Passage 1

Francis Collins, the director of the National Human Genome Research

Institute, noted that the genome could be thought of in terms of a book with multiple
uses: "It's a history book—a narrative of the journey of our species through time. It's
a shop manual, with an incredibly detailed blueprint for building every human cell.
And it's a transformative textbook of medicine, with insights that will give healthcare
providers immense new powers to treat, prevent and cure disease."
Passage 2
Until more individualized data are available, however, researchers continue to
try to determine whether disease susceptibility is linked to specific genetic factors
and, if so, whether the genetic factors are distributed differentially among
geographic groups. Patterns of variation among humans have been shaped by
migration, genetic drift, mutation, and natural selection. These evolutionary
mechanisms lead to a correlation between geographic distribution that may be
medically relevant.
How would the author of Passage 2 most likely respond to the “history book”
metaphor in Passage 1?
A. With approval, because the author believes that knowledge of the
human genome will give scientists a better understanding of how cells are
constructed.
B. With approval, because the author recognizes that the human genome
provides insight into the story of the human species over time.
C. With disapproval, because the author asserts that the human genome
only provides information about the current state of humanity.
D. With disapproval, because the author suggests that the relevance of
human migrations is overstated.

Text 1
Melaleuca trees were brought to the Florida Everglades from Australia;
developers thought these trees would help dry up vast swampy areas, enabling
residential and commercial construction. Unfortunately, the trees spread widely and
covered up large swaths of the Everglades, displacing native plants. Florida has had
to spend a great deal of money to remove these invasive trees.

Text 2
Though common protocol would dictate that an invasive species like
honeysuckle be removed from areas where it becomes dominant, these new findings
demonstrate that such action would likely strike a significant blow to native bird
populations. What’s more, areas that today are abundant in honeysuckle typically
host 30 to 40 percent more birds than these same regions did thirty years ago,
indicating a long-term change for the better.
The author of Text 2 would most likely agree with which statement about Text
1?
 A. While invasive species may cause damage, not all invasive species
should be considered harmful.
B. Melaleuca trees demonstrate the importance of uniformly removing
invasive species from the environment.
C. Honeysuckle plants and melaleuca plants show the need for a consistent
approach to invasive species management.
D. So long as invasive plants are not transported across oceans, they are
unlikely to be harmful.

Text 1
Although food writing is one of the most widely read genres in the United
States, literary scholars have long neglected it. And within this genre, cookbooks
attract the least scholarly attention of all, regardless of how well written they may
be. This is especially true of works dedicated to regional US cuisines, whose
complexity and historical significance are often overlooked.
Text 2
With her 1976 cookbook The Taste of Country Cooking, Edna Lewis
popularized the refined Southern cooking she had grown up with in Freetown, an
all-Black community in Virginia. She also set a new standard for cookbook writing:
the recipes and memoir passages interspersing them are written in prose more
elegant than that of most novels. Yet despite its inarguable value as a piece of writing,
Lewis’s masterpiece has received almost no attention from literary scholars.
Based on the two texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely regard the
situation presented in the underlined (bold-faced) sentence in Text 2?
A. As typical, because scholars are dismissive of literary works that
achieve popularity with the general public
B. As unsurprising, because scholars tend to overlook the literary value of
food writing in general and of regional cookbooks in particular
C. As justifiable, because Lewis incorporated memoir into The Taste of
Country Cooking, thus undermining its status as a cookbook
D. As inevitable, because The Taste of Country Cooking was marketed to
readers of food writing and not to readers of other genres

Text 1
Historians studying pre-Inca Peru have looked to ceramic vessels to
understand daily life among the Moche people. These mold-made sculptures present
plants, animals, and human faces in precise ways—vessels representing human faces
are so detailed that scholars have interpreted facial markings to represent scars and
other skin irregularities. Some historians have even used these objects to identify
potential skin diseases that may have afflicted people at the time.
Text 2
 Art historian and archaeologist Lisa Trever has argued that the interpretation
of Moche “portrait” vessels as hyper-realistic portrayals of identifiable people may
inadvertently disregard the creativity of the objects’ creators. Moche ceramic
vessels, Trever argues, are artworks in which sculptors could free their imagination,
using realistic objects and people around them as inspiration to explore more abstract
concepts.
Based on the texts, what would Lisa Trever (Text 2) most likely say about the
interpretation presented in the underlined (bold) portion of Text 1?
A. Markings on depictions of human faces are not necessarily intended to
portray particular details about the physical appearance of individuals.
B. Some vessels may have been damaged during their excavation and thus
provide little insight into Moche culture.
C. Depictions of human faces are significantly more realistic than
depictions of plants and other animals are.
D. It is likely that some depictions of human faces with extensive markings
are intended to portray the same historical individual.

Text 1
Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting people around the world
and bridging gaps between cultures. According to research conducted by Professor
Keith Hampton, social media can have positive effects on individuals such as
increasing their sense of belonging and connectedness to others. Additionally,
studies from Dr. Danah Boyd suggest that these platforms can also act as an effective
medium for amplifying minority voices or promoting awareness about certain issues
which may not otherwise receive mainstream attention.
Text 2
Despite its potential benefits, there is evidence that too much time spent on
social media could lead to negative mental health outcomes according to researchers
like Jean Twenge who argue it could cause feelings of envy or low self-esteem due
to users comparing themselves with others online. Additionally, Professor Andrew
Przybylski’s work suggests that excessive use might even lead to addiction-like
behavior in some cases where people become reliant upon these sites for gratification
and affirmation rather than real human connection.

How would Professor Andrew Przybylski respond to the claims made by

Professor Keith Hampton?
A. He would likely agree with the potential benefits of social media
proposed by Professor Keith Hampton, but he would argue that they pale in
comparison to the risks associated with excessive use.
B. He would likely acknowledge the potential benefits of social media, but
he would also caution against relying on it too heavily in order to avoid any potential
negative mental health outcomes associated with excessive use.
 C. He would deny that there are any positive effects of social media,
instead arguing it’s all negative consequences and no advantages.
D. He would reject the idea that social media can create a sense of
belonging; rather, he believes it only serves to isolate people further from each other
due to its impersonal nature.

Text1
According to Kato (2017), the evolution of P. Japonica is a result of
continental drift and climate change associated with that movement during the
Miocene period (23-5 million years ago). During this time, sea levels rose due to
tectonic activities which caused populations on Sakhalin Island in Russia to move
to Honshu Island in Japan. This relocation likely contributed significantly to
evolutionary changes within these populations over time.
Text 2
This theory is supported by fossil evidence found near Kobe city on Honshu
Island which dates back as far as 8 million years ago and confirms P. Japonica’s
presence during this time period according to Onuma (2020). Dr. Takahisa Onuma,
an entomologist at the University of Tokyo, has been studying these ancient
populations for over a decade and his research into their evolutionary history
provides strong evidence for Kato’s hypothesis about the origin of this species.
How would Onuma respond to a subsequent publication by Kato claiming to
have completely proven his theory using Onuma’s findings?
A. He would likely be pleased with Kato’s work and welcome the
confirmation of his own findings, as it furthers our collective understanding of the
evolution of P. Japonica.
B. He would likely point out that while Kato’s theory may provide some
insight into the evolution of P. Japonica, its origins in Russia are still unconfirmed
and more research needs to be done in order to fully understand this species’
evolutionary history.
C. He would take issue with the publication and expect that Kato credit
him for his contributions, as the research it is based upon was originally conducted
by Onuma and his team.
D. He would likely question the validity of Kato’s climate change theory
and suggest that further research needs to be done in order to confirm this hypothesis
and understand how sea levels actually changed during the Miocene period.

Text 1
According to the historian Edward Gibbon, the fall of Rome was due to its
own internal moral decay which he attributes to a growing complacency among
Roman citizens and a lack of motivation for civic service or participation in military
campaigns. This theory is supported by archaeological evidence which shows that
Roman citizens were increasingly turning away from public life and instead focusing
on personal pleasure during this time period.

