Card 0 of 19
“Intellectual Virtues”
Whenever someone talks about being “virtuous,” we immediately think of someone whose very moral. Perhaps we even think of people who are a bit boring for virtuous people can appear to have no fun at least in the popular imagination. Whatever the case might be, almost any reader would be surprised to see the expression “intellectual virtues.” What could this expression mean to designate! At best, most people would say, “Such virtues must describe people for who knowledge is combined with devotion and rigorous discipline.” That is; they would seem to describe the person who has a disciplined character in addition to being intelligent.
However, in ancient and medieval philosophy, certain intellectual capacities were considered virtues. These character traits were not quite the same as moral character traits or virtues. To understand this idea, it can be helpul to consider two example people, one whose skills are the fruit of a so-called intellectual virtue and the other whose skills are not.
It is easier to start with the person who does not have a given intellectual virtue. We all know someone who is not very good at math, that is, someone for who math is difficult even though he or she might be quite skilled at many other tasks It makes sense to say that this person doesn’t have an intellectual virtue. Likewise, think of the person who is only able to memorize formulas. Such a person is often very good at working through many problems with deft skill. This person seems to be a “wiz” at geometry and algebra, quickly solving equations and proofs.
However, this latter person might suddenly be presented with a difficult, new problem. When we notice that he or she does not have the creative skill and insight to solve the problem, we realize that he or she does’nt have a so-called “intellectual virtue.” This person merely has a habit—a particular skill that is helpful but does not indicate true and complete mathematical knowledge. The person who is able to understand the mathematics and creatively apply this knowledge to solve new problems. This person has a true intellectual virtue. They have a particular ability for intellectual insight, able to probe the difficult domain of this topic. This is much more noble as the mere habit of being able to balance equations and repeat facts about geometric figures!
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Clearly there is a parallel contrast in this sentence. There are some activities that are the fruit of intellectual virtues and there are ones that are not such a fruit. Now, you might well choose the longer version "not the fruit of a so-called intellectual virtue." This is, however, a bit wordy. The sentence is clear enough if you replace not with "not such a fruit."
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Ray Charles was one of the first major musical sessions artists of the 20th Century to assert total control over his recording sessions;
At this point, the writer is considering adding the following information:
"he selected musicians, arranged charts for each song, and supervised the mixing and mastering of each of his records."
Should the writer add this to the passage here?
The answer choice provides three specific examples of how Ray Charles controlled the recording of his music.
No connection is made to the popularity of Ray Charles' records.
The information is relevant.
The information is factual and can be verified.
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"Lincoln as a Child" by Caleb Zimmerman (2013)
Abraham Lincoln's forefathers were pioneers. People that left their homes to open up the wilderness and make the way clear for others to follow them. For one hundred and seventy years, ever since the first Lincoln came from England to Massachusetts in 1638, he had been moving slowly westward as new settlements were made in the forest. They faced solitude, privation, and all the dangers and hardships that beset those who take up their homes where only beasts and wild men have had homes before; but they continued to press steadily forward, though they lost fortune and sometimes even life itself in their westward progress.
Back in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, some of the Lincolns had been people of wealth and influence. In Kentucky, where the future President was born on February 12, 1809, his parents live in deep poverty. Their home was a small log cabin of the rudest kind, and nothing seemed more unlikely than that their child, coming into the world in such humble surroundings, was destined to be the greatest man of his time and true to his heritage, he also was to be a pioneer—not into new woods and unexplored fields like his ancestors, but a pioneer of a nobler and grander sort, directing the thoughts of people ever toward the right, and leading the American people, through difficulties and dangers and a mighty war, to peace and freedom.
The author wants to insert a sentence highlighting a contrast between what are currently the first and second sentences of paragraph two. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this?
"This also characterized the early life of Abraham Lincoln and "This propensity toward wealth and power only grew as the Lincolns moved west" suggest that Abraham Lincoln’s parents were wealthy and powerful, which is incorrect and invalidated by the following sentence.
Leaving the passage as it is leaves a contrast unintroduced.
