Tài liệu 1000 Reading comprehension practice pptx

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Reading comprehension practice

This file contains 30 reading comprehension passages with
answered and explained questions.

Good luck on your test.

On May 5th, 1997, the European edition of Business Tech Magazine led with
Hoffman’s cover story "Internet Communities: How They're Shaping Electronic
Commerce". This cover story highlights the extent to which the term virtual
community has become almost synonymous with various forms of group-CMCs
(computer mediated communication), including email-list forums, chat-systems
such as IRC, web-based discussion areas and usenet news-groups. There was no

debate in the Business Tech Magazine article as to whether the group-CMC
discussions are really 'communities', rather how community as opposed to
content can be used to encourage people to return to a particular part of
cyberspace for commercial gain. In a similar vein, Simpson and Armstrong in
"Internet Gain" argue that ignoring virtual communities would be a great loss of a
marketing tool for businesses. They define virtual communities as computer
mediated space where there is an integration of content and communication with
an emphasis on member-generated content.
Not all virtual community commentators agree with the Spartan position taken by
Hoffman. Rheingold, one of the prime popularizers of the term virtual community,
provides us with a more emotive definition in his book The Virtual Community:
Homesteading on the Electronic Frontier. According to Rheingold, "virtual
communities are social aggregations that emerge from the Net when enough
people carry on those public discussions long enough, with sufficient human
feeling, to form webs of personal relationships in cyberspace". Rheingold's
definition is extremely popular and has been quoted in many discussions about
virtual communities. As discussed below, for social scientists, particularly
sociologists, Rheingold's definition raises many issues, especially concerning the
notion of community. This is because Rheingold argues via a variety of analogies
from the real world such as homesteading that virtual communities are indeed
new forms of "community". In fact, Rheingold implies that virtual communities
are actually "a kind of ultimate flowering of community". Moreover, Rheingold
maintains that whenever computer mediated communications technology
becomes available, people inevitably create communities with it. Rheingold can
thus be labeled as a technological determinist as he holds that there is a
predictable relationship between technology and people's behavior.
The debate over the validity of Rheingold's position has raised doubts about the
existence of virtual communities and the appropriate use of the term. Weinreich
claims that the idea of virtual communities must be wrong because community is
a collective of kinship networks that share a common geographic region, a

common history, and a shared value system, usually rooted in a common religion.
In other words, Weinreich rejects the existence of virtual communities because
group-CMC discussions cannot possibly meet his definition. In Weinreich's view,
anyone with even a basic knowledge of sociology understands that information
exchange in no way constitutes a community.

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
(A) suggest an alternate definition for the term virtual communities
(B) challenge the validity of group-CMCs in the virtual community
(C) discuss whether group-CMCs constitute real communities
(D) present two opposing hypotheses and presents research and evidence to
support them
(E) emphasize the unsuitability of traditional definitions of community in light of
the recent establishment of virtual communities on the Net

The best answer is C. The passage begins by presenting the viewpoint of those
that believe that group-CMCs are true communities and continues by presenting
an opposing view. D is incorrect because definitions, not hypotheses are
discussed in the passage.

2. According to Simpson and Armstrong, virtual communities
(A) are not as effective as content in encouraging people to return to a particular
part of the Internet.
(B) emphasize attracting new members through their use of absorbing content
(C) are not really communities, but simply group-CMC discussions
(D) has become almost synonymous with various forms of group-CMCs
(E) are an invaluable marketing tool for businesses.
The best answer is E. According to Simpson and Armstrong ignoring virtual
communities would be a loss. In other word, virtual communities are invaluable.
The word invaluable means very useful.

3. Weinreich rejects Rheingold’s inclusion of virtual communities in the definition
of communities for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
(A) virtual communities do not usually exchange information
(B) virtual communities do not usually share the same territory
(C) virtual communities do not usually share values
(D) virtual communities do not usually share a common history
(E) virtual communities are not usually rooted in a common religion
The best answer is A. The question asks you to identify what does NOT stop
Weinreich from considering a virtual community a real community. An exchange
of information is not problematic for Weinreich.
4. The author says ‘there was no debate in the Business Tech Magazine article’ to
emphasize which of the following points?
(A) It is not content but community that can be used to entice the public to go
back to a commercial website
(B) It is not community but content that can be used to entice the public to go
back to a commercial website
(C) It would be a great loss of a business marketing tool if virtual communities
were ignored.
(D) There are various forms of group-CMCs, including email-list forums, chat-
systems, web-based discussion areas and usenet news-groups.
(E) Business Tech Magazine had already made the assumption that group-CMCs
are communities.
The best answer is E. The passage discusses whether group-CMCs are
communities. Business Tech Magazine does not debate this issue because it has
already made the assumption that they are.

Take a very commonplace, often discussed and critical topic: Are we detecting a
greenhouse effect, and related to this, is it exacerbated by "homogenic factors," i.e.,
human actions? Most would be inclined to give a positive answer to both of these
questions. But, if pushed, what would be the evidence, and how well grounded would
it be for such affirmations?

Within scientific communities and associated scientifically informed circles, the
answers have to be somewhat more ambiguous, particularly when rigorous questions
concerning evidence are raised. Were scientific truth to be a matter of consensus, and
some argue that scientific truth often turns out to be just that, then it is clear that there
is beginning to be a kind of majority consensus among many earth science
practitioners that the temperature of the Earth, particularly of the oceans, is indeed
rising and that this is a crucial indicator for a possible greenhouse effect.

