Sat Reading CH 4 Critical Reading

Critical Reading
4
WHAT IS CRITICAL READING?
The critical reading questions on the SAT assess your ability to understand
what you read. In the past, the SAT contained only long passages on the
arts and literature. On the new SAT, the passages range from 100 to 850
words long and are taken from a variety of fields, including not only the
humanities but also social sciences, such as psychology and economics,
and natural sciences, such as biology and chemistry. The passages can be
presented individually or in pairs. The paired passages require you to com-
pare and contrast information.
TYPES OF CRITICAL READING

QUESTIONS
There are three types of SAT critical reading questions.
1. Vocabulary-in-context questions ask you to define a specific word in the
passage.
2. Literal comprehension questions require you to identify information
directly stated in the passage.
3. Extended reasoning questions ask you to analyze, evaluate, and pull
together information from the passage(s). These questions involve
finding causes/effects, making inferences, analyzing, and using logical
reasoning. Most of the critical reading questions involve extended
reasoning.
119
120 Critical Reading Practice
Below are examples of each type of question.
Questions 1–3 are based on the following passage.

In the vast majority of cases a person will be happier if he has no rigid
and arbitrary notions, for gardens are moody, particularly with the
novice rather than the expert. If plants grow and thrive, he should be
happy; and if the plants that thrive chance not to be the ones that he
(5) planted, they are plants nevertheless, and nature is satisfied with them.
Vocabulary-in-context question
1. The word novice in the first sentence means

(A) adept
(B) mature
(C) beginner
(D) impatient
(E) austere
Literal comprehension question
2. According to the author of this passage, an intelligent person should

approach the task of gardening
(A) with an easygoing, relaxed attitude
(B) with specific ideas about crops to plant and ways to make them
flourish
(C) only after having completed extensive training
(D) determined to master nature
(E) as a career rather than a hobby, because gardening brings great
rewards
Extended reasoning question
3. This passage was most likely written by

(A) someone whose garden failed miserably
(B) a gardener with specific ideas about plants, soil, and climate
conditions
(C) a plant salesperson
(D) someone who breeds rare plants such as orchids
(E) an expert gardener seeking to reassure an amateur gardener
Answers
1. The correct answer is (C). Use the context clue “novice rather than
the expert.”
2. The correct answer is (A). The answer is in the second sentence.
3. The correct answer is (E). You can infer this from the reader’s
knowledgeable, self-assured tone.
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Critical Reading 121
Answering Vocabulary-in-Context
Questions
Some of these questions ask you to define difficult and unfamiliar words.
Other questions test your ability to define familiar words that are used in
uncommon ways. In either instance, use context clues and word parts (pre-
fixes, roots, suffixes) to help you define the words. Follow these three steps:
1. Skim the passage and find the word that you need to define.
2. Use context clues and/or word parts to define the word. Restate the
meaning in your own words.
3. Look for the answer choice that best matches your definition.
Read the following passage and answer the sample SAT questions that
follow.
Think “bank robbery” and you think “stick ‘em up.” But that’s for
amateurs, desperadoes, and the pages of history. This is, after all,
the twenty-first century. In October 2001, the Kaiping Sub-branch
of the Bank of China in Guangdong province, People’s Republic of
(5) China, discovered that a local organized crime group had embezzled,
stolen, and laundered at least $500 million from its vaults through
accounts in Hong Kong, Macau, Canada and the U.S.
1. As used in line 2, the word desperadoes most nearly means

(A) juvenile delinquents
(B) sophisticated, polished bank robbers
(C) youthful crooks
(D) historical lawbreaker
(E) bold, reckless criminals
2. Which word best captures the meaning of embezzled in line 5?
(A) misappropriated
(B) destroyed
(C) hid
(D) depleted
(E) turned into smaller currency
3. In line 6, laundered is used to mean
(A) got caught with the money
(B) marked the money with indelible dye
(C) disguised the source of the money
(D) spent all the money
(E) gave away all the money
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Answers
1. The correct answer is (E). Use the context clues “bank robbery”
and “stick ‘em up.”
2. The correct answer is (A). Use the context clue “stolen.”
3. The correct answer is (C). Infer the slang meaning from the
everyday meaning of laundered, “to wash.”
Answering Literal Comprehension

Questions
These questions require you to find information that is directly stated in the
passage. Follow these three steps:
1. Skim the question stems—not the answers. Then read the passage all the
way through.
2. Read the questions and answer choices.
3. Choose your answer. Return to the passage to find the relevant detail that
confirms your choice.
follow.
For the past fifty years, whatever has been done for the cause of
progress and good against absolute governments and heredity aris-
tocracies has been done in the name of the Rights of Man; in the
name of liberty as the means, and of well-being as the object of
(5) existence. All the acts of the French Revolution and the revolutions
which followed and imitated it were consequences of the Declara-
tion of the Rights of Man. All the revolutionary schools preached
that man is born for happiness, that he has the right to seek it by all
the means in his power, that no one has the right to impede him in
(10) this search, and that he has the right of overthrowing all the ob-
stacles which he may encounter on his path. When all barriers are
torn down, man will be free.
And nevertheless, in these past fifty years, the sources of social
wealth and the sum of material blessings have steadily increased.
(15) Production has doubled. Commerce and continual crisis, inevitable
in the utter lack of organization, have acquired a greater force of
activity and a wider sphere for its operations. Communication has
almost everywhere been made secure and rapid, and the price of
commodities has fallen in consequence of the diminished cost of
(20) transport.
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1. As stated in this passage, the Declaration of the Rights of Man had

success in
(A) establishing absolute governments
(B) prompting the French Revolution
(C) stopping all revolutions after the French Revolution
(D) building up heredity aristocracies
(E) preventing the cause of progress and good against absolute
governments
2. According to the information in this passage, when people have
achieved the right to seek happiness and to overthrow all obstacles in
their path to happiness,
(A) poverty was abolished
(B) a utopia was achieved
(C) the aristocracy was overthrown
(D) liberty was achieved
(E) liberty, equality, and fraternity reigned
3. According to this passage, decreases in the cost of merchandise
resulted from
(A) increases in the amount of available labor
(B) equal division in the consumption of material goods
(C) decreases in costs of movement of goods
(D) more laborers becoming merchants
(E) better rapport between capital and labor
Answers
1. The correct answer is (B). The answer is directly stated in the first
paragraph: “All the acts of the French Revolution and the revolutions
which followed and imitated it were consequences of the Declaration
of the Rights of Man.”
2. The correct answer is (D). The answer is directly stated in the first
paragraph: “When all barriers are torn down, man will be free.”
3. The correct answer is (C). The answer is directly stated in the
second paragraph: “…the price of commodities has fallen in
consequence of the diminished cost of transport.”
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Answering Extended Reasoning Questions