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Paul stood waiting, for the meeting with James. He had arrived early at the little alleyway in northern Bramville, waiting to meet the other man at a pub named the “Pick and the Shovel.” The whole situation was extremely strange, for Paul had never met James. Indeed, nobody whom Paul knew had met him. Hitherto, the mysterious man had been nothing more than a voice on the phone and a conversationalist via e-mail.
The making, of the trip to Bramville, was utterly unexpected, and his companions had encouraged him to reconnoiter the situation, record his thoughts, and communicate them within the coming week. Many peoples’ fates rode on the character of this mysterious man, this James. By stroke of luck, Paul was about to meet him.
Although Paul was quite certain that this was the appropriate course of action, he was still quite unnerved. Thousands of miles from his home, far from any friends, and without a cell phone, he could well be the target of a dangerous man. For this reason, he watched very intently as every person passed by, particularly those men who were alone. Many times, he asked himself, “Is that him”?
Thus, Paul watched and waited, somewhat overcome with fear yet also anxious to meet this mysterious man. It was time for a meeting with this man, upon whose mysterious persona were placed so many hopes. Though Paul was nervous to be the person to meet James, he knew that he was the man to whom this task had been appointed by fate.
Which of the following options for an opening sentence for the third paragraph best matches the style of describing Paul’s internal state in that paragraph?
The last two sentences of the second paragraph help to give us a sense of Paul's internal state. He is aware of the many fates that are linked to the mysterious man he is soon to meet. Likewise, it is by a stroke of luck that this meeting is going to occur. Thus, he likely has some inner determination that this is the correct (and, indeed, necessary) thing to do.
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Paul stood waiting, for the meeting with James. He had arrived early at the little alleyway in northern Bramville, waiting to meet the other man at a pub named the “Pick and the Shovel.” The whole situation was extremely strange, for Paul had never met James. Indeed, nobody whom Paul knew had met him. Hitherto, the mysterious man had been nothing more than a voice on the phone and a conversationalist via e-mail.
The making, of the trip to Bramville, was utterly unexpected, and his companions had encouraged him to reconnoiter the situation, record his thoughts, and communicate them within the coming week. Many peoples’ fates rode on the character of this mysterious man, this James. By stroke of luck, Paul was about to meet him.
Although Paul was quite certain that this was the appropriate course of action, he was still quite unnerved. Thousands of miles from his home, far from any friends, and without a cell phone, he could well be the target of a dangerous man. For this reason, he watched very intently as every person passed by, particularly those men who were alone. Many times, he asked himself, “Is that him”?
Thus, Paul watched and waited, somewhat overcome with fear yet also anxious to meet this mysterious man. It was time for a meeting with this man, upon whose mysterious persona were placed so many hopes. Though Paul was nervous to be the person to meet James, he knew that he was the man to whom this task had been appointed by fate.
Which of the following options would end the third paragraph by indicating that James had not yet arrived?
The correct answer not only indicates the silence or lack of response; it likewise expresses (in a semi-explicit, though still metaphoric way) that the silence indicated that James had not yet arrived.
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Read the following passage and choose the correct response.
When I was a child, my father would take me to our local amusement park every other weekend. He would always wake me up early so we could spend all day at the park. A wave of excitement always hit me as we walked through the gate into the park. Getting to the top of the roller coaster, I my entire body tensed up.I wasn't ready for a ride like this, but there was no turning back now.I felt the cart move forward and braced for the impending drop.
The change from entering the park to being at the top of the roller coaster is abrupt and not properly established by the sentences before it. It would be best for these two ideas to be in two separate paragraphs.
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The writer is considering adding the following phrase to the end of the sentence: "he appeared as the Little Tramp in over 300 films during his long career." Should the writer make this addition?
Charlie Chaplin was one of the most prolific filmmakers of the 20th Century
The sentence claims that Chaplin was "prolific", thus the large number of films he made is a very relevant detail in the context of the sentence.
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“What is Leisure?”