Most of these scientists admit that the mean oceanic temperature has risen globally in
the last several decades. But this generalization depends upon how accurate
measurements may be, not just for samples, but also for the whole Earth. Hot spots,
for example the now four year old hot spot near New Guinea which is part of the El
Niño cycle, does not count by itself because it might be balanced by cold spots
elsewhere. And the fact of the matter is that "whole earth measurements" are still rare
and primitive in the simple sense that we simply do not have enough thermometers
out. Secondly, even if we had enough thermometers, a simply synchronic whole earth
measurement over three decades is but a blip in the diachronic history of ice age
cycles over the last tens of thousands of years. Thirdly, even if we know that the
earth is now heating up, has an ever increasing ozone hole, and from this strange
weather effects can be predicted, how much of this is due to homogenic factors, such
as CFCs, CO2 increases, hydrocarbon burning, and the like? Is it really the case, as
Science magazine claimed in l990, "24% of greenhouse encouraging gases are of
homogenic origin"?

1. In this passage the author is primarily interested in

(A) whether scientific truths are simply a matter of consensus
(B) determining how well established the greenhouse effect is and to what degree it is
worsened by human actions
(C) whether the hot spot El Niño is balanced elsewhere by cold spots
(D) determining if most scientists would be inclined to give a positive answer to the
question of whether there is a greenhouse effect and if it is worsened by human
actions
(E) making a simple synchronic whole earth measurement more than a blip in the
diachronic history of Ice Age cycles over the last tens of thousands of years.

The best answer is B. The author questions the claim that there is indeed a

greenhouse effect that is made worse by human actions. (A) is too general an answer,
while (D) is too specific. (D) is wrong because it is probing whether scientists agree,
not whether there the phenomenon actually exists.








2. The author of the passage would be most likely to agree with which of the
following statements about the greenhouse effect?

(A) 24% of greenhouse encouraging gases are of homogenic origin.
(B) there is a greenhouse effect that is exacerbated by homogenic factors.
(C) The ozone hole is increasing due to homogenic factors, such as CFCs, CO2
increases, hydrocarbon burning, and the like.
(D) One can determine if mean oceanic temperatures have risen globally in the last
several decades only if measurements of ocean temperatures are precise.
(E) Hot spots, such as the El Niño cycle, should not be counted as a factor in the
greenhouse effect.

The best answer is D. Scientists are basing their claims on global warning on rising
ocean temperatures. One can tell if temperatures have in fact risen only by measuring
them correctly.


3. It can be inferred from the passage that

(A) we cannot be certain that strange weather effects are a result of the earth heating
up and an ever increasing ozone hole
(B) the greenhouse effect is the most widely discussed topic in the scientifically
informed circles
(C) If the temperature of the oceans has ceased to rise at an ever increasing rate, then
the rate of global warming has increased
(D) strange weather effects have been shown to be due to the diachronic effects of
hydrocarbon burning and not to increases in CFC.
(E) Strange weather effects are caused by the increase use of CFCs, CO2, and similar
gasses.

The best answer is A. The author is questioning the cause and effect relationship
between the increasingly large ozone hole and global warming, as well as cause and
effect relationship between global warming and strange weather effects.

4. The author’s claim that, a simply synchronic whole earth measurement over three
decades is but a blip in the diachronic history of ice age cycles over the last tens of
thousands of years would be strengthened if the author

(A) indicated the minimum number of thermometers necessary for a whole earth
measurement
(B) described the factors that precipitated the start of a new ice age
(C) compare synchronic whole earth measurements with diachronic whole earth
measurements
(D) proved that the mean number of years required to detect significant changes in
weather patterns is greater than thirty
(E) specified the exact location and quantity of thermometers placed by scientists
around the globe

The best answer is D. If one knows that change can be detected only after much more

than thirty years, then measurements taken over a thirty year period is insignificant

An Australian group named Action Council on Smoking and Health (ACSH) has
recently lobbied to make warnings on cigarette packets more graphic. The council
proposed that striking visual photos of diseased organs should be put on at least
50% of outside packaging, in conjunction with health warnings outlining smoking
hazards enumerated in a separate leaflet placed inside the cigarette packet. The
ACSH claim that bland and ineffectual warnings like "Smoking is a health hazard"
currently found on cigarette packets are not nearly sufficient.


Substituting those inadequate admonitions with explicit photos will provide a
powerful visual stimulus to help smokers relinquish their habit. The current
cautions on cigarette packets have little or no impact on smokers who have
grown immune to the warnings that focus on abstract tobacco related risks and
illnesses from which smokers can easily disassociate themselves. The proposed
new tactics would concentrate on the perspective of the individual smoker
through a demonstration of what is occurring in his body each time he reaches for
a cigarette, rather than a generic cautionary word of advise.


The ACSH cited the results of recent studies conducted by psychologists at
McKean University confirming that evidence related to one's own experience is
more effective at influencing future behavior than a presentation of facts and
figures. An further rationale for the addition of pictures to cigarette packages is
the finding that smokers handle their packets 20-30 times a day, on average,
thus, if graphic pictures on cigarette packets were introduced, smoker would have

20-30 chances to face the harsh reality of what damage they are doing to
themselves each time they light up.