These questions require you to find information that is not directly stated in
the passage. As a result, you will have to make inferences—“read between
the lines”—and analyze what you read. To make an inference, combine
story clues with what you already know to find unstated information. These
questions may also ask you to compare and contrast information in two
passages. Follow these three steps:
1. Read the passage(s) all the way through. As you read, restate the
information in your own words. Think about the author’s attitude
toward the material, the tone of the passage, and the author’s purpose or
reason for writing. Ask yourself, “What is the author trying to express?”
2. Read the questions and answer choices. Choose your answer.
3. Use the process of elimination. Guess if you can eliminate even
one choice.
follow.
It is remarkable, the character of the pleasure we derive from the
best books. They impress us with the conviction that one nature wrote
and the same reads. But for the evidence thence afforded to the philo-
sophical doctrine of the identity of all minds, we should suppose
(5) some preestablished harmony, some foresight of souls that were to
be, and some preparation of stores for their future wants, like the
fact observed in insects, who lay up food before death for the young
grub they shall never see.
I would not be hurried by any love of system, by any exaggeration
(10) of insects, to underrate the Book. We all know the human mind can
be fed by any knowledge. And great and heroic men have existed
who had almost no other information than by the printed page. I
would only say that it needs a strong head to bear that diet. One
must be an inventor to read well. As the proverb says, “He that would
(15) bring home the wealth of the Indies, must carry out the wealth of the
Indies.” There is then creative reading as well as creative writing.
When the mind is braced by labor and invention, the page of what-
ever book we read becomes luminous with manifold allusion.
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1. The author uses the images of insects (lines 6–8) to parallel his
discussion of
(A) past writer storing knowledge for future readers
(B) authors working in grubby surroundings
(C) selfless parents toiling blindly for unknowing children
(D) the act of creating art
(E) the food chain
2. The proverb that the author cites in lines 14–16 is used to support his
theory that
(A) the rich need more education than the poor
(B) a person must apply knowledge to extract knowledge
(C) all the wealth in the world will not make a person a genius
(D) books are expensive, but they are worth the money
(E) only a writer can be a good reader
3. A good title for this passage might be
(A) “Creative Thought”
(B) “Rating Books”
(C) “The Wealth of the Past”
(D) “Visions of the Future”
(E) “Creative Reading”
Answers
1. The correct answer is (A). Just as insects store food the young they
may never see, so do writers store knowledge for readers they may
never know.
2. The correct answer is (B). The author believes that reading requires
a certain amount of application if it is to be fruitful.
3. The correct answer is (E). All the details describe the creative
reader.
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PRETEST
Directions: Answer each question based on what is directly stated or suggested in each passage.
Mark the letter that appears before your answer.
Questions 1–2 are based on the following Questions 3–5 are based on the following
passage. passage.
It was 1934, and the nation was reeling Phrenology is the name given by Thomas
from the Great Depression: unemploy- Ignatius Forster to the empirical system
ment stood at 24.9% and the Dow-Jones of psychology formulated by F. J. Gall,
average was sputtering from a low of 50 and developed by his followers. The prin-
(5) to a high of 108. Since the ascent of (5) ciples upon which it is based are five: (1)
Adolph Hitler to the position of Chancel- the brain is the organ of the mind; (2) the
lor in Germany in January 1933, groups mental powers of man can be analyzed
in America supporting his fascist ideol- into a definite number of independent fac-
ogy and Nazi vision had become more and ulties; (3) these faculties are innate, and
(10) more vocal, claiming fascism could be the (10) each has its seat in a definite region of the
answer to American woes. surface of the brain; (4) the size of each
President Roosevelt was deeply con- such region is the measure of the degree
cerned. It was already clear in Germany to which the faculty seated in it forms a
that the Nazis, after coming to power, were constituent element in the character of the
(15) removing democratic safeguards there, (15) individual; (5) the correspondence be-
abrogating certain international treaties, tween the outer surface of the skull and
and making noise about needing more the contour of the brain-surface beneath
“living space,” which soon translated into is sufficiently close to enable the observer
capturing neighboring lands. to recognize the relative sizes of these sev-
(20) eral organs by the examination of the outer
surface of the head. It professes primarily
1. As used in line 16, abrogating means
to be a system of psychology, but its sec-
(A) validating ond and more popular claim is that it af-
(B) enforcing fords a method whereby the disposition
(C) setting aside (25) and character of the subject may be ascer-
(D) endorsing tained.
(E) legalizing
3. The writer uses the word organ in line 6
2. The mood of this passage is best to mean
described as
(A) musical instrument
(A) reassuring (B) pipe
(B) fiery (C) organism
(C) eerie (D) creature
(D) foreboding (E) vital part
(E) blithe
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4. You can infer from the information in this Questions 6–12 are based on the following
passage that phrenology is passage.
(A) the oldest and most respectable Sugar pine cones are cylindrical, slightly
subcategory of psychology tapered at the end and rounded at the base.
(B) a type of intelligence Found one today nearly twenty-four
(C) a pseudo-science based on “reading” inches long and six in diameter, the scales
the bumps on your head (5) being open. The average length of full-
(D) a system of thought endorsed by grown cones on trees favorably situated
many followers all over the world is nearly eighteen inches. The noble pine
(E) a way to determine if someone is tree is an inexhaustible study and source
lying or telling the truth of pleasure. I never weary of gazing at its
5. This article most likely appeared in (10) grand tassel cones, the fine purplish color
(A) an encyclopedia of its bark, and its magnificent
(B) a popular magazine outsweeping, down-curving feathery arms
(C) a standard medical textbook forming a crown always bold and striking
(D) a commercial web page and exhilarating. In habit and general port
(E) an advertisement for a self-help (15) it looks somewhat like a palm, but no palm
movement that I have yet seen displays such majesty
of form and behavior either when poised
silent and thoughtful in sunshine, or wide-
awake waving in storm winds with every
(20) needle quivering. When young it is very
straight and regular in form like most other
conifers; but at the age of fifty to one hun-
dred years it begins to acquire individual-
ity, so that no two are alike in their prime
(25) or old age. Every tree calls for special ad-
miration. The diameter of the largest near
the ground is about ten feet, though I’ve
heard of some twelve feet thick or even
fifteen. The diameter is held to a great
(30) height, the taper being almost impercep-
tibly gradual. Its companion, the yellow
pine, is almost as large. The long silvery
foliage of the younger specimens forms
magnificent cylindrical brushes on the top
(35) shoots and the ends of the upturned
branches, and when the wind sways the
needles all one way at a certain angle, ev-
ery tree becomes a tower of white quiver-
ing sunfire. Well may this shining species
(40) be called the silver pine. The needles are
sometimes more than a foot long, almost
as long as those of the long-leaf pine of
Florida.
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6. In this passage, the word scales (line 4) is 10. In his description of the sugar pine, the
used to mean author includes
(A) measures (A) height and thickness
(B) weights (B) various uses
(C) scrapings (C) planting time
(D) husks (D) height, thickness, and coloration
(E) balance (E) taste
7. By “favorably situated” (line 6), the author 11. Which of the following would be the best
probably means title for this passage?
(A) in an approved site (A) “Sugar from the Pine”
(B) positioned pleasantly (B) “A Noble Tree”
(C) newly planted (C) “The Tree of the Sierras”
(D) far from the sea (D) “Comparing Pines and Firs”
(E) having sufficient sun and water (E) “The Yellow Pine”
8. By “general port” (line 14), the author 12. You can infer that the author’s attitude
refers to toward the pine tree is
(A) a place where ships dock (A) deferential
(B) the manner in which a person carried (B) daunted
himself or herself (C) imperious
(C) placement on the left (D) contrite
(D) an opening for intake (E) charitable
(E) a hole for firing weapons
9. In comparing the pine to a palm tree, the
author
(A) finds neither tree especially
impressive
(B) finds the pine less majestic
(C) thinks that he is more like a pine tree
than a palm tree
(D) finds both trees equally majestic
(E) finds the palm less majestic and
assigns the pine human characteristics
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Questions 13–14 are based on the following 14. Which of the following statements would
passage. the author of this passage most likely
endorse?
Economic considerations in Afghanistan
have played second fiddle to political and (A) Afghanistan can be rebuilt quickly
military upheavals during more than two with outside aide because it has a
decades of war, including the nearly 10- strong infrastructure.
(5) year Soviet military occupation (which (B) It will take many years and a great
ended February 15, 1989). During that deal of assistance to rebuild
conflict, one third of the population fled Afghanistan.
the country, with Pakistan and Iran shel- (C) Afghanistan can never be restored to
tering a combined peak of 4 to 6 million its former glory.
(10) refugees. Gross domestic product has (D) America must help rebuild
fallen substantially over the past 20 years Afghanistan because we need a
because of the loss of labor and capital strong, sympathetic ally in the region.
and the disruption of trade and transport; (E) The Tokyo Donors Conference was a
severe drought added to the nation’s diffi- dismal failure.
(15) culties in 1998–2002. International efforts
to rebuild Afghanistan were addressed at
the Tokyo Donors Conference for Afghan
Reconstruction in January 2002, when
$4.5 billion was pledged, $1.7 billion for
(20) 2002. Priority areas for reconstruction in-
clude upgrading education, health, and
sanitation facilities; providing income-
generating opportunities; enhancing ad-
ministrative and security arrangements,
(25) especially in regional areas; developing
the agricultural sector; rebuilding trans-
portation, energy, and telecommunication
infrastructure; and reabsorbing 2 million
returning refugees.
13. The author includes a summary of
Afghanistan’s recent history in order to
(A) create sympathy for the nations that
are helping Afghanistan
(B) compare and contrast Afghanistan to
other nations of similar population
and gross national product
(C) drum up additional support for
Afghanistan
(D) set the rebuilding effort in context
(E) relieve the burden that other nations
are carrying
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Pretest
Explanatory Answers
1. The correct answer is C. As used in line 16, abrogating means “setting aside.” You can infer
this from the statement that the Nazis “were removing democratic safeguards” and would soon
be capturing neighboring lands. They are disregarding the rules they had followed earlier.
2. The correct answer is D. The mood of this passage is best described as foreboding, an
apprehension of misfortune to come. You can infer this from sentences such as “President
Roosevelt was deeply concerned.”
3. The correct answer is E. The writer uses organ to mean “vital part.” You can infer this from
the statement “the brain is the organ of the mind” and its placement first on the list.
4. The correct answer is C. By paraphrasing the last two lines, you can infer that phrenology is a
fake or quack science based on reading the bumps on your head.
5. The correct answer is A. The factual tone, straightforward organization, and ample examples
suggest that this article likely appeared in an encyclopedia.
6. The correct answer is D. The author is referring to the plates on a pine cone. Choice D, husks,
is the closest synonym.
7. The correct answer is E. By “favorably situated,” the author probably means having sufficient
sun and water. This would allow the pine cones to grow to their maximum size.
8. The correct answer is B. A person’s posture is the only meaning that works in context.
9. The correct answer is E. The first part of the answer is in these lines: “but no palm that I have
yet seen displays such majesty of form and behavior either when poised silent and thoughtful in
sunshine, or wide-awake waving in storm winds with every needle quivering.” The second part
of the answer can be inferred from the words “behavior” and “wide-awake,” which show human
qualities.
10. The correct answer is D. Thickness is found in line 25: “The diameter of the largest near the
ground is about ten feet, though I’ve heard of some twelve feet thick or even fifteen.” Height is
found in line 30: “The diameter is held to a great height…” and coloration is found in line 10:
“the fine purplish color of its bark.”
11. The correct answer is B. “A Noble Tree” is the best title because it best reflects the subject.
12. The correct answer is A. You can infer that the author’s attitude toward the pine tree is
deferential or respectful of the tree’s majesty.
13. The correct answer is D. The summary sets the rebuilding effort in context. Without this brief
history, readers will not be able to grasp the enormity of the task that lies ahead in the country.
14. The correct answer is B. The author most likely endorses the idea that it will take many years
and a great deal of assistance to rebuild Afghanistan. The details in the passage contradict
choices A, C, and E. Choice D is not supported by information in the passage.
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LEVEL A CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

