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QUESTION 3 OF 11
As used in line 2 (“ruefully”) , the phrase “ruefully” most nearly means????????
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A mournfully. B apologetically. C repentantly. D angrily.
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A lines 16–20 (“Dan . . . exaggerated”)(“Dan was a young man who took life and himself very seriously. He seldom smiled, never joked, and had a Washingtonian reputation for veracity. Dan had never told a conscious falsehood in his life; he never even exaggerated.”) ??
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B lines 21–22 (“Julius . . . him”)(“Julius, beholding Dan's solemn face, was seized with a perfectly irresistible desire to \ C lines 34–35 (“Yet . . . once”)(“Yet Dan, credulous as he was, could not believe it all at once.”) D lines 53–54 (“Oh . . . easy”)(“Oh, but Dan had been easy!”) QUESTION 4 OF 11
As used in line 18 (“veracity.”), “veracity” most nearly means????????
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A candor. B truthfulness. C verisimilitude. D impartiality.
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QUESTION 9 OF 11
lines 57–58 (“At . . .enters”) (“At this point Julius and Danny drop out of our story, and Young Thomas enters.”) serves mainly to????
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A introduce a new character and setting to the story. B show the resulting impact of the rumor Julius started. C add a surprising twist to the story. D create a sense of suspense for the outcome of the prank.
QUESTION 5 OF 11
The conversation between Julius and Dan serves mainly to????????
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A show how bored Julius is with the inhabitants of Valley View. B provide a context for the relationships in the community. C demonstrate Dan’s gullibility when it comes to rumors. D establish why Julius’ story was so widely accepted.
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QUESTION 6 OF 11
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question???
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A lines 3–5 (“He . . . repeatedly”)(“He had not succeeded in \??
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B lines 33–34 (“Julius . . . countenance”)(“Julius delivered himself of this tremendous lie with a transparently earnest countenance.”) C lines 45–49 (“Young Thomas . . . them”)(“Young Thomas was a con?rmed bachelor of ?fty, and Adelia Williams was forty; they were not supposed to be even well acquainted, as the Everetts and the Williamses had never been very friendly, although no open feud existed between them.”) D lines 50–52 (“Nevertheless . . . further”)(“Nevertheless, in view of Julius's circumstantial statements, the amazing news must be true, and Dan was instantly agog to carry it further.”) QUESTION 10 OF 11
Eben’s comments in lines 66–70 (“Ah . . . wife”) (“\off like that, Tom,\I was glad to hear it, although I was mighty surprised. I never thought of you and Adelia. But she's a ?ne little woman and will make you a capital wife.””) primarily indicate that he????????
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A disagrees strongly with Thomas. B ?nds the rumor to be funny. C believes that Thomas is lying. D feels unsurprised by the match.
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QUESTION 11 OF 11
It can be inferred that Tom is \????????
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A feels exasperated by Julius’ tendency to gossip. B believes Adelia doesn’t want to marry him. C is agitated that he is the subject of a rumor. D has too many errands to run in Valley View.
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QUESTION 7 OF 11
In the passage, Dan is characterized as someone who is????????
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A honest. B foolish. C stubborn. D distrustful.
QUESTION 8 OF 11
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?
