Possible Exam Questions and answers with rated solutions, graded A+

Possible Exam Questions and answers with rated solutions, graded A+ 1. The primary purpose of the first paragraph (lines 1-26) is to (A) inspire students to enter scientific professions (B) argue that certain animal groups are becoming extinct (C) encourage people to follow the progress of current scientific research (D) call attention to the decline of a significant field of study (E) explain the relationship between different scientific disciplines (D) call attention to the decline of a significant field of study 2. The author mentions "glass-blowing and harpsichord manufacture" (lines 7-8) to suggest that taxonomy is (A) a field characterized by antiquated practices (B) an art that is extremely difficult to master (C) a profession practiced by relatively few people (D) an area of expertise with various practical applications (E) a discipline that has limited usefulness (C) a profession practiced by relatively few people 3. The series of phrases in lines 14-16 ("Marvelously varied . . . acre of land") primarily conveys the (A) critical job that springtails and oribatid mites perform in the natural environment (B) ferocity with which springtails and oribatid mites compete for survival (C) array of tiny animals that coexist with springtails and oribatid mites in the soil (D) characteristics of springtails and oribatid mites (E) life span of springtails and oribatid mites living in the soil (D) characteristics of springtails and oribatid mites 4. In the context of lines 19-22, the words "one is retired" are best described as (A) a detail that makes a critical situation even more precarious (B) a fact that is puzzling to the author and other biologists (C) a claim that is of equal concern to scientists and the general public (D) an excuse for outdated designs for research projects (E) an aside that undermines the point about taxonomy that is being made (A) a detail that makes a critical situation even more precarious 5. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the first and second paragraphs? (A) The second paragraph illustrates the work of the specialists mentioned in the first paragraph. (B) The second paragraph describes the effects of an issue raised in the first paragraph. (C) The second paragraph questions the logic of an idea expressed in the first paragraph. (D) The second paragraph considers factors that could remedy the situation discussed in the first paragraph. (E) The second paragraph lists the practical applications of a theory proposed in the first paragraph. (B) The second paragraph describes the effects of an issue raised in the first paragraph. 6. The author cites a Chinese saying (lines 44-46) to emphasize the (A) contrast between Eastern and Western science (B) intricacy of the relationships that unite living beings (C) necessity of using scientific knowledge in a responsible manner (D) importance of taxonomy as a field of study (E) danger of postponing biological research (D) importance of taxonomy as a field of study 7. The author uses the word "obscure" in line 48 to mean (A) ambiguous (B) incomprehensible (C) not well known (D) uncertain (E) unusually small 7. The author uses the word "obscure" in line 48 to mean (A) ambiguous (B) incomprehensible (C) not well known (D) uncertain (E) unusually small (C) not well known 8. The third paragraph (lines 47-61) serves which of the following functions? (A) It explains the results of a controversial study. (B) It compares examples that illustrate a point. (C) It explores social and historical contexts. (D) It speculates about a potential improvement. (E) It presents an opposing point of view. (D) It speculates about a potential improvement. 9. Which of the following is true of the position presented in lines 72-77 ("The second . . . progress ") ? (A) It is based on information provided at the beginning of the passage. (B) It takes issue with the claims made in the previous sentence. (C) It acknowledges that the solution to the problem will involve painful choices. (D) It emphasizes that immediate action is essential for success. (E) It suggests that an assumption held by many people may be incorrect. (E) It suggests that an assumption held by many people may be incorrect. 10. One important purpose of the passage is to (A) urge the public to contribute money to a proposed taxonomy project (B) argue that the public should focus on identifying and saving a few key species (C) suggest that ecological conservation is a beneficial enterprise (D) question why some species are better protected than others (E) promote specific organizations devoted to improving global well-being (C) suggest that ecological conservation is a beneficial enterprise 11. The primary rhetorical strategy in the passage is the (A) exemplification of key concepts and ideas (B) narration of stories and use of personal references (C) description of research methodologies (D) comparison and contrast of differing viewpoints (E) reevaluation of traditional notions of cause and effect (A) exemplification of key concepts and ideas 12. In the passage, italics are used to highlight (A) citations from different authorities (B) ideas that scientists consider outdated (C) the hypotheses that the author challenges (D) trends that the author has encouraged (E) the major points of the author's argument (E) the major points of the author's argument 13. The author's tone is best described as (A) polite yet condescending (B) concerned yet hopeful (C) critical and indignant (D) eager and amazed (E) pessimistic and discouraged (B) concerned yet hopeful 14. The passage is most likely excerpted from (A) an educational article promoting awareness of a critical scientific issue (B) a scholarly essay substantiating the veracity of a recent scientific discovery (C) a historical document describing public funding for biodiversity studies (D) a research report criticizing the behavior of both sides in a current scientific debate (E) an informational pamphlet discussing exhibits in a natural history museum (A) an educational article promoting awareness of a critical scientific issue 15. It can be inferred from the passage that the author assumes the reader is (A) an expert questioning every aspect of the author's argument (B) a generalist who needs an explanation of specialized concepts (C) a student seeking facts in order to develop a testable thesis (D) a colleague evaluating a proposal for a research project (E) an enthusiast aware of current discoveries and debates (B) a generalist who needs an explanation of specialized concepts 16. The organization of the passage can best be described as (A) personal narrative followed by analysis (B) empirical data followed by conjecture (C) nonjudgmental explanation of a current phenomenon followed by a question (D) descriptive analysis followed by a final judgment (E) condemnation of a practice followed by partial acceptance (D) descriptive analysis followed by a final judgment