Nokea
This excerpt is an adaptation of Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World".
My gentleness and good behavior had gained so far on the emperor and his court, and indeed upon the army and people in general, that I began to conceive hopes of getting my liberty in a short time. I took all possible methods to cultivate this favorable disposition. The natives came, by degrees, to be less apprehensive of any danger from me. I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair.
I had now made good progress in understanding and speaking the language. The emperor had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the country shows, wherein they exceed all nations I have known, both for dexterity and magnificence. I was diverted with none so much as that of the rope-dancers, performed upon a slender white thread, extended about two feet, and twelve inches from the ground, Upon which I shall desire liberty, with the reader's patience, to enlarge a little.
This diversion is only practiced by those persons who are candidates for great employments, and high favor at court. They are trained in this art from their youth, and are not always of noble birth, or liberal education. When a great office is vacant, either by death or disgrace (which often happens,) five or six of those candidates petition the emperor to entertain his majesty and the court with a dance on the rope; and whoever jumps the highest, without falling, succeeds in the office.
Very often the chief ministers themselves are commanded to show their skill, and to convince the emperor that they have not lost their faculty. FlyNap, the treasurer, is allowed to cut a caper on the straight rope, at least an inch higher than any other lord in the whole empire. I have seen him do the somersault several times together, upon a trencher fixed on a rope which is no thicker than a common packthread in England. My friend Reldresal, principal secretary for private affairs, is, in my opinion, if I am not partial, the second after the treasurer; the rest of the great officers are much upon a par.
Even without Franz Ferdinand's assassination ... Which of the following most logically completes the passage?
- A. A war between the world powers was extremely likely.
- B. World War I never would have happened.
- C. England, France, and Russia would have started the war.
- D. Austria would have started the war.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Given the alliances and tensions at the time, the assassination was simply the trigger in an already volatile situation, making war highly likely. Choice B is incorrect because the alliances and existing tensions would likely have led to a conflict even without the assassination. Choice C is incorrect as it wrongly implies that only these three countries were involved in the conflict. Choice D is incorrect as Austria alone starting the war doesn't consider the broader context of alliances and power dynamics among the world powers.
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This excerpt is an adaptation of Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World".
My gentleness and good behavior had gained so far on the emperor and his court, and indeed upon the army and people in general, that I began to conceive hopes of getting my liberty in a short time. I took all possible methods to cultivate this favorable disposition. The natives came, by degrees, to be less apprehensive of any danger from me. I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair.
I had now made good progress in understanding and speaking the language. The emperor had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the country shows, wherein they exceed all nations I have known, both for dexterity and magnificence. I was diverted with none so much as that of the rope-dancers, performed upon a slender white thread, extended about two feet, and twelve inches from the ground, Upon which I shall desire liberty, with the reader's patience, to enlarge a little.
This diversion is only practiced by those persons who are candidates for great employments, and high favor at court. They are trained in this art from their youth, and are not always of noble birth, or liberal education. When a great office is vacant, either by death or disgrace (which often happens,) five or six of those candidates petition the emperor to entertain his majesty and the court with a dance on the rope; and whoever jumps the highest, without falling, succeeds in the office.
Very often the chief ministers themselves are commanded to show their skill, and to convince the emperor that they have not lost their faculty. FlyNap, the treasurer, is allowed to cut a caper on the straight rope, at least an inch higher than any other lord in the whole empire. I have seen him do the somersault several times together, upon a trencher fixed on a rope which is no thicker than a common packthread in England. My friend Reldresal, principal secretary for private affairs, is, in my opinion, if I am not partial, the second after the treasurer; the rest of the great officers are much upon a par.
What is the purpose of the use of repetition in the following passage? It was a night of little ease to his toiling mind, toiling in mere darkness and besieged by questions.
- A. It serves as a demonstration of Mr. Lanyon's mental state.
- B. It highlights the church bells mentioned in the story.
- C. It reflects Mr. Utterson's ambivalence.
- D. It emphasizes Mr. Utterson's anguish in failing to identify Hyde's whereabouts.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The repetition in the passage emphasizes Mr. Utterson's mental struggle and persistence as he grapples with his thoughts and questions. It conveys the intensity of his anguish and frustration in trying to identify Hyde's whereabouts, rather than reflecting Mr. Lanyon's or Mr. Utterson's ambivalence. The mention of church bells is not relevant to the passage, making choice B incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as the repetition underscores Mr. Utterson's emotional turmoil and his desperate search for answers.
This excerpt is from a speech by Charles Dickens delivered in Birmingham, England, on December 30, 1853, on behalf of the Birmingham and Midland Institute.
My Good Friends, when I first imparted to the committee of the projected Institute my particular wish that on one of the evenings of my readings here the main body of my audience should be composed of working men and their families, I was animated by two desires; first, by the wish to have the great pleasure of meeting you face to face at this Christmas time, and accompany you myself through one of my little Christmas books; and second, by the wish to have an opportunity of stating publicly in your presence, and in the presence of the committee, my earnest hope that the Institute will, from the beginning, recognize one great principle "strong in reason and justice" which I believe to be essential to the very life of such an Institution.