It would likely surprise \[1\] modern readers if he or she were told that the meaning of life is leisure. This seems to be the same thing as saying that the meaning of life is nothing more than relaxing by the side of the pool. \[2\] One can imagine almost anyone thinking to himself, “What a preposterous idea.” This idea is not as foreign as it might appear at first glance. Indeed, \[3\] it could be considered the classic Western position about the very meaning of life. \[4\] This, of course, lies in contrast to all other global positions, but that’s a topic for another day.
\[5\] Of course, we need to understand what is meant by the word leisure if we are going to understand this assertion. The best way to understand this is to consider a contrast between two different kinds of activity. \[6\] On the one hand, there are many activities that are for the sake of something else. \[7\] On the other hand. There are those activities that are done for their own sake. These latter kinds of activities are those that are properly understood as being leisurely. \[8\] For example, when someone cuts onions for a meal, the cutting of the onions is not done for their own sake. The easiest way to figure out if something is being done for the sake of another end is to ask, “Why are you doing that.” \[9\] The onion cutter will answer, “I am doing it so that I can make dinner.” This helps us to see that the cutting of the onions is for the sake of something else. \[10\] Indeed, even the eating of dinner is for the sake of something else, namely attaining adequate nutrition.
\[11\] In contrast to these examples, leisurely activities are those that are done for they’re own sake. \[12\] For example, ask someone who enjoys organ music why he is listening to an organ concert. The answer will almost certainly be, “For the sake of listening to organ music. It is that important and beautiful!” Many things can be considered leisurely, including forms of games that are played merely for their own enjoyment; however, it is important to bear in mind that there is a hierarchy of goods. \[13\] Some types of leisure are better than others and likely are more preferable.
\[14\] After which sentence is the best place for more examples to be offered for the reader?
This whole passage ends on something of an "open note." It doesn't really close out well, explaining what the author means by "more preferable" leisure. Therefore, it would greatly help the clarity of the passage to express what is meant by this point.
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“Bach and German Hymnody”
\[31\] The great German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach was a member of a prodigiously talented musical family. \[32\] A significant number of Johann Sebastians ancestors and descendants were musicians of various levels of talent. \[33\] Although he was known for music of a variety of forms, one of his most enduring legacies is the repertoire of chorale music by which he improved and solidified the world of German congregational singing.
During the period after the Protestant Reformation, a number of hymns were written for use in the common worship of the Christians of the time. \[34\] The structured form of these compositions werewell suited for congregational singing although theywould sound strange to our contemporary ears. \[35\] The harmonies and meters of these hymns are very close in character to the music with which we are familiar. They lack some of the standard structural elements that we take for granted in this form of organized \[36\] Western music, these small differences would stand out to our sensibilities.
It was the great glory of Johann Sebastian Bach to have harmonized a great number of these hymns, often penning multiple such harmonies. \[37\] One solitary single melody might be made by Bach into three, four, or even five different harmonic compositions. \[38\] This amazing feat of musical prowess is no smalladdition to the original behest of Lutheran hymns that Bach had inherited from his fellow religious brethren. \[39\] Many of these harmonies remain to this day as classic renditions of these songs. \[40\] They are sung not only in the German world but inProtestant and Catholic services. \[41\] Indeed they are even sung in wholly secular concerts thanks to their great beauty!
Interestingly enough, Bach was more recognized as a talented performer, rather than composer, of music in his own lifetime. While he was still composing, knowledge of Bach’s work was limited to music connoisseurs who happened to be physically near places \[42\] he lived and worked. It was not until the early 19th century, when the first biography of Bach was published, that academic and popular interest \[43\] truly picked up steam. In the two centuries that followed, his works have continued to proliferate in both religious and purely musical contexts.
This great diffusion of one mans’ work is a testament to his prodigious talent. \[44\] It also stands as a testament to the fact that Bach’s work came at a pivotal time when the Protestant hymnody was crystallizing, as well as when Western harmonies were coming into a particular expression that is known as the Baroque. \[45\]
Choose the answer that would best help to transition from selection \[33\] to the next paragraph in the text.
The second paragraph of this text discusses how Bach's chorales helped to develop existing forms of music. Yes, they were different from contemporary harmony structures, but the idea is that his work did not occur "in a vacuum." The passage then goes on to discuss how these works have found universal acclaim, including outside of even religious circles. Thus, the best option is the sentence that transitions by stating, "These works organically developed the existing culture of music and created a kind of universal 'harmonic ear' for Western culture after Bach's time."