Even more essential than the pictures on the outside label, ACSH strongly
advocate including warnings and helpful information in a leaflet inserted into the
packet of cigarettes. Even an analgesic, ACSH adds, found in every bathroom
cabinet has all possible side effects enumerated in the insert. How much more
imperative is it then when the substance in question is tobacco, a dried weed that
contains highly noxious nicotine that society still accepts even though it kills one
of every two of its users.


Fundamentally, what is at stake here is consumer rights. Smokers should know
what substances they are inhaling, and what damage they are inflicting to their
bodies, though surprisingly, even today, many do not. For this reason alone, the
recommendation for more graphic pictures and warnings on cigarette packets,
which many seem excessive, is being seriously considered.

1. It can be inferred from the passage

(A) That cigarette manufacturers would comply with regulations ordering them to
add graphic pictures of diseased organs to their outside packaging.

(B) That society will not continue to condone smoking if it is proven even more
dangerous than was previously assumed.

(C) That smoking cigarettes causes damage to the internal organs of the body.

(D) That if the written warnings were less bland and ineffectual, smokers would

not take more notice of them.

(E) That smokers look at their cigarette packages each time they take out a
cigarette.
The best answer is C. We do not have information about (A) (B) and (D) from
the passage. (E) is incorrect because the passage claims that smokers have an
opportunity to look at their cigarette packages, not that they actually do.

2. The author cites studies conducted at McKean University to account for why

(A) A presentation of facts and figures is more effective at influencing future
behavior than evidence related to one's own experience.

(B) A presentation of facts and figures is less effective at influencing future
behavior than evidence related to one's own experience.

(C) Evidence related to one's own experience has a more long-lasting effect than
future behavior.

(D) The ACSH claim that graphic visual pictures of diseased organs would not be
more effective than stating facts about the consequences to the body of long-
term smoking.

(E) The ACSH claim that graphic visual pictures of diseased organs would not be
less effective than stating facts about the consequences to the body of long-
term smoking.

The best answer is E. The author mentions the study as evidence presented by
the ACSH to back their claim that visual pictures would be more effective than
the present warning found on cigarette boxes.

3. Which of the following, if true, would be most useful in supporting the claims
made by the ACSH?

(A) There is firm evidence that information communicated in a textual format is
more convincing than the same information conveyed in the form of visual
depictions.

(B) There is firm evidence that information conveyed in the form of visual
depictions is more convincing than the same information communicated in a
textual format.

(C) A study of over 3000 individuals shows a statistically significant relationship
between levels of nicotine in cigarettes and pulmonary damage.

(D) A study of over 3000 individuals shows a statistically significant relationship
between smoking and pulmonary damage.

(E) A survey reveals that 79% of smokers look at their cigarette packages when
taking out a cigarette.

The best answer is B. If smokers were more convinced of the dangers of smoker
by pictures than by text, they would be more likely to be influenced by the
pictures that the ACSH is proposing.

4. The passage does NOT state which of the following about smoking warnings.

(A) Current graphic warnings are effective.

(B) The addition of graphic warnings would be an impetus to smokers to

relinquish their habit.

(C) Current written warnings are not adequate.

(D) Current written warnings are not effective.

(E) Current written warnings are not as exhaustive as those that accompany
common analgesics.

The best answer is A. The passage does not say that current graphic warnings
are effective since there are currently no graphic warnings, only written ones.

Gene therapy offers a new treatment paradigm for curing human disease. Rather than
altering the disease phenotype by using agents that interact with gene products, or are
themselves gene products, gene therapy can theoretically modify specific genes
resulting in disease cure following a single administration. Initially gene therapy was
envisioned for the treatment of genetic disorders, but is currently being studied for use
with a wide range of diseases, including cancer, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis,
Neurodegenerative disorders and other acquired diseases.

Certain key elements are required for a successful gene therapy strategy. The most
elementary of these is that the relevant gene be identified and cloned. Upon
completion of the Human Genome Project, gene availability will be unlimited. Once
identified and cloned, the next consideration must be expression of the gene.
Questions pertaining to the efficiency of gene transfer and gene expression remain at
the forefront of gene therapy research, with current debates revolving around the
transfer of desired genes to appropriate cells, and then to obtaining sufficient levels of
expression for disease treatment. With luck, future research on gene transfer and
tissue-specific gene expression will resolve these issues for the majority of gene
therapy protocols.

Other important considerations for a gene therapy strategy include a sufficient
understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder, potential side effects of the
gene therapy treatment, and a more in depth understanding of the target cells which
are to receive gene therapy.

Gene transfer vector is the mechanism by which the gene is transferred into a cell.
Currently there are at least 150 clinical gene therapy protocols worldwide. Since the
approval process for these protocols is not as public outside the U.S., it is difficult to
ascertain the exact number of worldwide protocols. As of December 1995, 1024

patients had been treated with either a gene transfer or gene therapy protocol. Much
controversy exists regarding how many of these patients have benefited from their
gene therapy, and no one has yet been cured.