It is, that the working man shall, from the first unto the last, have a share in the management of an Institution which is designed for his benefit, and which calls itself by his name. I have no fear here of being misunderstood, of being supposed to mean too much in this. If there ever was a time when any one class could of itself do much for its own good, and for the welfare of society -which I greatly doubt- that time is unquestionably past. It is in the fusion of different classes, without confusion; in the bringing together of employers and employed; in the creating of a better common understanding among those whose interests are identical, who depend upon each other, who are vitally essential to each other, and who never can be in unnatural antagonism without deplorable results, that one of the chief principles of a Mechanic's Institution should consist.
In this world a great deal of the bitterness among us arises from an imperfect understanding of one another. Erect in Birmingham a great Educational Institution, properly educational; educational of the feelings as well as of the reason; to which all orders of Birmingham men contribute; in which all orders of Birmingham men meet; wherein all orders of Birmingham men are faithfully represented and you will erect a Temple of Concord here which will be a model edifice to the whole of England. Contemplating as I do the existence of the Artisan's Committee, which not long ago considered the establishment of the Institute so sensibly, and supported it so heartily, I earnestly entreat the gentlemen - earnest I know in the good work, and who are now among us- by all means to avoid the great shortcoming of similar institutions; and in asking the working man for his confidence, to set him the great example and give him theirs in return.
You will judge for yourselves if I promise too much for the working man, when I say that he will stand by such an enterprise with the utmost of his patience, his perseverance, sense, and support; that I am sure he will need no charitable aid or condescending patronage; but will readily and cheerfully pay for the advantages which it confers; that he will prepare himself in individual cases where he feels that the adverse circumstances around him have rendered it necessary; in a word, that he will feel his responsibility like an honest man, and will most honestly and manfully discharge it.
I now proceed to the pleasant task to which I assure you I have looked forward for a long time.
The speaker addresses his audience as 'My Good Friends.' What kind of credibility does this salutation give to the speaker?
- A. The speaker's salutation is one from an employer to his employees, aiming to bridge the gap between them.
- B. The speaker's salutation is one from an entertainer to his audience, using friendly language to connect before a serious speech.
- C. The salutation gives the serious speech that follows a somber tone, as it is used ironically.
- D. The speech is from a politician to the public, using the salutation to grab the audience's attention.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The salutation 'My Good Friends' used by Charles Dickens in his speech to the working men and their families in Birmingham shows that he is addressing them as an entertainer, aiming to connect with them before delivering a serious message. This friendly language establishes a personal connection with the audience, setting a tone of camaraderie and warmth. The salutation is not meant to bridge a gap between an employer and employees (Choice A), create irony (Choice C), or grab attention like a politician (Choice D). Instead, it is a genuine and warm address to engage the audience before conveying his earnest hope about the Institute's principles.
This excerpt is from an analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.
Wilde's play, "The Importance of Being Earnest", is a satire that targets the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. The play's subtitle, 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,' aptly summarizes Wilde's intentions. Through clever dialogue, puns, and a healthy dose of irony, Wilde exposes the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes.
The characters in the play, such as Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, lead double lives, reflecting the dual nature of their social standing. The use of 'Bunburying,' a term coined by Wilde, illustrates the lengths to which these characters go to escape their social obligations and lead a life of deceit. The play also pokes fun at the institution of marriage, which is depicted as a social contract rather than a romantic union.
For example, Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack regarding his suitability as a husband for her daughter Gwendolen reveals the transactional nature of marriage in the society Wilde is critiquing. Wilde's portrayal of the aristocracy is not merely critical, but also humorous, making The Importance of Being Earnest one of his most beloved and enduring works.
How does Wilde use irony to critique the upper class in the play?
- A. By portraying the upper class as sincere and honorable.
- B. By showing that the upper class is deeply concerned with morality.
- C. By exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class.
- D. By highlighting the noble and upright nature of the upper class.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Wilde uses irony by exaggerating the trivial concerns and behaviors of the upper class, revealing their lack of genuine depth and morality. In 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Wilde satirizes the British aristocracy by highlighting their absurdities and trivialities. The play's characters, like Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, lead double lives, symbolizing the dual nature of their social status. Through witty dialogue, puns, and irony, Wilde exposes the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. The term 'Bunburying' coined by Wilde exemplifies the characters' deceitful actions to avoid social responsibilities. Additionally, the play ridicules the concept of marriage, portraying it as a societal transaction rather than a romantic bond. For instance, Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack about his eligibility as a suitor for Gwendolen underscores the materialistic view of marriage prevalent in the society Wilde critiques. Wilde's humorous yet critical portrayal of the aristocracy in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' makes it a timeless and cherished work.
This excerpt is from a speech by Charles Dickens delivered in Birmingham, England, on December 30, 1853, on behalf of the Birmingham and Midland Institute.
My Good Friends, when I first imparted to the committee of the projected Institute my particular wish that on one of the evenings of my readings here the main body of my audience should be composed of working men and their families, I was animated by two desires; first, by the wish to have the great pleasure of meeting you face to face at this Christmas time, and accompany you myself through one of my little Christmas books; and second, by the wish to have an opportunity of stating publicly in your presence, and in the presence of the committee, my earnest hope that the Institute will, from the beginning, recognize one great principle "strong in reason and justice" which I believe to be essential to the very life of such an Institution.