Each passage below is followed by a series of questions that require you to analyze, interpret,
or evaluate the written work. Answer these questions on the basis of what each passage states
or implies. Mark the letter that appears before your answer.
Exercise 1
Katherine Prescott Wormeley was born in instant every man was afoot and motion-
England and moved with her family to the (30) less. McClellan walked quickly along the
United States in the late 1840s. When the Civil thousand-foot pier, a major general beside
War broke out, she joined the United States him, and six officers following. He was the
Sanitary Commission, a private organization shortest man, of course, by which I distin-
guished him as the little group stepped onto
designed to supplement the United States
(35) the pier. When he reached the Ariel he ran
Army’s medical division. She was in a place
quickly up to the afterdeck, where the
called Harrison’s Landing when Abraham President met him and grasped his hand.
Lincoln came to meet General McClellan and I could not distinguish the play of his fea-
discuss the fight for control of Richmond. tures, though my eyes still ache with the
For the last two hours I have been watch- (40) effort to do so. He is stouter than I ex-
ing President Lincoln and General pected.… He wore the ordinary blue coat
McClellan as they sat together in earnest and shoulder straps; the coat, fastened only
conversation on the deck of a steamer at the throat, and blowing back as he
(5) close to us. I am thankful, I am happy, that walked, gave to sight a gray flannel shirt
the President has come—has sprung (45) and a—suspender!
across that dreadful intervening Washing- They sat down together, apparently with
ton, and come to see and hear and judge a map between them, to which McClellan
for his own wise and noble self. pointed from time to time with the end of
(10) While we were at dinner someone said, his cigar. We watched the earnest conver-
chancing to look through a window: (50) sation which went on, and which lasted
“Why, there’s the President!” and he until 6 P.M.; then they rose and walked side
proved to be just arriving on the Ariel, at by side ashore—the President in a shiny
the end of the wharf close to which we black coat and stovepipe hat, a whole head
(15) are anchored. I stationed myself at once to and shoulders taller, as it seemed to me,
watch for the coming of McClellan. The (55) than the General. Mr. Lincoln mounted a
President stood on deck with a glass, with led horse of the General’s, and together
which, after a time, he inspected our boat, they rode off, the staff following, the dra-
waving his handkerchief to us. My eyes goons presenting arms and then wheeling
(20) and soul were in the direction of general round to follow, their sabres gleaming in
headquarters, over where the great balloon (60) the sunlight. And so they have passed over
was slowly descending. Presently a line the brow of the hill, and I have come to
of horsemen came over the brow of the tell you about it. The cannon are firing
hill through the trees, and first emerged a salutes—a sound of strange peacefulness
(25) firm-set figure on a brown horse, and af- to us, after the angry, irregular boomings
ter him the staff and bodyguard. As soon (65) and the sharp scream of the shells to which
as the General reached the head of the we are accustomed.…
wharf he sprang from his horse, and in an
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1. What does the author mean by “that 5. Why do the author’s eyes ache?
dreadful intervening Washington” (lines (A) She has been sobbing for hours.
7–8)? (B) She struggled to see Lincoln’s
(A) Politics are always interfering with expression.
the war. (C) The wind has blown smoke from the
(B) Lincoln’s office stands in the way of battle.
his leadership. (D) She is writing in darkness.
(C) Lincoln has crossed Washington to (E) There was glare over the water.
come to Harrison’s Landing.
6. The phrase “by which I distinguished him”
(D) The fame of a previous President
(lines 33–34) might be rewritten
keeps Lincoln in the shadows.
(E) Washington is mediating between (A) “which made him seem elegant”
North and South. (B) “in that way I understood his speech”
(C) “it was easy to see”
2. How does the author feel toward Lincoln? (D) “I was more refined than he”
(A) She trusts his judgment. (E) “which is how I picked him out”
(B) She suspects his motives.
7. A synonym for “dragoons” (line 57)
(C) She regrets his arrival.
might be
(D) She finds him undistinguished.
(E) She has no opinion. (A) wagons
(B) troops
3. The word “glass” is used in line 17 to (C) horses
refer to (D) haulers
(A) a goblet (E) demons
(B) a mirror
8. Why does Wormeley refer to the cannon
(C) a window
salutes as peaceful?
(D) a telescope
(E) bifocals (A) They are far quieter than the scream
of shells.
4. The “great balloon slowly descending” (B) A truce has been declared.
(lines 21–22) is apparently (C) She is contrasting them to the
(A) the sun setting cannonfire of war.
(B) remnants of a firestorm over the (D) Both A and B
Potomac (E) Both B and C
(C) the moon over the river
(D) a mirage
(E) McClellan’s transport arriving
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Exercise 2
Thomas Bulfinch (1796–1867) translated and The Pleiads were daughters of Atlas, and
popularized myths of the ancient Greeks, nymphs of Diana’s train. One day Orion
Romans, and other cultures. Here he describes saw them and became enamoured and
the legends surrounding Orion, the hunter for (45) pursued them. In their distress they prayed
whom a constellation is named. to the gods to change their form, and Ju-
piter in pity turned them into pigeons, and
Orion was the son of Neptune. He was a then made them a constellation in the sky.
handsome giant and a mighty hunter. His Though their number was seven, only six
father gave him the power of wading (50) stars are visible, for Electra, one of them,
through the depths of the sea, or, as others it is said left her place that she might not
(5) say, of walking on its surface. behold the ruin of Troy, for that city was
Orion loved Merope, the daughter of founded by her son Dardanus. The sight
Œnopion, king of Chios, and sought her had such an effect on her sisters that they
in marriage. He cleared the island of wild (55) have looked pale ever since.
beasts, and brought the spoils of the chase
as presents to his beloved; but as Œnopion 1. When Bulfinch says “as others say” in
(10)
constantly deferred his consent, Orion at- lines 4–5, he probably is referring to
tempted to gain possession of the maiden (A) the meaning of “wade” in other
by violence. Her father, incensed at this languages
conduct, having made Orion drunk, de- (B) Orion’s powers as described by the
(15) prived him of his sight and cast him out gods themselves
on the seashore. The blinded hero followed (C) other translations or interpretations of
the sound of a Cyclops’ hammer till he the myth
reached Lemnos, and came to the forge (D) a Christian explanation of the myth
of Vulcan, who, taking pity on him, gave (E) the fact that Orion could perform both
(20) him Kedalion, one of his men, to be his feats
guide to the abode of the sun. Placing 2. The word “spoils” (line 9) means
Kedalion on his shoulders, Orion pro-
(A) leftovers
ceeded to the east, and there meeting the
(B) stains
sun-god, was restored to sight by his beam.
(C) joys
(25) After this he dwelt as a hunter with
(D) damage
Diana, with whom he was a favourite, and
(E) booty
it is even said she was about to marry him.
Her brother was highly displeased and 3. The word “chid” (line 29) means
often chid her, but to no purpose. One day, (A) remarked
(30) observing Orion wading through the sea (B) lost
with his head just above the water, Apollo (C) embraced
pointed it out to his sister and maintained (D) irked
that she could not hit that black thing on (E) scolded
the sea. The archer-goddess discharged a
(35) shaft with fatal aim. The waves rolled the 4. The “black thing on the sea” (line 33) is
dead body of Orion to the land, and be- (A) a seal
wailing her fatal error with many tears, (B) a boat containing Diana’s beloved
Diana placed him among the stars, where (C) Orion’s head
he appears as a giant, with a girdle, sword, (D) Diana’s reflection
(40) lion’s skin, and club. Sirius, his dog, fol- (E) impossible to determine from the
lows him, and the Pleiads fly before him. information given
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5. The word “discharged” (line 34) is used to 7. Unlike the first three paragraphs, the last
mean (A) deals with a constellation other than
(A) performed Orion
(B) shot (B) explains Orion’s death
(C) executed (C) connects myth to the world of nature
(D) emptied (D) Both A and B
(E) dismissed (E) Both B and C
6. The word “train” (line 43) is used to mean 8. The purpose of this myth seems to be to
(A) locomotive (A) teach a lesson about responsibility
(B) gown (B) review the powers of the Greek gods
(C) veil (C) explain certain astronomical
(D) series phenomena
(E) entourage (D) Both A and B
(E) Both C and D
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Exercise 3
Sigmund Freud lived most of his life in Vienna, In the end we come to see that we are
Austria. He trained in medicine and dealing with what may be called a ‘moral’
established The International Psychoanalytic factor, a sense of guilt, which is finding
Association in 1910. This excerpt is from a satisfaction in the illness and refuses to
translation of a 1923 work, The Ego and the Id. (45) give up the punishment of suffering. We
shall be right in regarding this dishearten-
There are certain people who behave in a ing explanation as final. But as far as the
quite peculiar fashion during the work of patient is concerned this sense of guilt is
analysis. When one speaks hopefully to dumb; it does not tell him he is guilty; he
them or expresses satisfaction with the (50) does not feel guilty, he feels ill. This sense
(5) progress of the treatment, they show signs of guilt expresses itself only as a resistance
of discontent and their condition invari- to recovery which is extremely difficult
ably becomes worse. One begins by re- to overcome. It is also particularly diffi-
garding this as defiance and as an attempt cult to convince the patient that this mo-
to prove their superiority to the physician, (55) tive lies behind his continuing to be ill;
(10) but later one comes to take a deeper and he holds fast to the more obvious expla-
juster view. One becomes convinced, not nation that treatment by analysis is not the
only that such people cannot endure any right remedy for his case.
praise or appreciation, but that they react
inversely to the progress of the treatment. 1. How does Freud feel about the syndrome
Every partial solution that ought to result, he describes?
(15)
and in other people does result, in an im- (A) He feels it is curious.
provement or a temporary suspension of (B) He feels it is routine.
symptoms produces in them for the time (C) He feels it is unmanageable.
being an exacerbation of their illness; they (D) He feels it is predictable.
(20) get worse during the treatment instead of (E) He feels it is ridiculous.
getting better. They exhibit what is known 2. The word “defiance” (line 8) is used to
as a ‘negative therapeutic reaction.’ mean
There is no doubt that there is something
(A) boldness
in these people that sets itself against their
(B) respect
(25) recovery, and its approach is dreaded as
(C) scorn
though it were a danger. We are accus-
(D) recalcitrance
tomed to say that the need for illness has
(E) contempt
got the upper hand in them over the de-
sire for recovery. If we analyse this resis- 3. The word “juster” (line 11) means
(30) tance in the usual way—then, even after (A) more honest
allowance has been made for an attitude of (B) more lawful
defiance towards the physician and for fixa- (C) fairer
tion to the various forms of gain from ill- (D) clearer
ness, the greater part of it is still left over; (E) more precise
(35) and this reveals itself as the most powerful
of all obstacles to recovery, more powerful
than the familiar ones of narcissistic inac-
cessibility, a negative attitude towards the
physician and clinging to the gain from
(40) illness.
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4. By “reacting inversely” (lines 14–15), 8. The word “dumb” (line 49) is used to mean
Freud means that these patients (A) slow
(A) act contrary to a physician’s (B) dull
expectations (C) dense
(B) get worse when they should get better (D) stupid
(C) get better when they should get worse (E) silent
(D) Both A and B
9. Does Freud feel that analysis is not right
(E) Both B and C
for the patients he describes?
5. The word “exacerbation” (line 19) means (A) Yes, he feels they are in love with
(A) intensification their illness.
(B) discharge (B) Yes, he feels that they are too ill to
(C) enforcement recover.
(D) hatred (C) Yes, he senses that they need another
(E) inference remedy.
(D) No, but the patients often feel that
6. The “approaching danger” Freud refers to
way.
in lines 25–26 is
(E) No, but analysis may harm such
(A) the need to feel sick patients.
(B) negative attitudes
(C) despair 10. A good title for this passage might be
(D) recovery from illness (A) “Doctors and Patients”
(E) a sense of guilt (B) “Guilt and Suffering”
(C) “An Inverse Reaction to Progress”
7. Freud’s study of this syndrome leads him
(D) “The Need for Analysis”
to think that
(E) “Narcissism”
(A) most patients respond badly to praise
(B) patients’ guilt may keep them from
getting well
(C) patients need to trust their physicians
(D) Both A and B
(E) Both B and C
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Exercise 4
Edwin Markham was primarily a poet. He was Think of the deadly drudgery in these
associated with the “muckraking movement” of cotton mills. Children rise at half-past four,
the early twentieth century. Muckrakers were a (40) commanded by the ogre scream of the fac-
loosely allied set of novelists, essayists, and tory whistle; they hurry, ill fed, unkempt,
magazine editors whose goal was the raising of unwashed, half dressed, to the walls which
shut out the day and which confine them
society’s consciousness and the exposure of
amid the din and dust and merciless maze
social ills. This excerpt is from a 1906 essay
(45) of the machines. Here, penned in little
Markham wrote for the muckraking magazine narrow lanes, they look and leap and reach
Cosmopolitan. and tie among acres and acres of looms.
In the North…, for every one thousand Always the snow of lint in their faces, al-
workers over sixteen years of age there are ways the thunder of the machines in their
eighty-three workers under sixteen…; (50) ears. A scant half hour at noon breaks the
while in the South, for every one thousand twelve-hour vigil, for it is nightfall when
(5) workers in the mills over sixteen years of the long hours end and the children may
age there are three hundred and fifty-three return to the barracks they call “home,”
under sixteen. Some of these are eight and often too tried to wait for the cheerless
nine years old, and some are only five and (55) meal which the mother, also working in the
six. For a day or a night at a stretch these factory, must cook, after her factory day
(10) little children do some one monotonous is over. Frequently at noon and at night
thing—abusing their eyes in watching the they fall asleep with the food unswallowed
rushing threads; dwarfing their muscles in in the mouth. Frequently they snatch only
an eternity of petty movements; befouling (60) a bite and curl up undressed on the bed, to
their lungs by breathing flecks of flying gather strength for the same dull round
(15) cotton; bestowing ceaseless, anxious at- tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.
tention for hours, where science says that 1. The words “abusing,” “dwarfing,” and
“a twenty-minute strain is long enough for “befouling” (lines 11–13) are used by
a growing mind.” And these are not the Markham to show
children of recent immigrants, hardened (A) the health hazards for children of life
(20) by the effete conditions of foreign servi- in the mills
tude. Nor are they Negro children who (B) the quality of the workers in the mills
have shifted their shackles from field to (C) how little respect for life millworkers
mill. They are white children of old and have
pure colonial stock. Think of it! Here is a (D) how adults fare no better than
(25) people that has outlived the bondage of children
England, that has seen the rise and fall of (E) the varying jobs available for children
slavery—a people that must now fling
their children into the clutches of capital, 2. Markham quotes “science” (line 16) to
into the maw of the blind machine… support his point that
(30) Fifty thousand children, mostly girls, are (A) young muscles are built by hard labor
in the textile mills of the South. Six times as (B) mill work is dangerous
many children are working now as were (C) children should not work long hours
working twenty years ago. Unless the con- (D) Both A and B
science of the nation can be awakened, (E) Both B and C
(35) it will not be long before one hundred
thousand children will be hobbling in hope-
less lock-step to these Bastilles of labor.…
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3. The word “effete” (line 20) means 7. Paragraph 3 continues Markham’s