Public controversy in the field of human gene therapy is driven by several factors.
Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of
gene therapy, but the former may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainly that lie
in the immediate future. The financial interests of biotechnology firms and, some have
asserted, the career interests of some gene therapists have encouraged extravagant, or
at least overly optimistic public statements about contemporary gene therapy. In spite
of the proliferation of protocols, the actual number of patients treated remains small,
and only one genuinely controlled study of human gene therapy has been published as
of this date.


1. In the passage, the author anticipates which of the following as a possible obstacle
to the introduction of gene therapy to mainstream medicine?

(A) Overly optimistic public statements given by scientists who have a vested interest
(B) The general public’s difficulty in grasping gene therapy’s vast potential.
(C) Unchecked financial interests of biotechnology firms.
(D) The relatively small number of controlled studies of human gene therapy
published as of this date.
(E) Hazards of which the general public is currently unaware.
The best answer is E. The passage states that both ordinary citizens and scientists
understand potential of gene therapy, but the former, i.e. the general public may not
appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainty that lie in the immediate future.

2. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as elements that are required for a
successful gene therapy strategy EXCEPT:

(A) Identifying the relevant gene
(B) Expressing the relevant gene
(C) Determining the side effects of the relevant gene
(D) Understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder
(E) Gaining and a more in depth understanding of the target cells which are to receive
gene therapy.

The best answer is C. One must determine the side effects of the relevant gene therapy
treatment, and not of the relevant gene itself.


3. The author’s attitude toward the gene therapy as a future cure for cancer,
peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, Neurodegenerative disorders and other acquired
diseases is

(A) Indifference
(B) Disapproval
(C) Amusement
(D) Cautious optimism
(E) Censure

The best answer is D. In the opening sentence, the author optimistically states that
gene therapy offers a new treatment paradigm for curing human disease. However, in
the fifth paragraph the author mentions some of the problems.


4. The primary function of the fifth paragraph is to

(A) Explain effects

(B) Recommend actions
(C) Identify problems
(D) Evaluate solutions
(E) Warn of consequences

The best answer is C. The fifth paragraph is devoted to identifying various problems
in the field today, such as the exaggerated claims made by biotechnological firms with
vested financial interests.



Unlike the United States with its generalissimo politicians - Washington, Jackson,
Grant, and Eisenhower- the ‘martial arts’ have been conspicuously absent from
Canadian politics. The exception to the rule is former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot
Trudeau, who became the first Canadian leader to bring a gunslinger ethos to
Canadian politics. Trudeau introduced Canada to the refined art of single combat; it
was the politics of “doing it my way”. Single-combat confrontation implied much
more than the renegade in power did, and far less than the tricks of William Lyon
Mackenzie King, prime minister intermittently between 1921 and 1948.

Trudeau’s unique background prepared him for the role of authoritarian leader he
would assume later in life. Born on October 18, 1919, Trudeau lived in French-
speaking Montreal, but heard English at home from his mother, making it easy for the
young politician to appeal to all sectors of Canada, a bilingual country. As a young
man, he walked and cycled through Europe, finding himself on occasion on the wrong
side of the bars in foreign jails. By 1940, Trudeau entered the law faculty at the
University of Montreal. As a student he enlisted in the Canadian Officers Training
Corps, where he was given a commission as a lieutenant, a rank he held until his
retirement in 1947. Trudeau, a renowned sportsman, held a brown belt in karate,
knew how to skin dive and could descend 150 feet off a cliff with ease. He continued

performing flamboyant physical feats even in later life as Canada’s fifteenth prime
minister, astounding Canadians with his prowess. The public’s adoration made it
possible for him to practice his personal brand of ‘do it my way’ politics, initiating
profound and long-lasting changes to his country.

Other leaders would never have undertaken to deal with such taboo issues as divorce,
abortion and homosexuality– matters likely to infuriate conservative Canada from
coast to coast. Even the powerful Mackenzie King dared not touch any of the three,
though Trudeau tackled them together in an omnibus bill as Minister of Justice under
Lester B. Pearson. His reason for loosening legislation on these issues was, as he put
poetically put it, "The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation." The
myths-makers have it that this was Trudeau's first deliberate ‘gun slinging’ move,
performed with the ultimate goal of attaining national leadership. Contrary to popular
belief, Trudeau had no leadership aspirations at the time; all he had was a passion for
combat that eclipsed other religious considerations. Trudeau instigated far-reaching
changes in legislation governing divorce, abortion and homosexuality that have had a
major impact on Canada, shaping the country into what it is today.

1. The primary focus of the passage is on which of the following?
(A) Comparing two Canadian prime ministers and contrasting their personal style of
leadership
(B) Describing the leadership style of one of Canada’s prime ministers
(C) Evaluating the success of the leadership style of one of Canada’s prime ministers
(D) Summarizing the contribution of one of Canada’s prime ministers
(E) Tracing the long-term impact of legislation put forward by one of Canada’s prime
ministers

The best answer is B. The passage describes the ‘doing it my way’ type leadership
style of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

2. It can be inferred from the passage that former Prime Minister William Lyon
Mackenzie King
(A) was opposed to abortion and put forward legislation making it illegal
(B) was opposed to abortion but did not put forward legislation making it illegal
(C) was in favor of abortion and put forward legislation making it legal
(D) was in favor of abortion but did not put forward legislation making it legal
(E) did not put forward legislation making abortion legal
The best answer is E. The passage states that Mackenzie King dared not touch the
issue of abortion, so it can be inferred from the passage that he did not put forward
any abortion legislation. The passage provides no information on what Mackenzie
King’s opinions were on the subject.

