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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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. The passage indicates that the world powers were already in a combustible situation due to complicated military alliances, making war extremely likely even without the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Choice B is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that World War I would never have happened. Choice C is incorrect as it specifically names the countries that would have started the war, which is not supported by the passage. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not solely attribute the war's start to Austria.
Which option best describes the use of the spider in the poem?
- A. Idiom
- B. Haiku
- C. ABBA rhyming convention
- D. Simile
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Simile.' In the poem, the speaker compares the spider to an artist using 'as,' indicating a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. An idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning, a haiku is a form of Japanese poetry, and ABBA rhyming convention refers to a specific rhyme scheme commonly found in poetry, none of which apply to the comparison of the spider to an artist in the poem.
Which best describes the meaning of the word decay as used in this passage?
- A. To decompose
- B. To shrink
- C. To wither
- D. To deteriorate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context provided, 'decay' implies a gradual deterioration or breaking down over time. It does not specifically refer to decomposing, shrinking, or withering. Therefore, the correct answer is 'To deteriorate.' 'To decompose' is incorrect as it refers to the breakdown of organic matter, 'To shrink' is incorrect as it means to become smaller, and 'To wither' is incorrect as it means to dry up or wilt, none of which fully capture the meaning of decay in this context.
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 sources would be a good starting point that provides the most accurate information for a research project on ancient Persian culture?
- A. The Wikipedia entry on 'Persian Culture'
- B. 'All Cool Persian Stuff,' a blog written by a scientist
- C. 'An Overview of Persian Society,' a book written by a historian
- D. 'Uncovering the Secrets of Persia,' a two-page magazine article about lost temples
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A book written by a historian, such as 'An Overview of Persian Society,' would provide a well-researched and reliable source of information on ancient Persian culture. Choice A, the Wikipedia entry, may contain inaccurate or biased information as it can be edited by anyone. Choice B, a blog by a scientist, may not provide scholarly or comprehensive information on ancient Persian culture. Choice D, a magazine article about lost temples, does not focus on Persian culture as a whole, making it less relevant for a research project specifically on ancient Persian culture.