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1/23/2014
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Online - Practice Test #3 1 Lum bee story teller Barbara Brav eboy -Locklear has perform ed in college theaters, powwows, and backy ards, settings whose striking ------- highlights the ------- appeal that story telling holds. (A) form ality . . dim inishing (B) v ariety . . insignificant (C) uniform ity . . ubiquitous (D) div ersity . . univ ersal (E) incongruity . . triv ial A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer D : Choice (D) is correct. Diversity is the condition of having variety. Universal describes something that occurs everywhere or includes all people. The sentence indicates that Barbara Braveboy-Locklear has performed in a variety of settingscollege theaters, powwows, and backyardsso it makes sense to describe these settings as diverse. Further, the fact that Braveboy-Locklears stories have appealed to people in these diverse settings highlights, or brings attention to, storytellings universal appealthe fact that storytelling is enjoyed by people everywhere. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. In this context, formality is primness or rigidly ceremonious behavior. Diminishing describes something that is dwindling, or becoming gradually less in size or importance. The sentence indicates that Barbara Braveboy-Locklear has performed in a variety of settings, including college theaters, powwows, and backyards. A powwow is an American Indian ceremony, but there is no reason to believe that all of these settings would be noted for their striking formalityindeed, a performance in a backyard likely would be casual rather than rigidly ceremonious. Further, it does not make sense to suggest that the formality of these settings highlights, or brings attention to, the diminishing appeal of storytelling; there is no logical connection between the formality of the settings and the appeal of storytelling. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B :
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Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. Variety is the state of having different forms or types. Something that is insignificant is unimportant or not significant. The sentence indicates that Barbara BraveboyLocklear has performed in different settings, including college theaters, powwows, and backyards, so it makes sense to refer to the variety of settings in which she has performed. However, it is illogical to state that the variety of settings highlights, or brings attention to, the insignificant appeal of storytelling. Further, if storytelling had little to no appeal, it is unlikely that Braveboy-Locklear would be asked to perform in so many places. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. Uniformity is the state of being uniform, or having no variety or variables. Something that is ubiquitous is widespread or existing everywhere. The sentence indicates that Barbara Braveboy-Locklear has performed in a variety of settings college theaters, powwows, and backyardsso it does not make sense to describe these settings as uniform. Further, BraveboyLocklears performances in different settings might be said to highlight, or bring attention to, storytellings ubiquitous appeal, but it does not make sense to suggest that performances in uniform settings highlight the fact that storytelling is appealing everywhere. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. Incongruity is the state of being incongruous, or not harmonious or not conforming. Something that is trivial is of little worth or importance. Although the sentence indicates that Barbara Braveboy-Locklear has performed in different settings, including college theaters, powwows, and backyards, it does not make much sense to say that these settings would be noted for their striking incongruitythere is no reason to believe the settings are not harmonious and there is no indication that the settings do not conform to some standard. Further, there is no reason to believe that the incongruous settings highlight, or bring attention to, the trivial appeal of storytelling; there is no direct connection between inharmonious settings and the appeal of storytelling.
Thom as Edison, who found collaboration essential, nev er fit the popular stereoty pe of the ------- inv entor, struggling alone in a garret. (A) surly (B) cowardly (C) solitary (D) weary (E) suspicious A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer C :

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Choice (C) is correct. Someone who is solitary is alone, without companions. The sentence suggests that Thomas Edison often collaborated, or worked jointly, with others, since he thought collaboration was essential, or necessary. As a result, Edison did not fit the popular stereotypethe image many people hadof an inventor struggling alone in a garret. Rather than being solitary and working alone, Edison worked with others. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. Someone who is surly is irritably sullen or churlish in mood. The sentence indicates that many people think an inventor [struggles] alone in a garretthat is, the popular stereotype is that inventors work alone, removed from the company of others. Therefore, the word that fits the blank should describe someone who is alone. Someone who is sullen and irritable might not be pleasant to be around, but the term surly does not necessarily describe someone who is alone. Rather, the term solitary describes such a person. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. Someone who is cowardly shows disgraceful fear or timidity. The sentence indicates that many people think an inventor [struggles] alone in a garretthat is, the popular stereotype is that inventors work alone, removed from the company of others. Therefore, the word that fits the blank should describe someone who is alone. The term cowardly does not necessarily describe someone who is alone; rather, the term solitary describes such a person. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. Someone who is weary is exhausted in strength, vigor, or endurance. The sentence indicates that many people think an inventor [struggles] alone in a garretthat is, the popular stereotype is that inventors work alone, removed from the company of others. Therefore, the word that fits the blank should describe someone who is alone. Someone who struggles with something might become exhausted in vigor, but the term weary does not necessarily describe someone who is alone. Rather, the term solitary describes such a person. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. Someone who is suspicious is distrustful or disposed to suspect others. The sentence indicates that many people think an inventor [struggles] alone in a garretthat is, the popular stereotype is that inventors work alone, removed from the company of others. Therefore, the word that fits the blank should describe someone who is alone. The term suspicious does not necessarily describe someone who is alone; rather, the term solitary describes such a person.
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Claudia is so adept at controlling her tem per that she can seem quite ------- when she is actually -------. (A) perturbed . . furious (B) placid . . outraged (C) serene . . tranquil (D) stoic . . ebullient (E) am biv alent . . reticent A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer B : Choice (B) is correct. "Placid" means calm or content. To be "outraged" is to have a feeling of righteous anger. The sentence indicates that Claudia is "adept at controlling her temper," so the missing words should have something to do with the suppression of anger. Further, since the sentence states that Claudia "can seem" one way when she "is actually" something else, the missing words should have opposite meanings. Being calm is the opposite of being angry, so the terms "placid" and "outraged" logically complete the sentence. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. "Perturbed" means upset or disturbed. To be "furious" is to be extremely angry. The sentence indicates that Claudia is "adept at controlling her temper," so the missing words should have something to do with the suppression of anger. The term "furious" fits in the second blank, because Claudia could be extremely angry even when she is controlling her temper. However, the sentence states that Claudia "can seem" one way when she "is actually" something else, so the missing words should have opposite meanings. The term "perturbed" does not mean the opposite of the term furious, and it is somewhat illogical to say that someone seems quite upset when she is actually very angry. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. The terms "serene" and "tranquil" both describe a very calm, unruffled state. The sentence indicates that Claudia is "adept at controlling her temper," so the missing words should have something to do with the suppression of anger. The term serene fits the first blank because Claudia might control her temper so well that she seems unruffled. However, the sentence states that Claudia "can seem" one way when she "is actually" something else, so the missing words should have opposite meanings. The terms "serene" and "tranquil" are synonyms, not opposites, and it is somewhat illogical to say that someone seems serene when she is actually tranquil. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D :
Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, "stoic" means showing no
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Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, "stoic" means showing no emotion. To be "ebullient" is to be lively or enthusiastic. The sentence states that Claudia "can seem" one way when she "is actually" something else, so the missing terms should have opposite meanings; the terms "stoic" and "ebullient" are indeed opposites. However, the sentence indicates that Claudia is "adept at controlling her temper," so the missing terms should have something to do with the suppression of anger. The word "stoic" makes sense in the first blank, because Claudia might control her temper so well that she shows no emotion, but the term "ebullient" does not fit the second blank because it has nothing to do with anger. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. In this context, "ambivalent" means undecided or uncertain. To be "reticent" is to be inclined to be silent. The sentence indicates that Claudia is "adept at controlling her temper," so the missing terms should have something to do with the suppression of anger. The terms ambivalent and reticent do not logically complete the sentence; neither term suggests that Claudia is angry or that she is suppressing that anger.
