Reading and Writing (Test SM8)

27 QUESTIONS

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DIRECTIONS

The questions in this section address a number of important reading and writing skills. Each
question includes one or more passages, which may include a table or graph. Read each passage
and question carefully, and then choose the best answer to the question based on the passage(s).

All questions in this section are multiple-choice with four answer choices. Each question has a
single best answer.

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1 2

Mahatma Gandhi was a pivotal figure in the Indian Marcel Proust's novel In Search of Lost Time is
independence movement against British colonial rule. renowned for its intricate narrative structure and
Through his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi detailed exploration of memory, time, and social
led various campaigns and protests that aimed to achieve dynamics. The novel's complex prose and extensive use
freedom and equality for the Indian people. He advocated of stream-of-consciousness technique have made it a
for peaceful civil disobedience and inspired millions with challenging work for readers to _____, and it has sparked
his message of nonviolence and social justice. Gandhi's numerous interpretations and critical analyses.
leadership made him one of the most _____ individuals in Scholars and literary enthusiasts have engaged in
the history of India. extensive discussions to unravel the depths of Proust's
masterpiece.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and
precise word or phrase? Which choice completes the text with the most logical
and precise word or phrase?
A) influential
B) controversial A) unravel

C) unconventional B) publish

D) insignificant C) comprehend
D) appreciate

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The discovery of the Rosetta Stone, an ancient artifact Archaeologists studying ancient burial sites have
inscribed with three versions of a decree issued at uncovered numerous artifacts and cultural remains
Memphis, Egypt, in 196 BC, was a monumental that shed light on the beliefs and practices of past
breakthrough for archaeologists and linguists. By civilizations. For example, the discovery of intricate
deciphering the hieroglyphic script on the stone, scholars tomb paintings and elaborate funerary rituals in the
gained unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian Valley of the Kings in Egypt _____ the notion that the
language and culture. This significant find marked a(n) afterlife held great significance in ancient Egyptian
_____ moment in the study of ancient civilizations.. culture.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and Which choice completes the text with the most logical
precise word or phrase? and precise word or phrase?

A) groundbreaking A) reinforces
B) incidental B) dismisses
C) trivial C) disregards
D) perplexing D) contradicts

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Scientists studying the behavior of primates have The following text is from Juan Felipe Herrera's 2015
observed that certain species engage in complex grooming poem "Borderbus":
rituals that involve meticulous inspection and cleaning of
one another's fur. This behavior is not _____, as it serves In the eyes of the Border Patrol,
important social functions such as bonding, reducing love has no home,
stress, and maintaining hygiene within the group.. life has no face,
and death has no name.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and
precise word or phrase? Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A) arbitrary A) To shed light on the dehumanizing effects of border

B) destructive control
B) To depict the complexities of life and death along
C) reductive
the border
D) random C) To challenge the notions of love and belonging in a
divided world
D) To highlight the experiences of individuals caught
in the border crisis

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The following text is adapted from Pride and Prejudice, a Text 1

classic novel by Jane Austen. In the text, the protagonist Biologists have long debated the coexistence of multiple
Elizabeth Bennet reflects on her initial impression of Mr. bird species within the same forest habitat. According
Darcy. to conventional wisdom, competition for limited
resources should result in the dominance of one species
There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some over the others. Yet, numerous bird species continue to
particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best thrive in diverse forests, challenging this prevailing
education can overcome. Pride, indeed, is a common notion. Researchers have been striving to unravel the
failing. But pride—where there is a real superiority of mechanisms that enable such coexistence.
mind, pride will be always under good regulation.
Text 2
Which choice best describes the function of the In a groundbreaking study, ornithologist Maria Gomez
underlined sentence in the text as a whole? and her team propose that niche differentiation plays a
A) It presents a negative quality inherent in every crucial role in the coexistence of bird species within
individual's disposition. forests. They argue that different bird species have
B) It highlights a specific character flaw possessed by evolved to occupy distinct ecological niches, utilizing
the protagonist. different food sources, nesting sites, and foraging
C) It emphasizes the prevalence of pride as a human strategies. This specialization reduces direct
failing. competition and allows multiple species to coexist
D) It suggests that pride can be managed. without one dominating the others.