Text 2
In contrast, according to Peter Heather, the decline of Rome can be attributed
more so to competition with outside kingdoms such as those in Persia and Germania.
His findings suggest that these foreign powers posed a larger threat than previously
thought; one which could not have been overcome even if Rome had maintained its
strength internally. Evidence for this claim comes from ancient texts describing how
invading armies destroyed much of Italy over several centuries leading up to 476
AD when Romulus Augustus was officially deposed as Emperor of Western Europe
by Odoacer’s army.

How would Peter Heather (text 2) address the main idea of Edward Gibbon’s
text (text 1)?
A. He would likely argue that internal moral decay was not the primary
cause of Rome’s decline and instead point to external forces such as those from
Persia and Germania which presented a greater threat over time.
B. He would argue that internal moral decay was in fact the primary cause
of Rome’s decline and assert that the external forces from Persia and Germania were
a result of this weakening within its own citizens.
C. He would likely highlight the immense power of external forces,
claiming that they were ultimately responsible for Rome’s downfall and completely
disregarding any role internal moral decay may have played in its decline.
D. He would prioritize the written evidence from ancient texts over the
archaeological evidence, claiming that it provides a more accurate depiction of
Rome’s decline due to its direct references to invading forces.

Text 1
What factors influence the abundance of species in a given ecological
community? Some theorists have argued that historical diversity is a major driver of
how diverse an ecological community eventually becomes: differences in
community diversity across otherwise similar habitats, in this view, are strongly
affected by the number of species living in those habitats at earlier times.
Text 2
In 2010, a group of researchers including biologist Carla Cáceres created
artificial pools in a New York Forest. They stocked some pools with a diverse mix
of zooplankton species and others with a single zooplankton species and allowed the
pool communities to develop naturally thereafter. Over the course of four years,
Cáceres and colleagues periodically measured the species diversity of the pools,
finding—contrary to their expectations—that by the end of the study there was little
to no difference in the pools’ species diversity.

Based on the texts, how would Cáceres and colleagues (Text 2) most likely
describe the view of the theorists presented in Text 1?
A. It is largely correct, but it requires a minor refinement in light of the
research team’s results.
B. It is not compelling as a theory regardless of any experimental data
collected by the research team.
C. It may seem plausible, but it is not supported by the research team’s
findings.
D. It probably holds true only in conditions like those in the research
team’s study.

Text 1
According to researchers Murray Straus and Robert Larzelere, physical
discipline can be an effective tool for teaching children appropriate behavior. Studies
conducted by these two authors have found that physical discipline, when used
appropriately and in moderation, can positively influence a child’s development by
helping them learn self-control and respect for authority figures. Additionally,
research from Dr. Larzelere suggests that physical discipline may lead to improved
academic performance as children are more likely to obey rules in school if they
understand the consequences of not doing so.

Text 2
Too much physical discipline has been linked with negative outcomes
according to the work of Elizabeth Gershoff and Joan Durrant who suggest it could
result in increased aggression from the child, poorer academic performance, mental
health issues such as depression or anxiety and even long-term psychological
damage such as low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness. It is important that
parents use caution when implementing any type of disciplinary action on their
children since too much could cause serious harm rather than good according to
research conducted by both Professors Gershoff and Durrant.
How would Straus and Larzelere most likely respond to Gershoff and
Durrant’s claim that physical discipline has been linked to mental health issues?
A. They would discredit Gershoff and Durrant’s work by claiming that
their research was only done on children in one specific culture, so it cannot be
applied universally
B. They would disagree with Gershoff and Durrant’s claim that physical
discipline has been linked to mental health issues, asserting instead that it is an
effective tool for teaching children appropriate behavior without any negative
consequences.
C. They would agree that physical discipline can be linked to mental health
issues if used inappropriately, but assert that it is still an important tool for teaching
children appropriate behavior when done in moderation.
D. They would argue that physical discipline has no link to mental health
issues since children have been disciplined this way for generations without any
negative consequences.

Text 1
Despite their potential benefits, carbon taxes are far from a perfect solution
according to research conducted by economists like Gilbert Metcalf who argue that
while they may reduce emissions, the costs associated with them could be too high
for some economies to bear due to their regressive nature and disproportionate
impact on low-income households. Other researchers such as Professor Richard Tol
suggest that in addition to potentially hurting those already struggling financially,
these policies might not lead to any real reduction in global warming since firms
may simply pass on the costs onto consumers rather than actually investing into
cleaner technologies or processes.

Text 2
Carbon taxes have been recognized as an effective tool in reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Research conducted by
Dr. Olivier Deschenes has shown that when implemented correctly, carbon taxes can
be a powerful incentive to reduce emissions without stifling economic growth or
disproportionately burdening certain industries. Additionally, Dr. Olivier’s studies
suggest that not only do these policies successfully lower emissions but they also
provide much needed revenue which can be used for other environmental initiatives
such as renewable energy projects or green infrastructure improvements.

How would Professor Gilbert Metcalf respond to the claims made by Dr.
Olivier Deschenes?
A. He would argue that while carbon taxes may generate income, the
associated costs of these policies will inevitably result in a drastic increase in global
temperatures since they are often regressive and have a greater impact on those with
lower incomes.
B. He would argue that while carbon taxes may provide much needed
revenue, implementing them is futile since any reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions resulting from them will be offset entirely by increased pollution from
other sources such as factories or vehicles.
 C. He would argue that while carbon taxes may generate income, the
associated costs of these policies could potentially exceed any advantages since they
are often regressive and have a greater impact on those with lower incomes.
D. He would argue that carbon taxes are an excellent way to reduce
emissions and generate much needed revenue, as research from Dr. Olivier
Deschenes suggests, without stifling economic growth or disproportionately
burdening certain industries

Text 1
Soy sauce, made from fermented soybeans, is noted for its umami flavor.
Umami—one of the five basic tastes along with sweet, bitter, salty, and sour—was
formally classified when its taste receptors were discovered in the 2000s. In 2007,
to define the pure umami flavor scientists Rie Ishii and Michael O'Mahony used
broths made from shiitake mushrooms and kombu seaweed, and two panels of
Japanese and US judges closely agreed on a description of the taste.

Text 2
A 2022 experiment by Manon Jünger et al. led to a greater understanding of
soy sauce's flavor profile. The team initially presented a mixture of compounds with
low molecular weights to taste testers who found it was not as salty or bitter as real
soy sauce. Further analysis of soy sauce identified proteins, including dipeptides,
that enhanced umami flavor and also contributed to saltiness. The team then made a
mix of 50 chemical compounds that re-created soy sauce's flavor.
Based on the texts, if Ishii and O'Mahony (Text 1) and Jünger et al. (Text 2)
were aware of the findings of both experiments, they would most likely agree with
which statement?
A. The broths in the 2007 experiment most likely did not have a substantial
amount of the dipeptides that played a key part in the 2022 experiment.
B. On average, the diets of people in the United States tend to have fewer
foods that contain certain dipeptides than the diets of people in Japan have.
C. Chemical compounds that activate both the umami and salty taste
receptors tend to have a higher molecular weight than those that only activate umami
taste receptors.
D. Fermentation introduces proteins responsible for the increase of umami
flavor in soy sauce, and those proteins also increase the perception of saltiness.

Text 1
Today the starchy root cassava is found in many dishes across West Africa,
but its rise to popularity was slow. Portuguese traders brought cassava from Brazil
to the West African coast in the 1500s. But at this time, people living in the capitals
further inland had little contact with coastal communities. Thus, cassava remained
relatively unknown to most of the region's inhabitants until the 1800s.

Text 2
Cassava's slow adoption into the diet of West Africans is mainly due to the
nature of the crop itself. If not cooked properly, cassava can be toxic. Knowledge of
how to properly prepare cassava needed to spread before the food could grow in
popularity. The arrival of formerly enslaved people from Brazil in the 1800s, who
brought their knowledge of cassava and its preparation with them, thus directly
fueled the spread of this crop.