The y oung m an possessed ------- disposition, abjectly subm issiv e to the will of others. (A) an am iable (B) an inscrutable (C) a serv ile (D) a jocular (E) a m elancholy A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer C : Choice (C) is correct. A person who is servile is submissive and somewhat spiritlesshe or she submits, or gives in, to other people with no resistance. The part of the sentence that follows the comma elaborates on the young mans disposition, so the term that fits the blank should describe someone who is abjectly, or spiritlessly, submissive. The term servile accurately describes such a person. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. An "amiable" person is friendly, sociable, and pleasant to be around. The part of the sentence that follows the comma elaborates on the young mans disposition, so the term that fits the blank should describe someone who is abjectly, or spiritlessly, submissive. A person who gives in to others might be friendly and pleasant, but the term amiable does not necessarily describe someone who is abjectly submissive. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. An "inscrutable" person is mysterious or hard to read. The part of the sentence that follows the comma elaborates https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.org/SR/showExamAnswerExplanation.do?fromPage=examscorereport&assessmentResultId=10846464&assessmentLocat
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to read. The part of the sentence that follows the comma elaborates on the young mans disposition, so the term that fits the blank should describe someone who is abjectly, or spiritlessly, submissive. Some people might find it hard to understand why a person would give in to others, but an inscrutable person is not necessarily an abjectly submissive person. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. A "jocular" person is fun-loving and playful. The part of the sentence that follows the comma elaborates on the young mans disposition, so the term that fits the blank should describe someone who is abjectly, or spiritlessly, submissive. The term jocular does not necessarily describe such a person. Indeed, it is unlikely that someone who is thought to be spiritless would also be considered fun-loving and playful. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. A person who is "melancholy" is sad or depressed. The part of the sentence that follows the comma elaborates on the young mans disposition, so the term that fits the blank should describe someone who is abjectly, or spiritlessly, submissive. Someone who is depressed very well might be described as being spiritless, but the term melancholy has nothing to do with being submissive.
Although other European states broke apart under the stresses of political upheav al, the sev enteenth-century Dutch republic prov ed rem arkably -------. (A) propitious (B) illusory (C) resilient (D) pertinent (E) poignant A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer C : Choice (C) is correct. "Resilient" means able to adjust easily to or recover from misfortune or change. The use of the term "Although" indicates that the "seventeenth-century Dutch republic" and the "other European states" were affected by the "stresses of political upheaval" in different ways. The sentence suggests that unlike other European states, the Dutch republic did not break apart during stressful times; therefore, the missing term should have something to do with adapting to difficulties or remaining strong under pressure. It makes sense to characterize the Dutch republic as remarkably resilient. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A :
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Choice (A) is incorrect. Propitious means benevolent, or favorably disposed and marked by goodwill. The use of the term "Although" indicates that the "seventeenth-century Dutch republic" and the "other European states" were affected by the "stresses of political upheaval" in different ways. The sentence suggests that unlike other European states, the Dutch republic did not break apart during stressful times; therefore, the missing term should have something to do with adapting to difficulties or remaining strong under pressure. The Dutch republic might have been considered benevolent, but the term propitious does not have anything to do with remaining strong during stressful times, so it does not logically complete the sentence. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. "Illusory" means deceptive or producing illusions. The use of the term "Although" indicates that the "seventeenth-century Dutch republic" and the "other European states" were affected by the "stresses of political upheaval" in different ways. The sentence suggests that unlike other European states, the Dutch republic did not break apart during stressful times; therefore, the missing term should have something to do with adapting to difficulties or remaining strong under pressure. There is no indication that the Dutch republic owed its survival to deceptive actions, and being deceptive does not necessarily have anything to do with remaining strong during stressful times, so the term illusory does not logically complete the sentence. Further, a republic or state would not typically be referred to as illusory, even if its government had attempted to deceive others; an illusory state would be a state that did not exist, that was purely an illusion. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. "Pertinent" means relevant. The use of the term "Although" indicates that the "seventeenth-century Dutch republic" and the "other European states" were affected by the "stresses of political upheaval" in different ways. The sentence suggests that unlike other European states, the Dutch republic did not break apart during stressful times; therefore, the missing term should have something to do with adapting to difficulties or remaining strong under pressure. An argument could be made that a republic that did not break apart remained pertinent, or relevant, while other states crumbled. However, the term pertinent is not directly connected to the idea of remaining strong during stressful times, so (D) is not the best choice. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. "Poignant" means emotionally moving or affecting. The use of the term "Although" indicates that the "seventeenth-century Dutch republic" and the "other European states" were affected by the "stresses of political upheaval" in different ways. The sentence suggests that unlike other European states, the Dutch republic did not break apart during stressful times;
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states, the Dutch republic did not break apart during stressful times; therefore, the missing term should have something to do with adapting to difficulties or remaining strong under pressure. The breaking apart of states might have been a moving experience for their citizens, but the term poignant does not have anything to do with remaining strong during stressful times. Further, a republic or state would not typically be referred to as poignant.
It is her suprem ely skillful use of sophisticated laboratory instrum ents that m akes Veronica the -------- research technician that she is. (A) susceptible (B) consum m ate (C) v isionary (D) v itriolic (E) doctrinaire A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer B : Choice (B) is correct. "Consummate" means extremely skilled, of the highest degree, or perfect. The sentence indicates that Veronica is "supremely skillful" in her "use of sophisticated laboratory instruments," so it makes sense to describe her as a consummate research technician. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. "Susceptible" means impressionable or open to persuasion. The sentence indicates that Veronica, a research technician, is "supremely skillful" in her "use of sophisticated laboratory instruments." There is no suggestion that Veronica is susceptible to anyone or anything; the sentence simply indicates that she is an extremely skilled research technician. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. "Visionary" means having foresight or imagination. The sentence indicates that Veronica, a research technician, is "supremely skillful" in her "use of sophisticated laboratory instruments." Veronica might have great foresight or imagination, but the sentence does not suggest this; instead, the sentence simply describes her skill with laboratory instruments, indicating that she is an extremely skilled research technician. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. "Vitriolic" means extremely harsh or caustic. The sentence indicates that Veronica, a research technician, is "supremely skillful" in her "use of sophisticated laboratory instruments." There is no suggestion that Veronica is extremely harsh towards anyone or anything; the sentence simply indicates that she is an extremely skilled research technician.