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“Bach and German Hymnody”
\[31\] The great German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach was a member of a prodigiously talented musical family. \[32\] A significant number of Johann Sebastians ancestors and descendants were musicians of various levels of talent. \[33\] Although he was known for music of a variety of forms, one of his most enduring legacies is the repertoire of chorale music by which he improved and solidified the world of German congregational singing.
During the period after the Protestant Reformation, a number of hymns were written for use in the common worship of the Christians of the time. \[34\] The structured form of these compositions werewell suited for congregational singing although theywould sound strange to our contemporary ears. \[35\] The harmonies and meters of these hymns are very close in character to the music with which we are familiar. They lack some of the standard structural elements that we take for granted in this form of organized \[36\] Western music, these small differences would stand out to our sensibilities.
It was the great glory of Johann Sebastian Bach to have harmonized a great number of these hymns, often penning multiple such harmonies. \[37\] One solitary single melody might be made by Bach into three, four, or even five different harmonic compositions. \[38\] This amazing feat of musical prowess is no smalladdition to the original behest of Lutheran hymns that Bach had inherited from his fellow religious brethren. \[39\] Many of these harmonies remain to this day as classic renditions of these songs. \[40\] They are sung not only in the German world but inProtestant and Catholic services. \[41\] Indeed they are even sung in wholly secular concerts thanks to their great beauty!
Interestingly enough, Bach was more recognized as a talented performer, rather than composer, of music in his own lifetime. While he was still composing, knowledge of Bach’s work was limited to music connoisseurs who happened to be physically near places \[42\] he lived and worked. It was not until the early 19th century, when the first biography of Bach was published, that academic and popular interest \[43\] truly picked up steam. In the two centuries that followed, his works have continued to proliferate in both religious and purely musical contexts.
This great diffusion of one mans’ work is a testament to his prodigious talent. \[44\] It also stands as a testament to the fact that Bach’s work came at a pivotal time when the Protestant hymnody was crystallizing, as well as when Western harmonies were coming into a particular expression that is known as the Baroque. \[45\]
Choose the answer that would best help to clarify the sentence's meaning, if added at the end of selection \[40\].
As written, the sentence implies that these chorales are not only used in the German-speaking world, but that they are also used throughout the whole world, outside of German-speaking areas. The expression "as well" does not completely express this idea that they are used outside of German-speaking areas; however, "throughout the world" does. Really the sentence describes two phenomena. First of all, they are used throughout the world. In addition, they are used even in Catholic services in addition to Protestant ones. As the options stand, it is best to add "throughout the world."
(Note: there is also an error in this sentence with regard to its conjunction structure; however, that is not being discussed in this question.)
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\[1\] The questionnaires provided information about three competitive products. \[2\] Initially, this caused the company to worry about their own product's sales. \[3\] After this understanding, the company concluded that there were no other competitive products currently on the market. \[4\] They proceeded with their original plans to launch the product next month.
Where would be the most logical place to add the following sentence if you wanted to elaborate on why the company launched their product?
"However, after more research, the data showed that none of these products could possibly result in direct competition."
The newly added sentence is providing a reason why the company believed there were no other competitive products on the market despite the data from the surveys. The new sentence is the "understanding" that the third sentence describes. Furthermore, the word "however" in the new sentence refutes the company's initial worries in Sentence 2. Therefore, the new sentence should go after the second sentence and before the third sentence.
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Passage adapted from Twenty Years After (1845) by Alexandre Dumas
(1) In a splendid chamber of the Palais Royal, formerly styled the Palais Cardinal, a man was sitting in deep reverie, his head supported on his hands, leaning over a gilt and inlaid table which was covered with letters and papers. Behind this figure glowed a vast fireplace alive with leaping flames; great logs of oak blazed and crackled on the polished brass andirons whose flicker shone upon the superb habiliments of the lonely tenant of the room, which was illumined grandly by twin candelabra rich with wax-lights.
