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African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely a story of white males: scientists, traders and missionaries.

Mary Henrietta Kingsley stands out as an exception. Ostensibly, Kingsley planned her first trip to Africa so she could conduct research on fetishes and complete the academic treatise her father, an explorer, had begun. Privately, Kingsley told a friend she was traveling to Africa "to die," though she had dreamt of such an adventure since childhood. Nevertheless, she prepared for the trip carefully, interviewing friends, doctors, missionaries, and former explorers, all of whom advised her not to make the trek. Kingsley was undaunted and set off for West Africa carrying only £300, and chemicals and specimen cases designed to collect samples of unknown fish and insects for the British Museum. Kingsley sailed the coast, finally putting in at the mouth of the Congo. Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader, exchanging goods for food and shelter along the way. During this and her second trip in 1895, Kingsley demonstrated resourcefulness in dealing with such challenges as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeating a leopard with a bucket of water, learning to pilot a native canoe up the Ogooue River, and becoming the first white woman and third "Englishman" to climb the 14,435 foot Mount Cameroon. Upon her return to London, Kingsley campaigned for an enlightened African policy, published her bookTravels in West Africa and advocated a forum for the serious ethnological study of Africa. Kingsley's third trip was to Cape Town during the 1900 Boer War. There she encountered an epidemic of dysentery, volunteered to nurse prisoners of war, contracted typhoid, and died.

1. What is the main purpose of this passage? A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease. B. To outline the early history of African exploration. C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19
th

century England.

D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer. E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT: A. to serve as an Anglican missionary B. to complete her father's fetish research C. to fulfill a childhood dream D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum E. to die

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was: A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way B. to earn extra money to finance her trip C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research E. to acquaint the natives with European goods

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three? A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts. B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day. C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa. D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels. E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.

In the last few years, Newton High School's drama club has not placed higher than fifth place in a drama competition, despite previously placing first three times. In an effort to improve the club's performance, the drama club coach asked the students to practice 30 minutes longer each week. At this year's first competition, the team won third place. The coach has now asked the students to devote an additional 30 minutes each week to practice in an attempt to place even higher at a future competition. 5. The answer to which of the following questions is most likely to be helpful in determining whether the coach's decision to further increase practice time will yield the desired results? A. Have all of the performances on which the club has been judged been rated equally? B. What is the maximum amount of time the club members can devote to additional practice without affecting their schoolwork? C. How many new performance pieces has the club learned in the last year? D. What amount of time do winning drama clubs devote to practice each week? E. How many drama clubs that typically place higher than Newton's participated at the first competition this year?

6. Of all the possible threats that affect American national security, the possibility of electromagnetic attack is maybe the more difficult for analysis. A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis B. is probably the most difficult to analyze C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis D. is probably the more difficult to analyze E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult

Traditional editorial gatekeepers at newspapers, magazines, and television outlets are being bypassed by Internet search engines. With the arrival of ever more powerful and intricate search engines, information is no longer sorted by trusted human gatekeepers but by computer algorithms-sets of commands that decide in split seconds how to arrange search results on a browser page. Once uniform for all users, search results are now based on algorithms that consider the specific usage history and preferences of the person browsing. Because of software-driven information sorting, the individual Internet user is exposed to a range of information limited by what the algorithms predict that user wants to read. A personalized algorithm is based primarily on a user's previous first clicks; thus, the computer gatekeeper's results skew toward the impulsive, the entertaining, and the superficial, and the array of choices initially presented is not necessarily representative of the scope of information available. The leading search engine resolves 57 different data points about a user before displaying results. These points include the user's geographic location, the type of computer being used, and the browser employed. Other websites and social media utilize similar methods, with similar results. The result is what technology writer Eli Pariser terms a "filter bubble." Although the Internet was envisioned as a force to unite society in shared experiences, its use of personalized search algorithms could increasingly atomize users and offer a narrow experience of the world. 7. The author's primary objective is to A. demonstrate the intricacies of computer algorithms used by Internet search engines. B. provide a solution to a perceived problem developing on the Internet. C. explain how to efficiently use Internet search engines.

D. describe the scope and potential implications of a transforming technology. E. describe a new technology's implications for traditional gatekeepers.

