Missed Verbal

Question 1

Supply shortages and signs of growing demand are driving cocoa prices upward. Unusually severe weather in cocoa-producing regions—too much rain in Brazil and too little in West Africa—has limited production. Further, Europe and North America recently reported stronger demand for cocoa. In the first quarter, grinding of cocoa beans—the first stage in processing cocoa for chocolate—rose 8.1 percent in Europe and 16 percent in North America. Analysts have concluded that cocoa’s price will continue to rise at least into the near future.

Which of the following would, if true, most strengthen the reasoning above?

A. Ground cocoa beans can be stored for long periods before they spoil.
B. Several European and North American manufacturers that use cocoa have recently improved their processing capacity.
C. It takes new cocoa trees five or six years before they start bearing fruit.
D. Governments in Europe and North America are likely to change current restrictions on cocoa imports.
E. Historically, cocoa production has varied widely from year to year.

Answer 1

This is a strengthen question. First we should understand the conclusion of the argument. The last sentence states that analysts predict that cocoa price will continue to rise into the near future.

A) If cocoa beans can be stored for long period then perhaps the farmers could have had a supply of the beans. Thus, this would WEAKEN the argument and they can stabilize the supply.

B) this is out of scope. So what if they improved processing efficiencies. I selected this answer and thought it was correct because I thought that increased efficiencies would result in increased demand, but that is not the case.

C) this is the answer. if new cococa trees take several years before the beans can be harvest then the supply of the beans will decrease, while the demand of the beans is increasing. Given the stated scenario, this would result in an increase in the price of the bean.

D) out of scope

E) out of scope

Question 2

Snowmaking machines work by spraying a mist that freezes immediately on contact with cold air. Because the sudden freezing kills bacteria, QuickFreeze is planning to market a wastewater purification system that works on the same principle. The process works only when temperatures are cold, however, so municipalities using it will still need to maintain a conventional system.

Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest grounds for a prediction that municipalities will buy QuickFreeze’s purification system despite the need to maintain a conventional purification system as well?

(A) Bacteria are not the only impurities that must be removed from wastewater.

(B) Many municipalities have old wastewater purification systems that need to be replaced.

(C) Conventional wastewater purification systems have not been fully successful in killing bacteria at cold temperatures.

(D) During times of warm weather, when it is not in use, QuickFreeze’s purification system requires relatively little maintenance.

(E) Places where the winters are cold rarely have a problem of water shortage.

Answer 2

This is a strengthen question. What is the conclusion? The conclusion of the argument is that municpals will need to purchase QF in addition to the current system in place.

A) this does not strengthen the argument. this answer choice almost weakens the argument. if there are other impurities other than bacteria then the municipal should purchase a product that can rid of ALL impurities.

B) out of scope

C) Rethinking about this answer choice. this is the correct choice. why else would municipal want to purchase QF? QF is only effective at killing bacteria in cold temperatures. If their current systems is not 100% effective at killing bacteria then the municipals should invest in QF to kill bacteria because their current system does not offer this feature.

D) out of scope

E) I picked this answer choice because I was running out of time. However, this answer choice is out of scope.

Question 3

To show that it is serious about addressing the state’s power crisis, the administration has plans for ordering all federal facilities in California to keep thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and shutting down escalators during electricity shortages this summer.

A) has plans for ordering all federal facilities in California to keep thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and shutting

B) has plans to order that all federal facilities in California are keeping thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and shutting

C) is planning on ordering all federal facilities in California to keep thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and they will shut

D) is planning to order that all federal facilities in California are keeping thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and shut

E) is planning to order all federal facilities in California to keep thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and shu

Answer 3

The concepts being tested here are parallelism, verb tense, and meaning.

a) has plans for ordering all federal facilities in California to keep thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and shutting — “for ordering is not idiomatic and this choice should be eliminated.
b) has plans to order that all federal facilities in California are keeping thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and shutting - “are keeping and shutting” implies that the federal facilities are performing this things now. However, that is not the case.
c) is planning on ordering all federal facilities in California to keep thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and they will shut – what does “they” refer to?
d) similar to B, “are keeping and shutting” does not make sense.

e) answer choice, this is parallel..
is planning to order and is planning to shut.

Question 4

Once made exclusively from the wool of sheep that roam the Isle of Lewis and Harris off the coast of Scotland, Harris tweed is now made only with wools that are imported, sometimes from the mainland and sometimes they come—as a result of a 1996 amendment to the Harris Tweed Act—from outside Scotland.

A. sometimes from the mainland and sometimes they come
B. sometimes from the mainland and sometimes
C. and come sometimes from the mainland or sometimes
D. from the mainland sometimes, or sometimes it comes
E. from the mainland sometimes, or sometimes coming

Answer 4

this question tests paralell strcuture.

A. sometimes from the mainland and sometimes they come – not paraell, sometimes from and sometimes they

B. sometimes from the mainland and sometimes

C. and come sometimes from the mainland or sometimes –

D. from the mainland sometimes, or sometimes it comes - easy one to eliminate

E. from the mainland sometimes, or sometimes coming – easy one to eliminate.

Question 5

Satellite radio transmissions, a popular feature in car stereos, differ from those of AM and FM radio, which is sent directly from earthbound towers and then to a car stereo.