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Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. "Doctrinaire" means dictatorial and dogmatic, or characterized by expressing opinions very strongly as if they were facts. The sentence indicates that Veronica, a research technician, is "supremely skillful" in her "use of sophisticated laboratory instruments." There is no suggestion that Veronica behaves in a dictatorial way; the sentence simply indicates that she is an extremely skilled research technician.
The following excerpt is from a 1996 collection of essays written by a physicist.

I was somewhat embarrassed not so long ago when I opened a y ear-old phy sics journal and read that two Japanese fellows had attacked the same problem I was currently finishing up, obtaining an identical solution. The problem, not so consequential now as I reflect stoically on my preempted calculations, concerned the spatial distribution that would ev entually be achiev ed by a group of particles of different masses interacting with each other by grav ity . The underly ing theories of grav ity and thermody namics necessary for solv ing such a problem are certainly well established, so I suppose I should not hav e been surprised to find that someone else had arriv ed at similar results. Still, my pulse raced as I sat with my notebook and checked off each digit of their answers, in ex act agreement with mine to four decimal places. After doing science for a number of y ears, one has the ov erwhelming feeling that there ex ists some objectiv e reality outside ourselv es, that v arious discov eries are waiting fully formed, like plums to be picked. If one scientist doesnt pick a certain plum, the nex t one will. It is an eerie sensation. This objectiv e aspect of science is a pillar of strength and, at the same time, somewhat dehumanizing. The v ery usefulness of science is that indiv idual accomplishments become calibrated, dry -cleaned, and standardized. Ex perimental results are considered v alid only if they are reproducible; theoretical ideas are powerful only if they can be generalized and distilled into abstract, disembodied equations. That there are often sev eral different routes to a particular result is taken as an indication of the correctness of the result, rather than of the capacity for indiv idual ex pression in science. And alway s there is the continual sy nthesis, the blending of successiv e results and ideas, in which indiv idual contributions dissolv e into the whole. Such strength is awesome and reassuring; it would be a tricky business to land a person on the Moon if the spaceships trajectory 1 depended on the mood of the astronauts, or if the Moon were alway s hurry ing off to unknown appointments. For these same reasons, howev er, science offers little comfort to any one who aches to leav e behind a personal message in his or her work, his own little poem or her own
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haunting sonata. Einstein is attributed with the statement that ev en had Newton or Leibniz nev er liv ed, the world would hav e had calculus, but if Beethov en had nev er liv ed, we would nev er hav e had the C-minor Sy mphony . Max Delbrck, the phy sicist-turned-biologist, said in his Nobel Prize address, A scientists message is not dev oid of univ ersality , but its univ ersality is disembodied and anony mous. While the artists communication is linked forev er with its original form, that of the scientist is modified, amplified, fused with the ideas and results of others and melts into the stream of knowledge and ideas which forms our culture. It seems to me that in both science and art we are try ing desperately to connect with something this is how we achiev e univ ersality . In art, that something is people, their ex periences and sensitiv ities. In science, that something is nature, the phy sical world and phy sical laws. Sometimes we dial the wrong number and are later found out. Ptolemy s theory of the solar sy stem, in which the Sun and planets rev olv e about Earth in cy cles and cy cles within cy cles, is imaginativ e, ingenious, and ev en beautiful but phy sically wrong. V irtually unquestioned for centuries, it was ungracefully detonated like a condemned building after Copernicus2 came along. V ery well. Scientists will forev er hav e to liv e with the fact that their product is, in the end, impersonal. But scientists want to be understood as people. Go to any of the numerous scientific conferences each y ear in biology or chemistry or phy sics, and y ou will see a wonderful community of people chitchatting in the hallway s, holding forth delightedly at the blackboard, or loudly interrupting each other during lectures with relev ant and irrelev ant remarks. It can hardly be argued that such in-the-flesh gatherings are necessary for communication of scientific knowledge these day s, with the asphy x iating crush of academic journals and the push-button ease of telephone calls. But it is here, and not in equations, howev er correct, that we scientists can ex press our personalities to our colleagues and relish an appreciativ e smile. Sometimes I enjoy this as much as the science.
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of a m ov i n g body th rou gh space Copern i cu s (1473-1543) adv an ced th e th eory th at Earth an d oth er pl an ets rev ol v e
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arou n d th e Su n .
In line 2 0, the author uses the word plum s to refer to the (A) m ultitude of problem s needing to be solv ed (B) existence of y et-to-be-discov ered scientific truths (C) fascinating nature of scientific discov eries (D) rewards of fam e and prestige for v eteran researchers (E) m aturation of scientific inv estigations ov er long periods of tim e A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer B :

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Choice (B) is correct. In the third paragraph, the author is reflecting on the experience of independently solving a physics problem the exact same way two Japanese scientists just had. The author implies that the right answer to the physics problem existed, but had not been discovereduntil the Japanese scientists (and, separately, the author) figured it out. The author muses that, in the world of science, one begins to feel that "various discoveries are waiting fully formed, like plums to be picked." These plums represent scientific truths that have not been revealed: they exist, but scientists have not found them yet. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. In the third paragraph, the author is reflecting on the experience of independently solving a physics problem the exact same way two Japanese scientists just had. The author implies that the right answer to the physics problem existed, but had not been discovereduntil the Japanese scientists (and, separately, the author) figured it out. The author muses that, in the world of science, one begins to feel that "various discoveries are waiting fully formed, like plums to be picked." These plums represent scientific truths that have not been revealed: they exist, but scientists have not found them yet. The plums are answers waiting to be discovered, not problems needing to be solved. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. In the third paragraph, the author is reflecting on the experience of independently solving a physics problem the exact same way two Japanese scientists just had. The author implies that the right answer to the physics problem existed, but had not been discovereduntil the Japanese scientists (and, separately, the author) figured it out. The author muses that, in the world of science, one begins to feel that "various discoveries are waiting fully formed, like plums to be picked." The author likely would agree that scientific discoveries are fascinating, but he or she does not use the word "plums" to refer to the fascinating nature of scientific discoveries. Rather, he or she uses the image of plums to represent scientific truths that have not been revealed: they exist, but scientists have not found them yet. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. In the third paragraph, the author is reflecting on the experience of independently solving a physics problem the exact same way two Japanese scientists just had. The author implies that the right answer to the physics problem existed, but had not been discovereduntil the Japanese scientists (and, separately, the author) figured it out. The author muses that, in the world of science, one begins to feel that "various discoveries are waiting fully formed, like plums to be picked." There is no mention of fame or other rewards in the third paragraph, and there is no indication that the author uses the word plums to refer to such
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rewards. Rather, the plums represent scientific truths that have not been revealed: they exist, but scientists have not found them yet. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. In the third paragraph, the author is reflecting on the experience of independently solving a physics problem the exact same way two Japanese scientists just had. The author implies that the right answer to the physics problem existed, but had not been discovereduntil the Japanese scientists (and, separately, the author) figured it out. The author muses that, in the world of science, one begins to feel that "various discoveries are waiting fully formed, like plums to be picked." The author does not use the word plums to refer to the maturation of scientific investigations over time; rather, he or she uses the image of plums to represent scientific truths that exist and are ready to be discovered they are fully formedbut have not yet been found by scientists.