(A) decent metaphor of
(B) flourishing (A) prisons
(C) childless (B) monsters
(D) barren (C) flight
(E) unwholesome (D) Both A and B
4. By “shifted their shackles from field to (E) Both B and C
mill” (lines 22–23), Markham means 8. The word “penned” (line 45) is used to
(A) taken their slaves from country to city compare the children to
(B) changed from field slaves to slaves of (A) writers
the mills (B) animals
(C) moved their money indoors (C) wrestlers
(D) slipped the bonds of slavery to work (D) pigs
in the mills (E) ranchhands
(E) left a life of servitude for a better life
9. The word “barracks” (line 53) is used to
5. By “the maw of the blind machine” (line refer to the fact that the children’s home is
29), Markham compares mill labor to
(A) in a camp
(A) a senseless device (B) manned by armed guards
(B) a matriarchal society (C) dreary and uniform
(C) a cruel, unfeeling mother (D) militarily clean
(D) a Cyclops-like ogre (E) old and run-down
(E) a tool that blinds workers
10. Markham repeats the word “tomorrow”
6. What does Markham mean by “Bastilles of (line 62) to
labor” (line 37)?
(A) remind us that the future is here
(A) America needs a revolution. (B) imply endless repetitiveness
(B) The mills are prisons. (C) suggest that it is not too late to
(C) Children work for freedom. change
(D) Work is the drug of the masses. (D) arouse us to the fact that these
(E) We are no better than Europeans. children will grow up
(E) contrast the past with the present
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Exercise 5
Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of America’s nous with manifold allusion. Every sen-
best-known essayists. In 1837 he was called on tence is doubly significant, and the sense
to give the Phi Beta Kappa address to Harvard of our author is as broad as the world. We
students and their guests. He spoke on “The (45) then see, what is always true, that as the
American Scholar.” seer’s hour of vision is short and rare
among heavy days and months, so is its
It is remarkable, the character of the plea- record, perchance, the least part of his vol-
sure we derive from the best books. They ume. The discerning will read, in his Plato
impress us with the conviction that one na- (50) or Shakespeare, only that least part,—only
ture wrote and the same reads. We read the the authentic utterances of the oracle;—
(5) verses of one of the great English poets, of all the rest he rejects, were it never so many
Chaucer, of Marvell, of Dryden, with the times Plato’s and Shakespeare’s.
most modern joy,—with a pleasure, I Of course there is a portion of reading
mean, which is in great part caused by the (55) quite indispensable to a wise man. His-
abstraction of all time from their verses. tory and exact science he must learn by
(10) There is some awe mixed with the joy of laborious reading. Colleges, in like man-
our surprise, when this poet, who lived in ner, have their indispensable office,—to
some past world, two or three hundred years teach elements. But they can only highly
ago, says that which lies close to my own (60) serve us when they aim not to drill, but to
soul, that which I also had well-nigh create; when they gather from far every
(15) thought and said. But for the evidence ray of various genius to their hospitable
thence afforded to the philosophical doc- halls, and by the concentrated fires, set the
trine of the identity of all minds, we hearts of their youth on flame.
should suppose some preestablished har-
mony, some foresight of souls that were 1. By “one nature wrote and the same reads”
to be, and some preparation of stores for (lines 3–4), Emerson means that
(20)
their future wants, like the fact observed (A) the author is rereading his own work
in insects, who lay up food before death (B) nature writing is read by the same
for the young grub they shall never see. people
I would not be hurried by any love of (C) author and reader live in the same era
(25) system, by any exaggeration of instincts, (D) author and reader are in accord
to underrate the Book. We all know, that (E) the reader does not remember his own
as the human body can be nourished on writing
any food, though it were boiled grass and 2. The word “abstraction” (line 9) is used to
the broth of shoes, so the human mind can mean
(30) be fed by any knowledge. And great and
(A) conception
heroic men have existed who had almost
(B) notion
no other information than by the printed
(C) preoccupation
page. I would only say that it needs a strong
(D) elimination
head to bear that diet. One must be an
(E) inattention
(35) inventor to read well. As the proverb says,
“He that would bring home the wealth of
the Indies, must carry out the wealth of
the Indies.” There is then creative reading
as well as creative writing. When the mind
(40) is braced by labor and invention, the page
of whatever book we read becomes lumi-
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3. Emerson uses the image of insects (line 22) 7. By “manifold allusion” (line 42), Emerson
to parallel his discussion of means
(A) past writers storing knowledge for (A) diverse references
future readers (B) numerous mentions
(B) authors working in grubby (C) mechanical fantasies
surroundings (D) multiple delusions
(C) soulless parents toiling blindly for (E) many-sided remarks
unknowing children
8. The word “oracle” (line 51) means
(D) the act of creating art
(E) the food chain (A) wonder
(B) seer
4. A good title for paragraph 2 might be (C) composer
(A) “Creative Writing” (D) naturalist
(B) “Creative Reading” (E) reader
(C) “Rating Books”
9. The word “office” (line 58) is used to mean
(D) “The Wealth of the Indies”
(E) “Visions of the Past” (A) site
(B) employment
5. The proverb Emerson cites (lines 36–38) is (C) department
used to support his theory that (D) duty
(A) one must apply knowledge to extract (E) study
knowledge
10. Emerson calls for an educational system
(B) the rich need more education than the
that
poor
(C) all the wealth in the world will not (A) includes works of the masters
make a man a genius (B) teaches students to write brilliantly
(D) the wealth of the present is found in (C) inspires creativity in scholars
the past (D) Both A and B
(E) only a writer can be a good reader (E) Both B and C
6. The word “braced” (line 40) is used to

mean
(A) upset
(B) beamed
(C) paired
(D) clamped
(E) bolstered
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LEVEL B CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