Based on the texts, the author of Text 1 and the author of Text 2 would most
likely agree with which statement?
A. The climate of the West African coast in the 1500s prevented cassava's
spread in the region.
B. Several of the most commonly grown crops in West Africa are
originally from Brazil.
C. The most commonly used methods to cook cassava today date to the
1500s.
D. Cassava did not become a significant crop in West Africa until long after
it was first introduced.

Text 1
The idea that time moves in only one direction is instinctively understood, yet
it puzzles physicists. According to the second law of thermodynamics, at a
macroscopic level some processes of heat transfer are irreversible due to the
production of entropy—after a transfer we cannot rewind time and place molecules
back exactly where they were before, just as we cannot unbreak dropped eggs. But
laws of physics at a microscopic or quantum level hold that those processes should
be reversible.

Text 2
In 2015, physicists Tiago Batalhão et al. performed an experiment in which
they confirmed the irreversibility of thermodynamic processes at a quantum level,
producing entropy by applying a rapidly oscillating magnetic field to a system of
carbon-13 atoms in liquid chloroform. But the experiment "does not pinpoint ... what
causes [irreversibility] at the microscopic level," coauthor Mauro Paternostro said.
Based on the texts, what would the author of Text 1 most likely say about the
experiment described in Text 2?
 A. It is consistent with the current understanding of physics at a
microscopic level but not at a macroscopic level.
B. It provides empirical evidence that the current understanding of an
aspect of physics at a microscopic level must be incomplete.
C. It supports a claim about an isolated system of atoms in a laboratory,
but that claim should not be extrapolated to a general claim about the universe.
D. It would suggest an interesting direction for future research were it not
the case that two of the physicists who conducted the experiment disagree on the
significance of its findings.

Text 1
In 2021, a team led by Amir Siraj hypothesized that the Chicxulub impactor—
the object that struck the Yucatán Peninsula sixty-six million years ago, precipitating
the mass extinction of the dinosaurs—was likely a member of the class of long-
period comets. As evidence, Siraj cited the carbonaceous chondritic composition of
samples from the Chicxulub impact crater as well as of samples obtained from long-
period comet Wild 2 in 2006.

Text 2
Although long-period comets contain carbonaceous chondrites, asteroids are
similarly rich in these materials. Furthermore, some asteroids are rich in iridium, as
Natalia Artemieva points out, whereas long-period comets are not. Given the
prevalence of iridium at the crater and, more broadly, in geological layers deposited
worldwide following the impact, Artemieva argues that an asteroid is a more
plausible candidate for the Chicxulub impactor.

Based on the texts, how would Artemieva likely respond to Siraj's hypothesis,
as presented in Text 1?
A. By insisting that it overestimates how representative Wild 2 is of long-
period comets as a class
B. By arguing that it does not account for the amount of iridium found in
geological layers dating to the Chicxulub impact
C. By praising it for connecting the composition of Chicxulub crater
samples to the composition of certain asteroids
D. By concurring that carbonaceous chondrites are prevalent in soil
samples from sites distant from the Chicxulub crater

Text 1
 Dance choreographer Alvin Ailey's deep admiration for jazz music can most
clearly be felt in the rhythms and beats his works were set to. Ailey collaborated with
some of the greatest jazz legends, like Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, and perhaps
his favorite, Duke Ellington. With his choice of music, Ailey helped bring jazz to
life for his audiences.

Text 2
Jazz is present throughout Ailey's work, but it's most visible in Ailey's
approach to choreography. Ailey often incorporated improvisation, a signature
characteristic of jazz music, in his work. When managing his dance company, Ailey
rarely forced his dancers to an exact set of specific moves. Instead, he encouraged
his dancers to let their own skills and experiences shape their performances, as jazz
musicians do.
Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which
statement?
A. Audiences were mostly unfamiliar with the jazz music in Ailey's works.
B. Ailey's work was strongly influenced by jazz.
C. Dancers who worked with Ailey greatly appreciated his supportive
approach as a choreographer.
D. Ailey blended multiple genres of music together when choreographing
dance pieces.

Text 1
Despite its beautiful prose, The Guns of August, Barbara Tuchman's 1962
analysis of the start of World War I, has certain weaknesses as a work of history. It
fails to address events in Eastern Europe just before the outbreak of hostilities,
thereby giving the impression that Germany was the war's principal instigator. Had
Tuchman consulted secondary works available to her by scholars such as Luigi
Albertini, she would not have neglected the influence of events in Eastern Europe
on Germany's actions.

Text 2
Barbara Tuchman's The Guns of August is an engrossing if dated introduction
to World War I. Tuchman's analysis of primary documents is laudable, but her main
thesis that European powers committed themselves to a catastrophic outcome by
refusing to deviate from military plans developed prior to the conflict is implausibly
reductive.

Which choice best describes a difference in how the authors of Text 1 and Text
2 view Barbara Tuchman's The Guns of August?
 A. The author of Text 1 believes that the scope of Tuchman's research led
her to an incorrect interpretation, while the author of Text 2 believes that Tuchman's
central argument is overly simplistic.
B. The author of Text 1 argues that Tuchman should have relied more on
the work of other historians, while the author of Text 2 implies that Tuchman's most
interesting claims result from her original research.
C. The author of Text 1 asserts that the writing style of The Guns of August
makes it worthwhile to read despite any perceived deficiency in Tuchman's research,
while the author of Text 2 focuses exclusively on the weakness of Tuchman's
interpretation of events.
D. The author of Text 1 claims that Tuchman would agree that World War
I was largely due to events in Eastern Europe, while the author of Text 2 maintains
that Tuchman would say that Eastern European leaders were not committed to
military plans in the same way that other leaders were.

Text 1
Because literacy in Nahuatl script, the writing system of the Aztec Empire,
was lost after Spain invaded central Mexico in the 1500s, it is unclear exactly how
meaning was encoded in the script's symbols. Although many scholars had assumed
that the symbols signified entire words, linguist Alfonso Lacadena theorized in 2008
that they signified units of language smaller than words: individual syllables.

Text 2
The growing consensus among scholars of Nahuatl script is that many of its
symbols could signify either words or syllables, depending on syntax and content at
any given site within a text. For example, the symbol signifying the word huipil
(blouse) in some contexts could signify the syllable "pil" in others, as in the place
name "Chipiltepec." Thus, for the Aztecs, reading required a determination of how
such symbols functioned each time they appeared in a text.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely characterize
Lacadena's theory, as described in Text 1?
A. By praising the theory for recognizing that the script's symbols could
represent entire words
B. By arguing that the theory is overly influenced by the work of earlier
scholars
C. By approving of the theory's emphasis on how the script changed over
time
D. By cautioning that the theory overlooks certain important aspects of
how the script functioned
 Text 1
A team led by Bernardo Strassburg has found that rewilding farmland
(returning the land to its natural state) could help preserve biodiversity and offset
carbon emissions. The amount of farmland that would need to be restored, they
found, is remarkably low. Rewilding a mere 15% of the world's current farmland
would prevent 60% of expected species extinctions and help absorb nearly 299
gigatons of carbon dioxide—a clear win in the fight against the biodiversity and
climate crises.

Text 2
While Strassburg's team's findings certainly offer encouraging insight into the
potential benefits of rewilding, it's important to consider potential effects on global
food supplies. The researchers suggest that to compensate for the loss of food-
producing land, remaining farmland would need to produce even more food. Thus,
policies focused on rewilding farmland must also address strategies for higher-yield
farming.
Which choice best describes a difference in how the author of Text 1 and the
author of Text 2 view Strassburg's team's study?
A. The author of Text 2 approaches the study's findings with some caution,
whereas the author of Text 1 is optimistic about the reported potential environmental
benefits.
B. The author of Text 2 claims that the percentage of farmland identified
by Strassburg's team is too low for rewilding to achieve meaningful results, whereas
the author of Text 1 thinks the percentage is sufficient.
C. The author of Text 2 focuses on rewilding's effect on carbon emissions,
whereas the author of Text 1 focuses on its effect on biodiversity.
D. The author of Text 2 believes that the results described by Strassburg's
team are achievable in the near future, whereas the author of Text 1 argues that they
likely aren't.