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Exercise 355This passage is excerpted from Kate Chopin, \originally published in 1899.Line5101520253035404550\Robert, coming out on the porch where she was. Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.\She likes you. She will come.\to one of the far cottages, where Mademoiselle Reisz was shuf?ing away. She was dragging a chair in and out of her room, and at intervals objecting to the crying of a baby, which a nurse in the adjoining cottage was endeavoring to put to sleep. She was a disagreeable little woman, no longer young, who had quarreled with almost every one, owing to a temper which was self-assertive and a disposition to trample upon the rights of others. Robert prevailed upon her without any too great dif?culty.She entered the hall with him during a lull in the dance. She made an awkward, imperious little bow as she went in. She was a homely woman, with a small weazened face and body and eyes that glowed. She had absolutely no taste in dress, and wore a batch of rusty black lace with a bunch of arti?cial violets pinned to the side of her hair.\she requested of Robert. She sat perfectly still before the piano, not touching the keys, while Robert carried her message to Edna at the window. A general air of surprise and genuine satisfaction fell upon every one as they saw the pianist enter. There was a settling down, and a prevailing air of expectancy everywhere. Edna was a tri?e embarrassed at being thus signaled out for the imperious little woman's favor. She would not dare to choose, and begged that Mademoiselle Reisz would please herself in her selectionsEdna was what she herself called very fond of music. Musical strains, well rendered, had a way of evoking pictures in her mind. She sometimes liked to sit in the room of mornings when Madame Ratignolle played or practiced. One piece which that lady played Edna had entitled \was a short, plaintive, minor strain. The name of the piece was something else, but she called it \heard it there came before her imagination the ?gure of a man standing beside a desolate rock on the seashore. . . His attitude was one of hopeless resignation as he looked toward a distant bird winging its ?ight away from him.Another piece called to her mind a dainty young woman clad in an Empire gown, taking mincing dancing steps as she came down a long avenue between tall hedges. Again, another reminded her of children at play, and still another of nothing on earth but a demure lady stroking a cat.The very ?rst chords which Mademoiselle Reisz struck upon the piano sent a keen tremor down Mrs. Pontellier's spinal column.It was not the ?rst time she had heard an artist at the piano. Perhaps it was the ?rst time she was ready, 606570perhaps the ?rst time her being was tempered to take an impress of the abiding truth.She waited for the material pictures which she thought would gather and blaze before her imagination. She waited in vain. She saw no pictures of solitude, of hope, of longing, or of despair. But the very passions themselves were aroused within her soul, swaying it, lashing it, as the waves daily beat upon her splendid body. She trembled, she was choking, and the tears blinded her.Mademoiselle had ?nished. She arose, and bowing her stiff, lofty bow, she went away, stopping for neither thanks nor applause. As she passed along the gallery she patted Edna upon the shoulder.\woman was unable to answer; she pressed the hand of the pianist convulsively. Mademoiselle Reisz perceived her agitation and even her tears. She patted her again upon the shoulder as she said:\Bah!\toward her room.QUESTION 1 OF 11Over the course of the passage, the main focus shifts from???????????????? A a description of one woman to a detailed characterization of a group of people. B a depiction of a place to a statement of one character’s opinions about that place. C opinions shared by many laypeople to opinions held by a great artist. D the setup of a situation to one character’s reaction to that situation. QUESTION 2 OF 11In paragraph 4 (lines 22–28 (“\the words “satisfaction” and “expectancy” serve mainly to???????????????? A show that those in attendance have ?xed ideas about Mademoiselle Reisz’s performance. B characterize Mademoiselle Reisz’s feelings about being asked to play for the group. C indicate that Edna has been waiting for Mademoiselle Reisz to acknowledge her presence. D demonstrate that the listeners anticipate that Mademoiselle Reisz will not be able to play the pieces well. QUESTION 3 OF 11The primary purpose of paragraphs 2 and 3 (lines 5–21(“\???? A characterize Mademoiselle Reisz as someone who delights in making people uncomfortable solely for her own amusement. B emphasize that Madame Reisz has changed a great deal in the time Edna has known her. C describe Mademoiselle Reisz’s interaction with Robert, which re?ects her general interest in social pleasantries. D establish Mademoiselle Reisz’s unpleasant attitude and ????????????????????????????????????????
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appearance, which contrast with the beautiful music she makes.
QUESTION 4 OF 11
It can be reasonably inferred that Edna refuses to choose the music that Mademoiselle Reisz will play because she????????
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A feels that her musical education is insuf?cient for the honor of making the selection. B is uncomfortable with being treated differently than the other guests. C does not know what music the other guests would prefer to hear. D wants to hear “Solitude” but doesn’t know how to ask for it.
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A a member of the group. B someone about whom Mademoiselle Ratignolle is singing. C an imaginary woman. D Edna as a child.
QUESTION 9 OF 11
It can be reasonably inferred that Mademoiselle Reisz considers Edna to be worth playing for because????????
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A only Edna has received enough training to fully appreciate the music. B Edna feels passionately and deeply about the music. C Edna has never had the opportunity to hear her play before. D only Edna understands how it feels to be a musician.
QUESTION 5 OF 11
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question???
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A lines 28–30 (“Edna . . . favor”)(“Edna was a tri?e
embarrassed at being thus signaled out for the imperious little woman's favor.”) ??
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B line 32 (“Edna . . . music”)(“Edna was what she herself called very fond of music.”) C lines 34–35 (“She . . . practiced”)(“She sometimes liked to sit in the room of mornings when Madame Ratignolle played or practiced.”) D lines 35–37 (“One . . . strain”)(“ One piece which that lady played Edna had entitled \plaintive, minor strain.”) QUESTION 10 OF 11
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question???