Each passage below is followed by a series of questions that require you to analyze, interpret,
or evaluate the written work. Answer these questions on the basis of what each passage states
or implies. Mark the letter that appears before your answer.
Exercise 1
Jean Toomer was one of the most interesting (35) along lazy and easy as anything.… Some
writers of the Harlem Renaissance of the one said she’d marry that feller on the top
1920s. He wrote experimental plays, poetry, floor. Ned called that a lie because Avey
and the novel Cane, from which this excerpt is was going to marry nobody but him. We
taken. had our doubts about that, but we did agree
(40) that she’d soon leave school and marry
For a long while she was nothing more to some one. The gang broke up, and I went
me than one of those skirted beings whom home, picturing myself as married.
boys at a certain age disdain to play with. Nothing I did seemed able to change
Just how I came to love her, timidly, and Avey’s indifference to me. I played bas-
(5) with secret blushes, I do not know. But that (45) ketball, and when I’d make a long clean
I did was brought home to me one night, the shot she’d clap with the others, louder
first night that Ned wore his long pants. than they, I thought. I’d meet her on the
Us fellers were seated on the curb before street, and there’d be no difference in the
an apartment house where she had gone way she said hello. She never took the
(10) in. The young trees had not outgrown their (50) trouble to call me by my name.… It was
boxes then. V Street was lined with them. on a summer excursion down to Riverview
When our legs grew cramped and stiff from that she first seemed to take me into ac-
the cold of the stone, we’d stand around a count. The day had been spent riding
box and whittle it. I like to think now that merry-go-rounds, scenic-railways, and
(15) there was a hidden purpose in the way we (55) shoot-the-chutes. We had been in swim-
hacked them with our knives. I like to feel ming, and we had danced. I was a crack
that something deep in me responded to swimmer then. She didn’t know how. I held
the trees, the young trees that whinnied like her up and showed her how to kick her legs
colts impatient to be let free… On the par- and draw her arms. Of course she didn’t learn
(20) ticular night I have in mind, we were wait- (60) in one day, but she thanked me for bother-
ing for the top-floor to go out. We wanted ing with her. I was also somewhat of a
to see Avey leave the flat. This night she dancer. And I had already noticed that love
stayed longer than usual and gave us a can start on a dance floor. We danced. But
chance to complete our plans of how we though I held her tightly in my arms, she
(25) were going to stone and beat that feller on (65) was way away. That college feller who
the top floor out of town. Ned especially lived on the top floor was somewhere
had it in for him. He was about to throw a making money for the next year. I imag-
brick up at the window when at last the ined that she was thinking, wishing for
room went dark. Some minutes passed. him. Ned was along. He treated her until
(30) Then Avey, as unconcerned as if she had (70) his money gave out. She went with another
been paying an old-maid aunt a visit, came feller. Ned got sore. One by one the boys’
out.… I just stood there like the others, money gave out. She left them. And they
and something like a fuse burned up in- got sore. Every one of them but me got
side of me. She never noticed us, but swung sore.…
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1. The word “disdain” (line 3) means 5. The word “flat” (line 22) is used to refer to a
(A) dislike (A) remark
(B) contend (B) soda
(C) regard (C) joke
(D) offend (D) lodging
(E) unnerve (E) tire
2. “The first night that Ned wore his long 6. By “take me into account” (lines 52–53),
pants” (lines 6–7) is used to reveal the narrator means
(A) that the events took place long ago (A) “employ me”
(B) that the boys involved were fairly (B) “forgive me”
young (C) “notice me”
(C) that Ned was younger than the (D) “interest me”
narrator (E) “chastise me”
(D) Both A and B
7. The word “sore” (line 71) is used to mean
(E) Both B and C
(A) pained
3. The word “whittle” (line 14) means (B) angry
(A) cut (C) tender
(B) signal (D) bruised
(C) knock (E) wounded
(D) dull
8. The passage tells a tale of
(E) play
(A) wounded pride
4. Toomer’s narrator compares himself to a (B) envy and regret
tree in terms of his (C) unrequited love
(A) sturdiness (D) sorrow and guilt
(B) youth (E) unfounded fears
(C) desire to break free
(D) Both A and B
(E) Both B and C
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Exercise 2
Best known as the author of Robinson Crusoe, (35) And here I must observe again that this
Daniel Defoe was a prolific writer. His necessity of going out of our houses to buy
Journal of the Plague Year, published in 1722, provisions was in a great measure the ruin
is the convincing “journal” of a man of the whole City, for the people catched
identified only as “H.F.” It tells of a real the distemper on these occasions one of
(40) another, and even the provisions them-
plague that decimated the Continent the year
selves were often tainted; at least I have
Defoe was five.
great reason to believe so; and therefore I
It was now the beginning of August, and cannot say with satisfaction what I know
the plague grew very violent and terrible is repeated with great assurance, that the
in the place where I lived, and Dr. Heath (45) market people and such as brought provi-
coming to visit me, and finding that I ven- sions to town were never infected. I am
(5) tured so often out in the streets, earnestly certain the butchers of Whitechapel, where
persuaded me to lock myself up, and my the greatest part of the flesh meat was
family, and not to suffer any of us to go out killed, were dreadfully visited, and that at
of doors; to keep all our windows fast, shut- (50) last to such a degree that few of their shops
ters and curtains close, and never to open were kept open, and those that remained
(10) them; but first, to make a very strong of them killed their meat at Mile End and
smoke in the room where the window or that way, and brought it to market upon
door was to be opened, with rosin and horses.
pitch, brimstone or gunpowder, and the (55) However, the poor people could not lay
like; and we did this for some time; but as up provisions, and there was a necessity
(15) I had not laid in a store of provision for that they must go to market to buy, and oth-
such a retreat, it was impossible that we ers to send servants or their children; and
could keep within doors entirely. However, as this was a necessity which renewed it-
I attempted, though it was so very late, to (60) self daily, it brought abundance of unsound
do something towards it; and first, as I had people to the markets, and a great many
(20) convenience both for brewing and baking, that went thither sound brought death
I went and bought two sacks of meal, and home with them.
for several weeks, having an oven, we It is true people used all possible pre-
baked all our own bread; also I bought (65) caution; when anyone bought a joint of
malt, and brewed as much beer as all the meat in the market they would not take it
(25) casks I had would hold, and which seemed off the butcher’s hand, but took it off the
enough to serve my house for five or six hooks themselves. On the other hand, the
weeks; also I laid in a quantity of salt but- butcher would not touch the money, but
ter and Cheshire cheese; but I had no flesh (70) have it put into a pot full of vinegar, which
meat, and the plague raged so violently he kept for that purpose. The buyer car-
(30) among the butchers and slaughterhouses ried always small money to make up any
on the other side of our street, where they odd sum, that they might take no change.
are known to dwell in great numbers, that They carried bottles of scents and per-
it was not advisable so much as to go over (75) fumes in their hands, and all the means
the street among them. that could be used were used, but then the
poor could not do even these things; and
they went at all hazards.
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1. When the doctor says “not to suffer any of 6. How does the narrator feel about the meat
us to go out of doors” (lines 7–8), he available in the city?
means (A) Only flesh meat is available.
(A) going outdoors will cause suffering (B) It comes from within the city.
(B) the narrator should not allow his (C) It is inedible.
family to go out (D) It seems it is never infected.
(C) they should go outdoors to avoid the (E) It is tainted.
suffering inside
7. The word “sound” (line 62) is used to
(D) going outdoors will prevent suffering
mean
(E) the narrator should not prevent his
family from going out (A) severe
(B) solid
2. The word “fast” (line 8) is used to mean (C) clamorous
(A) fleet (D) drifting
(B) steadfast (E) healthy
(C) swift
8. The last paragraph mainly discusses
(D) fastened
(E) permanent (A) the inability of the poor to protect
themselves
3. By “laid in a store of provision” (line 15), (B) the effects of the plague on business
the narrator refers to (C) symptoms of the plague
(A) putting up a supply of food (D) safeguards against getting the plague
(B) telling a story of salvation (E) doctors’ advice and warnings
(C) preserving the past
9. In general, the narrator believes that the
(D) lying in a bed of flour sacks
plague was worsened by people’s need to
(E) sleeping in his place of business
(A) socialize
4. The word “retreat” (line 16) is used to (B) self-medicate
mean (C) shop
(A) departure (D) travel abroad
(B) evacuation (E) fight
(C) flight
10. The narrator implies that the people worst
(D) escape
hit were
(E) refuge
(A) city-dwellers
5. The “distemper” (line 39) refers to (B) doctors
(A) the plague (C) children
(B) bad feelings (D) servants
(C) anger (E) the poor
(D) fear
(E) a disease common to dogs
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Exercise 3
Sarah Orne Jewett was born in Maine in 1849. to git up here on the highland, an’ I’ve got
At the age of twenty, she published her first (40) a new notion about doin’ over her best-
story, and she went on to write stories and room carpet sense I see her that’ll save
novels about the Mainers she knew. This rippin’ one breadth. An’ don’t come home
excerpt is from “The Hiltons’ Holiday,” first all wore out; an’, John, don’t you go an’
buy me no kick-shaws to fetch home. I ain’t
published in 1896.
(45) a child, an’ you ain’t got no money to waste.
An hour later the best wagon was ready, I expect you’ll go, like’s not, an’ buy you
and the great expedition set forth. The little some kind of a foolish boy’s hat; do look
dog sat apart, and barked as if it fell en- an’ see if it’s reasonable good straw, an’
tirely upon him to voice the general ex- won’t splinter all off round the edge. An’
(5) citement. Both seats were in the wagon, (50) you mind, John”—
but the empty place testified to Mrs. “Yes, yes, hold on!” cried John impa-
Hilton’s unyielding disposition. She had tiently; then he cast a last affectionate, re-
wondered why one broad seat would not assuring look at her face, flushed with the
do, but John Hilton meekly suggested that hurry and responsibility of starting them
(10) the wagon looked better with both. The (55) off in proper shape. “I wish you was goin’
little girls sat on the back seat dressed alike too,” he said, smiling. “I do so!” Then the
in their Sunday hats of straw with blue rib- old horse started, and they went out at the
bons, and their little plaid shawls pinned bars, and began the careful long descent of
neatly about their small shoulders. They the hill. The young dog, tethered to the
(15) wore gray thread gloves, and sat very (60) lilac bush, was frantic with piteous ap-
straight. Susan Ellen was half a head the peals; the little girls piped their eager
taller, but otherwise, from behind, they goodbys again and again, and their father
looked much alike. As for their father, he turned many times to look back and wave
was in his Sunday best—a plain black his hand. As for their mother, she stood
(20) coat, and a winter hat of felt, which was (65) alone and watched them out of sight.
heavy and rusty-looking for that warm There was one place far out on the high-
early summer day. He had it in mind to road where she could catch a last glimpse
buy a new straw hat at Topham, so that this of the wagon, and she waited what seemed
with the turnip seed and the hoe made three a very long time until it appeared and then
(25) important reasons for going. (70) was lost to sight again behind a low hill.
“Remember an’ lay off your shawls when “They’re nothin’ but a pack o’ child’n to-
you get there, an’ carry them over your gether,” she said aloud; and then felt lone-
arms,” said the mother, clucking like an lier than she expected. She even stooped
excited hen to her chickens. “They’ll do and patted the unresigned little dog as she
(30) to keep the dust off your new dresses goin’ (75) passed him, going into the house.
an’ comin’. An’ when you eat your din-
1. The words “great expedition” are used by
ners don’t get spots on you, an’ don’t point
the author
at folks as you ride by, an’ stare, or they’ll
know you come from the country. An’ (A) literally
(35) John, you call into Cousin Ad’line (B) ironically
Marlow’s an’ see how they all be, an’ tell (C) snidely
her I expect her over certain to stop awhile (D) cruelly
before hayin’. It always eases her phthisic (E) matter-of-factly
