What is the main idea of the second paragraph?
- A. One hairy monkey proves the hypothesis 'All monkeys are hairy.'
- B. The same piece of evidence can both confirm and disconfirm a hypothesis.
- C. Confirming and disconfirming evidence affect hypotheses differently.
- D. The scientific method is not a failsafe method for arriving at objective truth.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main idea of the second paragraph is that confirming and disconfirming evidence can affect hypotheses differently, as stated in the passage - 'Single pieces of evidence then, seem to affect a given hypothesis in radically different ways.' Choice A is incorrect because the paragraph discusses how single pieces of evidence affect hypotheses, not that one hairy monkey proves a hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect as the paragraph focuses on the different effects of evidence on hypotheses, rather than its ability to confirm and disconfirm simultaneously. Choice D is incorrect as the paragraph does not primarily discuss the scientific method's failings but rather the impact of evidence on hypotheses.
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What is the main purpose of paragraph 1?
- A. to explain oral tradition
- B. to explain the importance of the printing press
- C. to explain the progressions of stories within society
- D. to introduce the essay
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main purpose of paragraph 1 is to explain the progression of stories within society, from oral tradition to the impact of the printing press. It outlines how stories evolved over time, transitioning from oral storytelling to written material made widely available by the printing press. This paragraph serves as an introduction to the evolution of storytelling mediums throughout history, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion. Choices A and B are incorrect because the paragraph does not solely focus on explaining oral tradition or the importance of the printing press. Choice D is incorrect as the paragraph does not aim to introduce the essay but rather provide a historical context for the discussion on the evolution of storytelling.
Which of the following most accurately describes how the argument proceeds?
- A. The argument proceeds by stating a conclusion, then providing supporting evidence.
- B. The argument proceeds by stating several facts and drawing a conclusion.
- C. The argument proceeds by offering a premise, then refuting it.
- D. The argument proceeds by making a comparison between two subjects.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The argument in the text proceeds by stating a conclusion ('Dwight is the best employee') and then providing supporting evidence ('The top salesman is always the best employee'). This aligns with choice A, where the argument is structured by stating a conclusion first and then offering supporting evidence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the argument in the text does not simply present facts and draw a conclusion, offer a premise and then refute it, or make a comparison between two subjects.
What is the purpose of this passage?
- A. To describe the sun-fish's reproductive habits.
- B. To explain the ecosystem of the sun-fish.
- C. To persuade readers to protect aquatic ecosystems.
- D. To discuss the mating habits of sun-fish.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage describes the reproductive habits of the sun-fish, focusing on how the mother sun-fish provides and guards her spawn until they are ready to take care of themselves. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not delve into the broader ecosystem of the sun-fish. Choice C is incorrect as there is no persuasive element in the passage about protecting aquatic ecosystems. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the mating habits of sun-fish but rather the care provided by the mother sun-fish.
Which of the statements reflect information that one could reasonably infer based on the author's tone?
- A. The author's tone is persuasive and attempts to call the audience to action.
- B. The author's tone is passionate due to excitement over the subject and personal narrative.
- C. The author's tone is informative and exhibits interest in the subject of the study.
- D. The author's tone is somber, depicting some anger at the state of insect larvae.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement 'The author's tone is persuasive and attempts to call the audience to action' reflects information that one could reasonably infer based on the author's tone. The use of persuasive language and an attempt to call the audience to action suggests that the author is trying to convince or motivate the readers to take a specific course of action. This inference is based on the author's choice of words and the overall tone of the text. Choice B is incorrect as it introduces the idea of excitement and personal narrative, which are not clearly indicated in the author's tone. Choice C is incorrect as although the author may be informative, the focus is on persuasive language rather than merely providing information. Choice D is incorrect as it introduces emotions like anger and somberness, which are not explicitly conveyed in the author's tone.
Which phrase best completes the definition of a memoir?
- A. A historical account of a person's life written by one who has intimate knowledge of the person's life
- B. A historical account of a person's life written by the person himself or herself
- C. A fictional account about a famous person
- D. A nonfictional account about a famous person without factual reference
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A memoir is a historical account of a person's life written by someone who has intimate knowledge of that person's life, not necessarily by the person themselves. This distinguishes it from an autobiography, which is written by the person themselves. Memoirs are nonfictional and based on factual references, making option A the most fitting completion of the definition. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a memoir is not necessarily written by the person about whom it is written, it is not fictional, and it should be based on factual references to be considered a memoir.