Text 1
Philosopher G.E. Moore's most influential work entails the concept of
common sense. He asserts that there are certain beliefs that all people, including
philosophers, know instinctively to be true, whether or not they profess otherwise:
among them, that they have bodies, or that they exist in a world with other objects
that have three dimensions. Moore's careful work on common sense may seem
obvious but was in fact groundbreaking.

Text 2
 External world skepticism is a philosophical stance supposing that we cannot
be sure of the existence of anything outside our own minds. During a lecture, G.E.
Moore once offered a proof refuting this stance by holding out his hands and saying,
"Here is one hand, and here is another." Many philosophers reflexively reject this
proof (Annalisa Coliva called it "an obviously annoying failure") but have found it
a challenge to articulate exactly why the proof fails.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely respond to
proponents of the philosophical stance outlined in Text 2?
A. By pointing out that Moore would assert that external world skepticism
is at odds with other beliefs those proponents must unavoidably hold
B. By arguing that if it is valid to assert that some facts are true based on
instinct, it is also valid to assert that some proofs are inadequate based on instinct
C. By agreeing with those proponents that Moore's treatment of positions
that contradict his own is fundamentally unserious
D. By suggesting that an instinctive distaste for Moore's position is
preventing external world skeptics from constructing a sufficiently rigorous
refutation of Moore

Text 1
For decades, bluegrass musicians have debated whether their genre should
exclude influences from mainstream genres such as rock. Many insist that bluegrass
is defined by its adherence to the folk music of the US South, out of which bluegrass
emerged. Such "purists," as they are known, regard the recordings of Bill Monroe,
which established the bluegrass sound in the 1940s, as a standard against which the
genre should still be measured.

Text 2
Bluegrass isn't simply an extension of folk traditions into the era of recorded
music. In reality, Bill Monroe created the bluegrass sound in the 1940s by combining
Southern folk music with commercial genres that had arisen only a few decades
before, such as jazz and the blues. Since bluegrass has always been a mixed genre,
contemporary bluegrass musicians should not be forbidden from incorporating into
it influences from rock and other mainstream genres.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely regard the
perspective of bluegrass purists, as described in Text 1?
A. As inconsistent, since bluegrass purists themselves enjoy other musical
genres
B. As unrealistic, since bluegrass purists have no way of enforcing their
musical preferences
C. As shortsighted, because bluegrass could enlarge its audience by
including influences from mainstream genres
 D. As illogical, because the purists overlook crucial aspects of how the
bluegrass sound first originated

Text 1
Our food now travels an average of 1,500 miles before ending up on our
plates. This globalization of the food supply has serious consequences for the
environment, our health, our communities and our tastebuds. Much of the food
grown in the breadbasket surrounding us must be shipped across the country to
distribution centers before it makes its way back to our supermarket shelves.
Because uncounted costs of this long-distance journey (air pollution and global
warming, the ecological costs of large-scale monoculture, the loss of family farms
and local community dollars) are not paid for at the checkout counter, many of us do
not think about them at all.
Text 2
Just how much carbon dioxide is emitted by transporting food from farm to
fork? Pierre Desrochers and Hiroko Shimizu cite a comprehensive study done by the
United Kingdom's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
which reported that 82 percent of food miles were generated within the U.K.
Consumer shopping trips accounted for 48 percent and trucking for 31 percent of
British food miles. Air freight amounted to less than 1 percent of food miles. In total,
food transportation accounted for only 1.8 percent of Britain's carbon dioxide
emissions.

Based on the texts, how would Desrochers and Shimizu (Text 2) most likely
describe the view presented in Text 1?
A. It is strongly supported by data compiled by DEFRA.
B. It overstates the effects of transporting food on the environment.
C. It appears justified by preliminary findings but has not yet definitively
proven.
D. It is highly implausible because most consumers do not consider the
source of their food.

Text 1
By investigating interactions between tree species, scientists have found that
trees leverage similarities and differences in their microbial "makeup" to recognize
other trees of their own species, and that they preferentially share nutrients with them
through their mycorrhizal network- the systems of roots and fungi that connect them.
For example, Douglas Fir trees growing in the same plot have been shown to share
more carbon among them than with trees of other species.
Text 2
 The notion that trees send out resources to strengthen a community composed
of members of their species is unlikely because groups that cooperate would need to
win out over groups made up of competing individuals. According to plant ecologist
Kathryn Flinn, while trees can sometimes facilitate each other's growth, a forest does
not function like a single organism: it includes a vast array of species with a
constantly shifting variety of interactions, both cooperative and competitive.

Based on the texts, what would Kathryn Flinn most likely say about the
"Douglas Fir trees" in Text 1?
A. Their mycorrhizal network is not fully understood.
B. They function as if they were a single organism
C. They are also likely to compete among themselves for some resources.
D. The amount of carbon they share will vary according to environmental
conditions.

Text 1
In recent years, there has been an explosion of scientific research revealing
precisely how positive feelings are beneficial. We know that they motivate people to
pursue important goals and overcome obstacles, offer protective benefits against the
effects of stress, improve our social connectedness, and even ward off illness. The
science of happiness has spawned a small industry of motivational speakers and
research enterprises. Clearly, happiness is popular.
Text 2
Happiness, it turns out, has a cost when experienced too intensely. For
instance, we often are told that happiness can open up our minds to foster more
creative thinking and help us tackle problems or puzzles. This is the case when we
experience moderate levels of happiness. But according to Mark Alan Davis's 2008
analysis of the relationship between mood and creativity, when people experience
intense and perhaps overwhelming amounts of happiness, they no longer experience
the same creativity boost. What's more, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found
that too much positive emotion- and too little negative emotion- makes people
inflexible in the face of new challenges.
Based on the texts, what would Mark Alan Davis most likely respond to what
"we know" in Text 1?
A. By emphasizing the connection between creativity and negative
emotions
B. By acknowledging the benefits of positivity in moderation but
cautioning against it in excess
C. By questioning the motives of the participants in the happiness industry
D. By challenging the connection between positive feelings and personal
fulfillment
 Text 1
Until recently, the concrete psychological effects of fiction on individuals and
society were largely a matter of speculation. However, research in psychology is
beginning to provide answers about how fiction can expand our moral imaginations.
For example, a series of studies conducted by Keith Oatley, Maja Djikic, and
Raymond Mar found that fiction measurably improves people's ability to guess
others' mental states by looking at only their eyes. They interpreted this finding as
evidence for the idea that fiction allows people to connect with something larger
than themselves.
Text 2
An empirical approach to the question of whether fiction improves empathy
was taken by David Kidd and Emanuele Castano, who conducted five experiments
in which participants read fictional excerpts and then responded to images of facial
expressions. The results showed that the participants had improved their theory of
mind (ToM), or their ability to infer the thoughts and emotions of others. As Kidd
points out, however, highly developed ToM does not always translate into more
ethical behavior: the ability to manipulate someone, for instance, also requires a
heightened understanding of other people's emotions.
Based on the texts, how would Kidd and Castano most likely respond to
Oatley, Djikic, and Mar in Text 1?
A. By acknowledging the importance of connecting with others
B. By conceding that fiction can allow people to transcend their everyday
lives
C. By pointing out that empathy can have negative as well as positive
effects
D. By emphasizing that individuals with high ToM may sometimes prefer
non-fiction

Text 1

On May 21, 2019, midsize black holes were detected for the first time when
the U.S.-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and
its European counterpart Virgo captured a tremor from a pair of black holes merging
deep in space. Priyamvada Natarajan, an astrophysicist who has long worked on
black-hole growth models, believes that black holes this size are born in nuclear star
clusters, dense collections of stars found near galactic centers. These holes sweep
through the cluster, adding gas and dust, until they settle at a single location and
cease to expand.

