TEXT STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE

1.

Passage
Elephants are among the most widely recognized animals on the planet, with indigenous populations
spread across Africa and Asia. Africa is home to two species: the African bush elephant and the smaller
African forest elephant, both of which inhabit diverse ecosystems ranging from savannas to dense
forests. Asia hosts a single species, the Asian elephant, found in the tropical forests and grasslands of
countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. While the African elephants tend to be larger
and more robust, the Asian species is smaller, with distinct physical traits like smaller ears and a more
arched back. Despite their diEerences, both species play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological
balance of their respective habitats, acting as keystone species by shaping the landscape and aiding in
seed dispersal. Conservation eEorts are critical for both populations, as human activity, habitat loss, and
poaching have caused significant declines in their numbers over recent decades.

Question
Which choice best states the function of the underlined segment in the overall structure of the passage?

Options
(A) To illustrate a diEerence pointed out earlier in the text between Asian elephants and African
elephants.

(B) To point out a diEerence between the Asian elephants and the African elephants before proceeding to
talk about a commonality between the two.

(C) To elucidate a diEerence between the Asian elephants and the African elephants before proceeding to
talk about a common problem faced by them.

(D) To emphasize on the diEerences in physical traits between Asian elephants and African elephants to
elucidate their roles in maintaining ecological balance.

2.
Passage
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the greatest
musical figures in history. Emerging at the cusp of the Classical and Romantic eras, Beethoven's
compositions transformed the landscape of Western music. While his early works were heavily
influenced by classical masters like Mozart and Haydn, Beethoven's later pieces broke new ground with
their emotional depth and complexity. His symphonies, particularly the renowned Ninth Symphony,
redefined the possibilities of orchestral music. Despite losing his hearing in his later years, Beethoven
continued to compose some of his most innovative and profound works, showcasing his remarkable
resilience. His music, known for its dramatic contrasts and expression of human struggle and triumph,
remains central to the classical repertoire. In recent decades, scholars have explored Beethoven's life
through the lens of his personal challenges and the broader cultural and political changes of his time,
shedding new light on his enduring influence.

Question
Which choice best states the function of the underlined segment in the overall structure of the passage?

Options
(A) To elucidate a point mentioned earlier in the text which is then followed by an addition to the same
point.

(B) To explain the transformative eEect Mozart and Haydn's work had on Beethoven's musical abilities.

(C) To inform the reader regarding Beethoven and give a brief summary of his musical capabilities and
achievements.

(D) To explain the the transformation of Beethoven's musical style and to build up to a discussion about
how scholars are looking at his life from a diEerent lens.

3.

Passage
Writers often infuse their personal experiences, beliefs, and inner worlds into the pages of their works.
The same can be said for their creative spaces: physical environments that mirror their personalities and
fuel their imaginations. For instance, Virginia Woolf's writing room was a reflection of her need for
solitude and introspection. Her modest yet cozy study in Sussex, with its simple desk and views of the
English countryside, embodied the quiet, contemplative atmosphere she needed to write groundbreaking
modernist works like Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse. Similarly, Ernest Hemingway's workspace was
as bold and rugged as the man himself. His studio in Key West, lined with hunting trophies and nautical
memorabilia, evoked the adventurous, unfiltered spirit of his prose. Both Woolf and Hemingway curated
environments that not only nurtured their creativity but also expressed their inner complexities, leaving
an indelible mark on literary history.

Question
Which choice best states the function of the underlined segment in the overall structure of the passage?

Options
(A) To emphasize on a statement made earlier in the segment which is then emphasized on in the
remainder of the text.

(B) To mention a feature common amongst all artists which is then illustrated through the remainder of
the text.

(C) To inform the reader of a characteristic that was embodied by British authors like Virginia Woolf and
Ernest Hemingway.

(D) To present a generalization that is illustrated in the remainder of the text.

4.

Passage
EEorts to improve public transportation often focus on expanding routes or upgrading vehicles, but
merely enhancing these features may not significantly boost ridership across all cities. Transportation
planner Jarrett Walker suggests that our understanding of what truly motivates individuals to use public
transit remains incomplete. While some studies highlight the importance of frequent service, others
prioritize aEordability or convenience. However, the decision to use public transportation is shaped by a
complex combination of factors, including safety, ease of access, reliability, and even cultural attitudes
toward transit. A successful system requires a comprehensive approach that caters to each community's
unique needs and preferences.