A) which is sent directly from earthbound towers and then to a car

B) which are sent directly from earthbound towers to a car’s

C) sent from earthbound towers and then directly to a car

D) sending them directly from earthbound towers to a car’s

E) being sent directly from earthbound towers to a car

Answer 5

A) SVA error, “is”

b) correct answer choice, which refers to the those of AM and FM.
c) easily eliminated, does not make sense
d) “sending them directly” refers back to those of AM and FM radio. This does not make sense, how can they send themselves? this is illogical and can be eliminated. I originally chose this choice.
e) easily eliminated, does not make sense

Question 6

Prairie dogs live in tight-knit colonies, called coteries, of roughly a dozen of them, that consist of several breeding females that often stay together for their entire lives, one or two breeding males that tend to switch coteries frequently, and their new pups.

(A) of roughly a dozen of them, that consist of several breeding females that often stay together for their entire lives, one or two breeding males that tend to switch coteries frequently, and their new pups.

(B) of roughly a dozen animals, each with several breeding females that often stay together for their entire lives, one or two breeding males that switch coteries frequently, and their new pups.

(C) that have roughly a dozen of them, with several breeding females that often stay together for their entire lives, one or two breeding males that tend to switch coteries frequently, and the females’ new pups.

(D) of roughly a dozen, consisting of several breeding females that often stay together for their entire lives, one or two breeding males that tend to switch coteries frequently, and the females’ new pups.

(E) with roughly a dozen animals, each coterie includes several breeding females that often stay together for their entire lives, one or two breeding males that tend to switch coteries frequently, and the females’ new pups.

Answer 6

this question tests parallelism, meaning, and pronoun antecednet.

a) what does them refer to? as it is written “them” refers to the coteries. this does not make sense. It could refer all the way back to prairie dogs. However, that was be redundant as it would read “prairie dogs live in a tight-knit colonies of roughly a doze of prairie dogs”. this can be eliminated.
b) I incorrectly chose this answer choice. “each” seems to animals. this is illogical as animals cannot have several breeding females.
c) them is incorrect, same as A.
d) this is the correct answer based on elimination even though it does not sound the best.
e) comma splice, as the comma is used to separate two independent clause.

Question 7

Business are suffering because of a lack of money available for development loans. To help businesses, the government plans to modify the income-tax structure in order to induce individual taxpayers to put a larger portion of their incomes into retirement savings accounts, because as more money is deposited in such accounts, more money becomes available to borrowers.

Which of the following, if true, raises the most serious doubt regarding the effectiveness of the government’s plan to increase the amount of money available for development loans for businesses?

(A) When levels of personal retirement savings increase, consumer borrowing always increases correspondingly.

(B) The increased tax revenue the government would receive as a result of business expansion would not offset the loss in revenue from personal income taxes during the first year of the plan.

(C) Even with tax incentives, some people will choose not to increase their levels of retirement savings.

(D) Bankers generally will not continue to lend money to businesses whose prospective earnings are insufficient to meet their loan repayment schedules.

(E) The modified tax structure would give all taxpayers, regardless of their incomes, the same tax savings for a given increase in their retirement savings.

Answer 7

This is a weaken quesiton. What answer choice would most seriously weaken the authors conclusion.

Conclusion: modification to the income-tax structure will make individual taxpayers more likely to put a larger portion in their retirement. more money in their retirement means that the government can give out more development loan.

A) this answer choice states that when personal retirement savings increase, then consumer borrowing always increases. if consumer borrowing increases then that will lead to less money for the business development loan. As such, this weakens the answer choice the most.

B) this answer choice is out of scope. who cares if the increased tax revenue would offset the loss in revenue from personal income taxes.

C) I originally chose this answer choice as my pick. my thought here was that if people did not increase their level of retirement savings then the plan would not work. the key here is that it says “some people” even if some people will choose not to increase the increase the retirement amount, any increased amount in retirement will help out the business. this answer choice may weaken the conclusion but it is not the best answer choice.

D) this is out of scope

E) out of scope

Question 8

Around 1900, fishermen in the Chesapeake Bay area landed more than seventeen million pounds of shad in a single year, but by 1920, over-fishing and the proliferation of milldams and culverts that have blocked shad migrations up their spawning streams had reduced landings to less than four million pounds.

(A) that have blocked shad migrations up their spawning streams had reduced landings to less

(B) that blocked shad from migrating up their spawning streams had reduced landings to less

(C) that blocked shad from migrating up their spawning streams reduced landings to a lower amount

(D) having blocked shad from migrating up their spawning streams reduced landings to less

(E) having blocked shad migrations up their spawning streams had reduced landings to an amount lower

Answer 8

Ans B, google for explanation.

Question 9

According to the National Science Foundation, in 2003 there were 198,113 female science and engineering graduate students, almost 42% of the graduate students in those fields, twice as much as 1981.

(A) twice as much as 1981

(B) twice as many as 1981

(C) double the figure for 1981

(D) double what it was in 1981

(E) a number double that of 1981’s

Answer 9

A) incorrect comparision, this literally saying twice as much as 1981. Also, “many” is preferred.

B) similar to A, incorrect comparison

C) answer choice

D) “it” is has a pronoun reference error. Does “it” refer to 42% of 198,113 females? The ambiguity means we should eliminate this answer choice.