Text 2
 Imre Bartos and other researchers working on ' "hierarchical merger" models,
in which black holes grow by eating one another, focus on one major data point in
the LIGO/Virgo findings. The angular momentum, or "spin," of a black hole range
from O to 1. When two black holes of similar size combine, the resulting black hole
usually has a spin of around 0. 7. Significantly, the two black holes involved in the
merger recorded by LIGO and Virgo had 0.69 and 0. 73 respectively, suggesting that
they both might have formed in previous mergers.

Based on the texts, what would Imre Bartos most likely say about Priyamvada
Natarajan's belief in Text 1?
A. It underestimates midsize black holes' spin.
B. It misstates the time when the merger occurred.
C. It relies too heavily on data from LIGONIGO.
D. It overlooks the significance a crucial statistic.

Text 1

The batteries for electric cars use a lot of lithium, the lightest metal and the
lightest solid element under normal conditions. Chile produces the largest amount
of lithium (8,800 tons per year), with other big producers including Argentina and
China, while Bolivia has the world's largest known reserves. Other metals used in
electric cars include copper, cobalt, aluminum, nickel and sometimes manganese,
along with conductive non-metal graphite. There are rich cobalt deposits in countries
like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it lies on the surface and is picked up
by miners who include women and children. Cobalt is toxic to humans and most of
these miners work with little or no protective equipment.

Text 2

Research has shown that electric cars are better for the environment. They
emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. And this
takes into account their production and electricity generation to keep them running.
Put simply, electric cars give us cleaner streets making our towns and cities a better
place to be for pedestrians and cyclists. In over a year, just one electric car on the
roads can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2. That's the equivalent of four
return flights from London to Barcelona.

What is the relation between both texts?

A. both texts express the positive impact of electric cars
 B. Both texts disagree with electric car
C. Counterargument between both texts about the efficiency of electric
cars
D. Counterargument between both texts about the environmental impact
of electric cars

Text 1
On this day, I took the oath of office to serve as the first President
of the United States. It is a solemn duty bestowed upon me by the
people, and I will strive to fulfill the responsibilities of this office to
the best of my ability. I am humbled by the trust placed in me and will
work to ensure that the nation is prosperous and secure. I have faith
that with the help of the people, we can achieve a better future for our
nation. Let us work together to make this a reality.

Text 2
Glorious day! Today I speak to you of the importance of hard work
and perseverance. I believe that every person has the power to be
great if they are willing to work hard and strive for success. One must
be steadfast in the face of adversity, never wavering in their efforts. As
I have said before, “The only man who never makes a mistake is the
man, who never does anything.” Do not be afraid of failure, because it
is only through trial and error that one can gain the knowledge and
experience necessary to reach their full potential. Now, I challenge
each and every one of you to rise to the occasion and make something
of yourselves. The future awaits!

What would the authors of the passages likely agree on?

A. They would both agree that it is making mistakes is detrimental to
success.
B. The two authors would likely agree that hard work and perseverance
are essential to success.
C. They would both agree that finding good fortune with others is the key
to Success.
D. They would likely both stress the need to depend on others for success.

Text 1
“Positive reinforcement is an integral part of teaching and learning,”
according to education expert and author Dr. John R. Verduin. Positive
reinforcement is any reward given to motivate and encourage desired behavior, such
as praise, recognition, and rewards. It is an effective tool for increasing good
behavior, teaching new skills, and strengthening relationships. Positive
reinforcement is important because it helps children and adults learn important
skills, builds positive feelings and relationships, and encourages people to keep
trying and achieve their goals.

Text 2
“Corporal punishment, when used judiciously, can be an effective tool for
teaching children discipline,” states Dr. J. Michael Bradley, author of Yes, Your Teen
Is Crazy! “It should never be used to punish behavior or as a way to vent parental
anger and frustration. Instead, it should be used as a deterrent, and only after the
child is aware of the rules and expectations and has been given the opportunity to
comply.” Corporal punishment should be seen as a last resort, and should be used to
reinforce behavior that is unacceptable in an effort to prevent it from happening
again.

What is the purpose of the authors’ usage of quotations?

A. The quotations serve to give examples that support the main idea.
B. The quotations serve to give the main idea legitimacy from authority.
C. The quotations serve to provide concessions to the main idea.
D. The quotations serve to give readers a source for further reading.

Text 1
I feel so lost and alone in this world, like no one truly understands me. I’m
constantly surrounded by people, yet it feels like I’m in my own little bubble of
loneliness. I’m often filled with a sense of sadness that I can’t seem to shake, and no
number of distractions seem to make it go away. Nothing seems to bring me joy
anymore, not even the things I used to love doing. I can’t help but feel like I’m stuck
in a never-ending cycle of melancholy.

Text 2
The sky was a blanket of grey and the air was heavy with rain. The trees were
shrouded in gloom and the ground was a muddy mess. Yet the birds sang sweetly,
the sun tried to peek out from behind the clouds, and the flowers bloomed despite
the gloom. Despite the dismal landscape, there was a hint of cheerfulness in the air.
The rain had brought life to the parched ground, and the sun’s rays brought hope for
a brighter day. The gloom was replaced by a cheerful optimism, and the world
seemed ready to start anew.

Which detail in passage 2 would the author of paragraph 1 most likely identify
with?
A. The rainfall on the parched ground
B. The chirping birds
C. The grey sky
D. The sun behind the clouds

Text 1
Our restaurant was bustling with activity. The air was filled with the smell of
warm food and the sound of clinking dishes and laughter. The waitstaff flew around,
taking orders and delivering plates of steaming food. The chefs shouted out orders
and the sizzle of pans filled the room. Customers were chatting and enjoying their
meals. The atmosphere was alive and energetic, and everyone was in good spirits. It
was a lively and cheerful scene.

Text 2
The empty restaurant was quiet and still. Sunlight streamed in through the
windows, illuminating the pristine white tables and chairs. The scent of freshly
cooked meals hung in the air, though nothing was cooking now. Not a soul stirred in
the space, nor any sound of laughter or conversation. The entire scene was peaceful,
and the only movement came from a few stray leaves blowing across the floor. It
was a lonely sight, but strangely calming.

How would the author of paragraph 1 describe the scene in paragraph 2?

A. Dull
B. Depressing
C. Desolate
D. Antiquated

Text 1
Taxes are an essential tool for government to fund essential services, such as
police, national defense, and public education. Raising taxes can help ensure that
these services are adequately funded to meet the needs of our society, albeit at the
expense of corporate profits. Higher taxes can also be used to fund social welfare
programs and infrastructure upgrades, both of which are critical to the well-being of
our communities. Additionally, raising taxes can help reduce budget deficits, which
can help protect our economy from future economic shocks. Therefore, raising taxes
can be beneficial for our society and our economy.

Text 2
Lowering taxes is a great way to boost the economy. When taxes are lowered,
people have more money to spend, which stimulates the economy. Lower taxes also
encourage businesses to stay and grow in the area, creating more jobs and increasing
wages. Lower taxes can also help individuals save money, allowing them to better
prepare for emergencies or retirement. Lowering taxes can help create an
environment where businesses can thrive, creating more economic opportunities.

On what would the authors of the two passages most likely agree?
A. Taxes should be used to finance public welfare projects.
B. Politicians must allocate tax revenue effectively.
C. Business thrives in areas with low tax rates.
D. Discussing taxes is less important than discussing national defense.