8. It can be most reasonably inferred from this passage that A. the computer algorithms in use could be changed to include a human element. B. many Internet users are more attracted to the entertaining than to the unfamiliar. C. companies that provide search engines seek to keep certain information away from users. D. personalized Internet search algorithms make some information inaccessible to users. E. erasing browsing histories can spare Internet users the effects of tailored search results.

9. The author most likely mentions the ""57 different data points"" the leading search engine employs in order to A. demonstrate the array of information available to search engine providers. B. frighten the reader with the threat of constant surveillance. C. underscore the incredible technological capabilities of current search engines. D. explain more precisely how a particular search engine tailors information to users. E. highlight the role played by search history in tailoring search results.

At Putnam Realty, the total dollar value of all homes sold for the first nine months of this year represents a 25 percent increase over the total dollar value of all homes sold for all twelve months last year. Last year, 100 homes were sold, whereas in the first nine months of this year, 50 homes have been sold. The number of homes listed for sale has been roughly equal throughout the current year. 10. If the statements above are true, then which of the following must also be true? A. The average price of a home listed for sale through Putnam Realty has increased from last year to this year. B. At Putnam Realty, the average price of a home sold in the first nine months of this year was higher than the average price of a home sold during the twelve months of last year. C. The total dollar value of all homes sold through Putnam Realty this year will be at least 30 percent higher than the total dollar value of all homes sold through Putnam Realty last year. D. The number of people who purchased homes through Putnam Realty during the first nine months of this year was greater than the number of people who purchased homes through Putnam Realty during all twelve months of last year. E. The number of homes listed for sale through Putnam Realty during the first nine months of this year is the same as the number of homes listed for sale through Putnam Realty during the first nine months of last year.

11. Along with his poet wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning was inspired by his life in Italy to write some of his romantic poetry; tourists to the Tuscan region may visit Florence and Siena, two of the poets' cities of residence. A. Along with his poet wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning was inspired by his life in Italy to write some of his romantic poetry B. Robert Browning's life in Italy with his poet wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, served as inspiration for some of his romantic poetry C. Accompanied by his poet wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, life in Italy inspired some of the romantic poetry of Robert Browning D. Robert Browning used his life in Italy with his poet wife, inspiring some of his romantic poetry E. Because his wife was a poet, Robert Browning was able to use his life in Italy as inspiration for some of his romantic poetry

Numerous studies of chemotherapy patients over the last ten years have shown that patients who had regularly attended support groups or received counseling experienced significantly fewer side effects and shorter recovery times from chemotherapy than did patients who had not. Clearly, although the mainstream scientific community has been slow to acknowledge it, psychological support has an effect on the body's ability to heal. 12. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument above? A. The survival rates for chemotherapy patients in the study were virtually identical regardless of whether or not they received support. B. The patients who did not attend support groups chose not to do so, even though they were healthy enough to attend. C. Many medical doctors believe that the mind plays a role in the causation and prevention of illness. D. The majority of chemotherapy patients must undergo more than one round of treatment. E. Some hospitals do not conduct support groups on their premises for chemotherapy patients and their families.

To reduce the effects of harmful emissions on a nearby neighborhood known as the Stretch, the Port Authority has banned trucks from idling-parking with the engine running and the transmission disengaged-while waiting to pick up loads on Port Authority property. Critics of the ban argue that it has led to more rather than less pollution in the Stretch. 13. Which of the following, if true, most supports the argument of the critics of the ban? A. Trucks that once idled on Port Authority property now idle on the streets of the Stretch. B. The oldest ten percent of the trucks that service the port are responsible for over 90 percent of the pollution. C. A truck produces more pollution during an hour of idling than during an hour of freeway driving. D. Requiring state-of-the-art pollution-control devices on all trucks that service the port would reduce pollution more than does the ban on idling. E. The ban was initially popular with residents of the Stretch, but has since fallen into disfavor.