(2) Any one who happened at that moment to contemplate that red simar - the gorgeous robe of office - and the rich lace, or who gazed on that pale brow, bent in anxious meditation, might, in the solitude of that apartment, combined with the silence of the ante-chambers and the measured paces of the guards upon the landing-place, have fancied that the shade of Cardinal Richelieu lingered still in his accustomed haunt.
(3) It was, alas! the ghost of former greatness. France enfeebled, the authority of her sovereign contemned, her nobles returning to their former turbulence and insolence, her enemies within her frontiers - all proved the great Richelieu no longer in existence.
(4) In truth, that the red simar which occupied the wonted place was his no longer, was still more strikingly obvious from the isolation which seemed, as we have observed, more appropriate to a phantom than a living creature - from the corridors deserted by courtiers, and courts crowded with guards - from that spirit of bitter ridicule, which, arising from the streets below, penetrated through the very casements of the room, which resounded with the murmurs of a whole city leagued against the minister; as well as from the distant and incessant sounds of guns firing - let off, happily, without other end or aim, except to show to the guards, the Swiss troops and the military who surrounded the Palais Royal, that the people were possessed of arms.
If paragraph 3 was removed, this passage would lose all of the following except _____________.
"Important information about how Cardinal Richelieu died," is the correct answer, because paragraph 3 never addresses the cause of Cardinal Richelieu's death. If paragraph 3 was deleted, the passage would lose the characterization of Cardinal Richelieu as a great leader, important information about the state of France under Cardinal Richelieu's leadership, and important information about the state of France at present.
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"A Unique Journey" by Jasmine Tilley (2013)
While I was studying abroad in Europe, I had the great opportunity to travel to different countries. For one of my adventures, I chose to travel to Switzerland; however, the classmates I usually traveled with were unable to come with me. I was faced in deciding whether to go alone or not at all. This decision was easy for me, I was not going to pass up the opportunity to see Switzerland!
I first had to board a train from where I was staying in Italy to reach the southern part of Switzerland. Unfortunately, the train workers were on strike that day, so I ended up delayed in Milan for several hours. Soon enough I was on my way again. However, shortly after I reached the Switzerland border, the train stopped because one of the cars was filled with smoke! I still have no idea what happened, but after a few minutes we were moving again.
Once I finally reached Geneva, I had to walk to find the hostel where I was staying that I had booked. It was night, and I realized that I was truly alone. I did not know another soul in this entire country! This thought was both scary and exciting.
The next day, I walked all around Geneva. Being my own tour guide was a fantastic adventure. I saw all the major sites while also experiencing the culture. There was some sort of marathon going on that day, and there was so much excitement all throughout the city. There were live bands. It even rained off and on. Everything was new and interesting, and I loved it.
That evening, I boarded a train to Zermatt. Prior to this journey, I had no idea that the Matterhorn was an actual mountain! The city of Zermatt was very tiny and had no cars, only small electric vehicles that resembled wind-up toys. The whole city was lit up, and though I was walking to my hostel at night again, I felt very safe. Walking through Geneva at night, though, starkly contrasted it.
The next day, I decided to go skiing on the beautiful, snowy mountains in Zermatt. I rented a pair of skis and spent a few hours skiing in my jeans and coat! It was an amazing experience.
My journey to Switzerland is dear to me not just because of the many beautiful and exciting things I experienced, but also because I was alone. I had the time as well as the quiet atmosphere to absorb and contemplate not just what was going on around me but also what was going on inside myself. I felt changed somehow. I felt stronger and more independent.
The writer is considering removing the underlined portion: "It even rained off and on." If she were to do so, the essay would primarily lose what?
While not vital, the fact that it rained throughout the day adds detail to the reader’s mental picture of the writer’s perspective.
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Adapted from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
Laurie ran to meet and present them to his friends in the most cordial manner. The lawn was the reception room, and for several minutes a lively scene was enacted there. Meg was grateful to see that Miss Kate, though twenty, was dressed with a simplicity which American girls would do well to imitate, and who was much flattered by Mr. Ned's assurances that he came especially to see her. Jo understood why Laurie "primmed up his mouth" when speaking of Kate, for that young lady had a standoff-don't-touch-me air, which contrasted strongly with the free and easy demeanor of the other girls. Amy found Grace a well-mannered, merry little person, and after staring dumbly at one another for a few minutes, they suddenly became very good friends.