E) “that” has no clear referent. Furthermore, 1981 cannot be a possessive noun.

Question 10

Adoption agency representative: It is true that eight of our last ten babies have been placed with parents who were personally acquainted with at least one of our staff members before initiating the adoption process. However, there is no truth to the accusation against us of favoritism; our decisions have been guided solely by the best interests of the children. Indeed, all ten babies’ new parents far surpassed the adoption criteria set both by the law and by our own policy.

Which of the following is an assumption on which the representative’s argument depends?

(A) The agency’s prior placements of babies with parents who were previously acquainted with its staff have not, in general, been more successful than those with parents unacquainted with the staff.

(B) Of those prospective parents who substantially surpassed the criteria for adoption, most were personally acquainted with agency staff before beginning the application process.

(C) For a time period equal in duration to that during which the data were collected, the average number of babies placed by the agency is close to ten.

(D) Most prospective parents who apply to adopt babies do not meet the agency’s criteria for adoption.

(E) The agency will only place babies with parents who not only meet the legal and institutional criteria for adoption, but who in fact surpass those criteria.

Answer 10

This is an assumption question. the conclusion of the argument depends on what assumption?

A) I originally picked this answer choice because I ran out of time.

B) this is the correct answer choice, B is saying that of the prospective partents who substantially surpassed the criteria, most were personally acquianted with with staff members. based on information provided in the passage, we can see that this answer choice must be true.

C) we cannot properly conclude that the average babies placed in the agency was close to 10.

D) based on information provided, we cannot assume that most parents did not meet the agency’s criteria.

E) same as C&D.

Question 11

Advertisement: Avian Oculars are the newest in binocular technology for the professional bird watcher. For a price comparable to that of traditional binoculars, Avian Oculars are specially designed with the features demanded by birding enthusiasts: they are lightweight, compact and extremely durable. So, use Avian Oculars on your next bird watching excursion, and see some of the world’s rarest species in all of their beautiful plumage.

Which of the following is an assumption on which the author of the advertisement relies?

A. Avian Oculars weigh less than traditional binoculars.
B. Avian Oculars should be used only by bird watchers.
C. The reader will travel through the habitats of rare species during his or her next bird watching trip.
D. Avian Oculars are similar in cost to traditional binoculars.
E. Birding enthusiasts often determine the specifications of new products.

Answer 11

BIG IDEA: an assumption is an unstated piece of information that ties the premise to the conclusion

the conclusion states that the product should be used on the next bird watching trip

A) we cannot assume this based on the information provided by the passage

B) same as A

C) this is the answer. the customer would have to travel through the habitats of rare species to see the birds. if we negated this answer choice then we can see that it destroys the argument.

D) i choose this answer. this is stated within a passage. however, this is not the answer, because this is not an assumption. rather, it is a stated premise from the passage. see big idea.

E) out of scope

Question 12

According to a recent study on financial roles, one-third of high school seniors say that they have “significant financial responsibilities.” These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, contributing to food, shelter, or clothing for themselves or their families. At the same time, a second study demonstrates that a crisis in money management exists for high school students. According to this study, 80% of high school seniors have never taken a personal finance class even though the same percentage of seniors has opened bank accounts and one-third of these account holders has bounced a check.

Which of the following conclusions can be properly drawn from the statements above?

A. High schools would be wise to incorporate personal finance classes into their core curricula.

B. At least one-third of high school seniors work part-time jobs after school.

C. The number of high school seniors with significant financial responsibilities is greater than the number of seniors who have bounced a check.

D. Any high school seniors who contribute to food, shelter, or clothing for themselves or their families have significant financial responsibilities.

E. The majority of high school students have no financial responsibilities to their families.

Answer 12

an inference is something that MUST BE TRUE.

A) this cannot be inferred based on the information above.

B) false, 1/3 of seniors say they have significant financial responsibilities

C) if we read the last sentence of the passage carefully we can see that 80% of HS seniors have never taken a finance class. 80%*1/3% < 1/3 seniors. this is what this answer choice is saying.

D) The passage states that certain high school seniors who contribute to the food, shelter, or clothing for themselves or their families rate themselves as having significant financial responsibilities. This does not mean that any high school senior who contributes to these categories has significant financial responsibilities.

E) this is wrong because it says “HS students have NO financial responsibilities” this is not stated in the passage

Question 13

Noting that the price of oil and other fuel components, a major factor in the cost structure of an airline, have risen and will continue to rise, the company management was pessimistic about their outlook for the upcoming quarter.

(A) have risen and will continue to rise, the company management was pessimistic about their

(B) have risen and will continue to rise, the company management was pessimistic about the

(C) will continue to rise, the company management was pessimistic about the

(D) has risen and will continue to rise, the company management was pessimistic about their

(E) will continue to rise, the company management was pessimistic about their

Answer 13

A) what does “their” refer to?

B) “have risen and will continue to rise” is redundant. it is sufficient to say that will continue to rise because this implies that the price has risen in the past.

C) answer based on POE

D) same as B

E) A&B

Question 14

During the twentieth century, the study of the large-scale structure of the universe evolved from the theoretical to the practical; the field of physical cosmology was made possible because of both Einstein’s theory of relativity and the better ability to observe extremely distant astronomical objects.