3. The author of the passage mentions Trudeau’s accomplishments in sports primarily
in order to
(A) Explain the source of Trudeau’s physical stamina
(B) Illustrate that he had earned the adoration of the Canadian public
(C) Contrast it to his personal brand of ‘do it my way’ politics
(D) Provide one reason why he was able to single-handedly push through legislation
that should normally have shocked conservative Canada
(E) Provide one reason why he was able to single-handedly thwart legislation that
should normally have shocked conservative Canada

The best answer is D. One of the ways Trudeau won the hearts and minds of the
Canadian public was by astounding them with his physical prowess. Because the
public was so awed by Trudeau as an individual, he was able to pass legislation
considered progressive.

4. The quotation "The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation," is most
probably used to
(A) present the opinion that the state should have less of a say in issues that are

essentially not public matters
(B) present the opinion that the state should have less of a say in issues that are
essentially public matters
(C) present the opinion that the state should have more of a say in issues that are
essentially not personal matters
(D) provide an example of Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s flamboyant style that he used to
captivate the Canadian public
(E) contrast Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s flamboyant style with that of Lester B. Pearson
The best answer is A. Matters that concern “the bedrooms of the nation” are private
matters. Trudeau sought to reduce government control in such matters. Answers (B)
and (C) say the opposite, namely that government control in public matters







Art is visible. However, everything one sees is filtered through certain conditions,
some of them historical, and others, natural. The historical conditions include the
material which is used — oil, colors, and the canvas; second, a certain style, i.e., a
system of rules by which things visible are submitted a priori. There can be a general
style, for example, the style of Impressionism, or a particular style, for example, the
individual ways in which two painters, both impressionists, paint. The natural
conditions include certain unchanging psychological laws of sight, for instance, the
effects of colors or optical illusions.
The conditions of art are nothing but a particular way of interpreting reality. To
understand this, one can examine the difference between the classical Greek and the
classical Egyptian styles. For the Greeks, the reality of the visible was given by the
perspective and the situation in which the object appears; for that reason they

presented a person in his individual movements. For the Egyptians, however, this was
only the appearance of a transitory moment, which, according to their beliefs, was not
real. Therefore, the Egyptians searched for the permanent essence and the typical
character in their depiction of an object. For the Egyptians, Greek art was an illusion;
for the Greeks, on the other hand, Egyptian art was unrealistic constructivism.
The way in which reality appears in art must not be regarded on its own. It is affected
by many other systems of recognizing reality, including the political, religious,
economic, intellectual, and social — in short, all the phenomena of human life.
Moreover, art is always of a certain epoch, with its particular conception of reality.
Thus, when discussing, for example, the art of ancient myth, of medieval Christianity,
or that of the technological age, one must be aware that myth, Christianity, or
technology was the most salient feature of the epoch.
It is paradoxical to understand art as some kind of copy of the fields of experience
connected with it. So, for example, it is meaningless for the work of art as such if one
compares the landscape of a painting with the landscape, which served the artist as his
model. Even if the artist had tried to make what he painted as similar as possible to
the model he used, the landscape which he saw is only the matter from which
something completely different emerges since he has submitted its view to the a priori
conditions of art: namely to the material used (colors, canvas, etc.), to his style, and
even to the fact that he paints on a flat surface. Thus one must contemplate a work of
art by itself. Even if it is connected to other fields of experience it nevertheless
displays something unique which appears in that piece of art and there alone.

1. According to the passage, classical Egyptians did not present a person in his
individual movements

(A) Because the Greeks believed that the reality of the visible was given by the
perspective and the situation in which the object appears
(B) Because the Greeks did not believe that the reality of the visible was given by the
perspective and the situation in which the object appears

(C) Because the Egyptians believed that the reality of the visible was given by the
perspective and the situation in which the object appears
(D) Because the Egyptians did not believe that the reality of the visible was given by
the perspective and the situation in which the object appears
(E) Because for the Egyptians, Greek art was an illusion.

The best answer is D. The Egyptians believed that the reality of the visible was not
given by the perspective and the situation in which the object appears. They thought
that this was the appearance of a transitory moment, which was not real.

2. The author mentions which of the following as one of the conditions through
which art is seen?
(A) Impressionism
(B) Optical illusions
(C) Nature
(D) Perspective
(E) Illusions

The best answer is B. The author states in the first paragraph that art is seen through
natural conditions including optical illusions.

3. By asserting that art is filtered through certain conditions (line???), the author
suggests which of the following?

(A) Even if the artist tried to make what he painted as similar as possible to the model
he used, he would not succeed
(B) Even if the artist tried to make what he painted as similar as possible to the model
he used, it would be impossible to critique it
(C) Even if the artist tried to make what he painted as similar as possible to the model
he used, the landscape would be affected by many other systems of recognizing

reality
(D) The way in which reality appears in art influences other systems of recognizing
reality, including the political, religious, economic, intellectual, and social
(E) The way in which reality appears in art is influenced by other systems of
recognizing reality, including the political, religious, economic, intellectual, and
social

The best answer is E. The author states in paragraph three that the way in which
reality appears in art is affected by many other systems of recognizing reality,
including the political, religious, economic, intellectual, and social — in short, all the
phenomena of human life.