Tents, lunch, and croquet utensils having been sent on beforehand, the party was soon embarked, and the two boats pushed off together, leaving Mr. Laurence waving his hat on the shore. Laurie and Jo rowed one boat, Mr. Brooke and Ned the other, while Fred Vaughn, the riotous twin, did his best to upset both by paddling about in a wherry like a disturbed water bug. Jo's funny hat deserved a vote of thanks, for it was of general utility. It broke the ice in the beginning by producing a laugh, it created quite a refreshing breeze, flapping to and fro as she rowed, and would make an excellent umbrella for the whole party, if a shower came up, she said.
Meg, in the other boat, was delightfully situated, face to face with the rowers, which both admired her and feathered their oars with uncommon skill and dexterity.
The author is considering removing the bolded and underlined portion in the first paragraph. If she did so, the paragraph would primarily lose __________.
The phrase preceding the underlined portion states: "Jo understood why Laurie 'primmed up his mouth' when speaking of Kate." The clause that follows, therefore, provides evidence for why Jo understands this. The word "for" is used to show that evidence is about to be given.
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Passage adapted from Under The Lilacs (1878) by Louisa May Alcott
The elm-tree avenue was all overgrown, the great gate was never unlocked, and the old house had been shut up for several years.
Yet voices were heard about the place, the lilacs nodded over the high wall as if they said, "We could tell fine secrets if we chose," and the mullein outside the gate made haste to reach the keyhole, that it might peep in and see what was going on. If it had suddenly grown up like a magic bean-stalk, and looked in on a certain June day, it would have seen a droll but pleasant sight, for somebody evidently was going to have a party.
From the gate to the porch went a wide walk, paved with smooth slabs of dark stone, and bordered with the tall bushes which met overhead, making a green roof. All sorts of neglected flowers and wild weeds grew between their stems, covering the walls of this summer parlor with the prettiest tapestry. A board, propped on two blocks of wood, stood in the middle of the walk, covered with a little plaid shawl much the worse for wear, and on it a miniature tea-service was set forth with great elegance. To be sure, the tea-pot had lost its spout, the cream-jug its handle, the sugar-bowl its cover, and the cups and plates were all more or less cracked or nicked; but polite persons would not take notice of these trifling deficiencies, and none but polite persons were invited to this party.
On either side of the porch was a seat, and here a somewhat remarkable sight would have been revealed to any inquisitive eye peering through the aforesaid keyhole. Upon the left-hand seat lay seven dolls, upon the right-hand seat lay six; and so varied were the expressions of their countenances, owing to fractures, dirt, age, and other afflictions, that one would very naturally have thought this a doll's hospital, and these the patients waiting for their tea.
If the underlined portion was deleted, the passage would lose ___________.
"An important detail about characters who may soon be introduced" is the correct answer, because the narrator has not yet introduced the partygoers, but can be expected to soon.
"An important piece of dialogue" is not the correct answer because the underlined portion is not a piece of dialogue.
"The author's opinion about the partygoers" is not the correct answer because the author is not writing in first person.
"An important piece of information about the narrator's family" is not the correct answer because the narrator is speaking not about family, but about those invited to the party.
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Passage adapted from The Mysterious Key and What it Opened (1867) by Louisa May Alcott
"Trevlyn lands and Trevlyn gold,
Heir nor heiress e'er shall hold,
Undisturbed, till, spite of rust,
Truth is found in Trevlyn dust."
"This is the third time I've found you poring over that old rhyme. What is the charm, Richard? Not its poetry I fancy." And the young wife laid a slender hand on the yellow, time-worn page where, in Old English text, appeared the lines she laughed at.