(A) because of both Einstein’s theory of relativity and

(B) by both Einstein’s theory of relativity and

(C) by Einstein’s theory of relativity and also

(D) because of Einstein’s theory of relativity and also

(E) as a result of both Einstein’s theory of relativity and

Answer 14

Idoiom: Both X and Y

A) I orginally chose this answer choice. However, answer choice B is more idomiatcally correct.

B) answer by POE

C) “and also” is redundant

D) same as C.

E) answer choice B is more clear and concise and we can eliminate this answer choice

Question 15

In order to be converted into high-quality digital versions, analog audio files, created at a time when the recording equipment itself introduced pops, hisses, and other anomalous sounds that detract from the performance, analog files must be edited to remove undesirable audio artifacts introduced during the original recording.

A. In order to be converted into high-quality digital versions, analog audio files, created at a time when the recording equipment itself introduced pops, hisses, and other anomalous sounds that detract from the performance,

B. In order to convert analog audio files, created at a time when the recording equipment itself introduced pops, hisses, and other anomalous sounds that detract from the performance, into high-quality digital versions,

C. In order for analog audio files, created at a time when the recording equipment itself introduced pops, hisses, and other anomalous sounds that detract from the performance, to be converted into high-quality digital versions,

D. Analog audio files, created at a time when the recording equipment itself introduced pops, hisses, and other anomalous sounds that detract from the performance, can be converted into high-quality digital versions,

E. Analog audio files, which were created at a time when the recording equipment itself introduced pops, hisses, and other anomalous sounds that detract from the performance and can be converted into high-quality digital versions,

Answer 15

A) this answer choice repeats the noun twice “audio files, XXXXX, analog files”

B) this is the answer choice that I orginally picked. this was a tough one to eliminate. however, this is incorrect because the introductory modifer, “in order to convert XXXX,” we would need to noun performing the object after the modifier. This choice is quite tricky. Strip out the long created … performance modifier and the sentence reads: In order to convert analog audio files into high-quality digital versions, analog files must be edited … . The construction in order to convert is an active construction: someone (or something) is converting the files. In this case, the subject of the core sentence (beginning after the comma) needs to state whoever (or whatever) is performing the conversion. For example: In order to convert from analog to digital, the audio engineer must… The core subject in this problem, however, begins with analog files, implying that the files are converting themselves (In order to convert analog audio files …, analog files must …); this is illogical.

C) answer choice

D) This answer contains a complete sentence (Analog audio files … can be converted into high-quality digital versions). The non-underlined portion also contains a complete sentence (analog files must be edited) and the two sentences are connected by a comma. This is a run-on sentence; two complete sentences must be connected by a semi-colon or a comma followed by a conjunction

E) repeats subject twice

Question 16

Despite the fact that the impact of Daylight Saving Time, at the onset of which clocks are set forward by an hour, have been shown to be neutral, at best—research indicates that it may actually increase the number of car accidents occurring on the Monday after the clocks spring forward—some countries do not observe it.

A - Despite the fact that the impact of Daylight Saving Time, at the onset of which clocks are set forward by an hour, have been shown to be neutral, at best—research indicates that it may actually increase

B - Even though the impact of Daylight Saving Time, at the onset of which clocks are set forward by an hour, has been shown to be neutral, at best—research indicates that it actually increases

C - Since the impact of Daylight Saving Time, at the onset of which clocks are set forward by an hour, has been shown to be neutral, at best—research indicates that it actually increases

D - Because the impact of Daylight Saving Time, at the onset of which clocks are set forward by an hour, has been shown to be neutral—at best, research indicates that it may actually result in an increase in

E - Because Daylight Saving Time, at the onset of which clocks are set forward by an hour, has been shown to have a neutral impact, at best—research indicates that it may actually result in a possible increase in

Answer 16

A) SVA error “have” does not match with singular the impact of daylight savings

(B) Even though indicates a contrast, but the fact that some countries do not observe DST is supported, not contrasted, by the first part of the sentence.

C) POE of elimination, this is the answer choice.

D) the placement of the dash for this answer choice makes it incorrect.

E) “it may actually result in a possible” may & possible make this answer choice redundant.

Question 17

Dinosaur tracks show them walking with their feet directly under their bodies, like mammals and birds, not extended out to the side in the manner of modern reptiles.

(A) Dinosaur tracks show them walking with their feet directly under their bodies, like

(B) Dinosaur tracks show that they walked with their feet directly under their bodies, as do

(C) Dinosaurs left tracks that showed them walking with their feet directly under their bodies, like

(D) The tracks that dinosaurs left show that they walked with their feet directly under their bodies, as do

(E) In the tracks they left, dinosaurs are shown walking with their feet under their bodies, like

Answer 17

like is used to compare nouns,
when comparing actions, we want to use “as do”

A) dino tracks show them? show who? pronoun error

B) what does “they” refer to?

C) this it makes it seem that the track are showing dinos are walking this second.

D)

E) this option makes it seem that the tracks are literally showing the dinos walking. illogical, discard

Question 18

Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity, it expands several hundred times as it absorbs seawater, forming a slime ball that can coat the gills of predatory fish and either suffocate them or distress them enough to make them flee.

