Practice exam 1-b

1. Chemist Jane Marshall, together with her team, proposed the enhancement of the properties of the polymer blend PVC/ABS, a concoction of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), by incorporating graphene nanoflakes ______ the resultant compound, PVC/ABS/GNF, exhibited elevated mechanical characteristics and improved electrical conductivity. Which choice most logically completes the text?

2. The influence of renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin on public artist Jane Johnson's artwork is by no means _______. On the contrary, Johnson herself reveres Rodin as one of her inspirations. However, certain critics argue that the architectural nuances of Antoni Gaudi had a more profound impact on Johnson's art. Which choice most logically completes the text?

3. Subjected to extreme conditions, conventional silicates-based glass is prone to shattering. Yet, Stanford University's scientist Sarah Lee has recently invented an innovative type of ______ capable of withstanding the most extreme temperatures without fracture, thus becoming an optimal candidate for use in spacecraft and other high-stress environments. Which choice most logically completes the text?

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

• The complex and extensive vocalizations of humpback whales are unique to them.

• These vocalizations have been informally dubbed as "songs."

• It is only the male humpback whales that sing these compelling songs during the mating season.

• These songs can last for up to 20 minutes and can be heard from many miles away.

• Marine biologists hypothesize that these melodious songs are instrumental in attracting mates or establishing their territory.

The student aims to highlight the purpose of these unique humpback whale songs. Which choice most logically uses relevant information from the research to accomplish this goal?

5. The collector studied his myriad timepieces, each unique with a story of its own. Amidst the contemporary designs, an antiquated watch from the 18th century draws his attention, its artistic engravings subtly reflecting the soft light. It was a prized addition to his collection, bought from a veteran collector at a worthwhile price. As he surveys his collection teeming with modern designs, he couldn't help but notice the obvious dissimilarity. “This one seems strangely out of place here,” he thought. Yet, the collector held a hidden admiration for the vintage timepiece, his fond gaze betraying his secret as he decided where to place this newfound treasure. Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

6. Claude Monet, the celebrated French artist, is most recognized for his series of water lilies paintings. ______, Monet was equally prolific in another series which spotlighted haystacks in rural France, beautifully capturing the fleeting effects of sunlight on the landscape throughout different periods of the day. Which choice most logically completes the text?

7. The silvery moon bathes the tranquil waters in an otherworldly glow, casting an enchanting light show. Amid this serene spectacle, lilies elegantly float on the surface, their delicate petals subtly caressed by the cool night air. Suddenly, time seems to freeze as a small silver fish breaks the glass-like surface, momentarily shattering the calm. But why does this one solitary creature stir amidst such tranquility? And why does it disrupt the profound silence of the night? Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

8. Göbekli Tepe, an archaeological site nestled in modern-day Turkey, is renowned as one of the world's oldest temple complexes (circa 9,500 BCE). Taking a recent expedition to this ancient site was archaeologist David Owens, here to examine the intriguing ______ etched onto its colossal stone pillars, offering valuable insights into primitive beliefs and rites. Which choice most logically completes the text?

9. Based on the texts, how would Smith and Doe (Text 2) most likely react to the "popular belief" presented in Text 1?

10. The mantis shrimp boasts of an extraordinary visual system, the likes of which can perceive colors well beyond the range of human vision. ______, this remarkable adaptation equips them with the power to swiftly detect and identify potential threats or food sources in their surroundings. Which choice most logically completes the text?

12. The world-renowned musician vehemently refutes his critics' accusations of trying to upstage his peers. However, he frankly states that he neither identifies with nor competes against them. Rather than bothered about their rise or downfall, he is more focused on his own quest of leaving his indelible mark on all the revered stages worldwide - from humble, tucked-away spaces to grand, ornate halls. His goal is to earn his fame not through cheap rivalries or patronage, but through genuine musical talent and camaraderie. Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

13. Supernumerary teeth, or extra teeth that are not a part of the normal adult dentition, are relatively easy to identify in human dental radiographs. Because this condition is present but less _______ in many other animals, veterinary researchers often employ specialized imaging techniques to reveal these extra teeth in animals. Which choice most logically completes the text?