It is, that the working man shall, from the first unto the last, have a share in the management of an Institution which is designed for his benefit, and which calls itself by his name. I have no fear here of being misunderstood, of being supposed to mean too much in this. If there ever was a time when any one class could of itself do much for its own good, and for the welfare of society -which I greatly doubt- that time is unquestionably past. It is in the fusion of different classes, without confusion; in the bringing together of employers and employed; in the creating of a better common understanding among those whose interests are identical, who depend upon each other, who are vitally essential to each other, and who never can be in unnatural antagonism without deplorable results, that one of the chief principles of a Mechanic's Institution should consist.
In this world a great deal of the bitterness among us arises from an imperfect understanding of one another. Erect in Birmingham a great Educational Institution, properly educational; educational of the feelings as well as of the reason; to which all orders of Birmingham men contribute; in which all orders of Birmingham men meet; wherein all orders of Birmingham men are faithfully represented and you will erect a Temple of Concord here which will be a model edifice to the whole of England. Contemplating as I do the existence of the Artisan's Committee, which not long ago considered the establishment of the Institute so sensibly, and supported it so heartily, I earnestly entreat the gentlemen - earnest I know in the good work, and who are now among us- by all means to avoid the great shortcoming of similar institutions; and in asking the working man for his confidence, to set him the great example and give him theirs in return.
You will judge for yourselves if I promise too much for the working man, when I say that he will stand by such an enterprise with the utmost of his patience, his perseverance, sense, and support; that I am sure he will need no charitable aid or condescending patronage; but will readily and cheerfully pay for the advantages which it confers; that he will prepare himself in individual cases where he feels that the adverse circumstances around him have rendered it necessary; in a word, that he will feel his responsibility like an honest man, and will most honestly and manfully discharge it.
I now proceed to the pleasant task to which I assure you I have looked forward for a long time.
According to the extract, which of the following statements most closely correlates with the definition of the term 'working man'?
- A. A working man is someone who is well versed in the workings of the soul.
- B. A working man is probably not involved in social activities due to the high physical demand of work.
- C. A working man is someone who earns wages in a traditional sense, often associated with the middle class.
- D. The working man historically transitions from the field to the factory and now to the screen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to the extract, the term 'working man' refers to individuals who are actively employed and earn wages in a traditional sense. Charles Dickens emphasizes the importance of the working man having a share in the management of institutions designed for their benefit. This aligns with choice C, making it the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect as the extract does not mention anything about being well versed in the workings of the soul. Choice B is incorrect because the extract does not suggest that working men are not involved in social activities due to the physical demands of their work. Choice D is also incorrect as the extract does not focus on the historical transitions of the working man.
This excerpt is an adaptation of Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World".
My gentleness and good behavior had gained so far on the emperor and his court, and indeed upon the army and people in general, that I began to conceive hopes of getting my liberty in a short time. I took all possible methods to cultivate this favorable disposition. The natives came, by degrees, to be less apprehensive of any danger from me. I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair.
I had now made good progress in understanding and speaking the language. The emperor had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the country shows, wherein they exceed all nations I have known, both for dexterity and magnificence. I was diverted with none so much as that of the rope-dancers, performed upon a slender white thread, extended about two feet, and twelve inches from the ground, Upon which I shall desire liberty, with the reader's patience, to enlarge a little.
This diversion is only practiced by those persons who are candidates for great employments, and high favor at court. They are trained in this art from their youth, and are not always of noble birth, or liberal education. When a great office is vacant, either by death or disgrace (which often happens,) five or six of those candidates petition the emperor to entertain his majesty and the court with a dance on the rope; and whoever jumps the highest, without falling, succeeds in the office.
Very often the chief ministers themselves are commanded to show their skill, and to convince the emperor that they have not lost their faculty. FlyNap, the treasurer, is allowed to cut a caper on the straight rope, at least an inch higher than any other lord in the whole empire. I have seen him do the somersault several times together, upon a trencher fixed on a rope which is no thicker than a common packthread in England. My friend Reldresal, principal secretary for private affairs, is, in my opinion, if I am not partial, the second after the treasurer; the rest of the great officers are much upon a par.
What is the author's point of view?
- A. First person
- B. Third person limited
- C. Third person omniscient
- D. Objective
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Third person omniscient.' The passage is written from a third person omniscient perspective, where the narrator knows the thoughts of multiple characters. This is evident as the narrator describes the thoughts and actions of various characters, such as the emperor, the treasurer, and the principal secretary. The narrator's knowledge extends beyond the main character, Gulliver, providing insights into the perspectives of others. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'First person,' would imply that the narrator is a character within the story, which is not the case here. Choice B, 'Third person limited,' would restrict the narrator's knowledge to only one character's thoughts and feelings, which is not the situation in this passage. Choice D, 'Objective,' would indicate a neutral and unbiased narration without delving into characters' thoughts, which is not the perspective used in this excerpt.