Question
Which choice best states the function of the underlined segment in the overall structure of the passage?

Options
(A) To highlight the results of some studies that agree with an idea presented before it but not after it.

(B) To reinforce the idea about public transportation which is presented in the beginning of the text.
(C) To expand on a thought presented earlier in the text which is then in turn further expanded on in the
remainder of the text.

(D) To expand on a thought presented earlier in the text which is then refuted in the remainder of the text.

5.

Passage
Psychologist Elizabeth Loftus and her colleagues conducted studies on the malleability of human
memory, particularly in the context of eyewitness testimony. The researchers presented participants with
hypothetical crime scenarios and asked them to recall specific details, including the appearance of the
suspect or the sequence of events. Previous studies had shown that memories can be influenced by
suggestive questioning or external information, leading to the creation of false memories. For example,
participants might remember seeing a stop sign instead of a yield sign if prompted by misleading
questions. In a psychology paper, researchers argue that memory is inherently unreliable because
participants in Loftus's experiments frequently recall events that never occurred.

Question
Which choice best states the function of the underlined segment in the overall structure of the passage?

Options
(A) It mentions the process used by Loftus and colleagues whose results are mentioned later in the text
which is contradictory to findings from other studies.

(B) It elaborates on the methodology used by Loftus and colleagues whose results are mentioned later in
the text.

(C) It presents the methodology used by Loftus and her colleagues to confirm their hypothesis on the
malleability of human memory.

(D) It explains the steps taken by the researchers to ensure an error free methodology for the conduct of
their study to ensure conclusive proof of a generally accepted phenomenon.

6.

Passage
Throughout history, comets have been surrounded by myths and superstitions. In ancient Greece,
comets were considered harbingers of disaster or significant change, often associated with the death of
kings or the fall of empires. The Romans, similarly, believed that comets were omens of great upheaval,
and they meticulously recorded the appearance of comets before pivotal historical events. In medieval
Europe, comets were often viewed as divine warnings, signaling impending plagues or wars. However,
because historical records are often incomplete, researchers can't determine which specific comets
were observed during_earlier periods. Some ancient manuscripts and artworks, like tapestries and
carvings, depict comet-like objects, suggesting their significance to past civilizations.

Question
Which choice best states the function of the underlined segment in the overall structure of the passage?

Options
(A) To emphasize the intricate nature of research endeavors related to comets as various cultures
observed the same comets through diEerent perspectives.

(B) To show a contradictory argument presented by the researchers regarding the identification of
comets.

(C) To argue the need for innovative methodologies to overcome limitations posed by the nature of
current information present.

(D) To identify the limitations faced by researchers in identifying comets observed due to insuEicient
historical records.

7.

Passage
Astrophysics is a system of inquiry that demands intellectual rigor, requiring education and continuous
eEort. One believes that they must be trained and integrated into the scientific community.
Understanding the cosmos becomes not just an individual pursuit, but a social activity where theoretical
frameworks and models are constructed, exchanged, and debated. The language of astrophysics-
complex equations and symbolic representations-has become the normative structure through which
knowledge of the universe is communicated. In other words, although astrophysics is a system that
operates on the regulation of celestial laws and the integration of mathematical models, it should not be
assumed that astrophysical knowledge necessarily brings existential meaning or clarity. Astrophysics is
the production of coded explanations, a symbolic system that has replaced ancient cosmological
beliefs. This scientific-based system of understanding is governed by physical laws and theoretical
principles, not driven by any inherent human quest for meaning, but by a system of academic and
intellectual inquiry. The satisfaction gained from astrophysical discoveries is often fleeting, focused less
on the discovery itself and more on its contribution to the greater body of knowledge-a sign of intellectual
achievement recognized by the scientific community ordained to appreciate and expand upon these
cosmic insights.

Question
What is the primary purpose of the passage?
Options
(A) To reflect on the nature of astrophysics as a system of intellectual exploration and social practice.