Based on the texts, how would Gomez and her team

(Text 2) most likely respond to the "conventional
wisdom" discussed in Text 1?
A) By challenging the assumption that competition for
limited resources should always lead to the
dominance of one bird species in forest habitats.
B) By highlighting the importance of interspecies
interactions in shaping the dynamics of forest bird
communities.
C) By proposing that the coexistence of multiple bird
species is primarily driven by their ability to adapt
to different forest environments.
D) By suggesting that the dominance of one bird
species in a forest habitat is dependent on the
availability of specific resources.

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9 10

In 2021, a team of astronomers discovered a new In ancient Greece, the role of the oracle at Delphi was
exoplanet located in a distant star system. The planet, highly respected and sought after. People would travel
named Kepler-452b, is often referred to as a "super- from far and wide to consult the oracle for guidance on
Earth" due to its size, which is about 1.6 times that of important matters, such as war, politics, and personal
Earth. Further observations revealed that Kepler-452b decisions. The oracle was believed to possess a direct
orbits its host star at a distance that falls within the star's line of communication with the gods, and her
habitable zone. Scientists believe that this exoplanet may prophecies were considered divine. Over time, the
have conditions suitable for the existence of liquid water, influence of the oracle declined, but her historical
making it a potential candidate for hosting life. significance and the impact she had on ancient Greek
society cannot be underestimated..
Based on the text, what makes Kepler-452b a potential
candidate for hosting life? Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
A) Its size is larger than Earth. A) Despite the decline of its influence, the oracle at
B) Its host star is located within the habitable zone. Delphi played a crucial role in ancient Greek
C) It is an exoplanet in a distant star system. society.
B) Although the oracle at Delphi had various
D) It has conditions suitable for the existence of liquid
responsibilities, her prophecies were highly
water.
regarded.
C) The primary function of the oracle at Delphi was to
entertain the people of ancient Greece.
D) Modern technologies have made the role of the
oracle at Delphi obsolete.

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In studying the effects of volcanic activity on the Pablo Picasso is widely regarded as one of the most
ecosystem of the Big Island in Hawaii, researchers influential artists of the 20th century. His innovative
noticed an intriguing pattern. Despite the frequent style and prolific body of work have left an indelible
volcanic eruptions, the forests surrounding the active mark on the art world. However, few people are
volcanoes were flourishing with diverse plant life. To aware that Picasso also had a significant impact on the
understand this phenomenon, the researchers development of sculpture. He experimented with
compared the volcanic forests to unaffected forests various materials and techniques, pushing the
on the island. They found that the volcanic forests boundaries of traditional sculptural forms. Therefore,
exhibited higher species richness and greater those who solely associate Picasso with his paintings
abundance of unique plant species, leading them to ________.
hypothesize that the volcanic activity contributes to
the ecological resilience and biodiversity of the Which choice most logically completes the text?
forests.
A) fail to recognize the breadth of Picasso's artistic
contributions.
Which finding, if true, would most directly undermine
B) overlook the influence of other artists on Picasso's
the researchers' hypothesis?
work.
A) In the unaffected forests, there is a higher presence C) underestimate the value of Picasso's sculptures
of invasive plant species that outcompete native compared to his paintings.
plants. D) disregard the importance of Picasso's
B) The volcanic forests have a significantly higher soil collaboration with other sculptors.
nutrient content compared to unaffected forests.
C) The volcanic activity has led to increased soil
erosion, which negatively impacts the growth and
stability of plants.
D) The unaffected forests experience more frequent
disturbances, such as hurricanes and landslides,
which contribute to the diversity of plant species.

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Among social animals that engage in cooperative To protect themselves from predators, some animals
hunting, such as wolves, lions, and orcas, individuals ______ a state of hibernation during the winter months.
often demonstrate a remarkable ability to coordinate In this state, their metabolic activity decreases
their actions and work together as a team to secure their significantly, conserving energy until the arrival of
prey. A recent study conducted by animal behaviorist Dr. spring.
Maria Rodriguez and her team explored whether this
cooperative behavior extends to non-social species as Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to
well. They observed that even solitary predators like the conventions of Standard English?
snow leopards exhibited cooperative hunting strategies
A) enter
when targeting large prey. These findings suggest that
B) to enter
______
C) having entered
Which choice most logically completes the text? D) entering
A) cooperative hunting behavior is a universal trait
among all predatory animals, regardless of their
social structure.
B) solitary predators may have developed independent
strategies to overcome challenges in securing large
prey.
C) the ability to coordinate actions during hunting is a
learned behavior rather than an innate instinct.
D) cooperative hunting behaviors are primarily driven
by the availability of abundant prey resources.