In the context of the passage, the authors use of dry -cleaned (line 2 6 ) and distilled (line 2 9 ) m ost directly reflects the ov erall (A) concern for m aintaining a sterile env ironm ent in the laboratory (B) fear that experim ental results will be inappropriately judged (C) pleasure in precise and accurate experim entation (D) unease with the im personal nature of scientific work (E) dissatisfaction with society s attitude toward scientific research A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer D : Choice (D) is correct. In the fourth paragraph, the author refers to the "objective aspect of science" as "somewhat dehumanizing." This theme is expanded upon later in the passage as the author laments that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message is his or her work" (lines 4042) because a scientists product is, in the end, impersonal (line 67). In the context of these sentiments, it is clear that the references to an individual's insights becoming "dry-cleaned" and "distilled" reflect the author's unease with the impersonal nature of scientific work. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. In the fourth paragraph, the author refers to the "objective aspect of science" as "somewhat dehumanizing." This theme is expanded upon later in the passage as the author laments that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message is his or her work" (lines 4042) because a scientists product is, in the end, impersonal (line 67). In the context of these sentiments, it is clear that the references to an individual's insights becoming "dry-cleaned" and "distilled" reflect the author's unease with the impersonal nature of scientific work. The author is not discussing the need for a sterile laboratory; he or
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she does not mean that anything is literally dry-cleaned and distilled, or purified. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. In the fourth paragraph, the author refers to the "objective aspect of science" as "somewhat dehumanizing." This theme is expanded upon later in the passage as the author laments that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message is his or her work" (lines 4042) because a scientists product is, in the end, impersonal (line 67). In the context of these sentiments, it is clear that the references to an individual's insights becoming "dry-cleaned" and "distilled" reflect the author's unease with the impersonal nature of scientific work. Nowhere in the passage does the author suggest that he or she fears that experimental results will be inappropriately judged. Rather, the author points out that the somewhat dehumanizing nature of science is to accept only those experimental results that can be reproduced and standardized. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. In the fourth paragraph, the author refers to the "objective aspect of science" as "somewhat dehumanizing." This theme is expanded upon later in the passage as the author laments that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message is his or her work" (lines 4042) because a scientists product is, in the end, impersonal (line 67). In the context of these sentiments, it is clear that the references to an individual's insights becoming "dry-cleaned" and "distilled" reflect the author's unease with the impersonal nature of scientific work. The author is a scientist, so he or she likely appreciates precise and accurate experimentation; however, the fourth paragraph is about the authors discomfort, not his or her pleasure, with certain aspects of the nature of science. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. In the fourth paragraph, the author refers to the "objective aspect of science" as "somewhat dehumanizing." This theme is expanded upon later in the passage as the author laments that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message is his or her work" (lines 4042) because a scientists product is, in the end, impersonal (line 67). In the context of these sentiments, it is clear that the references to an individual's insights becoming "dry-cleaned" and "distilled" reflect the author's unease with the impersonal nature of scientific work. Nowhere in the passage does the author discuss his or her dissatisfaction with society's attitude toward scientific research.
In lines 3 5-3 9 (Such . . . appointm ents), the author discusses space exploration
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prim arily to explain how (A) certain areas of science can capture the public im agination (B) careful calculations affect space trav el (C) the indiv idual scientist contributes to the study of astronom y (D) space exploration is an expensiv e but necessary part of research in astronom y
(E) the absence of subjectiv ity in the natural world has practical benefits A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer E : Choice (E) is correct. Earlier in the passage, the author discusses the idea that science is objective, not subjective; he or she states that the existence of objective reality is a pillar of strength in science. In the fifth paragraph, the author continues to examine the idea of objective truths, referring to the blending of successive results and ideas into a whole whose strength is awesome and reassuring. The author then discusses space exploration to demonstrate the benefits of objectivity in the natural world: if a spaceships trajectory depended on the subjective whims of a group of people (the mood of the astronauts) and the location of the Moon were subjective (if the Moon were always hurrying off to unknown appointments), it would be very difficult to land a person on the Moon. By pointing out the ways in which subjectivity in the natural world would make it difficult for scientists to do their work, the author indicates that the lack of subjectivity in the natural world has many benefits. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. Earlier in the passage, the author discusses the idea that science is objective, not subjective; he or she states that the existence of objective reality is a pillar of strength in science. In the fifth paragraph, the author continues to examine the idea of objective truths, referring to the blending of successive results and ideas into a whole whose strength is awesome and reassuring. Although space exploration is an area of science that often captures the public imagination, the author does not discuss the subject to explain how science can capture the imagination. Rather, he or she discusses space exploration to demonstrate that the lack of subjectivity in the natural world has many benefits. For example, if a spaceships trajectory depended on the subjective whims of a group of people (the mood of the astronauts) and the location of the Moon were subjective (if the Moon were always hurrying off to unknown appointments), it would be very difficult to land a person on the Moon. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. Earlier in the passage, the author discusses the idea that science is objective, not subjective; he or she states that the existence of objective reality is a pillar of strength in science. In the fifth paragraph, the author continues to examine the idea of
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objective truths, referring to the blending of successive results and ideas into a whole whose strength is awesome and reassuring. The author does indirectly imply that calculations affect space travel, but he or she discusses space exploration in order to explain the larger point that objective truths in the natural worldtruths on which many scientific calculations in space travel would depend have many benefits; that is, the lack of subjectivity in the natural world has practical benefits. For example, if a spaceships trajectory depended on the subjective whims of a group of people (the mood of the astronauts) and the location of the Moon were subjective (if the Moon were always hurrying off to unknown appointments), it would be very difficult to land a person on the Moon. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. Earlier in the passage, the author discusses the idea that science is objective, not subjective; he or she states that the existence of objective reality is a pillar of strength in science. In the fifth paragraph, the author continues to examine the idea of objective truths, referring to the blending of successive results and ideas into a whole whose strength is awesome and reassuring. The author specifically states that individual contributions dissolve into this whole, so it is fair to say that individual scientists contribute to various fields of scientific study. However, the author does not discuss space exploration in order to explain that the individual scientist contributes to the study of astronomy. Rather, he or she discusses the topic to explain that the lack of subjectivity in the natural world has many benefits. For example, if a spaceships trajectory depended on the subjective whims of a group of people (the mood of the astronauts) and the location of the Moon were subjective (if the Moon were always hurrying off to unknown appointments), it would be very difficult to land a person on the Moon. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. Earlier in the passage, the author discusses the idea that science is objective, not subjective; he or she states that the existence of objective reality is a pillar of strength in science. In the fifth paragraph, the author continues to examine the idea of objective truths, referring to the blending of successive results and ideas into a whole whose strength is awesome and reassuring. The author then discusses space exploration to demonstrate that the lack of subjectivity in the natural world has many benefits. For example, if a spaceships trajectory depended on the subjective whims of a group of people (the mood of the astronauts) and the location of the Moon were subjective (if the Moon were always hurrying off to unknown appointments), it would be very difficult to land a person on the Moon. Nowhere in lines 35-39 does the author mention the expenses involved in space exploration.