A) Although when a hagfish is threatened, it will secrete slime that is small in quantity,

B) Although a small quantity of slime is secreted by the hagfish, when threatened

C) Although, when threatened, a hagfish will secrete slime that is small in quantity,

D) Although the slime secreted by a threatened hagfish is small in quantity,

E) Although the hagfish secretes a small quantity of slime when threatened,

Answer 18

a) hagfish is not the noun that is expanding, it is the slime. As such, this is wrong
b) “although a small quantity….., it expands” the small quantity cannot expand, it is the slime that is expanding. I originally picked this one.
c) same as A
d) answer
e) same as A

Question 19

Officials at the United States Mint believe that the Sacagawea dollar coin will be used more as a substitute for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than four quarters, which weigh 5.67 grams each.

(A) more as a substitute for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than

(B) more as a substitute for four quarters than the dollar bill because it weighs only 8.1 grams, far lighter than

(C) as a substitute for four quarters more than for the dollar bill because it weighs only 8.1 grams, far less than

(D) as a substitute for four quarters more than the dollar bill because its weight of only 8.1 grams is far lighter than it is for

(E) as a substitute more for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than it is for

Answer 19

A) the end of sentence states “its weight…. is far less than four quarters” if read literally, it doesn’t quite make sense

B) similarly to A, “8.1 grams, far lighter than four quarters,” how can we compare the weight of something to a noun. we should be comparing it to the weight of the other object.

C) answer based on POE.

D) ending of the sentence is awkward and can be removed

E) same as D

Question 20

Because property values sometimes fluctuate in response to economic conditions beyond the purchaser’s control, an investment in a home may underperform when compared to that of other widely available classes of investments.

(A) an investment in a home may underperform when compared to that of other widely available classes of investments

(B) an investment in a home may underperform compared with other widely available classes of investments

(C) an investment in a home may underperform when comparing it with other widely available classes of investments

(D) compared to that of other widely available classes of investments, an investment in a home may underperform

(E) in comparison with that of other widely available classes of investments, an investment in a home may underperform

Answer 20

I orginally selected answer choice A.
do not focus on idiom so much. although both “compared X to Y” and “compare X with Y” are correct

A) what does “that of” refer to? We assume that it refers to investments. then we get “an investment in a home may underperform when compared to investment of widely avabile classes of investments” this is redundant and can be eliminated.

B) answer

C) what does “it” refer to? if it refers to investment then we get the same error as A

D) “that of” has to referent

E) same as E

Question 21

According to a recent study of consumer spending on prescription medications, increases in the sales of the 50 drugs that were advertised most heavily accounts for almost half of the $20.8 billion increase in drug spending last year, the remainder of which came from sales of the 9,850 prescription medicines that companies did not advertise or advertised very little.

(A) heavily accounts for almost half of the $20.8 billion increase in drug spending last year, the remainder of which came

(B) heavily were what accounted for almost half of the $20.8 billion increase in drug spending last year; the remainder of the increase coming

(C) heavily accounted for almost half of the $20.8 billion increase in drug spending last year, the remainder of the increase coming

(D) heavily, accounting for almost half of the $20.8 billion increase in drug spending last year, while the remainder of the increase came

(E) heavily, which accounted for almost half of the $20.8 billion increase in drug spending last year, with the remainder of it coming

Answer 21

A) SVA error “accounts” should be “account”

b) fragement, the clause after the semicolon is not independent
c) answer
d) eliminate, does not make sense
e) same as D

Question 22

According to scientists who monitored its path, an expanding cloud of energized particles ejected from the Sun recently triggered a large storm in the magnetic field that surrounds Earth, which brightened the Northern Lights and also possibly knocking out a communications satellite.

(A) an expanding cloud of energized particles ejected from the Sun recently triggered a large storm in the magnetic field that surrounds Earth, which brightened the Northern Lights and also possibly knocking

(B) an expanding cloud of energized particles ejected from the Sun was what recently triggered a large storm in the magnetic field that surrounds Earth, and it brightened the Northern Lights and also possibly knocked

(C) an expanding cloud of energized particles ejected from the Sun recently triggered a large storm in the magnetic field that surrounds Earth, brightening the Northern Lights and possibly knocking

(D) a large storm in the magnetic field that surrounds Earth, recently triggered by an expanding cloud of energized particles, brightened the Northern Lights and it possibly knocked

(E) a large storm in the magnetic field surrounding Earth was recently triggered by an expanding cloud of energized particles, brightening the Northern Lights and it possibly knocked

Answer 22

I got this wrong becuase I was unsure on what the scientists were tracking. However, we can see that we can rely on other errors to eliminate answers.

A) “surrounds Earth, which brightened” is incorrect because which incorrectly modifies Earth.

B) pronoun ambiguity, what does “it” refer to?

c) answer
d) “and it” what does it refer to? the expanding cloud of the large storm?
e) same as D.

Question 23

At the end of 2001, motion picture industry representatives said that there were about a million copies of Hollywood movies available online and expected piracy to increase with high-speed Internet connections that become more widely available.