4. The author cites the example of psychological laws of sight, for instance, the
effects of colors or optical illusions in order to illustrate

(A) Laws of nature, which are not affected by history
(B) Laws of nature, which are affected by history
(C) Laws of nature, which change history
(D) Laws of history, which are affected by nature
(E) Laws of history, which are not affected by nature

The best answer is A. The author details two kinds of conditions, historical and
natural. The natural conditions are said to be unchanging, therefore not affected by
history.


For a generation of suppressed, restless, working-class youths living in 1960 Jamaica,
ska was a medium through which they could find expression. Since its original
appearance, ska has resurfaced twice, each time presenting itself in a different guise to
a new generation of music aficionados. Overcoming its humble beginnings, it has

become one of the twentieth century’s most enduring and influential styles of music.

Since the early 1940's, Jamaica had adopted and adapted many forms of American
musical styles. The predominantly black inhabitants of Jamaica took a liking to
rhythm and blues music, importing a considerable number of American records that
were showcased at dance halls in the early 1960s. Jamaican musicians took up the
elements of rhythm and blues and combined it with traditional Jamaican mento music.
The result was the first wave of ska.

Musically, ska is a shuffle rhythm similar to mento but with even closer ties to rhythm
and blues, placing the accent on the second and fourth beats, often moving in a 12-bar
blues frame. The after beat, played on the piano or strummed by a rhythm guitar,
came to be characteristic of the form. A horn section, usually consisting of trumpets,
trombones, and saxophones, was a vital element. Classic bands, such as the Wailers
wrote songs written about Trench Town (a ghetto), rude boys (street thugs), romance,
and even religious themes. In 1965, ska began to take a backseat to a newly evolved
type of music, called rock steady, which was more dependent than ska had been on
rhythm provided by the bass guitar and drums.

Ska was later exported by traveling Jamaican artists to Great Britain, where it became
known as "blue beat." By the mid 1970's, early British punk bands were infusing
reggae, a style of music that came from rock steady, into their music. Near the end of
the decade, however, there was a resurgence of the influence of ska because of its
upbeat, danceable rhythm. This faster paced ska came to be known as two tone. One
of the essential messages of two-tone ska was the promotion of racial harmony and of
having fun in the face of subjugation.

The third wave of ska began in America around 1990. Bands influenced by the two-
tone ska scene began to use punk and metal music to a greater extent. The
combination, which is much faster than two tone, sounds very different from the

original Jamaican brand of ska.

In its three different waves, ska has given voice to seemingly voiceless, downtrodden
generations. Each time it resurfaces, a new message is taken up, however, the old
messages are never forgotten.

1. The primary purpose of this passage is to

Contrast the musical rhythm of two-tone music with original Jamaican ska from
which it developed
Illustrate various ways in which rhythm and blues has influenced ska music
Outline the influences on the various forms of ska music from its inception in Jamaica
in early 1960s through its third wave in the 1990s
Describe events leading to the inception, rise and final demise of Jamaican ska music
Trace to evolution of ska music from its inception in Jamaica in early 1960s through
its third wave in the 1990s

The best answer is E. The passage follows the development of ska. (D) is incorrect
because the passage does not deal with the demise, or death, of ska music.

2. According to the passage, Ska music has

Been influenced by rhythm and blues, mento and blue beat
Been influenced by rhythm and blues, and has influenced mento and rock steady
Been influenced by rhythm and blues and rock steady and has influenced punk and
metal musicians
Influenced rhythm and blues, reggae and metal musicians.
Been influenced by mento music and has influenced punk and metal musicians.

The best answer is E. Ska music has been influenced, among other things, by mento

music. In paragraph five, it is mentioned that ska musicians have influenced both
punk and metal musicians.

3. Which of the following statements about ska music is supported by information in
the passage?

Rock steady is more dependent than ska on the rhythm provided by the bass guitar
and drums.
Reggae, which counts ska as one of its primary influences, developed only after it was
exported by traveling Jamaican artists to Great Britain
Ska’s appeal over the last half century has been limited to voiceless, downtrodden
generations.
Two-tone is a faster paced form of ska that developed in the late 1970s
Mento music places the accent on the second and fourth beats, often moving in a 12-
bar blues-frame.

The best answer is D. In paragraph four, it says that this faster paced ska came to be
known as two tone.

4. The passage suggests that two tone music

I. Resurged near the end of the 1970s
II. Influenced bands in America in the 1990s
III. Promoted of racial harmony and of having fun in the face of oppression.

I only
II only
III only
II and III only
I, and II, and III

The best answer is E. (E) is the best choice because all of the facts presented above
are supported by the passage.



Coca-Cola, which sold 10 billion cases of soft drinks in 1992, now finds itself asking,
where will sales of the next 10 billion cases come from? The answer lies overseas,
where income levels and appetites for Western products are at an all time high.

Often, the company that gets into a foreign market earliest dominates that country's
market. Coke patriarch Robert Woodruff realized this and unleashed a brilliant ploy to
make Coke the early bird in many of the major foreign markets. At the height of
World War II, Woodruff proclaimed, “Wherever American boys were fighting, they'd
be able to get a Coke.” By the time Pepsi tried to make its first international pitch in
the 1950s, Coke had established its brand name along with a powerful distribution
network.