Text 1
Films and television shows commonly include a long list of credits naming
the people involved in a production. Credit sequences may not be exciting, but they
generally ensure that everyone’s contributions are duly acknowledged. Because they
are highly standardized, film and television credits are also valuable to anyone
researching the careers of pioneering cast and crew members who have worked in
the mediums.
Text 2
Video game scholars face a major challenge in the industry’s failure to
consistently credit the artists, designers, and other contributors involved in making
video games. Without a reliable record of which people worked on which games,
questions about the medium’s development can be difficult to answer, and the
accomplishments of all but its best-known innovators can be difficult to trace.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely respond to the
discussion in Text 2?
A. By recommending that the scholars mentioned in Text 2 consider
employing the methods regularly used by film and television researchers
B. By pointing out that credits have a different intended purpose in film
and television than in the medium addressed by the scholars mentioned in Text 2
C. By suggesting that the scholars mentioned in Text 2 rely more heavily
on credits as a source of information than film and television researchers do
D. By observing that a widespread practice in film and television largely
prevents the kind of problem faced by the scholars mentioned in Text 2

Text 1
 On August 5, 2013, a live television broadcast from London showed two food
critics tasting a hamburger patty cooked by chef Richard Geown. The importance of
this event was that the hamburger was the first public tasting of cultured meat,
meaning meat that was raised from cells in a laboratory. This sample took two years
and cost $300,000 to produce, but its creator, Mark Post, is sure there is potential for
such foods in the market.
Text 2
Cultured meat is regarded with skepticism in many circles. Will people readily
consume animal meat raised in a laboratory? No animals are slaughtered, but the
concept is still repulsive to many. Even so, many companies are jumping on the
bandwagon to produce different meats, and the first sales occurred in December
2020, when a Singapore restaurant included cultured meat in its offerings.
Which choice best describes the relationship between the texts?
A. Text 1 describes the introduction of a product, and Text 2 explains later
developments.
B. Text 1 describes the positive reception of a product, and Text 2 brings
up reservations.
C. Both texts refer to the difficulty in creating a new product.
D. Both texts discuss the public's reaction to a new product.

Text 1
A team led by Bernardo Strassburg has found that rewilding farmland
(returning the land to its natural state) could help preserve biodiversity and offset
carbon emissions. The amount of farmland that would need to be restored, they
found, is remarkably low. Rewilding a mere 15% of the world's current farmland
would prevent 60% of expected species extinctions and help absorb nearly 299
gigatons of carbon dioxide—a clear win in the fight against the biodiversity and
climate crises.
Text 2
While Strassburg's team's findings certainly offer encouraging insight into the
potential benefits of rewilding, it's important to consider potential effects on global
food supplies. The researchers suggest that to compensate for the loss of food-
producing land, remaining farmland would need to produce even more food. Thus,
policies focused on rewilding farmland must also address strategies for higher-yield
farming.

Which choice best describes a difference in how the author of Text 1 and the
author of Text 2 view Strassburg's team's study?
A. The author of Text 2 approaches the study's findings with some caution,
whereas the author of Text 1 is optimistic about the reported potential environmental
benefits.
 B. The author of Text 2 claims that the percentage of farmland identified
by Strassburg's team is too low for rewilding to achieve meaningful results, whereas
the author of Text 1 thinks the percentage is sufficient.
C. The author of Text 2 focuses on rewilding's effect on carbon emissions,
whereas the author of Text 1 focuses on its effect on biodiversity.
D. The author of Text 2 believes that the results described by Strassburg's
team are achievable in the near future, whereas the author of Text 1 argues that they
likely aren't.

Text1
In his youth, Benjamin Franklin learned that many considered him so
unpleasant they would cross the street to avoid him. Specifically, it was his arrogance
and aggressive peach that was off-putting. Franklin determined to focus on self-
development by creating a list of thirteen virtues he would practice. Later, he would
become an ambassador to France, gaining French support during the American
Revolution. Clearly, these habits led to an improved man.
Text 2
The following lists virtues found in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin,
Part I by Benjamin Franklin. 1. Silence Speak not but what may benefit others or
yourself; avoid trifling conversation 2. Order Let all your things have their places;
let each part of your business have its time. 3. Resolution Resolve to perform what
you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. 4. Frugality Make no expense but
to do good to others or yourself.
Based on the texts, which virtue of Text 2 would the author or Text 1 theorize
was the most influential in Franklin's success as a French ambassador?
A. Silence as it taught Franklin to avoid being loquacious and listen more
to develop better French relations.
B. Order since it allowed Franklin to take time to develop his business
relations with the French.
C. Resolution because Franklin learned to follow through with his goals
for French assistance.
D. Frugality as it led to Franklin becoming economically aware enough to
gain French financial support.

Text 1
Recently, there has been intense discussion about the proper conservation of
cultural heritage. Digital preservation and access using immersive virtual reality
(VR) would help future generations to experience heritage that can be lost. However,
implementing VR for arts has been criticized by many scholars for its still-premature
technological capacity and lack of accessibility to the general public.
Text 2
 A computer scientist, Hubert Cecotti, evaluated the user experience of
exploring cultural heritage sites through extended reality (XR), which includes the
features of augmented reality and virtual reality. He found that the visual resolution
available in the current XR space is still not comparable to the actual paintings and
buildings, and also reported that users become less interested in the art on their third
or fourth views. He also noted that although the rapid development has made XR
relatively more accessible, XR cannot replace the experience of physically viewing
sites that provide social, in-person interactions between visitors.
Based on the texts, how would Hubert Cecotti (Text 2) most likely respond to
the scholars’ criticism presented in Text 1?
A. By acknowledging the limitations of technology in providing the actual
user experience and social interactions
B. By opposing the assumption that XR technology would help with
scientists’ projects that are otherwise time-consuming
C. By suggesting an idea that would enhance the XR experience to rival
its physical counterpart
D. By contradicting the argument that culture can be preserved by touring
cultural sites

Text 1
Virginia Woolf’s 1928 novel Orlando is an oddity within her body of work.
Her other major novels consist mainly of scenes of everyday life and describe their
characters’ interior states in great detail, whereas Orlando propels itself through a
series of fantastical events and considers its characters’ psychology more
superficially. Woolf herself sometimes regarded the novel as a minor work, even
admitting once that she “began it as a joke.”

Text 2
Like Woolf’s other great novels, Orlando portrays how people’s memories
inform their experience of the present. Like those works, it examines how people
navigate social interactions shaped by gender and social class. Though it is lighter
in tone—more entertaining, even—this literary “joke” nonetheless engages seriously
with the themes that motivated the four or five other novels by Woolf that have
achieved the status of literary classics.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the
assessment of Orlando presented in Text 1?
A. By conceding that Woolf’s talents were best suited to serious novels but
asserting that the humor in Orlando is often effective
B. By agreeing that Orlando is less impressive than certain other novels by
Woolf but arguing that it should still be regarded as a classic
 C. By acknowledging that Orlando clearly differs from Woolf’s other
major novels but insisting on its centrality to her body of work nonetheless
D. By concurring that the reputation of Orlando as a minor work has led
readers to overlook this novel but maintaining that the reputation is unearned

Text 1
The Guinea worm is a parasite contracted primarily by drinking unpurified
water. It lives in the digestive tract for about a year, where it can grow to about a
meter long. There is no vaccine and no treatment for the pain when the adult parasite
moves towards the skin, forms a blister, and finally erupts. Often victims suffer from
debilitating secondary infections, but fortunately this condition is almost eradicated:
there were only 15 reported cases in 2021.
Text 2
About forty percent of the known species in the world are parasitic. Parasites
are organisms that survive to the detriment of others, and range from microbes to
plants to insects and worms. However, parasites often have a very limited habitat
that is restricted by the host, but they play multiple essential roles in the ecosystem
such as maintaining populations. Therefore, it is important to study and preserve
them.
How would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the last sentence in
Text 1?
A. With understanding, because some parasites are too dangerous to
survive
B. With sadness, because the worm does not really cause people injury
C. With trepidation, because there could be unforeseen repercussions
D. With appreciation, because a painful parasite is almost gone

Text 1
Wind energy is an efficient and renewable form of energy that has the potential
to provide a clean, reliable source of power for generations to come. As an activist
dedicated to sustainability, I firmly believe that wind-generated electricity should be
adopted on a much larger scale than it currently is while we transition away from
fossil fuels. Wind turbines require little maintenance while capturing kinetic energy
from the air with minimal environmental impact; this makes them ideal as they are
both cost effective and sustainable sources of power in comparison to most other
forms available today. Additionally, because there are no emissions associated with
their operation or production process, they can help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions which will benefit our planet’s health in years ahead.