(A) online and expected piracy to increase with high-speed Internet connections that become more widely available

(B) online and expect the increase of piracy with the wider availability of high-speed Internet connections

(C) online, and they expect more piracy to increase with the wider availability of high-speed Internet connections

(D) online, and that they expected the increase of piracy as high-speed Internet connections would become more widely available

(E) online, and that they expected piracy to increase as high-speed Internet connections became more widely available

Answer 23

A) incorrect to say “increase with high-speed internet connections that become more widely available”

b) I choose this answer choice. not parallel because it does not have
“that” after and.. need to maintain parallelism

c) missing that, same as A&B
d) incorrect, because it does not make sense to say “would become more widely available.
e) answer

Question 24

Over the past ten years cultivated sunflowers have become a major commercial crop, second only to soybeans as a source of vegetable oil.

A. second only to soybeans as a source of vegetable oil

B. second in importance to soybeans only as a source of vegetable oil

C. being second in importance only to soybeans as a source of vegetable oil

D. which, as a source of vegetable oil, is only second to soybeans

E. as a source of vegetable oil only second to soybeans

Answer 24

answer is A.

Question 25

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had long been expected to announce a reduction in output to bolster sagging oil prices, but officials of the organization just recently announced that the group will pare daily production by 1.5 million barrels by the beginning of next year, but only if non-OPEC nations, including Norway, Mexico, and Russia, were to trim output by a total of 500,000 barrels a day.

(A) year, but only if non-OPEC nations, including Norway, Mexico, and Russia, were to trim output

(B) year, but only if the output of non-OPEC nations, which includes Norway, Mexico, and Russia, is trimmed

(C) year only if the output of non-OPEC nations, including Norway, Mexico, and Russia, would be trimmed

(D) year only if non-OPEC nations, which includes Norway, Mexico, and Russia, were trimming output

(E) year only if non-OPEC nations, including Norway, Mexico, and Russia, trim output

Answer 25

orignally selected A, but need to carefully remove fluff. cannot have another “but” in the answer choice bc..

“but officials just recently announced XXX, but” doesn’t make sense

A & B can be eliminated

C) “would be trimmed” is not correct

D) “were trimming output” is not correct

E) answer

Question 26

Written early in the French Revolution, Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Man (1790) and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) attributed Europe’s social and political ills to be the result of the dominance of aristocratic values and patriarchal hereditary privilege.

(A) Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Man (1790) and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) attributed Europe’s social and political ills to be the result of

(B) Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Man (1790) and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) attributed Europe’s social and political ills to result from

(C) Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Man (1790) and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) attributed Europe’s social and political ills to

(D) in A Vindication of the Rights of Man (1790) and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Mary Wollstonecraft attributed Europe’s social and political ills to have been the result of

(E) Mary Wollstonecraft, in A Vindication of the Rights of Man (1790) and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), attributed Europe’s social and political ills to

Answer 26

I originally selected B

A) “attributed Europe’s social and political ills to be the result of” does not make sense

b) “attributed Europe’s social and political ills to result from” same as A, does not make sense
c) what the author is intending is “X and Y attributed to Europes social and political ills to result from dominance of aristocratic values and patriarchal hereditary privilege.” NEED TO READ FOR LOGIC AND MEANING.
d) “, Mary Wollstonecraft attributed Europe’s social and political ills to have been the result of” does not make sense
e) incorrect introductory modifer

Question 27

Educational Theorist: Recent editorials have called for limits on the amount of homework assigned to schoolchildren younger than 12. They point out that free-time activities play an important role in childhood development and that homework in large quantities can severely restrict children’s free time, hindering their development. But the actual average homework time for children under 12—little more than 30 minutes per night—leaves plenty of free time. In reality, therefore, the editorials’ rationale cannot justify the restriction they advocate.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously call into question the educational theorist’s conclusion?

A. Some teachers give as homework assignments work of a kind that research suggests is most effective educationally when done in class.

B. For children younger than 12, regularly doing homework in the first years of school has no proven academic value, but many educators believe that it fosters self-discipline and time management.

C. Some homework assignments are related to free-time activities that children engage in, such as reading or hobbies.

D. A substantial proportion of schoolchildren under 12, particularly those in their first few years of school, have less than 10 minutes of homework assigned per night.

E. Some free-time activities teach children skills or information that they later find useful in their schoolwork.

Answer 27

this is a weaken question. In essence, we need to side with the recent editorials and say that there needs to be a limit on the amount of homework assigned.
I originally selected A, because I was not sure how to approach the problem.

A) big reason why this is incorrect is because of the “some.” Some teachers could mean 2 or three teachers or 50% of all teachers. “some” is too vague. This could potentially weaken the question if it wasn’t for the “some”

b) this states that HW has some positive benefits. it doesn’t necessarily weaken the fact that we should side with the editorials rationale

C) same as A, “some”

D) answer. if we think about this, the statements says that a “substantial proportion” of kids <12 get less than 10 minutes. However, within the CR passage, the author states that the average time for HW is a little over 30 mins. this means that there are a few kids that get a lot of HW. thus, making the average over 30 minutes. this would weaken the authors argument, because it means that there should be a cap on the amount of time children <12 should spend doing HW.

E) same as C and A.

NEED TO REMEMBER THE USE OF “some” in CR.