During the last 40 years, many new markets have emerged. In order to tap into these
opportunities, both coke and Pepsi have attempted to find ways to cut through the red
tape that thwarts their efforts to conduct business in these new regions.

One key maneuver in the soda wars occurred in 1972, when Pepsi signed an
agreement with the Soviet Union that made it the first Western product to be sold to
consumers in Russia. This landmark agreement gave Pepsi the upper hand. At present,
Pepsi has 23 plants in the former Soviet Union and is the leader in the soft-drink
industry in Russia. It outsells Coca-Cola by a ratio of 6 to 1 and is seen there as a
local brand, similar to Coke’s homegrown reputation in Japan. However, Pepsi has
also encountered some obstacles. An expected increase in brand loyalty for Pepsi
subsequent to its advertising blitz in Russia has not materialized, even though Pepsi

produced commercials tailored to the Russian market and sponsored televised
concerts.

Some analysts believe that Pepsi’s domination of the Russian market has more to do
with pricing. While Pepsi sells for 250 Rubles (about 25 cents) a bottle, Coca-Cola
sells for 450 Rubles. Likewise, Pepsi sells their 2 liter economy bottle for 1,300
Rubles, while Coca-Cola’s 1.5 liters is marketed at 1,800 rubles. On the other hand,
Coca-Cola only made its first inroads into Russia 2 years ago. What's more, although
Coca-Cola's bottle and label give it a high-class image, Russians do not perceive
Coca-Cola as a premium brand in the Russian market. Consequently, it has so far
been unable to capture a market share.

1. According to the passage, all of the following have been used to attract customers
to buy a one of the two brands of soft drink mentioned in the passage EXCEPT

Offering soft drinks for a limited time at specially reduced prices
Sponsoring televised concerts
Designing a bottle and label to create a high-class image
Staging an advertising blitz including commercials tailored to the local market
Being the first country to enter a foreign market

The best answer is A. Answers (b), (C), (D) and (E) are all mentioned in the passage
as ploys used by either Pepsi or Coca Cola to attract new customers

2. The passage suggests which of the following about the Russian soft drink market?

Price is an unimportant factor in the Russian soft drink market
Two liter economy bottles are more marketable than 1.5-liter economy bottles,
especially those sporting a high-class image.
One and a half liter economy bottles are more marketable than two liter economy

bottles, if sold at a lower price.
Russian consumers are more likely to purchase a product if the perceive it to be a
local brand
The Russian soft drink market is saturated with local brands.

The best answer is D. The passage states that one of the factors contributing to
Pepsi’s success in Russia is its perception by the public as a local brand.

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

Review the marketing history of two soft drink giants
Contrast two different approaches to marketing soft drinks in the global market
Refute the traditional explanation for Pepsi’s success in the Russian soft drink market
Compare how well two soft drink companies have succeeded in a new foreign market
Explain why two soft drink companies have succeeded in a new foreign market

The best answer is D. The passage mainly compares Pepsi’s success in a new foreign
market, Russia, with Coca Cola’s relative failure. (A) is too general. (B) is incorrect
because both companies have the same general approach.

4. Which of the following best describes the relation of the first paragraph to the
passage as a whole?

It poses a question to be answered
It outlines an objective whose attainment will be discussed
It outlines a process to be analyzed
It advances and argument to be disputed
It introduces conflicting arguments to be reconciled

The best answer is B. The first paragraph asks and answers the question of where the

sale of the next 10 billion cases will come from, namely foreign markets. The rest of
the passage discusses ways in which the objective of conquering foreign markets is
accomplished.










With the proliferation of electronic technologies in the latter part of the twentieth
century, many aspects of cultural practice have been redefined. The eradication of
physical boundaries that limit discourse and information access has had profound
effects upon the manner in which we conduct democracy. Yet, opinions strongly
differ over whether or not the growth of electronic networks will result in expanded
democracy. On one side of the debate are anti-utopians who fear that with the
intrusion of the Internet into many facets of life, personal freedom will be impeded
and the existing rift between the "haves" and "have-nots" in society will grow. On the
other side, many 'cyber-utopians' believe that new technologies can eliminate the
democracy of elected representatives with which so many people are dissatisfied. The
Internet, they say, will allow for a true participatory democracy in which citizens can
govern themselves without the interference of bureaucrats and legislators.
Neither of these theories by themselves can fully address the role of democracy in the
age of information. As debates about censorship and encryption have shown,
government regulation of the Internet can result in violations of the basic rights of
speech set forth in the constitution of the United States. Yet, groups that preach ‘Big
Brother’ theories of paranoia tend to neglect the fact that new technologies can help

balance the injustices of traditional power found in a centralized government. At the
same time, the likelihood of doing away with the present system of democracy in
favor of complete and pure self-governance seems impossible, and likely undesirable.
Both arguments about the future of the way in which discourse will occur highlight
the inherent relationship between communication and democracy. Perhaps a more
useful model for the study of this dynamic can be found in the model of the public
sphere proposed by Jorgen Habermas. In this realm, free and diverse equals come
together to deliberate and discuss pertinent issues without the impediment of external
coercion. The ensuing dialogue transpires in a profoundly democratic forum. The
dispensing of traditional hierarchies that occurs on the Internet appears to make
possible the type of categories necessary for Habermas ‘ideal speech situation to
occur.
However, postmodern critics indicate that the autonomous individual no longer exists
in a world where our identities are constructed as much for us as by us. And indeed,
much of the postmodern notion of self seems to fit closely with reconfigurations of
the subject brought on by electronic technologies. The question that arises then is,
how might the reconfiguration of communication enabled by the Internet work to
create a new form of 'cyber-democracy’ that better represents citizens' interests?

