón and her team’s hypothesis?
.Art collectives, like the United States- and Vietnam- based collective The Propeller Group or Cuba’s Los Carpinteros, are groups of artists who agree to work together: perhaps for stylistic reasons, or to advance certain shared political ideals, or to help mitigate the costs of supplies and studio space. Regardless of the reasons, art collectives usually involve some collaboration among the artists. Based on a recent series of interviews with various art collectives, an arts journalist claims that this can be difficult for artists who are often used to having sole control over their work. Which quotation from the interviews best illustrates the journalist’s claim?
.Several artworks found among the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii depict a female figure fishing with a cupid nearby. Some scholars have asserted that the figure is the goddess Venus, since she is known to have been linked with cupids in Roman culture, but University of Leicester archaeologist Carla Brain suggests that cupids may have also been associated with fishing generally. The fact that a cupid is shown near the female figure, therefore, Which choice most logically completes the text?
.Like other amphibians, the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) is unable to generate its own heat, so during periods of subfreezing temperatures, it ___________ by producing large amounts of glucose, a sugar that helps prevent damaging ice from forming inside its cells. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The term “revolutionary” in the article most likely emphasizes the phone’s ability to change communication habits worldwide. The word “revolutionary” conveys a sense of
Scientists are studying coral reefs, which are extremely important ecosystems. Coral reefs support thousands of marine species. They are sometimes called the “rainforests of the sea.” Which choice most effectively combines the sentences?
The city plans to build more bike lanes. This idea might increase tourism. Which revision best connects the idea to the topic?
Many students prefer digital textbooks. Because they smell better. Which revision best corrects the sentence for logic?
The new public library features interactive screens and digital archives. This addition will make reading boring. Which choice best supports the positive tone of the passage?
Remote work has changed how companies operate. Employees can now work from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Where should this sentence be placed?
Some people argue that robots will replace human workers. However, robots lack creativity and empathy. What is the best transition to introduce the second sentence?
The museum offers free admission every Sunday. This helps families enjoy art without financial stress. Which revision best improves concision?
Many cities are planting rooftop gardens to reduce heat. Rooftop gardens also reduce energy costs. Which transition best connects the two sentences?
The author’s tone throughout the article is sarcastic and dismissive of environmental concerns. If the writer wants to make the tone more objective, which revision works best?
Renewable energy sources are becoming more common. People like windmills because they look nice. Which revision best maintains the informative tone?
.Literary agents estimate that more than half of all nonfiction books credited to a celebrity or other public figure are in fact written by ghostwriters, professional authors who are paid to write other __________ but whose names never appear on book covers. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
As Emma watched the sun fade behind the hills, she felt the weight of the day lift. The quiet evening seemed to promise that, perhaps, tomorrow would bring clarity to her tangled thoughts. What does the evening symbolize for Emma?
In his 1796 Farewell Address, George Washington warned against the divisive nature of political parties, fearing they might weaken the unity of the new nation. What was Washington’s primary concern?
The Arctic fox’s fur changes color with the seasons—white in winter and brown in summer—providing camouflage that increases its chances of survival. What best explains the purpose of the fox’s color change?
The industrial revolution transformed daily life, bringing new machines that increased production but also led to harsh factory conditions for workers. What is the central idea of the passage?
When water freezes, its molecules form a crystalline structure that occupies more space than liquid water, which is why ice floats. Which statement best summarizes the scientific concept described?
The letter lay unopened on the table. Clara stared at it, knowing that whatever it contained would change her life forever. What does the unopened letter most likely represent?
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Lincoln in 1863, declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states, shifting the Civil War’s purpose toward human liberty. What effect did the Emancipation Proclamation have on the Civil War?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by exciting electrons within silicon cells—a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels. What is the main advantage of solar energy mentioned here?
Marcus always spoke with confidence, but when asked about his plans, his voice faltered—the first sign that even he doubted his path. What does the author reveal about Marcus?
Women’s suffrage movements of the early 20th century relied on persistent advocacy and organized marches to secure the right to vote. What is emphasized about the suffrage movement?
Carbon dioxide traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming—a process known as the greenhouse effect. What role does carbon dioxide play in the greenhouse effect?
When people participate in community service, they strengthen social bonds and create a sense of shared responsibility. What is the author’s main claim?
Under the flickering streetlight, Sam hesitated before entering the old building, unsure whether he sought answers or just closure. What emotion best describes Sam’s state of mind?
Recent studies show that bees navigate using the sun’s position and patterns of polarized light, allowing them to find flowers even on cloudy days. Which ability of bees is highlighted?
The scientist’s explanation was meticulous, leaving no detail unexamined. As used in the sentence, “meticulous” most nearly means
The author describes the desert not to evoke beauty, but to emphasize its harshness and resilience. The author’s primary purpose is to
While she once believed success was measured by wealth, Maria now finds greater fulfilment in teaching others. Maria’s tone toward her past beliefs can best be described as
Paragraph 1 introduces the problem of plastic waste, while paragraph 2 proposes biodegradable alternatives. What is the function of paragraph 2?
The teacher’s comment was tempered with kindness, softening the criticism. As used in the passage, “tempered” most nearly means
The author begins with a personal story before transitioning to scientific evidence about climate change. Why does the author open with a personal story?
The author describes the city as “a restless giant, never truly asleep.” The metaphor in the sentence primarily serves to
Passage 1: Dr. Green argues that artificial intelligence will revolutionize medicine by improving diagnosis accuracy. Passage 2: Dr. Shah agrees AI is useful but warns it must not replace human judgment in healthcare. How do the two authors’ perspectives differ?
The first paragraph describes the challenges of online learning. In contrast, the next paragraph outlines its advantages. The phrase “In contrast” serves to
Although renewable energy sources are often praised, the author notes their current cost and storage issues make them less practical than many assume. Which best describes the author’s approach?
The author quotes Nelson Mandela’s statement, “Education is the most powerful weapon,” to reinforce the idea that learning drives social change. What is the function of the quotation?
Text 1: Research shows sleep improves memory retention. Text 2: Lack of sleep impairs the brain’s ability to consolidate new information. What connection do the two texts share?