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2. The word “voice” (line 4) is used to mean 6. The word “kick-shaws” (line 44)
(A) sing apparently refers to
(B) vote (A) money
(C) desire (B) something to eat
(D) call (C) a kind of hat
(E) express (D) odds and ends
(E) parasols
3. The author’s description of John’s apparel
(A) reveals his relative poverty 7. The author’s feeling toward her characters
(B) shows his stylishness can be summed up as
(C) explains his behavior (A) unyielding
(D) contrasts his appearance with his (B) affectionate
character (C) uncaring
(E) is mean-spirited (D) troubled
(E) mystified
4. The mother is compared to a hen in terms
of her 8. The tone of the final paragraph emphasizes
(A) brooding nature (A) gratitude
(B) coloration (B) remorse
(C) eating habits (C) dreariness
(D) lazy good temper (D) impulsiveness
(E) concern over her children (E) isolation
5. The mother is worried that her children
might
(A) misbehave in their cousin’s home
(B) eat more than they should
(C) be considered unsophisticated
(D) Both A and B
(E) Both B and C
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Exercise 4
Patrice Lumumba (1925–1961) was president gian people, the Belgian government,
of the Congolese National Movement and the (40) refuse to take our demands into consider-
first Prime Minister of the Congo after it ation, what will happen as a result? The
achieved independence from Belgium. Amidst government perpetuates bitterness and
the unrest that followed independence, he was fosters a climate of continual discontent,
and whatever the Belgians may say, what-
deposed and assassinated. This speech was
(45) ever their wishes in the matter may be, we
given in 1959 to an audience in Brussels,
are going to gain our independence, come
Belgium. what may. In the end the Congolese people
We have capable men who are just wait- are liable to say: “Belgium has always
ing for a chance to get to work. I visited been opposed to our emancipation. We’ve
Guinea recently: there are eleven minis- (50) had enough of that now; we’re going our
ters in the government, and seven state own separate way.…” And that is precisely
(5) secretaries who have ministerial status. the problem. Everyone—the financiers,
Only three of these eighteen ministers the colonialists—keeps asking for guar-
have studied at a university; the others antees. But such guarantees depend en-
have finished high school, held jobs, and (55) tirely on them, because winning our
acquired a certain amount of experience, independence does not mean that we are
(10) and the government of Guinea has going to seize property belonging to Bel-
brought in French technicians to help it gians; we are not thieves, we respect other
in the field of law, economics, agronomy, people’s property. It is a matter of a
and every other area of activity. So I think (60) gentleman’s agreement with the status of
it is possible today to set up a Congolese an international right; when any citizen
(15) government. finds himself in another country, his prop-
We have chosen January 1961 as our erty and his person must be protected. This
deadline. We thus have two years in which is the problem as we see it.
to prepare ourselves, and we are convinced (65) So today we want our country to be in-
that two years from now we will be in a dependent. We want to run our country
(20) position to take over the responsibilities now so that we may draw up agreements
of running our country, with the Belgians between an independent Congo and an in-
working side by side with us to help us and dependent Belgium on an equal footing,
guide our footsteps. If Belgium under- (70) and thus foster friendship between these
stands us, if Belgium takes this fervent two peoples. I am very happy to meet
(25) desire—the desire of the Congolese young Belgians here who share our ideas,
people—into consideration, she will be progressive young Belgians who agree
entitled to our friendship. The people will with us, who will help press for Congo-
see for themselves that when the proper (75) lese independence tomorrow and are join-
moment came and we decided we were ing forces with us. This is encouraging.
(30) capable of self-rule, the Belgians did not It proves that they are dissatisfied, that
stand in our way. On the contrary: they will they disapprove of the attitude of certain
have helped and guided us. The question Belgians in the Congo today. I do not want
of future relations between Belgium and (80) to make any sort of sweeping general state-
the Congo will resolve itself automatically. ment: there are Belgians in the Congo—
(35) There will be no difficulty whatsoever. We certain civil servants, certain colonists,
are the ones to say: look, we still need certain doctors, certain missionaries—who
Belgium in this field of endeavor, we still have always treated Africans in a dignified
need European technicians. But if the Bel- (85) way. But they are no more than a minority.
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Why are the majority opposed? Belgians 5. The words “gentleman’s agreement” (line
in the Congo believe that when the blacks 60) refer to
get their independence tomorrow, they are (A) a deal without benefit for either side
going to seize everything Belgians own. (B) a bargain sealed in blood
(90) This is still the usual reaction among typi- (C) a written contract
cal Europeans, even after the new policy, (D) an unspoken understanding
even after the declaration on January 13. (E) an oath of allegiance
They keep saying, “These are the blacks
who are going to take our places tomor- 6. Paragraph 3 is primarily
(95) row, and where will that put us? Where (A) about young Belgians
will we go?” (B) used to contrast with paragraph 2
(C) a specious argument
1. Lumumba brings in the example of Guinea
(D) an analysis of Belgian resistance
to demonstrate that
(E) a summation of Lumumba’s main
(A) colonial power can hold a country points
together
(B) those who would govern need a 7. The word “press” (line 74) is used to mean
background in law (A) publish
(C) liberation from the French is possible (B) constrict
(D) ministers need not be educated (C) push
(E) an independent African government (D) crush
can exist (E) iron
2. The word “fervent” (line 24) means 8. According to Lumumba, why are Belgians
(A) impassioned afraid?
(B) maniacal (A) They are racist.
(C) hotheaded (B) They think a Congolese government
(D) dispassionate will imprison them.
(E) torpid (C) They think the Congolese will take
what they have.
3. How does Lumumba feel about friendship
(D) Both A and B
with Belgium?
(E) Both B and C
(A) It is unlikely to come about for many
years.
(B) It is possible if Belgium helps the
Congo.
(C) It is not possible if Belgium opposes
the Congolese.
(D) Both A and B
(E) Both B and C
4. Paragraph 2 moves back and forth between
(A) humor and bitterness
(B) pleasantries and deference
(C) warnings and recommendations
(D) raillery and lightheartedness
(E) profanity and charity
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Exercise 5
In 1865 the naturalist Louis Agassiz, tirely isolated. Are its inhabitants, like its
accompanied by his wife and a party of (40) waters, completely distinct from those of
scientists and volunteers, embarked on a other basins? Are its species peculiar to
journey to Brazil to record information about itself, and not repeated in any other river
fish and other wildlife in the rivers of that of the continent? Extraordinary as this re-
sult would seem, I nevertheless expect to
nation. Aboard ship, Agassiz talked to his
(45) find it so. The next water-basin we shall
assistants about the proper study of nature. As
have to examine will be that of the Ama-
usual, his discussion was recorded by his wife. zons, which connects through the Rio
When less was known of animals and Negro with the Orinoco. It has been fre-
plants the discovery of new species was quently repeated that the same species of
the great object. This has been carried too (50) fish exist in the waters of the San Fran-
far, and is now almost the lowest kind of cisco and in those of Guiana and of the
(5) scientific work. The discovery of a new Amazons. At all events, our works on
species as such does not change a feature fishes constantly indicate Brazil and
in the science of natural history, any more Guiana as the common home of many spe-
than the discovery of a new asteroid (55) cies; but this observation has never been
changes the character of the problems to made with sufficient accuracy to merit
(10) be investigated by astronomers. It is confidence. Fifty years ago the exact lo-
merely adding to the enumeration of ob- cality from which any animal came
jects. seemed an unimportant fact in its scien-
We should look rather for the fundamen- (60) tific history, for the bearing of this ques-
tal relations among animals; the number tion on that of origin was not then perceived.
(15) of species we may find is of importance To say that any specimen came from South
only so far as they explain the distribution America was quite enough; to specify that
and limitation of different genera and it came from Brazil, from the Amazons, the
families, their relations to each other and (65) San Francisco, or the La Plata, seemed a
to the physical conditions under which marvellous accuracy in the observers. In
(20) they live. Out of such investigations there the museum at Paris, for instance, there
looms up a deeper question for scientific are many specimens entered as coming
men, the solution of which is to be the most from New York or from Pará; but all that
important result of their work in coming (70) is absolutely known about them is that they
generations. The origin of life is the great were shipped from those sea-ports. No-
(25) question of the day. How did the organic body knows exactly where they were col-
world come to be as it is? It must be our lected. So there are specimens entered as
aim to throw some light on this subject by coming from the Rio San Francisco, but it
our present journey. How did Brazil come (75) is by no means sure that they came exclu-
to be inhabited by the animals and plants sively from that water-basin. All this kind
(30) now living there? Who were its inhabitants of investigation is far too loose for our
in past times? What reason is there to be- present object. Our work must be done
lieve that the present condition of things with much more precision; it must tell
in this country is in any sense derived from (80) something positive of the geographical
the past? The first step in this investigation distribution of animals in Brazil.
(35) must be to ascertain the geographical dis- Therefore, my young friends who come
tribution of the present animals and plants. with me on this expedition, let us be care-
Suppose we first examine the Rio San ful that every specimen has a label, record-
Francisco. The basin of this river is en- (85) ing locality and date, so secured that it will
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reach Cambridge safely. It would be still 6. How might you paraphrase the sentence
better to attach two labels to each speci- “Are its inhabitants … from those of other
men, so that, if any mischance happens to basins” (lines 39–41)?
one, our record may not be lost. We must (A) Do the animals here resemble the
(90) try not to mix the fishes of different rivers, water?
even though they flow into each other, but (B) Do the inhabitants of this basin ever
to keep our collections perfectly distinct. visit other basins?
You will easily see the vast importance (C) Can we distinguish the animals of
of thus ascertaining the limitation of spe- these waters from each other?
(95) cies, and the bearing of the result on the (D) Since these waters differ from others,
great question of origin. are the animals found here different
as well?
1. How does Agassiz feel about the discovery
(E) Can we tell the difference between
of new species?
this basin and another?
(A) It is taking place less and less.
(B) All species have now been cataloged. 7. The word “common” (line 54) is used to
(C) It cannot take the place of true mean
science. (A) familiar
(D) It is the great goal of science. (B) collective
(E) It is no longer particularly important. (C) provincial
2. Agassiz wants to focus upon (D) typical
(A) the enumeration of animals and plants (E) unremarkable
(B) the interrelationships of species 8. Agassiz uses the phrase “a marvellous
(C) a scientific study of man accuracy” (line 66) to
(D) Both A and B
(A) show how unlikely it was for
(E) Both B and C
observers to be so specific
3. The word “genera” (line 17) refers to (B) give his opinion about the current
(A) classifications generation of scientists
(B) brain power (C) make a heartfelt plea for
(C) plants understanding
(D) habits (D) Both A and B
(E) people (E) Both B and C
4. Agassiz sees his future work as answering 9. Agassiz urges his young colleagues to be
the question (A) prudent
(A) “Can we learn from history?” (B) daring
(B) “Is there a God?” (C) meticulous
(C) “How many species are there?” (D) curious
(D) “Where did man come from?” (E) adventurous
(E) “How did life originate?”
10. By “perfectly distinct” (line 92) Agassiz
5. The word “distribution” (line 35) is used to means that the collections should be
mean
(A) wholly dissimilar
(A) shipping
(B) flawlessly obvious
(B) dispersion
(C) completely lucid
(C) donation
(D) absolutely separate
(D) offering
(E) quite clear
(E) quality
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LEVEL C CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