15 16

As the popularity of online shopping continues to rise, e- Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause metals to
commerce companies _________ their customer base expand or contract, potentially leading to structural
exponentially by 2030. Many traditional brick-and-mortar damage. To mitigate this risk, engineers often
retailers are also expanding their online presence to stay incorporate materials with high _______ coefficients into
competitive in the digital market. their designs..

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to
the conventions of Standard English? the conventions of Standard English?
A) have doubled A) expansion or contraction
B) had doubled B) expansion or contraction,
C) will double C) expansion or contraction;
D) would double D) expansion or contraction:

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17 18

In Celeste Ng's acclaimed novel, Everything I Never Told Renowned fashion designer, Maria Chen, showcased
You, the character of Lydia Lee navigates the her latest collection at the prestigious fashion show,
complexities of her identity as an Asian American meticulously crafting each gown to perfection. She
teenager in a small town in Ohio during the 1970s. paid special attention to the intricate details of the
Throughout the book, Lydia _______ a range of emotional garments, hand-stitching delicate beadwork and
struggles and familial dynamics, shedding light on embroideries onto the _______.
themes of identity, belonging, and the pressures of
conformity. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to
the conventions of Standard English?
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to
A) dresse's detail.
the conventions of Standard English?
B) dresses's details.
A) experiences
C) dresses' details.
B) experienced
D) dresses details'.
C) experiencing
D) has experienced

19 20

In his comprehensive analysis of capitalist systems, American author Toni Morrison's powerful body of
Marxist economist David Harvey argues that capitalism work includes Beloved, a novel about the lasting
fosters a relentless pursuit of profit, often at the expense effects of slavery in post-Civil War ______ a searing
of social and environmental well-being. Harvey suggests exploration of racial identity in 1970s America; and
that the workings of capitalism, driven by a voracious The Bluest Eye, her debut novel.
hunger for accumulation, can lead to a “soulless _______
that prioritizes monetary gains above all else. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to
the conventions of Standard English?
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the
A) Ohio, Sula,
conventions of Standard English?
B) Ohio; Sula,
A) system”; and
C) Ohio, Sula:
B) system” and
D) Ohio; Sula
C) system,”
D) system”

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British author Kazuo Ishiguro, known for his introspective Despite its small size, the poison dart frog displays
and atmospheric novels, won the Nobel Prize in Literature vibrant and striking colors that do not serve as a
in 2017. His acclaimed novel The Remains of the Day warning signal to potential _____ the frog's bold
explores themes of duty and regret through the eyes of a coloration acts as a signal to attract mates.
devoted _______ The Buried Giant, published in 2015, takes
readers on a mythical journey through a post-Arthurian Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to
England. the conventions of Standard English?
A) predators; instead,
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the
B) predators, instead,
conventions of Standard English?
C) deterrent, instead;
A) butler;
D) deterrent instead,
B) butler,
C) butler
D) butler:

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23 24

While researching a topic, a student has taken the While researching a topic, a student has taken the
following notes: following notes:

• The Industrial Revolution brought significant • Maya Angelou is a highly acclaimed American poet
advancements in manufacturing and technology. and author.

• One of the key inventions of the Industrial Revolution • Angelou's most famous work is her 1969 memoir, I
was the steam engine, which revolutionized Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
transportation and industry.
• The memoir chronicles Angelou's early years,
• The steam engine replaced manual labor in many including her experiences with racism and trauma.
industries and increased efficiency.
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings has been praised
• Factories emerged as the primary sites of production for its powerful and lyrical prose.
during the Industrial Revolution.
• Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri but was
The student wants to explain how the Industrial raised in Stamps, Arkansas.
Revolution affected the way things were produced.
Which choice most effectively uses relevant information The student wants to introduce I Know Why the Caged
from the notes to accomplish this goal? Bird Sings to an audience unfamiliar with the memoir
and its author. Which choice most effectively uses
A) The Industrial Revolution was a time of significant
relevant information from the notes to accomplish this
advancements in manufacturing and technology.
goal?
B) The steam engine, a key invention of the Industrial
Revolution, replaced manual labor and increased A) Maya Angelou, who wrote I Know Why the Caged
efficiency. Bird Sings, was born and raised in two different
C) Factories emerged as the primary sites of cities in the United States.
production during the Industrial Revolution, thanks B) Many critics have singled out Maya Angelou’s
to advancements in manufacturing and technology. 1969 book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a
D) The Industrial Revolution brought about a memoir about her early life, for praise.
revolution in transportation and industry through C) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a much-
the invention of the steam engine. praised memoir by Maya Angelou, a renowned
American poet and author. The book, published
in 1969, delves into Angelou's personal journey,
capturing the impact of racism and trauma
through powerful and lyrical prose.
D) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a celebrated
memoir about the events that occurred in
Missouri and Arkansas, Maya Angelou’s
hometowns.