Question 28

Airline Representative: The percentage of flight delays caused by airline error decreased significantly this year. This indicates that airlines listened to complaints about preventable errors and addressed the problems. Although delays caused by weather and other uncontrollable factors will always be part of travel, preventable delays are clearly decreasing.

Which of the following most clearly points to a logical flaw in the representative’s reasoning?

A. Airlines may be motivated by financial concerns to underreport the percentage of flight delays caused by airline error.

B. The delays caused by uncontrollable factors could have led to an increase in complaints to airlines.

C. Complaints may not be the most reliable measure of how many errors occurred in a given year.

D. Delays caused by weather and other uncontrollable factors could have increased dramatically during the year under discussion.

E. Airline customers might not believe that particular delays were caused by uncontrollable factors rather than airline error.

Answer 28

this is a weaken quesiton. we have to the weaken the conclusion which is “This indicates that airlines listened to complaints about preventable errors and addressed the problems. “

A) out of scope

B) this is out of scope, however, I consider picking this one.

C) same as A

D) answer. if delays caused by weather and other uncontrollable factors increased significantly then it could have skewed the numbers to decrease the amount of flights delayed by controllable factors. For example, if my flights gets delayed bc of weather rather than mechanical issues then it will skew the numbers towards the uncontrollable section. this is what that statement is saying.

E) I originally picked this one, We’re not worried about the customers’ beliefs – we’re looking at the link between the percentage of delays caused by airline error and the actual number of delays caused by airline error.

Question 29

Enforcement of local speed limits through police monitoring has proven unsuccessful in the town of Ardane. In many nearby towns, speed humps (raised areas of pavement placed across residential streets, about 300 feet apart) have reduced traffic speeds on residential streets by 20 to 25 percent. In order to reduce traffic speed and thereby enhance safety in residential neighborhoods, Ardane’s transportation commission plans to install multiple speed humps in those neighborhoods.

Which of the following, if true, identifies a potentially serious drawback to the plan for installing speed humps in Ardane?

A. On residential streets without speed humps, many vehicles travel at speeds more than 25 percent above the posted speed limit.

B. Because of their high weight, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances must slow almost to a stop at speed humps.

C. The residential speed limit in Ardane is higher than that of the nearby towns where speed humps were installed.

D. Motorists who are not familiar with the streets in Ardane’s residential districts would be likely to encounter the speed humps unawares unless warned by signs and painted indicators.

E. Bicyclists generally prefer that speed humps be constructed so as to leave a space on the side of the road where bicycles can travel without going over the humps.

Answer 29

It is clear B..

what are we looking for - identify a serious drawback

Enforcement of local speed limits through police monitoring has proven unsuccessful in the town of Ardane. In many nearby towns, speed humps (raised areas of pavement placed across residential streets, about 300 feet apart) have reduced traffic speeds on residential streets by 20 to 25 percent. In order to reduce traffic speed and thereby enhance safety in residential neighborhoods, Ardane’s transportation commission plans to install multiple speed humps in those neighborhoods.

Which of the following, if true, identifies a potentially serious drawback to the plan for installing speed humps in Ardane?

A. On residential streets without speed humps, many vehicles travel at speeds more than 25 percent above the posted speed limit.
It rather gives a reason for humps

B. Because of their high weight, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances must slow almost to a stop at speed humps.
This is a serious drawback and there is no way to overcome it. Remember we are looking for a drawback, not looking to strengthen or weaken argument

C. The residential speed limit in Ardane is higher than that of the nearby towns where speed humps were installed.
not a drawback

D. Motorists who are not familiar with the streets in Ardane’s residential districts would be likely to encounter the speed humps unawares unless warned by signs and painted indicators.
Trap… Yes it is a problem but there is a solution in the choice itself .. - warn by signs and painted indicators

E. Bicyclists generally prefer that speed humps be constructed so as to leave a space on the side of the road where bicycles can travel without going over the humps.
Not a drawback. Most have small area left on sides of humpfor cycles.

Question 30

Just like the Internet today, often being called an “information superhighway,” the telegraph was described in its day as an “instantaneous highway of thought.”

A) Just like the Internet today, often being

B) Just as the Internet is today often

C) As with the Internet being today often

D) As is often the case today with the Internet,

E) Similar to the Internet today, often

Answer 30

Like = used to compare two nouns; the word after “like” should be a noun
As = used to compare two actions or verbs; the work after “as” can be either a noun or verb

Ans: B

E is similar to “like” ===> eliminate

Question 31

The United Parcel Service plans to convert its more than 2,000 gasoline-powered trucks in the Los Angeles area to run on cleaner-burning natural gas.

(A) to convert its more than 2,000 gasoline-powered trucks in the Los Angeles area to

(B) to convert its more than 2,000 trucks in the Los Angeles area that are powered by gasoline to

(C) on converting its more than 2,000 gasoline-powered trucks in the Los Angeles area that will

(D) for its more than 2,000 gasoline-powered trucks in the Los Angeles area to convert to

(E) that its more than 2,000 trucks in the Los Angeles area that are powered by gasoline will convert to

Answer 31

Okay, let’s start with #1 on our list. The placement of the phrase “gasoline-powered” or “powered by gasoline” can completely change the intended meaning of the sentence! Let’s see which ones stick to the intended meaning:

A. to convert its more than 2,000 gasoline-powered trucks in the Los Angeles area to
This is OK because it’s clear that all of the trucks are gasoline-powered, and all of the trucks will be converted to natural gas.