Each pair of passages below is followed by a series of questions that require you to analyze,
interpret, evaluate, compare, and contrast the written works. Answer these questions on the
basis of what each passage states or implies. Mark the letter that appears before your answer.
Exercise 1
The emancipation of African-Americans and with a currycomb, and sunk the knob into
the emancipation of women were two entwined my head.…
issues of the mid-nineteenth century. These I used to work very hard. I was always
excerpts from an autobiographical letter by a obliged to be in the field by sunrise, and I
former slave and from a speech by a leader in (35) labored till dark, stopping only at noon
long enough to eat dinner. When I was
the fight for women’s rights show that they
about fifteen years old, I took what was
shared a common foe.
called the cold plague, in consequence of
Passage A—James L. Bradley, former being over-worked, and I was sick a long
slave (1835) (40) time. My master came to me one day, and
hearing me groan with pain, he said, “This
I will begin as far back as I can remem- fellow will never be of any more use to
ber. I think I was between two and three me—I would as soon knock him in the
years old when the soul-destroyers tore head, as if he were an opossum.” … My
me from my mother’s arms, somewhere (45) master had kept me ignorant of everything
(5) in Africa, far back from the sea. They car- he could. I was never told anything about
ried me a long distance to a ship; all the God, or my own soul. Yet from the time I
way I looked back, and cried. The ship was fourteen years old, I used to think a
was full of men and women loaded with great deal about freedom. It was my heart’s
chains; but I was so small, they let me (50) desire; I could not keep it out of my mind.
(10) run about on deck. Many a sleepless night I have spent in
After many long days, they brought us tears, because I was a slave. I looked back
into Charleston, South Carolina. A on all I had suffered—and when I looked
slaveholder bought me, and took me up ahead, all was dark and hopeless bond-
into Pendleton County. I suppose that I (55) age. My heart ached to feel within me the
(15) staid with him about six months. He sold life of liberty.
me to a Mr. Bradley, by whose name I have
ever since been called. This man was con- Passage B—Elizabeth Cady Stanton,
sidered a wonderfully kind master; and it
is true that I was treated better than most from “Address to the Legislature of New
(20) of the slaves I knew. I never suffered for York on Women’s Rights” (1854)
food, and never was flogged with the Look at the position of woman as mother.
whip; but oh, my soul! I was tormented There is no human love so strong and stead-
with kicks and knocks more than I can tell. fast as that of the mother for her child; yet
My master often knocked me down, when (60) behold how ruthless are your laws touch-
(25) I was young. Once, when I was a boy, ing this most sacred relation. Nature has
about nine years old, he struck me so hard clearly made the mother the guardian of
that I fell down and lost my senses. I re- the child; but man, in his inordinate love
mained thus some time, and when I came of power, does continually set nature and
to myself, he told me he thought he had (65) nature’s laws at open defiance. The father
(30) killed me. At another time, he struck me may apprentice his child, bind him out to
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a trade, without the mother’s consent— 2. How does Bradley feel about his master,
yea, in direct opposition to her most ear- Mr. Bradley?
nest entreaties, prayers and tears.… (A) He was a wonderfully kind master.
(70) Again, as the condition of the child al- (B) He treated Bradley well.
ways follows that of the mother, and as (C) He was not as kind as people thought.
by the sanction of your laws the father may (D) He was no better than a slave.
beat the mother, so may he the child. What (E) He got along with him well.
mother can not bear me witness to untold
(75) sufferings which cruel, vindictive fathers 3. Why did Bradley’s “heart ache” (line 55)?
have visited upon their helpless children? (A) He was homesick.
Who ever saw a human being that would (B) He wanted a friend.
not abuse unlimited power? Base and ig- (C) He was dreadfully ill.
noble must that man be who, let the provo- (D) He was treated badly.
(80) cation be what it may, would strike a (E) He longed for freedom.
woman; but he who would lacerate a trem- 4. In Passage B, what does “steadfast” mean
bling child is unworthy the name of man. (line 58)?
A mother’s love can be no protection to a
child; she can not appeal to you to save it (A) Rapid
(85) from a father’s cruelty, for the laws take (B) True
no cognizance of the mother’s most griev- (C) Habitual
ous wrongs. Neither at home nor abroad (D) Frequent
can a mother protect her son. Look at the (E) Vacillating
temptations that surround the paths of our 5. The word “sanction” (Passage B, line 72)
(90) youth at every step; look at the gambling means
and drinking saloons, the clubrooms, the (A) permission
dens of infamy and abomination that in- (B) devoutness
fest all our villages and cities—slowly but (C) lucidity
surely sapping the very foundations of all (D) rank
(95) virtue and strength. (E) eloquence
By your laws, all these abominable re-
sorts are permitted. It is folly to talk of a 6. Stanton uses the word “infest” (line 36) to
mother moulding the character of her son, imply that
when all mankind, backed up by law and (A) our country is overrun with
(100) public sentiment, conspire to destroy her domineering men
influence. But when women’s moral (B) power is slowly changing hands
power shall speak through the ballot-box, (C) drinking causes disease
then shall her influence be seen and felt.… (D) immorality is a kind of creeping
plague
1. By “soul-destroyers” (Passage A, line 3),
(E) the atmosphere of cities is festive
Bradley apparently refers to
(A) religious zealots
(B) white women
(C) slaves
(D) Africans
(E) slave traders
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7. Bradley would probably agree with Stanton 9. A quotation from Passage B that might
that apply to Passage A is
(A) a man who strikes a child is unworthy (A) “Who ever saw a human being that
(B) gambling and drinking sap one’s would not abuse unlimited power?”
strength (B) “Neither at home nor abroad can a
(C) moral power can speak through the mother protect her son.”
ballot-box (C) “Look at the temptations that
(D) Both A and B surround the paths of our youth at
(E) Both B and C every step.…”
(D) Both A and B
8. Stanton’s main point seems to be that
(E) Both B and C
(A) laws pit mother against child
(B) sons will always follow their fathers’ 10. As Bradley’s master kept him ignorant of
paths God, so
(C) laws remove a mother’s right to (A) might a father apprentice his child to
protect her child a master
(D) a mother’s influence on her sons is (B) does a mother remain ignorant of her
unimportant child’s welfare
(E) few can argue with laws that protect (C) is a mother witness to sufferings of
children her child
(D) can parents keep their children home
from school
(E) can a father keep his son ignorant of
morality
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Exercise 2
All cultures teach an element of respect for the Finally there remained but two more vil-
elderly and sick, and nearly all cultures (30) lages to visit and he feared that he should
present moralistic tales to stress this lesson. find none who would bid him enter their
Here are two very different tales, one from the homes that they might minister to his
Indians of the Northeast and one from the wants. At last, however, as he approached
a humble cabin his eyes brightened, for he
Hispanic Southwest.
(35) read in the heart of the woman who saw him
coming that she had taken pity on his for-
Passage A—“An Unwelcome Visitor,” a lorn condition and that her hospitality
would overcome the dread his appearance
legend of the Iroquois
caused. Said the woman: “Thou art wel-
When the frosts were unlocked from the (40) come, my brother, for thou art a stranger.”
hillsides there came into one of the villages Then said the strange man: … “Listen,
of the red men a mild and quiet old man my sister: Thou of all thy race hast had in
whom none of them had ever seen before. thy heart pity and love for a suffering and
(5) He stood beside the field where the young friendless creature that have led thee to
men played at their games, and when some (45) give him shelter in thy house. Know then,
of the fathers approached to bid him wel- my sister, that thy name shall henceforth
come to their village and wigwams they be great. Many wonders shall be taught
saw that his body was covered with sores, thee, and thy sons will be made chiefs and
(10) and they made excuses to turn aside that thy daughters princesses. I am Quarara, and
they might not meet him. When none went (50) bear messages from the Great Spirit.” Then
to him and called him brother, he turned Quarara described to the woman a plant
to the village and walked slowly from door which she went forth into the forest and
to door of the wigwams. The women procured. She returned to the hut and pre-
(15) saw him and as he approached their pared it as he bade her, and when it was
doors they covered their children’s faces (55) administered to him he recovered from his
that they might not see his features, and sickness and the sores left him. Quarara
wished in their hearts that he would not remained at the woman’s wigwam many
enter. When the little man read their moons and brought upon himself all man-
(20) thoughts, with saddened eyes and heavy ner of fevers, plagues and diseases, and
steps he would turn away and seek another (60) for each one he described the medicine
habitation, where he would again see that root or herb that would perform its cure.…
he was not welcome and turn his weary Then said the strange man, Quarara, to
footsteps from the door. When he had vis- her: “Thou, Oh! sister, knowest now what
(25) ited all the wigwams in the village without the Great Spirit would have thee teach
finding a welcome in any, he went sud- (65) his children freely. Thou hast been pa-
denly to the forest and they saw him no tient and kind and thy heart is filled with
more.… gentleness. Thy family shall be called
Sagawahs, the healers, and thou and thy
family shall be remembered throughout
(70) all generations.”
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Passage B—“The Boy and His 1. What is it that keeps the villagers from
Grandfather,” a tale of the Southwest greeting the old man in Passage A?
(A) He is a stranger.
In the old days it was not unusual to find
(B) He is old.
several generations living together in one
(C) He is covered with sores.
home. Usually, everyone lived in peace
(D) They are unfriendly.
and harmony, but this situation caused
(E) They fear attack.
(75) problems for one man whose household
included, besides his wife and small son, 2. The word “minister” (Passage A, line 32)
his elderly father. is used to mean
It so happened that the daughter-in-law (A) mind
took a dislike to the old man. He was al- (B) tend
(80) ways in the way, she said, and she insisted (C) assemble
he be removed to a small room apart from (D) preach
the house. (E) negotiate
Because the old man was out of sight,
he was often neglected. Sometimes he 3. The word “great” (line 47) is used to mean
(85) even went hungry. They took poor care of (A) excellent
him, and in winter the old man often suf- (B) prodigious
fered from the cold. One day the little (C) weighty
grandson visited his grandfather. (D) exalted
“My little one,” the grandfather said, (E) spacious
(90) “go and find a blanket and cover me. It is 4. The word “procured” (line 53) means
cold and I am freezing.”
The small boy ran to the barn to look (A) obtained
for a blanket, and there he found a rug. (B) captured
“Father, please cut this rug in half,” he (C) dried
asked his father. (D) restored
(95)
“Why? What are you going to do with (E) healed
it?” 5. The words “many moons” (lines 57–58)
“I’m going to take it to my grandfather refer to
because he is cold.” (A) people’s faces
(100) “Well, take the entire rug,” replied his (B) the name of a place
father. (C) a measure of size
“No,” his son answered, “I cannot take (D) a length of time
it all. I want you to cut it in half so I can (E) a strange natural occurrence
save the other half for you when you are as
(105) old as my grandfather. Then I will have it 6. The last paragraph of Passage A could be
for you so you will not be cold.” called a(n)
His son’s response was enough to make (A) repetition
the man realize how poorly he had treated (B) fantasy
his own father. The man then brought his (C) oath
(110) father back into his home and ordered that (D) summary
a warm room be prepared. From that time (E) blessing
on he took care of his father’s needs and
visited him frequently every day.
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7. Quarara turns the woman and her children 9. One difference between Passage A and
into Passage B is that
(A) toads (A) Passage A takes place in the past
(B) chiefs (B) people in Passage B ignore an old
(C) a new race man
(D) medicine men and women (C) people in Passage A ignore an old
(E) ministers man
(D) Passage A deals with illness as well
8. By “several generations” (Passage B, line
as age
72), the author means (E) Passage B has no moral
(A) many years
(B) separate lifetimes 10. The woman in Passage A and the man in
(C) children, parents, and grandparents Passage B learn that
(D) several breeding periods (A) illness is not a crime
(E) more than one beginning (B) respecting one’s elders can be
beneficial
(C) children may understand more than
adults
(D) Both A and B
(E) Both B and C
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LEVEL D CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