Richard Trevlyn looked up with a smile and threw by the book, as if annoyed at being discovered reading it. Drawing his wife's hand through his own, he led her back to her couch, folded the soft shawls about her, and, sitting in a low chair beside her, said in a cheerful tone, though his eyes betrayed some hidden care, "My love, that book is a history of our family for centuries, and that old prophecy has never yet been fulfilled, except the 'heir and heiress' line. I am the last Trevlyn, and as the time draws near when my child shall be born, I naturally think of his future, and hope he will enjoy his heritage in peace."
If the underlined portion was deleted, the passage would lose all of the following except ___________.
"Important information about Richard's parents" is the correct answer, because the underlined portion gives no information about Richard's parents. It does give us an important detail about Richard's wife (namely that she is pregnant), and the book (which is "a history of \[their\] family). The detail about his wife, that she is pregnant, is also about an event that will occur soon.
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“John Adams—A Forgotten American Founder”
Sadly, the great exploits of important \[46\] men and women is often forgotten in the mists of history. The myths and historical tales of a nation can lead the people to forget \[47\] some of their most important founders and national heroes. In the United States of America, this kind of forgetfulness has occurred in the case of the Founding Father, John Adams. For a number of reasons, President Adams \[48\] had been forgotten. Recounting the \[49\] tales of the nations’ founding, many remember figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. \[50\] However, during those early years of the republic, Adams was a pivotal figure in assuring independence to the burgeoning nation.
\[51\] During the debates concerning the Declaration of Independence, Adams was something of a “chief orator,” tirelessly attempting to convince the gathered parties of the importance of declaring independence from England. \[52\] Adams a temperamental and passionate man, was the perfect person to fill such a role. In contrast to the judicious Franklin and the controlled and quiet Jefferson, he was fit for performing such oratorical shows and bombasts. \[53\] Although he joined Jefferson and Franklin on the drafting committee for the declaration, his most important work during this time was arguably this long project of oratory.
\[54\] In addition, many forget the lonely years Adams spent as a minister to France and as the first minister to England. What a difficult affair such posts would have been at the time. \[55\] As the minister to France, what weight could he have had with the court of such an old European nation? Furthermore, Adams \[56\] was not temperamentally \[57\] suited for French courtly customs being a stern and somewhat moralistic man. \[58\] Then, to be sent to England—how difficult that must have been. As the minister on behalf of a once-rebel nation, how could he stand before the Court of King James? Nevertheless, Adams served his \[59\] post nobly and deserves great recognition for this devoted service to his young nation.
Which sentence would need to be altered if this selection were to focus on all of Adams's achievements in his lifetime?
The option that is correct is so because it focuses the topic on the "early years of the republic." Granted, in the final paragraph, Adams's work as a minister to France and England is discussed in a way that implies that the nation was already independent, perhaps for some time.
When you read the sentence, "However, during those early years of the republic, Adams was a pivotal figure in assuring independence to the burgeoning nation," you likely have the sense that the passage will discuss affairs pertaining to the early period of the nation's gaining of independence. This limits the temporal scope of the passage. If you wish to discuss more in Adams's life (i.e. outside of this limited temporal scope), it would be advisable to edit this sentence into something like, "However, during his lifetime, Adams was a pivotal figure in assuring the status of the new nation."
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The writer wants to add the following phrase to the beginning of the sentence: "First elected in 1954,"
Should the writer make this addition?
Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina served in the Senate for 49 years until his death.
By placing the date of Thurmond's first election as 1954, the writer allows the reader to deduce that the Senator died in 2003.
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Josh and Mary, who have been married for several years, told us the story of the early years of their relationship. They first met on a cold day in December of 1993. They were very different--Josh was an artist and spent his days painting murals, and his nights bartending. Mary was on the fast track to a partnership at a law firm. At first, Josh was not sure he was interested. Mary felt it was love at first sight. Over time, as their relationship developed, Josh could not imagine his life without Mary anymore, so he suggested that they get married. They have been living happily in the country ever since.
The author is considering removing this sentence. What would be the effect of its removal?
This question asks you about the effect of removing content from a paragraph. This sentence provides imagery and helps to locate the reader in the time when the characters met, but removing it would not have a huge effect on the actual events described in this story. The information about the temperature and time of year is not the key to understanding their relationship, but it does relate to the story.
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