B. to convert its more than 2,000 trucks in the Los Angeles area that are powered by gasoline to
This is INCORRECT because the phrase “that are powered by gasoline” suggests that only some trucks (the ones powered by gasoline) will be converted. This isn’t true – all of the trucks are being converted because they are all gasoline-powered!

Question 32

Linking arrangements among secondary schools and the workplace never evolved in the United States as they have in most other developed countries.

(A) among secondary schools and the workplace never evolved in the United States as they have
(B) in the United States among secondary schools and the workplace never evolved as they did
(C) between secondary schools and the workplace never evolved in the United States as
(D) in the United States between secondary schools and the workplace never evolved as they have
(E) between secondary schools and the workplace never evolved in the United States as they did

Answer 32

between = use for two nouns 
among = 2+ nouns

Between C & E.

I choose C because I thought there was pronoun ambiguity in E. However, that is not the case.. see response below.

One might get the feeling that C and E mean the same thing. It is not so in that C has a subtle but substantial error of intent. C says that the listing arrangements never evolved in the US just as in the same way the arrangements did not evolve in most other developed countries. In other words, it tends to mean that in other countries also they did not evolve. This is a grave flaw. The original intent is that while in other countries the arrangements evolved smoothly, but in the US, they did not.

Question 33

A little-known fact from Michelangelo’s early years as an artist is that he forged a statue in 1496, treating it with acid to make it look like an antique, and sold it for far more than it was actually worth.

A. he forged a statue in 1496, treating it with acid to make it look like an antique

B. his 1496 statue was a forgery, which was treated with acid to make it look like an antique

C. he forged a statue in 1496 that was treated with acid, making it look like an antique

D. Michelangelo forged a statue in 1496, treating it with acid to make it look like an antique

E. a statue treated with acid to make it look like an antique was forged in 1496

Answer 33

D. Correct.
A). he doesn’t have antecedent( Michelangelo’s is possessive)
B).Which wrongly refers to forgery . “Sold” needs a parallel verb “forged”
C). Same as A.
E).Passive form.

Question 34

A study commissioned by the Department of Agriculture showed that if calves exercise and associated with other calves, they will require less medication and gain weight quicker than do those raised in confinement.

(A) associated with other calves, they will require less medication and gain weight quicker than do

(B) associated with other calves, they require less medication and gain weight quicker than

(C) associate with other calves, they required less medication and will gain weight quicker than do

(D) associate with other calves, they have required less medication and will gain weight more quickly than do

(E) associate with other calves, they require less medication and gain weight more quickly than

Answer 34

A) incorrect because the tense choice of execerise and associated is not in the right tense

b) same with A
c) they required and will gain weight quicker is not the same tense
d) required and will gain is not correct
e) answer

Question 35

Under high pressure and intense heat, graphite, the most stable form of pure carbon, changes into the substance commonly referred to as diamond and remaining this way whether or not the heat and pressure are removed.

(A) remaining this way whether or not
(B) remaining like that even as
(C) remaining as such whether or not
(D) remains in this way although
(E) remains thus even when

Answer 35

first thing that should jump out is the IIsm.. As such, we can eliminate A,B, C

between D&E.

I eliminated E, because of the use of “when.” However, that is not a good decision point to eliminate this answer choice. D is awkward because of the use of “in this way”

We can eliminate D, and E is our answer.

Question 36

A company plans to develop a prototype weeding machine that uses cutting blades with optical sensors and microprocessors that distinguish weeds from crop plants by differences in shade of color. The inventor of the machine claims that it will reduce labor costs by virtually eliminating the need for manual weeding.

Which of the following is a consideration in favor of the company’s implementing its plan to develop the prototype?

A. There is a considerable degree of variation in shade of color between weeds of different species.

B. The shade of color of some plants tends to change appreciably over the course of their growing season.

C. When crops are weeded manually, overall size and leaf shape are taken into account in distinguishing crop plants from weeds.

D. Selection and genetic manipulation allow plants of virtually any species to be economically bred to have a distinctive shade of color without altering their other characteristics.

E. Farm laborers who are responsible for the manual weeding of crops carry out other agricultural duties at times in the growing season when extensive weeding is not necessary.

Answer 36

I choose answer A, but it actually weakens the argument because it states that there is a large degree of variation in weeds, which would make it harder to distingush.

Answer is D.

Question 37

In the 1980s the federal government was the largest single provider of day care for children, offering child care, health, and educational services to hundreds of thousands of children from poor households through the Head Start program and which supported private day-care facilities through child-care tax credits, state block grants, and tax breaks for employers who subsidized day-care services.

(A) In the 1980s the federal government was the largest single provider of day care for children, offering

(B) The federal government was the largest single provider of day care for children in the 1980s, which offered

(C) In the 1980s the federal government was the largest single provider of day care for children and offered

(D) The largest single provider of day care for children in the 1980s was the federal government, offering

(E) In the 1980s the largest single provider of day care for children was the federal government, which offere

Answer 37

First thing I need to do here is read the whole sentence. We can see that this test llsm. We also see the “and which” part which means we need something parallel to that.

E is the only choice that is parallel