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A lines 50–51 (“It was . . . piano”)(“It was not the ?rst time she had heard an artist at the piano.”) ??
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B lines 54–55 (“She . . . imagination”)(“She waited for the material pictures which she thought would gather and blaze before her imagination.”) C lines 63–64 (“As she . . . shoulder”)(“As she passed along the gallery she patted Edna upon the shoulder.”) D lines 67–68 (“Mademoiselle . . . tears”)(“Mademoiselle Reisz perceived her agitation and even her tears.”) ????
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QUESTION 6 OF 11
As used in line 33 (“rendered”), “rendered” most nearly means????????
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A covered B made C provided D performed
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QUESTION 11 OF 11
The passage suggests that Edna views Mademoiselle Reisz as someone who is????????
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A intimidating but profound. B cold and uninviting. C motherly and inspiring. D misguided but irresponsible.
QUESTION 7 OF 11
The imagery in paragraph 5 (lines 38–42 (“When she heard it there came before her imagination the ?gure of a man standing beside a desolate rock on the seashore. . . His attitude was one of hopeless resignation as he looked toward a distant bird winging its ?ight away from him.”) ) mainly serves to????????
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A show that Edna’s imagination is not in?uenced by her surroundings. B demonstrate Edna’s inability to distinguish reality from fantasy. C characterize the vivid scenes music brings to Edna’s mind. D make it clear that Edna longs to be alone in an isolated environment.
QUESTION 8 OF 11
The “dainty young woman clad in an Empire gown” (lines 43–44
(“a dainty young woman clad in an Empire gown”) ) is best understood to be
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Exercise 455This passage is excerpted from Louisa May Alcott, Rose in Bloom, originally published in 1876.Line5101520253035404550Three young men stood together on a wharf one bright October day awaiting the arrival of an ocean steamer with an 60impatience which found a vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who pervaded the premises like a will-o'-the-wisp and afforded much amusement to the other groups assembled there.\65been abroad several years with her uncle, the doctor,\whispered one lady to another as the handsomest of the young men touched his hat to her as he passed, lugging the boy, whom he had just rescued from a little expedition down among the piles.70\\promising of the seven, but a little fast, people say,\answered the ?rst speaker with a shake of the head. \others his brothers?\75\man. He has just gone into business with the merchant uncle and bids fair to be an honor to his family. The other, with the eyeglasses and no gloves, is Mac, the odd one, just out of college.\\\pet of the whole family. Mercy on us he'll be in if they don't hold on to him!\The ladies' chat came to a sudden end just there, for by the time Jamie had been ?shed out of a hogshead, the steamer hove in sight and everything else was forgotten. As it swung slowly around to enter the dock, a boyish voice shouted, \Cousin Rose!\by Jamie as he stood on a post waving his arms like a windmill while his brother held onto the tail of his jacket.Yes, there they were, Uncle Alec swinging his hat like a boy, with Phebe smiling and nodding on one side and Rose kissing both hands delightedly on the other as she recognized familiar faces and heard familiar voices welcoming her home.\Madonna doesn't she? with that blue cloak round her, and her bright hair ?ying in the wind!\watched the group upon the deck with eager eyes.\much, but Phebe has. Why, she's a regular beauty!\Archie, staring with all his might at the dark-eyed young woman with the brilliant color and glossy black braids shining in the sun.\was all Mac said, but he was not looking at \as he made the fervent remark, for he saw only the slender blond girl nearby and stretched out his hands to meet hers, forgetful of the green water tumbling between them.During the confusion that reigned for a moment as the steamer settled to her moorings, Rose looked down into the four faces upturned to hers and seemed to read in them something that both pleased and pained her. It was only a glance, and her own eyes were full, but through the mist of happy tears she received the impression that Archie was about the same, that Mac had decidedly improved, and that something was amiss with Charlie. There was no time for observation, however, for in a moment the shoreward rush began, and before she could grasp her traveling bag, Jamie was clinging to her like an ecstatic young bear. She was with dif?culty released from his embrace to fall into the gentler ones of the elder cousins, who took advantage of the general excitement to welcome both blooming girls with affectionate impartiality. Then the wanderers were borne ashore in a triumphal procession, while Jamie danced rapturous jigs before them even on the gangway.Archie remained to help his uncle get the luggage through the Custom House, and the others escorted the damsels home. No sooner were they shut up in a carriage, however, than a new and curious constraint seemed to fall upon the young people, for they realized, all at once, that their former playmates were men and women now.QUESTION 1 OF 11Which choice best summarizes the passage????????????????? A The passage provides an explanation of relationships within a family. B The passage presents a revelation about children growing older. C The passage captures a conversation regarding reuniting cousins. D The passage describes an anecdote about traveling by ship. QUESTION 2 OF 11Over the course of the passage, the attitude of the cousins shifts from???????????????? A preoccupation to constraint. B apprehension to embarrassment. C anticipation to reticence. D contemplation to dif?dence. QUESTION 3 OF 11Which statement best characterizes the relationship among the reunited cousins????????????????? A They are excited to get back to their ordinary lives and friendships. B They have changed too dramatically to ?nd anything in common. C The younger cousins help put the older cousins at ease. D Their growing up has put limitations on their relationships. ????????????????????????????