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While researching a topic, a student has taken the While researching a topic, a student has taken the
following notes: following notes:

• Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan. • The Petroglyphs of Valcamonica are ancient rock
carvings located in Lombardy, Italy.
• The city's population is approximately 1 million.
• The petroglyphs date back to prehistoric times and
• Bishkek accounts for 17% of Kyrgyzstan's population. were created between the Neolithic and Iron Age.

• Banjul is the capital of The Gambia. • They consist of over 140,000 carved figures,
including animals, humans, and geometric symbols.
• The city's population is approximately 50,000.
• The purpose of the Petroglyphs of Valcamonica is
• Banjul accounts for 3% of The Gambia's population. believed to be religious, ceremonial, or
commemorative.
The student wants to highlight the relative sizes of the two
capitals' populations. Which choice most effectively uses • The carvings provide valuable insights into the
relevant information from the notes to accomplish this culture and beliefs of the people who created them.
goal?
A) Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has a population The student wants to explain the functions of the
of approximately 1 million, while Banjul, the capital Petroglyphs of Valcamonica. Which choice most
of The Gambia, has a population of approximately effectively uses relevant information from the notes to
50,000. accomplish this goal?
B) The populations of the capitals of Kyrgyzstan and A) The Petroglyphs of Valcamonica in Lombardy,
The Gambia are approximately 1 million (Bishkek) Italy, are ancient rock carvings dating back to
and 50,000 (Banjul), respectively. prehistoric times and consisting of over 140,000
C) Although Kyrgyzstan has a larger population than carved figures.
The Gambia, Banjul accounts for a larger percentage B) Dating between the Neolithic and Iron Age, the
of its country's population. petroglyphs of Valcamonica provide valuable
D) Comparing Kyrgyzstan and The Gambia, Bishkek's insights into the culture and beliefs of the people
population of approximately 1 million represents who created them.
17% of Kyrgyzstan's population, while Banjul's C) The purpose of the Petroglyphs of Valcamonica is
population of approximately 50,000 represents 3% believed to be religious, ceremonial, or
of The Gambia's population. commemorative, and they depict various animals,
humans, and geometric symbols.
D) The ancient rock carvings known as the
Petroglyphs of Valcamonica offer a glimpse into
the rich history of Lombardy, Italy, through their
diverse array of over 140,000 carved figures.

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While researching a topic, a student has taken the

following notes:

• The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in

the world, created by Leonardo da Vinci.

• There have been debates and speculations about the

identity of the subject in the Mona Lisa.

• Some art historians suggest that the painting depicts

Lisa Gherardini, while others propose alternative
theories.

• Researchers Emma Dante and Alessandro Vezzosi used

advanced imaging techniques to analyze the Mona Lisa.

• They concluded that there is a high likelihood that the

painting indeed portrays Lisa Gherardini.

The student wants to make a generalization about the

kind of research conducted by Dante and Vezzosi. Which
choice most effectively uses relevant information from the
notes to accomplish this goal?
A) Based on their analysis, Dante and Vezzosi
definitively proved that the subject of the Mona Lisa
is Lisa Gherardini.
B) There is a high likelihood that the Mona Lisa
portrays Lisa Gherardini, according to the research
conducted by Dante and Vezzosi.
C) Lisa Gherardini is the confirmed subject of the Mona
Lisa, as determined by Dante and Vezzosi's advanced
imaging techniques.
D) Researchers have used advanced imaging techniques
to analyze and identify subjects in famous paintings.

STOP
If you finish before time is called, you may check your work on this module only.
Do not turn to any other module in the test.

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