14. Although the management structure of the Dutch East India Company seems unlike that of any modern corporation, detailed analysis shows a plethora of similarities to most large modern companies. A. Although the management structure of the Dutch East India Company seems unlike that of any modern corporation, detailed analysis shows a plethora of similarities to most large modern companies. B. Despite that the management structure of the Dutch East India Company seems unlike that of any modern corporation, detailed analysis shows a plethora of similarities to most large modern companies. C. Although being unlike that of any modern corporation, the Dutch East India Company reveals through detailed analysis a plethora of similarities to most large modern companies. D. Although the Dutch East India Company has a management structure that seems unlike that of any modern corporation, a plethora of similarities are revealed to most large modern companies through detailed analysis. E. Despite having a management structure unlike that of any modern corporation, the Dutch East India Company reveals through detailed analysis a plethora of similarities to most large modern companies.

In a survey of recently credentialed teachers, half of the respondents said that they were ""satisfied"" or ""very satisfied"" with their first year as teachers, while half said that they were ""unsatisfied"" or ""very unsatisfied."" Seventy percent of the respondents said that they expect to be teaching for at least five years. 15. The statements above, if true, best support which of the following conclusions about the respondents to the survey? A. At least 40 percent of the teachers who found their first year satisfying or very satisfying will be teaching in five years. B. The majority of the teachers who found their first year satisfying or very satisfying expect to be teaching in five years. C. The surveyed teachers are more likely to continue in their careers if they find their first year of teaching satisfying or very satisfying. D. At least 20 percent of the surveyed teachers expect to continue in a career they have initially found unsatisfying. E. Some of the teachers gave inconsistent answers to questions on the survey.

16. The lobbyists for the financial industry pressured the senator to introduce legislation lifting certain regulatory requirements, arguing that the senator engage in urgent action so as to avert the financial sector from suffering further reduced profits and resulting job losses of a financial nature. A. the senator engage in urgent action so as to avert the financial sector from suffering further reduced profits and resulting job losses of a financial nature B. they should engage in urgent action so as to avert further reduced profits and resulting job losses being suffered by the financial sector C. the senator take urgent action so as to avert them from suffering reduced profits and resulting job losses further D. urgent action be undertaken to avert their client from suffering further reduced profits and resulting job losses E. they should take urgent action so as to avert further reduced profits and resulting job losses within the financial sector

17. Recent research cited in The Wall Street Journal suggests that families who save money regularly and adhered to a monthly budget were at a reduced risk of experiencing a home foreclosure during prolonged periods of unemployment. A. adhered to a monthly budget were at a reduced risk of experiencing a home foreclosure during prolonged periods of unemployment B. adhere to a monthly budget are at a reduced risk of experiencing a home foreclosure during a period of unemployment that is prolonged in nature C. adhered to a monthly budget are at a reduced risk of experiencing a home foreclosure during periods of unemployment that are prolonged in nature D. adhere to a monthly budget have a reduced risk of experiencing a home foreclosure during prolonged periods of unemployment E. adhere to a monthly budget had a reduced risk of experiencing a home foreclosure during prolonged periods of unemployment

18. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Apple founder Steve Jobs are giants of the digital age, their contributions recognized by people from all walks of life. A. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Apple founder Steve Jobs are giants B. Bill Gates the Microsoft founder and Steve Jobs the Apple founder are giants C. The Microsoft founder named Bill Gates and the Apple founder named Steve Jobs are known giants D. The Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, and the Apple founder, Steve Jobs, are giants E. Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder, and Steve Jobs, the Apple founder, had been giants

Research studies have shown that harmful agents affect mice and human beings in similar ways. The results of a new study showed that prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun caused an increase in incidences of skin cancer among mice. The mice in the study were exposed to the sun extensively for a seven-day period during the summer, when solar radiation is at its strongest and most dangerous level. 19. Which of the following can be logically concluded from the above passage? A. People should avoid excessive exposure to the sun during peak summer months. B. If the mice had been exposed to the sun longer, there would have been more incidences of skin cancer. C. People should not be exposed to the sun at all during the peak radiation time of the summer months. D. Exposure to the sun was the sole reason for the incidences of skin cancer in the mice in the study. E. The results of the study are not relevant to humans, because most people do not spend as much time exposed to solar radiation as did the mice in the study.