1. According to the passage, the 'cyber-utopians' mentioned in the passage would
most likely be in favor of which of the following innovations?

Every new legislation would be voted by every registered voter on the Internet
Government would increase the regulation of the Internet to include a curtailing of
politically biased messages
Government would decrease the regulation of the Internet including regulation of
politically biased messages
Discourse in legislative assemblies would be broadcast over the Internet
New technologies would gradually replace all forms of democracy

The best answer is A. According to the passage, 'cyber-utopians' believe that through
using the Internet, there could be a true participatory democracy, meaning that all
citizens, not just elected representatives could make legislative decisions.

2. The passage supports which of the following statements about government
regulation of the Internet?

Government regulation of the Internet can result in infringements upon citizen’s
constitutional rights of free speech
Government regulation of the Internet can ensure against infringements upon citizen’s
constitutional rights of free speech
Government regulation of the Internet will make pure self-governance possible
Government regulation of the Internet will promote new technologies that can help
balance the injustices of traditional power
Government regulation of the Internet will eradicate physical boundaries that limit
discourse and information

The best answer is A. As stated in paragraph three, government regulation of the
Internet can result in violations of the basic rights of speech set forth in the
constitution.


3. The author is primarily concerned with

Advocating the use of the electronic technologies to improve democracy
Challenging the assumptions on which a theory of modern democracy is based
Describing events leading to the discovery of democratic uses of electronic
technologies
Explaining the importance of electronic technologies to modern politics
Examining the relationship between Internet communication and democracy

The best answer is E. The answer is not (A) because the author does not reach any
conclusions. (D) is incorrect because it does not discuss modern politics in general.

4. According to the passage, which of the following is considered by postmodern
critics to be a threat to the notion of self?

The interference of bureaucrats and legislators.
The proliferation of electronic technologies.
Reconfigurations of the subject brought on by electronic technologies.
Traditional hierarchies that occur on the Internet.
The impediment of external coercion.

The best answer is C. In the last paragraph, it says that much of the postmodern notion
of self seems to fit closely with reconfigurations of the subject brought on by
electronic technologies.






Men are primarily and secondarily socialized into believing certain characteristics are
definitive in determining their masculinity. These characteristics range from playing
violently to not crying when they are injured. The socialization of masculinity in our
society begins as early as the first stages of infancy, with awareness of adult gender
role differences being internalized by children as young as two years old.
Studies show that advertising imagery equates masculinity with violence by
portraying the trait of aggression as instrumental to establishing their masculinity.
Lee Bowker, who researched the influence of advertisements on youth, asserts that

toy advertisements featuring only boys depict aggressive behavior and that the
aggressive behavior produces positive consequences more often than negative.
Bowker also looked at commercials with boys that contain references to domination.
His results indicated that 68.6% of the commercials positioned toward boys contain
incidents of verbal and physical aggression. However there were no cross gender
displays of aggressive behavior. Interestingly, not one single-sex commercial
featuring girls showed any act of aggression. Bowker’s research helps explain that it
is not just the reinforcement of a child’s close caretakers that lends legitimacy to
aggressive masculine tendencies but society as a whole, using the medium of
television.
William Pollack, a Harvard clinical psychologist, talks about how males have been
put in a "gender straightjacket" that leads to anger, despair and often violence. Pollack
states that society asks men to put a whole range of feelings and emotions behind a
mask and shames them if they display any emotion. Pollack contends that boys are
‘shame phobics’, even killing, in extreme cases, to avoid dishonor. It appears that the
standard defined by society allows men to express their emotion only through anger.
Ironically, though these rigid stereotypes of what it means to be a man have been
inculcated from an early age, men are often criticized for being one-dimensional in
their behavior and emotions.
Women often verbalize a desire for males to be sensitive and express their emotions.
But male insensitivity is the culmination of a societal indoctrination begun at birth.
Realistically, men are in a damned if they do, damned if they don’t situation. If they
fail to show their emotions, they are berated for being detached from the essence of
what constitutes a human being. On the other hand, if a male decides to expose his
emotions, he is often branded effeminate and regarded as inferior to other males who
stick closer to their gender’s traditional doctrine.

1. According to the passage, the television commercials examined by Bowker

Showed boys in more acts of verbal and physical aggression than of domination

Showed boys in more acts of domination than of verbal and physical aggression
Showed boys in acts of verbal and physical aggression only towards other boys
Showed boys in acts of verbal and physical aggression only towards other girls
Showed boys in acts of verbal and physical aggression towards other boys and girls

The best answer is C. Bowker’s research did not find any cross gender displays of
aggressive behavior, i.e. aggression of one gender to another

2. According to Pollack, one of the reasons for male violence is that

Society shames men who display feelings and emotions other than anger
Men kill in extreme cases to avoid dishonor