Text2
 Fossil fuels remain an important source of energy for the modern world. As a
scientist, I recognize that fossil fuels are finite and their use has environmental
impacts; however, with proper regulation to ensure responsible extraction and
burning practices we can continue using them as part of our global energy mix in
combination with renewable sources such as wind or solar power. Fossil fuels still
offer reliable access to large-scale electricity generation quickly compared to other
forms of alternative energies - making it a great option when reliability is essential.
Additionally, they can be produced domestically within most countries which leads
to greater economic stability while reducing dependence on foreign resources -
something that cannot always be said about alternate forms like solar or wind power!
What would the authors of the two passages agree on?
A. They would agree that fossil fuel extraction and burning should be
regulated to minimize environmental impacts associated with using fossil fuels.
B. The authors would both think it is ok to ignore regulating extraction and
burning practices when producing electricity from fossil fuels - regardless of the
potential consequences on our environment.
C. The authors would agree that renewable sources such as wind or solar
power do not have any environmental impacts associated with their production
process, making them better than using fossil fuels in all cases.
D. The authors would agree that fossil fuels are the only reliable source of
energy and should be used exclusively.

Text 1
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system. It can
be caused by more than 200 different types of viruses, including rhinoviruses and
coronaviruses. While common wisdom associates infections with changes in
weather conditions such as lower temperatures and higher humidity, more recent
studies have suggested that school-aged children are particularly vulnerable to
catching colds due to their close contact with classmates who might already be
infected or carrying virus particles on their clothing or hands.

Text 2
My dear child, I want you to be safe and healthy. That’s why I’m asking you
not to go out in the snow today. Sure, it looks fun and inviting but all that cold air
could make your body vulnerable to getting a nasty cold or worse! Instead of playing
outside, there are plenty of activities we can do inside like baking cookies together
or having an indoor snowball fight with rolled up socks. Going outside for some
fresh air is fine as long as you dress warmly, wear hats and gloves so your ears don’t
get too chilly - just remember no actual snow play until winter has come and gone
my sweetheart!
What would the author of the first paragraph suggest that the author of the
second paragraph do?
 A. The author of the first paragraph would suggest that the author of the
second paragraph advise their child to continue staying inside, bundled up warmly
when going out for some fresh air.
B. The author of the first paragraph would suggest that the author of the
second paragraph continue to encourage their child to dress warmly and wear hats,
gloves, and a coat when going outside for fresh air.
C. The first paragraph’s author would suggest that the second paragraph’s
author should research information about certain genetic factors which appear to
make an individual more prone towards contracting a cold.
D. The author might emphasize preventive practices such as frequent
hand-washing and staying away from ill individuals who may be carrying virus
particles on their clothing or hands.

Text 1
In his review of The Great Gatsby, critic H.L. Mencken described the novel
as "easy and excellent reading." However, Mencken also criticized the book, saying
that the character of Gatsby was not believable and that the novel suffered from a
lack of unity.
Text 2
Despite The Great Gatsby's mixed reception, renowned literary critic Gilbert
Seldes argued that Gatsby's larger-than-life personality and his unrealistic dreams
are precisely what make him an intriguing and tragic character. Seldes went on to
assert that the novel's disjointed structure was an intentional reflection of the
fragmented and chaotic nature of the Jazz Age.
Which choice best describes a difference in how Mencken and Seldes view
The Great Gatsby?
A. While Mencken agrees with Seldes about the novel’s lack of unity, he
does not believe this is a strength of the story.
B. Mencken indicates that the praise surrounding The Great Gatsby is
unwarranted because the novel is fundamentally flawed, while Seldes views the
novel as a masterpiece.
C. Only Seldes believes The Great Gatsby came across as disjointed or
chaotic.
D. Unlike Seldes, Mencken did not find the main character charismatic,
which negatively impacted the novel.

Text 1

Depression is an illness of brain circuitry and chemistry that causes and is

caused by changes in mood, thinking, and behavior. Behavioral activation is a type
of talk therapy that helps patients free themselves from negative mood spirals by
identifying a connection between actions and emotions, and gradually add small and
enjoyable actions back into their lives. The process decreases avoidance, bolsters
peer connection, and improves engagement in activities. This non-intrusive solution
takes time, but is much healthier than covering the problem with medications.

Text 2

Studies have shown that a single ketamine infusion can often rapidly relieve
depressive symptoms within hours in people who have not responded to
conventional antidepressants, which typically take weeks or months to work.
However, widespread use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression has raised
concerns about side effects, including feelings of floating, queasiness, visual
distortions, and numbness. These conditions occurred in at least half of the
participants of one study, but none persisted for more than four hours. To overcome
these problems, ongoing research is necessary to develop a more practical rapid-
acting antidepressant that works in the brain similarly to ketamine.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely view the
conclusion drawn by the author in the final sentence of Text 2?
A. Agreement, because she knows most depression treatments are
insufficient
B. Confusion, because she feels that the drug does not need any
modification
C. Reservation, because she promotes less invasive ways to address
depression
D. Disapproval, because she contends that drug therapies are unacceptable

Text 1
Chromosomes were unknown in 1834 when Gregor Mendel proposed his
classic concept of heredity. In the late 1880s, scientists finally could stain cell
structures with the clarity to see chromosomes. Walter Sutton and Theodor Boveri,
in 1902 and 1903 respectively, independently published papers suggesting that genes
were located in specific places on the chromosomes, which came in matched pairs
except for the male Y chromosome.

Text 2
Thomas Hunt Morgan criticized the Sutton-Boveri chromosome theory of
inheritance. However, he noticed some unusual trends while conducting experiments
on fruit flies. A few males had white rather than red eyes, so Morgan bred them and
observed the results. He determined that white was a recessive mutation that did not
appear in any first-generation females, though it might resurface in subsequent
generations. After careful documentation, he published his conclusion that eye color
genes were located on the X chromosome.

Based on the texts after his experiments, how would Thomas Hunt Morgan
(Text 2) most likely describe the view Sutton and Boveri presented in (Text 1)?
A. It is largely correct, but it requires some adjustment concerning minor
details.
B. It probably holds true despite Morgan's initial skepticism of it.
C. It is not compelling because Morgan had definitive data contradicting
the theory.
D. It may seem plausible, but it is not supported by scientific findings.

Text 1
Prior to 1972, polar bear populations were severely reduced by hunters and
trappers, causing concern about the survival of the majestic apex species. However,
an international agreement regulating commercial hunting enacted in 1973 changed
odds against the hearty animals. Now, the total number of polar bears has rebounded
to healthy levels that demonstrate that the species is no longer in imminent danger
of extinction.
Text2
Sea ice is essential for all parts of the polar bear lifecycle-and it is melting at
a faster rate than ever before due to climate change. It is important to note that as of
2019, although two of the nineteen known populations increased in numbers, four
had declined and there was not enough data on eight.

Based on the texts, after his experiments, how would the author of Text 2 most
likely describe the view of the author of Text 1?
A. Limited, because it only addresses one aspect of the threats against
polar bears.
B. Inspiring, because it provides evidence that polar bear populations are
increasing.
C. Erroneous, because it inaccurately reported the total number of polar
bears.
D. Worrisome, because it hints that efforts to protect polar bears are only
partially successful.

