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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 word 'principal' referring to in the following text?
- A. Primary or chief
- B. An acolyte
- C. An individual who provides nurturing
- D. One in a subordinate position
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the provided text, 'principal' is referring to the primary or chief individual. The principal secretary for private affairs is considered second only to the treasurer, indicating a position of high importance. The term 'acolyte' (Choice B) refers to a ceremonial assistant, which does not fit the context. 'An individual who provides nurturing' (Choice C) and 'One in a subordinate position' (Choice D) do not accurately describe the role of the 'principal' in the text.
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Finlay flatly refused to take part in the piano recital, so his parents had to cajole him
with the promise of a trip to his favorite toy store.
Which of the answer choices gives the best definition of the underlined word in the following sentence? 'Finlay flatly refused to take part in the piano recital, so his parents had to cajole him with the promise of a trip to his favorite toy store.'
- A. Prevent
- B. Threaten
- C. Insist
- D. Coax
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this context, 'cajole' means to persuade someone by using flattery or promises, which is best represented by 'coax.' 'Prevent' (choice A) means to stop something from happening, 'threaten' (choice B) means to communicate an intention to harm, and 'insist' (choice C) means to demand something forcefully, so these choices do not fit the context of persuading with flattery or promises.
Which of the following statements would be LEAST relevant in a formal essay about artist Salvador Dal?
- A. Although his works are famed for their dream-like qualities, Dal executed them with realism reminiscent of the Renaissance masters.
- B. Salvador Dal's eccentricity extended beyond his artwork, affecting the strange public persona he created, which can be witnessed in his numerous television appearances.
- C. I've always found Dal's painting The Persistence of Memory to be really disturbing for some reason.
- D. Although Salvador Dal is best known for his paintings, he also was active in cinema and collaborated with such filmmakers as Luis Bunuel and Alfred Hitchcock.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C is subjective and personal, making it less suitable for a formal essay about Salvador Dal. In formal writing, it is important to maintain objectivity and focus on factual information rather than personal opinions. Choices A, B, and D provide relevant information about Dal, his artwork, and his collaborations, which are more appropriate for inclusion in a formal essay.
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 y...
Which word is most closely synonymous with the word patronage as it appears in the following statement?
- A. Auspices
- B. Aberration
- C. Adulation
- D. Applause
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 'Auspices' is most synonymous with 'patronage' in this context, indicating support or sponsorship. In the provided extract, the author expresses a desire to meet with the working men and their families, indicating a sense of support and sponsorship towards them, aligning with the meaning of 'auspices.' The other choices do not capture the idea of support or sponsorship and are therefore incorrect.
The author uses alliteration in the following phrase: 'The white waves washed on the shore.'
Why does the author repeat the phrase 'I had a dream' throughout the text?
- A. To emphasize the speaker's excitement
- B. To persuade the audience
- C. To demonstrate the speaker's authority
- D. To create a rhythmic effect
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The repetition of 'I had a dream' in the text serves to emphasize the speaker's excitement and vision. By repeating this phrase, the author highlights the importance and impact of the dream, reinforcing the central theme of hope and aspiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of the repetition is not persuasion, demonstration of authority, or creating a rhythmic effect, but rather to underscore the speaker's emotions and aspirations.
David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest is the holy grail of modern literature. It will stand the test of time in its relevance. Every single person who starts reading Infinite Jest cannot physically put down the book until completing it.
What is the central idea conveyed in the passage?
- A. David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest is the holy grail of modern literature.
- B. Infinite Jest is a page-turner.
- C. David Foster Wallace wrote Infinite Jest.
- D. Infinite Jest is a modern classic for good reason and everybody should read it.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage describes Infinite Jest as a modern classic that holds significant value, indicating that it is highly recommended for everyone to read it. Choice A focuses solely on the praise of the book without emphasizing the recommendation to read it. Choice B, mentioning it as a page-turner, does not capture the essence of it being a modern classic that everyone should read. Choice C is a factual statement about the authorship but does not encompass the main point that the book is a modern classic that deserves to be read by all.