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QUESTION 4 OF 11
As used in line 3 (“vent”) , “vent” most nearly means????????
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A opening. B outlet. C crack. D passage.
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A not actually paying attention to his uncle. B unaware of the possibility of falling in the ocean. C more excited to see his uncle than he is to see Rose. D distracted by all the excitement in the crowd.
QUESTION 9 OF 11
It can be inferred that Rose is \views her cousins from the ship because she????????
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A feels exhausted and confused after a long journey by sea. B believes her cousins don’t recognize her anymore. C senses that her relationship with her cousins has changed. D concludes that her cousins’ lives have gotten better without her.
QUESTION 5 OF 11
The conversation between the lady and the stranger in lines 7–26(“\
abroad several years with her uncle, the doctor,\another as the handsomest of the young men touched his hat to her as he passed, lugging the boy, whom he had just rescued from a little expedition down among the piles.”) (“They . . . him”) serves primarily to????????
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A show how the town locals tend to gossip about the family. B establish the relationships among the reuniting family. C introduce the traits of the family members who are waiting. D demonstrate the lady’s lack of knowledge about the family.
QUESTION 10 OF 11
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question???
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A lines 57–61(“It was only a glance, and her own eyes were full, but through the mist of happy tears she received the impression that Archie was about the same, that Mac had decidedly improved, and that something was amiss with Charlie.”)(“It . . . Charlie”) B lines 64–68(“ She was with dif?culty released from his embrace to fall into the gentler ones of the elder cousins, who took advantage of the general excitement to welcome both blooming girls with affectionate impartiality. ”)(“She . . . impartiality”) C lines 61–64(“ There was no time for observation,
however, for in a moment the shoreward rush began, and before she could grasp her traveling bag, Jamie was clinging to her like an ecstatic young bear.”)(“There . . . bear”) D lines 73–76(“No sooner were they shut up in a carriage, however, than a new and curious constraint seemed to fall upon the young people, for they realized, all at once, that their former playmates were men and women now.”)(“No . . . now”)
QUESTION 6 OF 11
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question???
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A lines 7–8(“They are the Campbells, waiting for their
cousin, who has been abroad several years with her uncle, the doctor,\(“They . . . doctor”) B lines 14–15(“\the most promising of the seven, but a little fast, people say,\(“Prince . . . say”) C lines 18–20(“The elder is Archie, a most exemplary young man. He has just gone into business with the merchant uncle and bids fair to be an honor to his family. ”)(“The . . . family”) D lines 24–26(“\Archibald, and the pet of the whole family. Mercy on us he'll be in if they don't hold on to him”)(“Oh . . . him”)
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QUESTION 7 OF 11
Archie’s comments in lines 44–45 (“\that. Rose hasn't changed much, but Phebe has. Why, she's a regular beauty!””) (“Madonnas . . . beauty”) primarily indicate that he????????
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A disagrees strongly with Charlie. B ?nds Phebe to be beautiful. C thinks Rose looks like a Madonna. D feels distracted by Rose and Phebe.
QUESTION 11 OF 11
As used in lines 67–68 (“affectionate impartiality”), the phrase “affectionate impartiality” most nearly means????????
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A restraint. B aloofness. C tenderness. D enthusiasm.
QUESTION 8 OF 11
The description (lines 50–53(“ was all Mac said, but he was not looking at \slender blond girl nearby and stretched out his hands to meet hers, forgetful of the green water tumbling between them.”) ) that follows Mac's comment in line 49 (“\have him back?””) (\
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