Text 1: Literary critic Hannah Miller examines Robert Browning’s dramatic

monologue ’My Last Duchess.’ Miller argues that the poem’s protagonist, the Duke,
is an unreliable narrator who seeks to manipulate the reader’s perception of his dead
wife. She contends that the Duke’s description of his wife’s flirtatious behavior is
likely exaggerated to justify his cruel actions.
Text 2: In contrast, historian Alexander Thompson explores the historical
context of ’My Last Duchess,’ focusing on the real-life figures that may have
inspired Browning’s poem. Thompson suggests that Browning’s portrayal of the
Duke and his wife could be more accurate than previously thought, as it aligns with
historical accounts of the figures in question.
Based on the texts, how would Alexander Thompson (Text 2) most likely
respond to Hannah Miller’s argument about the Duke’s unreliability (Text 1)?
A. By pointing out that the Duke’s portrayal may be more accurate than
Miller suggests, as it aligns with historical accounts of real-life figures
B. By agreeing with Miller’s assertion and suggesting that Browning
intentionally created an unreliable narrator to critique aristocratic power
C. By arguing that Miller’s interpretation is solely based on a close reading
of the poem without considering the historical context
D. By suggesting that Miller’s argument is invalid because the poem
should be read as a pure work of fiction without any connection to reality

Text 1: The Organization of American States (OAS) is an international

organization comprising 35 countries from the Americas. Its primary mission is to
promote peace, security, and cooperation among its member states. The OAS has
been successful in resolving conflicts and promoting democracy throughout the
region.
Text 2: Critics of the OAS argue that its influence has diminished over the
years due to internal divisions and external interference. They claim that the
organization is no longer as effective in addressing regional issues and that its focus
on democracy promotion has led to interventionist policies, which undermine the
sovereignty of its member states.
Based on the texts, how would critics (Text 2) most likely respond to the
“primary mission” of OAS discussed in Text 1?
A. By asserting that the OAS has consistently fulfilled its mission of
promoting peace, security, and cooperation in the Americas
B. By arguing that the OAS’s mission has been compromised due to
internal divisions and interventionist policies, limiting its effectiveness
C. By claiming that the OAS’s primary mission should be focused on
economic development and integration rather than political issues
D. By suggesting that the OAS should expand its membership to include
countries from outside the Americas to strengthen its influence

Text 1: Neil Armstrong, the first human to set foot on the moon, went on to
become a professor at the University of Cincinnati. He taught aerospace engineering
and was known for his hands-on teaching approach, often taking students to the field
to gain practical experience.
Text 2: Although Neil Armstrong is celebrated for his role as an astronaut, his
contributions to the field of aerospace engineering are also significant. Armstrong’s
work as a professor at the University of Cincinnati, where he developed and
implemented innovative teaching methods, helped shape generations of aerospace
engineers.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the
teaching approach discussed in Text 1?
A. By asserting that Neil Armstrong’s teaching approach was not as
effective as more traditional methods in the field of aerospace engineering.
B. By suggesting that Neil Armstrong’s hands-on teaching approach was a
result of his experiences as an astronaut and not as relevant to aerospace engineering.
C. By questioning whether Neil Armstrong’s hands-on teaching approach
was solely responsible for the success of his students in the field of aerospace
engineering.
D. By agreeing that Neil Armstrong’s hands-on teaching approach was a
valuable contribution to the field of aerospace engineering and the education of
students.

Text 1: In The Phantom of the Opera, the author creates an atmosphere of

mystery surrounding the character of the Phantom, also known as Erik. Erik is a
skilled musician, architect, and inventor, who lives a secluded life beneath the Paris
Opera House. His tragic past and disfigured appearance contribute to his enigmatic
character. The author’s use of vivid descriptions and suspenseful storytelling
captivates readers, as they strive to learn more about the Phantom’s true identity.
Text 2: Critics of The Phantom of the Opera often discuss the novel’s
exploration of unrequited love and obsession. The Phantom’s infatuation with the
young singer Christine Daae´ becomes the central focus of the story, as he
manipulates events to make her a star. This unhealthy obsession ultimately leads to
the Phantom’s downfall, as he is unable to win Christine’s love. Some critics argue
that the novel serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of obsession.
Based on the texts, how would critics (Text 2) most likely respond to the
“atmosphere of mystery” discussed in Text 1?
A. By praising the author’s use of mystery to keep readers engaged and
invested in the story
B. By acknowledging the atmosphere of mystery but placing more
emphasis on the novel’s exploration of unrequited love and obsession
C. By criticizing the author for creating an unrealistic and overly dramatic
portrayal of the Phantom’s character
D. By suggesting that the Phantom’s mysterious nature detracts from the
story’s overall themes and message
 Text 1: Environmental economist Dr. Julia Stewart argues that placing a
higher value on ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, will lead to better
conservation practices and economic incentives for individuals and businesses. She
believes that recognizing the true worth of these services can help governments
create effective policies to protect the environment.
Text 2: Dr. Michael Green, another environmental economist, suggests that
while valuing ecosystem services is essential, it may not be enough to drive
significant change. He emphasizes the importance of also considering the costs of
transitioning to more sustainable practices and investing in the development of
innovative technologies to reduce the environmental impact.
Based on the texts, how would Dr. Michael Green (Text 2) most likely respond
to the “placing a higher value on ecosystem services” discussed in Text 1?
A. By arguing that placing higher value on ecosystem services is
unnecessary and counterproductive to conservation efforts
B. By acknowledging the importance of valuing ecosystem services, but
emphasizing the need to also consider the costs of transitioning to sustainable
practices
C. By agreeing with Dr. Julia Stewart’s approach and suggesting that this
is the only way to protect the environment effectively
D. By suggesting that focusing on ecosystem services diverts attention
from the more urgent issue of developing innovative technologies

Text 1: Napoleon Bonaparte, a military genius, was known for his brilliant
strategies and tactics in warfare. His army’s success was largely due to his ability to
analyze complex situations quickly and make effective decisions.
Text 2: Napoleon’s leadership style was also marked by a relentless ambition
and a thirst for personal glory. Some historians argue that his desire for conquest and
power often overshadowed his military acumen, leading to costly mistakes and
ultimately his downfall.
Based on the texts, how would the historians mentioned in Text 2 most likely
respond to the military genius discussed in Text 1?
A. By arguing that the historians in Text 2 are biased against Napoleon and
are down-playing his military accomplishments to discredit his legacy
B. By asserting that Napoleon’s military genius was exaggerated, and that
his victories were primarily due to the superior strength of the French army
C. By suggesting that Napoleon’s military genius was a myth and that his
successes were simply a result of luck and favorable circumstances
D. By acknowledging Napoleon’s strategic abilities, but emphasizing that
his ambition and quest for personal glory were detrimental to his long-term success
 Text 1
Attempts to automate classification of music into genres have not been very
successful. and we may be at the limit of what is technologically possible. But it's
not clear that this is a worthwhile pursuit in any case-as Jin Ha Lee and Anh Thu
Nguyen argue in their Study of the South Korean band BTS, relationships between
pieces of music may be best understood with concepts other than genre.

Text 2
Tango is a genre of music originally from Argentina and Uruguay that shares
some harmonic and rhythmic similarities with the pagode genre. Automated genre
classification systems typically struggle to draw distinctions in situations like this,
but Yandre Costa and colleagues solved that problem by converting sound to images
and having computers compare features of those images, an approach that
demonstrates how much innovation is possible in this field.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the
claim in the underlined sentence of Text 1?
A. By arguing that people tend to disagree when identifying genre
classifications for music
B. By suggesting that the concept of genre may become more useful for
music listeners
C. By criticizing previous research into automated music genre
classification for favoring specific genre categories
D. By asserting that it may be possible to improve automated classification
systems

Text 1
According to a leading environmental organization, organic farming is better
for humanity because it is “more sustainable.” The organization cites the amount of
energy necessary to engage in industrial farming and the harm done to the
environment by chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. The group points
to a rise in sales of organic food over the past 10 years as a turn for the better.
Text 2
According to a meta-analysis published in the science journal Nature, the yield
levels of organic crops are only about 75% of that of conventional farming. This
means that organic farming uses more land to produce fewer crops, which could lead
to food scarcity and famine in places. In other words, while introducing fewer
chemicals into the environment, the organic model of sustainability could
nonetheless lead to environmental destruction and, more importantly, widespread
starvation.
Based on the texts, what would the author of Text 2 most likely say about the
claims in Text 1?
 A. As shortsighted, because no one really knows the long-term effects of
chemicals on the environment.
B. As an unfounded assumption, because no research has been done to
verify the stated claims.
C. As puzzling, because fertilizers and pesticides are very different things
and should not be considered together.
D. As a secondary concern, because avoiding starvation should be the
primary consideration.