Each passage or pair of passages below is followed by a series of questions that require you to
analyze, interpret, evaluate, compare, and contrast the written works. Answer these ques-
tions on the basis of what each passage states or implies. Mark the letter that appears before
your answer.
Exercise 1
In 1869, naturalist John Muir spent the dred years it begins to acquire individual-
summer in the Sierra Mountains. Muir, who ity, so that no two are alike in their prime
would become the foremost conservationist in or old age. Every tree calls for special ad-
the country, had just moved to California, and (35) miration. I have been making many
this was the first of hundreds of trips he would sketches, and regret that I cannot draw ev-
ery needle. It is said to reach a height of
take to the Sierra. He recorded his sights and
three hundred feet, though the tallest I have
impressions in a diary, from which this
measured falls short of this stature sixty feet
passage is excerpted. (40) or more. The diameter of the largest near
Sugar pine cones are cylindrical, slightly the ground is about ten feet, though I’ve
tapered at the end and rounded at the base. heard of some twelve feet thick or even fif-
Found one today nearly twenty-four inches teen. The diameter is held to a great height,
long and six in diameter, the scales being the taper being almost imperceptibly
(5) open. Another specimen nineteen inches (45) gradual. Its companion, the yellow pine,
long; the average length of full-grown is almost as large. The long silvery foli-
cones on trees favorably situated is nearly age of the younger specimens forms mag-
eighteen inches. On the lower edge of the nificent cylindrical brushes on the top
belt at a height of about twenty-five hun- shoots and the ends of the upturned
(10) dred feet above the sea they are smaller, (50) branches, and when the wind sways the
say a foot to fifteen inches long, and at a needles all one way at a certain angle ev-
height of seven thousand feet or more near ery tree becomes a tower of white quiver-
the upper limits of its growth in the ing sun-fire. Well may this shining species
Yosemite region they are about the same be called the silver pine. The needles are
(15) size. This noble tree is an inexhaustible (55) sometimes more than a foot long, almost
study and source of pleasure. I never weary as long as those of the long-leaf pine of
of gazing at its grand tassel cones, its per- Florida.
fectly round bole one hundred feet or more 1. The word “scales” (line 4) is used to mean
without a limb, the fine purplish color of
its bark, and its magnificent outsweeping, (A) measures
(20)
down-curving feathery arms forming a (B) weights
crown always bold and striking and ex- (C) scrapings
hilarating. In habit and general port it (D) husks
looks somewhat like a palm, but no palm (E) balances
(25) that I have seen yet displays such majesty 2. By “favorably situated” (line 7), Muir
of form and behavior either when poised probably means
silent and thoughtful in sunshine, or wide- (A) in an approved site
awake waving in storm winds with every (B) positioned pleasantly
needle quivering. When young it is very (C) newly planted
(30) straight and regular in form like most other (D) far from the sea
conifers; but at the age of fifty to one hun- (E) having suitable sun and water
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3. The word “bole” (line 18) means 6. In his description, Muir includes the pine’s
(A) trunk (A) height and thickness
(B) top (B) coloration
(C) tree (C) planting time
(D) leaf (D) Both A and B
(E) branch (E) Both B and C
4. By “general port” (line 23), Muir means 7. Which of the following would be a good
(A) a place where ships dock title for this passage?
(B) the manner in which one bears (A) “Sugar from the Pine”
oneself (B) “A Noble Tree”
(C) placement to the left (C) “The Trees of the Sierra”
(D) an opening for intake (D) “Comparing Pines and Firs”
(E) a hole for firing weapons (E) “The Yellow Pine”
5. In comparing the pine to a palm, Muir 8. Muir’s attitude toward the pine might
(A) finds the pine less majestic almost be called
(B) finds the palm less majestic (A) deferential
(C) assigns the pine human characteristics (B) daunted
(D) Both A and B (C) imperious
(E) Both B and C (D) contrite
(E) charitable
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Exercise 2
In many cultures, the wealthy hired servants or Passage B—from “My Lord, the Baby”
kept slaves to take care of their children. These by Rabindranath Tagore (1916)
two narratives, one the true story of an
Raicharan was twelve years old when he
ex-slave and one a work of fiction by a Nobel came as a servant to his master’s house.
Prize-winning Indian writer, tell of children’s He belonged to the same caste as his mas-
occasional inexplicable cruelty toward the ter, and was given his master’s little son
class that raised them. (35) to nurse. As time went on the boy left
Raicharan’s arms to go to school. From
Passage A—from the Narrative of James
school he went on to college, and after col-
Curry, former slave (1840) lege he entered the judicial service. Al-
My mother was a cook in the house for ways, until he married, Raicharan was his
about twenty-two years. She cooked for (40) sole attendant.
from twenty-five to thirty-five, taking the But, when a mistress came into the
family and the slaves together. The slaves house, Raicharan found two masters in-
(5) ate in the kitchen. After my mistress’s stead of one. All his former influence
death, my mother was the only woman passed to the new mistress. This was com-
kept in the house. She took care of my (45) pensated for by a fresh arrival. Anukul had
master’s children, some of whom were a son born to him, and Raicharan by his
then quite small, and brought them up. unsparing attentions soon got a complete
(10) One of the most trying scenes I ever passed hold over the child. He used to toss him
through, when I would have laid down my up in his arms, call to him in absurd baby
life to protect her if I had dared, was this: (50) language, put his face close to the baby’s
after she had raised my master’s children, and draw it away again with a grin.
one of his daughters, a young girl, came Presently the baby was able to crawl and
(15) into the kitchen one day, and for some cross the doorway. When Raicharan went
trifle about the dinner, she struck my to catch him, he would scream with mis-
mother, who pushed her away, and she fell (55) chievous laughter and make for safety.
on the floor. Her father was not at home. Raicharan was amazed at the profound
When he came, which was while the slaves skill and exact judgment the baby showed
(20) were eating in the kitchen, she told him when pursued. He would say to his mis-
about it. He came down, called my mother tress with a look of awe and mystery:
out, and, with a hickory rod, he beat her (60) “Your son will be a judge someday.”
fifteen or twenty strokes, and then called his New wonders came in their turn. When
daughter and told her to take her satisfac- the baby began to toddle, that was to
(25) tion of her, and she did beat her until she Raicharan an epoch in human history.
was satisfied. Oh! it was dreadful, to see When he called his father Ba-ba and his
the girl whom my poor mother had taken (65) mother Ma-ma and Raicharan Chan-na,
care of from her childhood, thus beating then Raicharan’s ecstasy knew no bounds.
her, and I must stand there, and did not dare He went out to tell the news to all the
(30) to crook my finger in her defence. world.…
One afternoon the rain cleared. It was
(70) cloudy, but cool and bright. Raicharan’s
little despot did not want to stay in on such
a fine afternoon. His lordship climbed into
the go-cart. Raicharan, between the shafts,
dragged him slowly along till he reached
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(75) the rice-fields on the banks of the river. 2. The word “trying” (line 10) means
There was no one in the fields, and no boat (A) daring
on the stream. Across the water, on the (B) troublesome
farther side, the clouds were rifted in the (C) secure
west. The silent ceremonial of the setting (D) binding
(80) sun was revealed in all its glowing splen- (E) elementary
dor. In the midst of that stillness the child,
3. The word “trifle” (line 16) means
all of a sudden, pointed with his finger in
front of him and cried: “Chan-na! Pitty (A) knickknack
fow.” (B) jest
(85) Close by on a mud-flat stood a large (C) unimportant thing
Kadamba tree in full flower. My lord, the (D) trace
baby, looked at it with greedy eyes, and (E) toy
Raicharan knew his meaning.… But 4. By “take her satisfaction of her” (lines
Raicharan had no wish that evening to go 24–25), Curry means
(90) splashing knee-deep through the mud to (A) please her
reach the flowers. So he quickly pointed (B) punish her until content
his finger in the opposite direction, call- (C) give her trinkets
ing out: “Oh, look, baby, look! Look at the (D) show her the correct way
bird.” And with all sorts of curious noises (E) pacify her
(95) he pushed the go-cart rapidly away from
the tree. But a child, destined to be a judge, 5. The best description of Curry’s feelings at
cannot be put off so easily.… The little this scene might be
Master’s mind was made up, and (A) apathy
Raicharan was at his wits’ end. “Very well, (B) helplessness
(100) baby,” he said at last, “you sit still in the (C) horror
cart, and I’ll go and get you the pretty (D) Both A and B
flower. Only mind you don’t go near the (E) Both B and C
water.” 6. In Passage B, the word “caste” (line 33)
As he said this, he made his legs bare to means
(105) the knee, and waded through the oozing (A) job
mud toward the tree. (B) performance
1. The numbers “twenty-five to thirty-five” (C) company
(Passage A, line 3) refer to (D) post
(A) the age Curry’s mother was when she (E) class
was cook 7. The tone of paragraph 4, Passage B, is
(B) the number of people Curry’s mother (A) ironic
cooked for (B) dark
(C) the years during which Curry’s (C) foreshadowing
mother cooked (D) Both A and B
(D) a system of measurement now (E) Both B and C
obsolete
(E) the number of consecutive hours 8. The word “despot” (line 71) means
Curry’s mother worked without a (A) terminal
break (B) arsenal
(C) repository
(D) outrage
(E) slave driver
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9. In paragraph 5, it becomes clear that the 11. Like Passage A, Passage B tells of
author thinks the child is (A) a cook who becomes a child’s nurse
(A) tyrannical and spoiled (B) a man living as a house servant
(B) sweet and innocent (C) the early life of a slave
(C) loud and witless (D) inhuman conditions under
(D) loving but foolish colonialism
(E) amusingly gregarious (E) a child’s cruelty to a caretaker
10. The word “mind” (line 102) is used to 12. Unlike the main character in Passage A,
mean the one in Passage B
(A) consider (A) seems to enjoy his job
(B) reason (B) takes care of girls and boys
(C) take care (C) does not earn a salary
(D) follow (D) Both A and B
(E) sense (E) Both B and C
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Exercise 3
William Hazlitt (1778–1830) was an essayist meaning, as you must find the proper words
and literary critic known for his studies of the and style to express yourself by fixing your
romantic poets and Elizabethan playwrights. thoughts on the subject you have to write
This passage is from an essay entitled “On (45) about. Any one may mouth out a passage
Familiar Style,” first published in 1821. with a theatrical cadence, or get upon stilts
to tell his thoughts: but to write or speak
It is not easy to write a familiar style. Many with propriety and simplicity is a more dif-
people mistake a familiar for a vulgar ficult task. Thus it is easy to affect a pomp-
style, and suppose that to write without (50) ous style, to use a word twice as big as the
affectation is to write at random. On the thing you wish to express: it is not so easy
(5) contrary, there is nothing that requires to pitch upon the very word that exactly
more precision, and, if I may so say, fits it. Out of eight or ten words equally
purity of expression, than the style I am common, equally intelligible, with nearly
speaking of. It utterly rejects not only all (55) equal pretensions, it is a matter of some
unmeaning pomp, but all low, cant phrases, nicety and discrimination to pick out the
(10) and loose, unconnected, slipshod allusions. very one, the preferableness of which is
It is not to take the first word that offers, scarcely perceptible, but decisive.
but the best word in common use; it is not
to throw words together in any combina- 1. By “familiar” (line 1), Hazlitt means
tions we please, but to follow and avail (A) public
(15) ourselves of the true idiom of the language. (B) accepted
To write a genuine familiar or truly En- (C) informal
glish style, is to write as any one would (D) well-known
speak in common conversation, who had (E) famous
a thorough command and choice of words, 2. By “purity of expression” (line 7), Hazlitt
(20) or who could discourse with ease, force, means
and perspicuity, setting aside all pedantic
(A) sweet face
and oratorical flourishes. Or to give an-
(B) religious speech
other illustration, to write naturally is the
(C) innocent statements
same thing in regard to common conver-
(D) pious manner
(25) sation, as to read naturally is in regard to
(E) clear wording
common speech. It does not follow that it
is an easy thing to give the true accent and 3. The word “cant” (line 9) means
inflection to the words you utter, because (A) tilted
you do not attempt to rise above the level (B) inclined
(30) of ordinary life and colloquial speaking. (C) sung
You do not assume indeed the solemnity (D) jargonistic
of the pulpit, or the tone of stage-decla- (E) negative
mation: neither are you at liberty to gabble
on at a venture, without emphasis or dis- 4. Hazlitt compares writing a familiar style to
(35) cretion, or to resort to vulgar dialect or (A) ascending a pulpit
clownish pronunciation. You must steer a (B) wearing an old shoe
middle course. You are tied down to a (C) writing a letter
given and appropriate articulation, which (D) writing in a journal
is determined by the habitual associations (E) speaking naturally
(40) between sense and sound, and which you
can only hit by entering into the author’s
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5. The word “perspicuity” (line 21) means 9. How might you paraphrase Hazlitt’s final
(A) clarity sentence?
(B) stuffiness (A) Common, everyday words may be
(C) pedantry pretentious, but it is nice to choose
(D) insensitivity the correct one.
(E) sweat (B) Common language is often
discriminated against, but a writer
6. The word “colloquial” (line 30) means
should be decisive when choosing it.
(A) oratorical (C) It hardly matters which word you
(B) pleasant choose when all your choices have
(C) worldly similar meanings and usages.
(D) religious (D) Judgment will help you decide
(E) everyday whether to use a common word or
7. Hazlitt believes that a writer must “steer a one with more pretensions.
middle course” (line 37) between (E) Choosing the word with the precise
(A) familiar and unfamiliar shade of meaning you desire is
(B) theatrics and bombast difficult but indispensable.
(C) clowning and sobriety 10. Hazlitt’s main idea seems to be that
(D) vulgarity and pomposity (A) writing in a familiar style is harder
(E) discrimination and judgment than it looks
8. The general tone of this passage is (B) it is easier to write familiarly than
(A) disdainful vulgarly
(B) reverent (C) the common touch should be used
(C) scholarly only with commoners
(D) witty (D) familiar language is only appropriate
(E) pompous on certain occasions
(E) an author must be consistent in style
and tone
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Exercise 4
Throughout history, people have found laws of nature; that justice has no sword
themselves at the mercy of unyielding rulers to to punish those who offend in this way;
whom they have had to beg for mercy. The and that ambition disregards wrong so
letters below were written perhaps 1800 years (40) long as it succeeds in its aim.… Nay, to
apart, yet each is a heartfelt plea to a man in a what deity could I turn for absolution af-
ter I had committed so black a deed?…
position of power.
What difficulties have I not sur-
Passage A—from Agrippina to her son, mounted to crown your brow with lau-
the emperor Nero, responding to charges (45) rels? But I insult your gratitude by
reminding you of my services. My in-
of treason
nocence ought not to defend itself but
Don’t you know, my son, the affection all to rely wholly on your justice.
mothers naturally bear their children? Our Farewell
love is unbounded, incessantly fed by that
tenderness unknown to all but ourselves.
(5) Nothing should be more dear to us than Passage B—from Elizabeth Barrett
what we have bought with the risk of our Browning to Napoleon III, pleading for
lives; nothing more precious than what we mercy for a fellow artist
have endured such grief and pain to pro-
cure. These are so acute and unbearable (50) Sire,
(10) that if it were not for the vision of a suc- I am only a woman and have no claim
cessful birth, which makes us forget our on your Majesty’s attention except that of
agonies, generation would soon cease. the weakest on the strongest. Probably my
Do you forget that nine full months I very name as the wife of an English poet
carried you in my womb and nourished (55) and as named itself a little among English
(15) you with my blood? How likely is it, then, poets, is unknown to your Majesty. I never
that I would destroy the dear child who approached my own sovereign with a pe-
cost me so much anguish to bring into the tition, nor am skilled in the way of ad-
world? It may be that the just gods were dressing kings. Yet having, through a
angry at my excessive love of you, and (60) studious and thoughtful life, grown used to
(20) used this way to punish me. great men (among the Dead at least) I can-
Unhappy Agrippina! You are suspected not feel entirely at a loss in speaking to
of a crime of which nobody could really the Emperor Napoleon.
think you guilty.… What does the title of And I beseech you to have patience with
empress mean to me, if I am accused of a (65) me while I supplicate you. It is not for
(25) crime that even the basest of women would myself nor for mine.
abhor? Unhappy are those who breathe the I have been reading with wet eyes and a
air of the court. The wisest of people are swelling heart (as many who love and
not secure from storms in that harbor. some who hate your Majesty have lately
There even a calm is dangerous. But why (70) done) a book called the ‘Contemplations’
(30) blame the court? Can that be the cause of of a man who has sinned deeply against
my being suspected of parricide?… you in certain of his political writings, and
Tell me, why should I plot against your who expiates rash phrases and unjustifi-
life? To plunge myself into a worse fate? able statements in exile in Jersey. I have
That’s not likely. What hopes could induce (75) no personal knowledge of this man; I never
(35) me to build upon your downfall? I know saw his face; and certainly I do not come
that the lust for empire often corrupts the now to make his apology. It is indeed pre-
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cisely because he cannot be excused, that, I 2. “Storms in that harbor” (Passage A, line
think, he might worthily be forgiven. For 28) is a metaphor referring to
(80) this man, whatever else he is not, is a great (A) tempests in teapots
poet of France, and the Emperor who is (B) political upheavals at court
the guardian of her other glories should (C) adventurers in government
remember him and not leave him out. (D) pirates at sea
Ah sire, what was written on “Napoleon (E) Nero’s early life as a sailor
(85) le petit” does not touch your Majesty; but
3. When she says that “ambition disregards
what touches you is, that no historian of
wrong” (line 39), Agrippina means that
the age should have to write hereafter,
“While Napoleon the Third reigned Vic- (A) it is right to grasp power
tor Hugo lived in exile.” What touches you (B) excessive ambition is wrong
(90) is that when your people count gratefully (C) ambitious people commit crimes
the men of commerce, arms and science (D) wickedness comes with rank
secured by you to France, no voice shall (E) few kings are kind
murmur, “But where is our poet?” … What 4. Agrippina’s final paragraph hints at her
touches you is, that when your own be- (A) desire for the crown
(95) loved young prince shall come to read
(B) dislike of the present queen
these poems (and when you wish him a (C) gratitude toward Nero
princely nature, you wish, sire, that such (D) trust in the gods
things should move him) he may exult to (E) manipulation of Nero’s career
recall that his imperial father was great
(100) enough to overcome this great poet with 5. When Browning claims to be “used to
magnanimity.… great men” (Passage B, lines 60–61), she
I am driven by an irresistible impulse to means that she
your Majesty’s feet to ask this grace. It is (A) has studied heroic lives
a woman’s voice, Sire, which dares to ut- (B) knows a great many kings
(105) ter what many yearn for in silence. I have (C) has been ill-used by her sovereign
believed in Napoleon the Third. Passion- (D) grew up in a famous house
ately loving the democracy, I have under- (E) has a famous husband
stood from the beginning that it was to be
6. The word “supplicate” (line 65) means
served throughout Europe in you and by
(110) you. I have trusted you for doing greatly. (A) astound
I will trust you besides for pardoning no- (B) consume
bly. You will be Napoleon in this also. (C) petition
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (D) render
(E) depose
1. Agrippina’s first two paragraphs (Passage
A) appeal to Nero’s 7. Browning suggests the Emperor should
(A) remembrance of his youth forgive Hugo because
(B) power as a leader (A) his crime is not great
(C) love of women (B) she knows him personally
(D) belief in the gods (C) no one deserves exile
(E) filial feelings (D) he is a great French poet
(E) his deed is excusable
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8. The word “touch” as it is used throughout 10. Unlike Agrippina, Browning

paragraph 4, Passage B, means (A) admits her own weakness
(A) caress (B) apologizes
(B) meet (C) denies the crime
(C) affect (D) Both A and B
(D) move (E) Both B and C
(E) feel
9. Unlike Browning, Agrippina is pleading
(A) for mercy
(B) for her own life
(C) for a greater cause
(D) Both A and B
(E) Both B and C
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Critical Reading

TYPES OF CRITICAL READING

Below are examples of each type of question.

Questions 1–3 are based on the following passage.

1. The word novice in the first sentence means

Literal comprehension question

2. According to the author of this passage, an intelligent person should

Extended reasoning question

3. This passage was most likely written by

1. As used in line 2, the word desperadoes most nearly means

Answering Literal Comprehension

1. As stated in this passage, the Declaration of the Rights of Man had

Answering Extended Reasoning Questions

LEVEL A CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

3. The word “effete” (line 20) means 7. Paragraph 3 continues Markham’s

6. The word “braced” (line 40) is used to

LEVEL B CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

LEVEL C CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

LEVEL D CRITICAL READING EXERCISES

8. The word “touch” as it is used throughout 10. Unlike Agrippina, Browning

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