(B) To illustrate the demanding nature of the field of Astrophysics because of the intellectual demands it
places on astrophysicists when compared to other fields of scientific inquiry.

(C) To inform the reader of the complexities that astrophysics entails and how ancient cosmological
beliefs are codified into scientific methodology.

(D) To elucidate the nature of astrophysics and to solidify the validity of the branch so that its not
confused to be fictitious cosmological beliefs.

8.

Passage
For conservation strategies, advocates and policymakers have traditionally emphasized regulating
hunting practices or safeguarding specific habitats-both of which are indispensable. However, this
narrow focus has frequently overshadowed one of the most eEicacious and ecologically indispensable
agents in biodiversity preservation. Recent empirical research underscores that bees are fundamentally
critical to sustaining ecological equilibrium, primarily through their indispensable role in pollination.
Natural interventions, such as the preservation of bee populations and the creation of pollinator-friendly
ecosystems, can substantially bolster biodiversity, agricultural yields, and ecosystem resilience. These
initiatives could contribute up to 30 percent toward the long-term sustainability of global food systems
and the preservation of ecological stability amidst accelerating environmental challenges.

Question
What is the primary purpose of the passage?

Options
(A) To highlight the essential ecological role that bees contribute to destabilizing biodiversity and
maintaining ecosystem imbalance, particularly through their important function in pollination.

(B) To suggest that ecological conservation strategies have been focussing on factors that are not as
crucial as once thought.

(C) To underscore the indispensable ecological function that bees perform in sustaining biodiversity and
maintaining ecosystem equilibrium.

(D) To illustrate that the approach to ecological conservations taken by policy makers are not based on
empirical data and that a completely new approach needs to be adopted.
9.

Passage
Legends surrounding Eustace Folville, a notorious figure from the early 14th century, emerge from various
historical accounts and ballads. Folville and his brothers formed a gang that operated during Edward II's
reign, engaging in kidnapping and extortion against corrupt local authorities. Unlike the romanticized
tales of Robin Hood, Eustace's story reflects a complex interplay of criminality and social justice, as he
often targeted those who exploited the downtrodden. The Chronicles of Edward II and other records
portray him as both a ruthless outlaw and a champion of the oppressed. Initially viewed as a criminal,
public sentiment shifted over time, casting him in a more heroic light. This transformation highlights how
folklore can be shaped by societal needs, suggesting that while Eustace may not have embodied noble
ideals, his legacy resonates with themes of resistance against authority and injustice.

Question
What is the primary purpose of the passage?

Options
(A) To emphasize the malleability of historical figures in popular memory and the lessons they convey
about societal struggles.

(B) To demonstrate how folklore evolves and reflects societal values, suggesting that legends often serve
to articulate broader themes of resistance against authority and social injustice.

(C) To examine how historical narratives can shape public perception, illustrating the duality of Folville's
personality.

(D) To explore the complex legacy of Eustace Folville, highlighting his transformation from a notorious
outlaw to a folk hero.

10.

Passage
The internal structure of asteroids plays a crucial role in understanding their behavior, particularly
regarding surface shedding due to rotational instability. Research indicates that many asteroids,
especially those with rapid rotation rates, experience mass loss as a result of strong centrifugal forces
exceeding critical thresholds. Unlike other celestial bodies where surface materials may be lost
uniformly, the shedding in these asteroids often occurs locally rather than globally. Studies suggest that a
rubble pile model, consisting of a surface shell and a core, can explain this phenomenon. As the asteroid
spins, the cohesion between its components becomes critical; if the centrifugal force surpasses the
adhesive forces binding the materials, surface shedding occurs. This mechanism highlights the
importance of rotational dynamics in asteroid stability and suggests that understanding their internal
structure is vital for predicting their behavior in space.

Question
What is the primary purpose of the passage?

Options
(A) To illustrate how rapid rotation can lead to mass loss when centrifugal forces exceed the forces
holding the asteroid's materials together.

(B) To explain the phenomenon of surface shedding in asteroids due to rotational instability.

(C) To introduce the rubble pile model and highlight the internal structure of asteroids.

(D) To provide insight into the mechanisms behind asteroid behavior, contributing to broader knowledge
in planetary science and astrophysics.