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In line 53 , m elts m ost nearly m eans (A) liquefies (B) thaws (C) ev aporates (D) m erges (E) softens A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer D : Choice (D) is correct. To merge is to mix or to be combined into one. Max Delbrcks quote explains that a scientist's individual contribution "melts into the stream of knowledge and ideas which forms our culture." In this context, the term melts most nearly means merges; Delbrck means that individual ideas and results merge together, forming one stream of knowledge. This idea is also expressed in lines 33-35: "there is the continual synthesis . . . in which individual contributions dissolve into the whole." Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. To liquefy is to turn into a liquid. Max Delbrcks quote explains that a scientist's individual contribution "melts into the stream of knowledge and ideas which forms our culture." Although Delbrck refers to a stream, he does not mean that scientific contributions liquefy; rather, the stream to which he refers is a stream of knowledge in which scientific ideas and results melt, or merge, together. It is illogical to suggest that scientists ideas could literally turn into a liquid. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. To thaw is to go from a frozen to a liquid state, or to melt. Max Delbrcks quote explains that a scientist's individual contribution "melts into the stream of knowledge and ideas which forms our culture." Delbrck does not use the term melts to mean that scientists ideas thaw; rather, he uses the term metaphorically to mean that scientific ideas and results melt, or merge, together to form one stream of knowledge. It is illogical to suggest that scientists ideas could literally go from a frozen to a liquid state. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. To evaporate is to turn into a vapor. Max Delbrcks quote explains that a scientist's individual contribution "melts into the stream of knowledge and ideas which forms our culture." Delbrck does not use the term melts to mean that scientists ideas evaporate; rather, he uses the term metaphorically to mean that scientific ideas and results melt, or merge, together to form one stream of knowledge. It is illogical to suggest that scientists ideas could literally turn into vapor.
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Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. To soften is to weaken or to lose firmness. Max Delbrcks quote explains that a scientist's individual contribution "melts into the stream of knowledge and ideas which forms our culture." Some things do soften as they melt, but Delbrck does not use the term melts to mean that scientists ideas lose firmness; he does not suggest that individual contributions weaken as they join the stream of knowledge. Rather, Delbrck uses the term melts to mean that scientific ideas and results merge together to form one stream of knowledge.
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The passage distinguishes between two ty pes of univ ersality (line 56 ) prim arily by (A) com paring way s in which they are achiev ed (B) analy zing way s in which they hav e been interpreted (C) describing situations in which they contradict one another (D) prov iding fam ous exam ples of each from Nobel Prize winners (E) criticizing the notions they conv ey about worldly success A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer A : Choice (A) is correct. In lines 5456, the author states that both art and science are trying "to connect with somethingthis is how we achieve universality." The author then indicates that art achieves universality through its attempt to connect with people, their experiences and sensitivities, while science achieves universality through its attempt to connect with nature, the physical world and physical laws. The author distinguishes between two types of universality by comparing the ways in which they are achieved by two different groups. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. In lines 5456, the author states that both art and science are trying "to connect with somethingthis is how we achieve universality." The author then distinguishes between two types of universality, indicating that art achieves universality through its attempt to connect with people, their experiences and sensitivities, while science achieves universality through its attempt to connect with nature, the physical world and physical laws. The author does not analyze the ways in which artistic universality and scientific universality have been interpreted; instead, he or she compares the ways in which these two types of universality are achieved. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. In lines 5456, the author states that both art
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and science are trying "to connect with somethingthis is how we achieve universality." The author then indicates that art achieves universality through its attempt to connect with people, their experiences and sensitivities, while science achieves universality through its attempt to connect with nature, the physical world and physical laws. Although the author distinguishes between the two types of universalityartistic and scientifiche or she does not suggest that they contradict one another. Instead of describing situations of contradiction, the author simply compares the ways in which artistic universality and scientific universality are achieved. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. In lines 5456, the author states that both art and science are trying "to connect with somethingthis is how we achieve universality." The author then distinguishes between two types of universality by comparing how each is achieved: art achieves universality through its attempt to connect with people, their experiences and sensitivities, while science achieves universality through its attempt to connect with nature, the physical world and physical laws. The author does not provide specific examples, from Nobel Prize winners or otherwise, of each type of universality. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. In lines 5456, the author states that both art and science are trying "to connect with somethingthis is how we achieve universality." The author then distinguishes between two types of universality, indicating that art achieves universality through its attempt to connect with people, their experiences and sensitivities, while science achieves universality through its attempt to connect with nature, the physical world and physical laws. The author does not criticize either type of universality or suggest that the two types convey any notions about worldly success. Instead, he or she simply compares the ways in which two types of universality are achieved.
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The authors ov erall tone in the passage is best described as (A) self-congratulatory (B) wistful (C) restrained (D) irate (E) nostalgic A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer B : Choice (B) is correct. "Wistful" means melancholy, or thoughtful with a touch of sadness. Throughout the passage the author muses on
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the impersonality of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." He or she realizes after the experience with the Japanese scientists that science is not about individual expression, but about the subordination of the individual to larger truth. As the passage illustrates, this creates some sadness for individual scientists, who "want to be understood as people." The author concludes with the image of scientists gathering at a conference: "it is here, and not in equations, however correct, that we scientists can express our personalities." The passage conveys the author's wistfulness about the inescapable fact that individual scientists cannot fully express themselves in their work. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. To be "self-congratulatory" is to praise oneself. Throughout the passage, the author muses on the impersonality of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." The author realizes after the experience with the Japanese scientists that science is not about individual expression, but about the subordination of the individual to larger truth. As the passage illustrates, this creates some sadness for individual scientists, who "want to be understood as people." Rather than being self-congratulatory, the author offers some self-critical remarks, acknowledging that he or she "was somewhat embarrassed" to realize that the physics problem had already been solved, that the problem was "not so consequential," and that scientists are by nature a somewhat needy and frustrated bunch. This author does not praise himself or herself, and the tone of the passage is not selfcongratulatory. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. "Restrained," in this context, means inhibited or holding back. Throughout the passage, the author muses on the impersonality of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." The author realizes after the experience with the Japanese scientists that science is not about individual expression, but about the subordination of the individual to larger truth. As the passage illustrates, this creates some sadness for individual scientists, who "want to be understood as people." The author is quite forthright and honest about the feelings of scientists; he or she does not seem to be restrained or holding back. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. "Irate" means intensely angry. Throughout the passage, the author muses on the impersonality of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." The author realizes after the experience with the Japanese scientists that science is not about individual expression, but about the subordination of the
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individual to larger truth. As the passage illustrates, this creates some sadness for individual scientists, who "want to be understood as people." However, the author does not reveal any anger. His or her tone is somewhat melancholy, not irate. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. "Nostalgic" means sentimental about or yearning for the past. Throughout the passage, the author muses on the impersonality of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." The author realizes after the experience with the Japanese scientists that science is not about individual expression, but about the subordination of the individual to larger truth. As the passage illustrates, this creates some sadness for individual scientists, who "want to be understood as people." The author is somewhat melancholy about the way science is currently practiced, but there is no indication that science provided more room for individual expression in the past. The author does not reveal any feelings of yearning for the past, and his or her tone is not nostalgic.