14. Editors estimate that nearly 65 percent of all autobiographies attributed to renowned athletes or actors are actually penned by ghostwriters, proficient authors who are compensated to write other _______ but whose names remain unmentioned on book jackets.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

15. The following text is adapted from Jane Austen's 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth, a young woman, has recently begun exploring painting as a pastime. Elizabeth was characterized by a rare blend of intelligence and self-confidence, qualities that frequently led her to express herself in unexpected ways. Consequently, she found immense satisfaction in experimenting with diverse painting techniques, which offered a fresh outlet for her creativity. Which choice best conveys the primary idea of the text?

16. Mexican painter Frida Kahlo embarked on her artistic journey after a devastating bus accident resulted in lifelong pain and disability. Unwilling to surrender, she embraced painting as a means of self-expression and ultimately _______ the 1938 exhibition at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York, where she revealed her captivating self-portraits imbued with potent symbolism.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

17. Several ancient Egyptian murals present a male figure holding a plow near a riverbank while a cat observes from afar. Some experts posit that the figure represents the god Osiris, who is associated with agriculture and rivers in Egyptian mythology. However, Egyptologist Sandra Thompson suggests that cats were frequently linked to farming activities in Egypt. As a result, the cat's proximity to the male figure in these murals _______
Which choice most logically completes the text?

18. Historian Mark Steven proposes that the discovery of gold artifacts in a recently excavated Viking ship burial site implies that the tomb likely belonged to an individual of high stature. ______ the detailed craftsmanship and the usage of precious materials in the construction of the ship, further corroborate the person's elevated status within their society. Which choice most logically completes the text?

19. The Harlem Renaissance, a pivotal cultural movement in the United States, was a crucible for the emergence of many distinguished African American creative luminaries. Prominent among these creative maestros ______ Langston Hughes, a highly acclaimed poet, and novelist. Which choice most logically completes the text?

20. Primitive petroglyphs, or rock art, are littered across remote locations all over the globe. _______ the advent of modern technology, namely satellite imagery and LIDAR laser scanning, has significantly aided archaeologists in their quest for unravelling these yet unidentified petroglyphs. Which choice most logically completes the text?

21. Ambiguous are the gestation durations of various whale species. Taking for instance, the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) which carries its young for about 11 months, ______ the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), meanwhile, has a gestation duration lasting around 12 months. Which choice most logically completes the text?

22. Fossil remnants suggest horse domestication taking place around 6,000 years ago. Contrastingly, a fresh unearthing of horse-associated artifacts with an approximated age of around 7,000 years suggests that ______ could have transpired much earlier than earlier conjectures. Which choice most logically completes the text?

23. The WaterWheel system, conceived by Indian engineer Cynthia Koenig, comprises a large, wheel-like container constructed for optimal water transportation in rural scenarios. With the capacity to be filled with ______ the WaterWheel enhances water collection and transportation efficiency, easing the burden compared to traditional methods. Which choice most logically completes the text?

24. The global honeybee population is dwindling, jeopardizing the pollination of numerous plant species. In 2005, researchers introduced honeybees to a remote island as part of a conservation initiative. Intriguingly, these honeybees flourished in the absence of their main predators, the Asian hornet and the Varroa destructor mite. This altered environment might influence the relationship between honeybees and their natural predators. In 2015, an infestation of Asian hornets was detected near the island where honeybees had been successfully thriving. Within a year, nearly 90 percent of the honeybee colonies on this island were attacked. Which choice best describes the function of the third sentence in the overall structure of the text?

25. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• Telemedicine allows patients to receive medical consultations remotely through video conferences or phone calls.
• This technology can help provide healthcare services to rural areas where access to medical professionals is limited.
• Telemedicine can also reduce the burden on overcrowded hospitals and clinics.
• Some concerns about telemedicine include privacy issues and the potential for misdiagnosis.
The student wants to show the potential benefits of telemedicine in addressing healthcare challenges. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?