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In discussing Ptolem y s theory of the solar sy stem (lines 6 0-6 5), the author suggests all of the following EXCEPT: (A) Ptolem y s work as a scientist suffered from a lack of creativ ity . (B) Copernicus work eradicated the work of Ptolem y . (C) (D) (E) The scientific v alue of a theory depends on whether it stands up to the challenges of other scientists. Scientific findings, ev en when based on inaccuracies, often are accepted as truth. Both Ptolem y and Copernicus m ade influential contributions to theories about the solar sy stem .
A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer A : Choice (A) is correct. In lines 6065 the author emphasizes the point that science, unlike art, values objective truth over individual creativity and insight. Ptolemy developed a theory of the solar system that was "imaginative, ingenious, and even beautifulbut physically wrong." As a result, when Copernicus proposed a better, more accurate explanation, Ptolemy's theory was "detonated like a condemned building"that is, it was destroyed. The authors point is that in science, only truth counts. The author does not suggest that Ptolemy suffered from a lack of creativity; on the contrary, he or she suggests that Ptolemy's theory was extraordinarily creative, even though it turned out to be incorrect. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. In lines 6065, the author explains that Ptolemy developed a theory of the solar system that was
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"imaginative, ingenious, and even beautifulbut physically wrong." As a result, when Copernicus proposed a better, more accurate explanation, Ptolemy's theory was "detonated like a condemned building"that is, it was destroyed. The author does suggest that Copernicus work eradicated, or did away with, the work of Ptolemy. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. In lines 6065, the author explains that Ptolemy developed a theory of the solar system that was "imaginative, ingenious, and even beautifulbut physically wrong." As a result, when Copernicus proposed a better, more accurate explanation, Ptolemy's theory was "detonated like a condemned building"that is, it was destroyed. The author does suggest that a theory is only valuable if it can stand up to challenges by other scientists; Ptolemy's theory was unable to withstand Copernicus' challenge and was proven wrong. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. In lines 6065, the author explains that Ptolemy developed a theory of the solar system that was "imaginative, ingenious, and even beautifulbut physically wrong." As a result, when Copernicus proposed a better, more accurate explanation, Ptolemy's theory was "detonated like a condemned building"that is, it was destroyed. The author does suggest that inaccurate scientific findings such as Ptolemys can be accepted, for a period of time, as truthhowever, as the case of Ptolemy illustrates, truth eventually prevails. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. In lines 6065, the author explains that Ptolemy developed a theory of the solar system that was "imaginative, ingenious, and even beautifulbut physically wrong." As a result, when Copernicus proposed a better, more accurate explanation, Ptolemy's theory was "detonated like a condemned building." The author does suggest that both Ptolemy, whose theory was "Virtually unquestioned for centuries," and Copernicus, whose theory was eventually shown to be correct, made influential contributions to theories about the solar system.
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The im plication of the authors statem ent Very well (line 6 6 ) is that the author (A) is m ore than willing to take on a new challenge (B) is concerned that scientists often m ake fundam ental errors (C) is pleased with the accom plishm ents of other scientists (D) recognizes the need to accept an unpleasant fact (E) agrees with the m ost recent astronom ical theories A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
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Explanation for Correct Answer D : Choice (D) is correct. The entire passage up to line 66 is a reflection on the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." After examining this issue thoughtfully, the author concludes: "Very well. Scientists will forever have to live with the fact that their product is, in the end, impersonal." The author recognizes the need to accept the somewhat unpleasant fact that science offers little opportunity for individual expression. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. The entire passage up to line 66 is a reflection on the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." After examining this issue thoughtfully, the author concludes: "Very well. Scientists will forever have to live with the fact that their product is, in the end, impersonal." The author does not address new challenges and his or her willingness to take them on; instead, the author acknowledges the need to accept the somewhat unpleasant fact that science offers little opportunity for individual expression. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. The entire passage up to line 66 is a reflection on the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." After examining this issue thoughtfully, the author concludes: "Very well. Scientists will forever have to live with the fact that their product is, in the end, impersonal." Although the author discusses Ptolemys physically wrong theory of the solar system earlier in the passage, he or she is not primarily concerned with errors, and the statement in line 66 does not imply that the author is worried that scientists make fundamental errors. Rather, the statement in line 66 suggests that the author recognizes the need to accept the somewhat unpleasant fact that science offers little opportunity for individual expression. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. The entire passage up to line 66 is a reflection on the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." After examining this issue thoughtfully, the author concludes: "Very well. Scientists will forever have to live with the fact that their product is, in the end, impersonal." Earlier in the passage the author does refer to other scientiststhe two Japanese fellows, Ptolemy, Copernicus, the scientists who attend conferencesbut the author does not discuss his or her pleasure concerning the achievements of other scientists. Rather than indicating that the author is pleased with other scientists
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accomplishments, the statement in line 66 suggests that the author recognizes the need to accept the somewhat unpleasant fact that science offers little opportunity for individual expression. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. The entire passage up to line 66 is a reflection on the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science, on the fact that "science offers little comfort to anyone who aches to leave behind a personal message in his or her work." After examining this issue thoughtfully, the author concludes: "Very well. Scientists will forever have to live with the fact that their product is, in the end, impersonal." The author does discuss theories of the solar system in the lines leading up to this conclusion, and it is likely that he or she agrees with many recent astronomical theories; however, the astronomical theories the author mentions in the passage are hundreds of years old. The statement in line 66 does not indicate that the author agrees with the most recent astronomical theories. Rather, it suggests that the author recognizes the need to accept the somewhat unpleasant fact that science offers little opportunity for individual expression.
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The distinction between the com m unication m entioned in line 50 and the com m unication m entioned in line 7 5 m ost directly reflects the difference between (A) talking to oneself and listening to a knowledgeable instructor (B) expressing ones uniqueness and seeking friendship with an indiv idual (C) sharing em otional experiences and analy zing past ev ents (D) creating new objects and circulating existing relics (E) conv ey ing a personal v ision and exchanging objectiv e inform ation A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer E : Choice (E) is correct. The last three paragraphs of the passage discuss the differences between the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science and other, more personal, types of work and interaction. The author suggests that the "communication" mentioned in line 50, the "artist's communication," is a unique, personal expression that could not have been created by anyone else. As the author explains, "if Beethoven had never lived, we would never have had the C-minor Symphony." On the other hand, the communication mentioned in line 75 is the exchange of impersonal, objective, scientific informationit is the communication of scientific knowledge through academic journals, telephone calls, and scientific conferences. The distinction between the two types of communication reflects the difference between conveying ones personal vision and exchanging objective information.
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Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. The last three paragraphs of the passage discuss the differences between the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science and other, more personal, types of work and interaction. The author suggests that the "communication" mentioned in line 50, the "artist's communication," is a unique, personal expression that could not have been created by anyone else. As the author explains, "if Beethoven had never lived, we would never have had the C-minor Symphony." On the other hand, the communication mentioned in line 75 is the exchange of impersonal, objective, scientific informationit is the communication of scientific knowledge through academic journals, telephone calls, and scientific conferences. The distinction between the two types of communication does not reflect the difference between talking to oneself and listening to an instructor; the author does not suggest that an artist who creates something that others may experience is talking to himself or herself, and the exchange of scientific information the author describes involves discussions and interactions, not simply listening to an instructor. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. The last three paragraphs of the passage discuss the differences between the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science and other, more personal, types of work and interaction. The author suggests that the "communication" mentioned in line 50, the "artist's communication," is a unique, personal expression that could not have been created by anyone else. As the author explains, "if Beethoven had never lived, we would never have had the C-minor Symphony." On the other hand, the communication mentioned in line 75 is the exchange of impersonal, objective, scientific informationit is the communication of scientific knowledge through academic journals, telephone calls, and scientific conferences. The distinction between the two types of communication does not reflect the difference between expressing ones uniqueness and seeking friendship with an individual. The author might say that an artists work expresses the artists uniqueness, but the communication of scientific information the author describes is not about seeking friendship; scientists might form friendships with each otherat scientific conferences, perhapsbut the communication of knowledge is simply the exchanging of objective information. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. The last three paragraphs of the passage discuss the differences between the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science and other, more personal, types of work and interaction. The author suggests that the "communication" mentioned in line 50, the "artist's communication," is a unique, personal expression that could not have been created by anyone else. As the author explains, "if Beethoven had never lived, we would
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never have had the C-minor Symphony." On the other hand, the communication mentioned in line 75 is the exchange of impersonal, objective, scientific informationit is the communication of scientific knowledge through academic journals, telephone calls, and scientific conferences. The distinction between the two types of communication does not reflect the difference between sharing emotional experiences and analyzing past events. The author does not suggest that artists necessarily share emotional experiences with others, and he or she does not indicate that scientists analyze things that happened in the past when they exchange information. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. The last three paragraphs of the passage discuss the differences between the "somewhat dehumanizing" nature of science and other, more personal, types of work and interaction. The author suggests that the "communication" mentioned in line 50, the "artist's communication," is a unique, personal expression that could not have been created by anyone else. As the author explains, "if Beethoven had never lived, we would never have had the C-minor Symphony." On the other hand, the communication mentioned in line 75 is the exchange of impersonal, objective, scientific informationit is the communication of scientific knowledge through academic journals, telephone calls, and scientific conferences. The distinction between the two types of communication does not reflect the difference between creating new objects and circulating existing relics. The author implies that artists communicate through the art they produce, so they may be creating new objects; however, the author does not suggest that scientists pass around existing relics when they exchange information.
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In line 7 6 , crush m ost nearly m eans (A) com pression (B) infatuation (C) stam pede (D) suppression (E) ov erabundance A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer E : Choice (E) is correct. In lines 74-77, the author argues that scientific conferences (in-the-flesh gatherings) are not necessary for communication of scientific knowledge these days, with the asphyxiating crush of academic journals and the push-button ease of telephone calls. By using the term asphyxiatingcausing conditions that interrupt breathing and lead to unconsciousness and sometimes deathto describe the crush of academic journals, the
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author implies that there are so many of these journals available that one might feel suffocated or smothered by them. The term overabundance describes an excess of something beyond what is needed, desired, or appropriate; in this context the term crush most nearly means overabundance. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. In lines 74-77, the author argues that scientific conferences (in-the-flesh gatherings) are not necessary for communication of scientific knowledge these days, with the asphyxiating crush of academic journals and the push-button ease of telephone calls. By using the term asphyxiatingcausing conditions that interrupt breathing and lead to unconsciousness and sometimes deathto describe the crush of academic journals, the author implies that there are so many of these journals available that one might feel suffocated or smothered by them. Compression is a state of being reduced in size or volume. The author is claiming that there are many academic journals, not that there are reduced numbers of these journals; it does not make sense to say that in this context the term crush most nearly means compression. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. In lines 74-77, the author argues that scientific conferences (in-the-flesh gatherings) are not necessary for communication of scientific knowledge these days, with the asphyxiating crush of academic journals and the push-button ease of telephone calls. By using the term asphyxiatingcausing conditions that interrupt breathing and lead to unconsciousness and sometimes deathto describe the crush of academic journals, the author implies that there are so many of these journals available that one might feel suffocated or smothered by them. Infatuation is a state of being inspired with a foolish or extravagant love or admiration. The author clearly believes that academic journals are a reliable source of scientific knowledge and does not suggest that they elicit any sort of foolish admiration. Rather, the author is merely commenting on the large number of journals to which scientists can refer. In this context the term crush most nearly means overabundance, not infatuation. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. In lines 74-77, the author argues that scientific conferences (in-the-flesh gatherings) are not necessary for communication of scientific knowledge these days, with the asphyxiating crush of academic journals and the push-button ease of telephone calls. By using the term asphyxiatingcausing conditions that interrupt breathing and lead to unconsciousness and sometimes deathto describe the crush of academic journals, the author implies that there are so many of these journals available that one might feel suffocated or smothered by them. A stampede is a mass impulsive action, such as a mass movement of people or a sudden frenzied rush of frightened animals. It may seem as if the
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author intends the term crush to be close in meaning to the term stampede, since a stampede often involves a large quantity of people, animals, or objects. However, it does not make sense to describe academic journals as impulsive, or spontaneous, so it is not logical to say that in line 76 the term crush most nearly means stampede. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. In lines 74-77, the author argues that scientific conferences (in-the-flesh gatherings) are not necessary for communication of scientific knowledge these days, with the asphyxiating crush of academic journals and the push-button ease of telephone calls. By using the term asphyxiatingcausing conditions that interrupt breathing and lead to unconsciousness and sometimes deathto describe the crush of academic journals, the author implies that there are so many of these journals available that one might feel suffocated or smothered by them. In this context, suppression means the stopping or prohibition of a publication or revelation of something. Because the author is clearly commenting on the overabundance, or excess, of academic journals, rather than a shortage or lack of these publications, it does not make sense to say that in line 76 the term crush most nearly means suppression.
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The author suggests that scientists attend conferences to (A) learn what research their colleagues are presently pursuing (B) com pare current lectures with the scientific knowledge already presented in journals
(C) keep up with the m ost recent discov eries in their respectiv e fields (D) participate in extensiv e personal interaction with colleagues (E) express orally their scientific disagreem ents with their colleagues A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer D : Choice (D) is correct. The discussion of scientific conferences begins as the author admits that the product of scientists work is impersonal. He or she then goes on to say that despite the impersonal nature of their work, scientists want to be understood as people, and by attending conferences, scientists can express [their] personalities to [their] colleagues and relish an appreciative smile. Additionally, the author acknowledges that these in-the-flesh gatherings are certainly not necessary for the communication of scientific knowledge these days; he or she is focusing, then, on scientists taking advantage of the opportunity for personal interaction at conferences. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. Scientists might learn about the research
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their colleagues are presently pursuing when they attend conferences, but the author does not suggest that this is why scientists attend these in-the-flesh gatherings. In fact, he or she acknowledges that conferences are not necessary for the communication of scientific knowledge these daysscientists can easily find out what research is currently being pursued by simply consulting one of the many academic journals or by making telephone calls to colleagues. The author primarily focuses on scientists taking advantage of the opportunity for personal interaction at conferencesby attending conferences, scientists can express [their] personalities to [their] colleagues and relish an appreciative smile. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. The author does not suggest that scientists attend conferences to compare current lectures with the scientific knowledge already presented in journals. He or she acknowledges that these in-the-flesh gatherings are certainly not necessary for the communication of scientific knowledge these daysscientists can independently consult academic journals in order to make such a comparison, or they can simply make telephone calls to colleagues to discuss these comparisons. The author primarily focuses on scientists taking advantage of the opportunity for personal interaction at conferences; by attending conferences, scientists can express [their] personalities to [their] colleagues and relish an appreciative smile. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. Scientists might learn about new discoveries when they attend conferences, but the author does not suggest that scientists attend conferences to keep up with the most recent discoveries in their respective fields. He or she acknowledges that in-the-flesh gatherings are not necessary for the communication of scientific knowledge these daysscientists can easily keep up with the latest scientific discoveries by consulting one of the many academic journals available or by making telephone calls to colleagues. The author primarily focuses on scientists taking advantage of the opportunity for personal interaction at conferences; by attending conferences, scientists can express their personalities to their colleagues and relish an appreciative smile. Explanation for Incorrect Answer E : Choice (E) is incorrect. The author does not suggest that scientists attend conferences to express orally their scientific disagreements with their colleagues. He or she acknowledges that these in-the-flesh gatherings are not necessary for the communication of scientific knowledge these daysscientists can easily voice their disagreement with a colleague by simply making telephone calls. The author primarily focuses on scientists taking advantage of the opportunity for personal interaction at these conferences; by attending conferences, scientists can express [their] personalities to
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[their] colleagues and relish an appreciative smile.
18
The author m akes use of all of the following EXCEPT (A) com parison and contrast (B) personal experience (C) citation (D) anecdote (E) accusation A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Explanation for Correct Answer E : Choice (E) is correct. Throughout the passage, the author explores both the personal and impersonal nature of scientific study. Using various techniques including comparison and contrast, personal experience, citation, and anecdote, the author discusses viewpoints regarding the idea that the objective aspect of science is a pillar of strength and, at the same time, somewhat dehumanizing. Nowhere in the passage does the author use accusationscharges of wrongdoing, fault, or offenseto support one viewpoint over another; he or she does not suggest that any particular way of thinking about this concept is wrong, or that anyone in particular is at fault in any way. Explanation for Incorrect Answer A : Choice (A) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, the author explores both the personal and impersonal nature of scientific study. He or she uses various techniques, including comparison and contrast, to discuss viewpoints on this issue and on other related scientific ideas. In lines 54-59, the author compares science and art, pointing out the similarities and differences between the two academic fields: It seems to me that in both science and art we are trying desperately to connect with somethingthis is how we achieve universality. In art, that something is people, their experiences and their sensitivities. In science, that something is nature, the physical world and physical laws. Explanation for Incorrect Answer B : Choice (B) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, the author explores both the personal and impersonal nature of scientific study. He or she uses various techniques, including personal experience, to discuss viewpoints on this issue and on other related scientific ideas. In lines 66-81, the author draws from personal experience to express the idea that scientists want to be understood as people. The author describes what he or she has seen and heard at scientific conferences (Go to . . . scientific conferences . . . and you will see a wonderful community of people chitchatting in the hallways, holding forth delightedly at the blackboard, or loudly interrupting each other during lectures with relevant and irrelevant remarks) and then goes
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on to say that this personal interaction allows scientists to express [their] personalities to [their] colleagues and relish an appreciative smile. The author concludes the passage by commenting that he or she personally enjoys this interaction as much as the science. Explanation for Incorrect Answer C : Choice (C) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, the author explores both the personal and impersonal nature of scientific study. He or she uses various techniques, including citation, to discuss viewpoints on this issue and on other related scientific ideas. In lines 48-54, the author cites, or quotes, the Nobel Prize address of physicist-turnedbiologist Max Delbrck: A scientists message is not devoid of universality, but its universality is disembodied and anonymous. While the artists communication is linked forever with its original form, that of the scientist is modified, amplified, fused with the ideas and results of others and melts into the stream of knowledge and ideas which forms our culture. The author uses this quotation to set up his or her own comparison of science and art. Explanation for Incorrect Answer D : Choice (D) is incorrect. Throughout the passage, the author explores both the personal and impersonal nature of scientific study. He or she uses various techniques, including anecdote, to discuss viewpoints on this issue and on other related scientific ideas. An anecdote is a short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident. To introduce the concept of the objective aspect of science, the author begins the passage with an anecdote: I was somewhat embarrassed not so long ago when I opened a year-old physics journal and read that two Japanese fellows had attacked the same problem I was currently finishing up, obtaining an identical solution. . . . I suppose I should not have been surprised to find that someone else had arrived at similar results. Still, my pulse raced as I sat with my notebook and checked off each digit of their answers, in exact agreement with mine to four decimal places.
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Explanation for Correct Answer C :

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Choice (D) is incorrect. In this context, "stoic" means showing no

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The following excerpt is from a 1996 collection of essays written by a physicist.

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Explanation for Correct Answer B :

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A NSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS

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[their] colleagues and relish an appreciative smile.

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