20. Although he patented over 1,000 inventions, many of which revolutionized the modern world, Thomas Edison attained worldwide fame based upon his invention of the incandescent light bulb. A. Thomas Edison attained worldwide fame based upon his invention of the incandescent light bulb B. it was his invention of the incandescent light bulb that brought Thomas Edison worldwide fame C. it was the incandescent light bulb and his invention of it that brought Thomas Edison worldwide fame D. Thomas Edison's invention of the incandescent light bulb brought him worldwide fame E. Thomas Edison earned worldwide fame for his invention of the incandescent light bulb

21. Recent cyber fail-safe systems were incorporated as a means to derive network security from the laying of fire-resistant shielded cable rather than typical electrical conduit. A. from the laying of fire-resistant shielded cable rather than typical electrical conduit B. from laying cable that is fire-resistant shielded rather than typical electrical conduit C. by the laying of fire-resistant shielded cable rather than electrical conduit that is typical D. from fire-resistant shielded cable being laid instead of typical electrical conduit E. by laying fire-resistant shielded cable rather than electrical conduit that was typical

22. Formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance do not apply to small, emergent economies in the same way they apply to established economies, because they are developing and are not in equilibrium. A. Formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance do not apply to small, emergent economies in the same way they apply to established economies, because they are developing and are not in equilibrium B. Because they are developing and are not in equilibrium, formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance do not apply to small, emergent economies in the same way they apply to established economies C. Because they are developing and are not in equilibrium, small, emergent economies are not subject to the same applicability of formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance as established economies D. Because small, emergent economies are developing and are not in equilibrium, formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance do not apply to them in the same way they apply to established economies E. Small, emergent economies are not subject to the applicability of formulas for gross domestic product and trade balance in the same way as established economies, because they are developing and are not in equilibrium

23. Barack Obama won two Grammy Awards, the Nobel Peace Prize, and is the first black president of the United States. A. Barack Obama won two Grammy Awards, the Nobel Peace Prize, and is the first black president of the United States. B. Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States, won two Grammy Awards and he won the Nobel Peace Prize. C. Barack Obama is the first black president of the United States, the winner of two Grammy Awards and he won the Nobel Peace Prize. D. Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States, won two Grammy Awards as well as the Nobel Peace Prize, too. E. Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States, won two Grammy Awards and the Nobel Peace Prize.

Until recently, scientists puzzled over why some exoplanets' orbital spin runs opposite to the spin of the host star they orbit. The first exoplanet-a planet orbiting a star other than earth's sun-was discovered in 1995. Since then, more than 500 exoplanets have been catalogued, though not directly observed. Among the exoplanets are "hot Jupiters," planets with a mass similar to or greater than Jupiter's, found in searinghot proximity to their star. Some of these giants exhibit a retrograde spin, a phenomenon that challenges previously held planet formation theories. In our solar system, which has been considered the norm, all planets rotate around their central star in the same direction as the star itself spins. Curiously, about a quarter of all known hot Jupiters rotate contrary to this model. Until recently, astronomers conjectured that these retrograde rotations happen only in binary (two-star) systems, with the second star exerting gravitational pull that causes the planet's orbit to flip. Now, however, astrophysicists believe that gravitational perturbations from another, larger planet in the same star's orbit are typically the cause of this unusual occurrence. At first, the two planets of unequal size are close to each other and far from their star. Over time, the gravitational influence of the larger planet causes the smaller one closer to the star to shift into an eccentric, needle-shaped orbit. As that orbit gradually shrinks, it can flip to a retrograde direction. As new technology enables discoveries like this, we can better appreciate the enormous diversity in celestial mechanics. "Right now," says astronomer Didier Queloz, "the notion that other solar systems are like ours is completely falling apart." 24. The passage is primarily concerned with A. clarifying the concepts of "exoplanet" and "hot Jupiter" B. explaining an unexpected phenomenon in exoplanets C. casting doubt on theories for which there exists no direct evidence

D. defending the binary star theory of flipped orbits E. refuting research that suggests some planets orbit their stars in a retrograde motion

25. Which of the following CANNOT be inferred about hot Jupiters? A. They are very large. B. Some are not in binary star systems. C. Their existence has been inferred without visual observation. D. They are inhabitable. E. They may not be the largest planets in their solar systems.

26. The author most likely mentions that planets can be "close to each other and far from their star" in order to A. refute the two-planet model B. describe the needle-shaped orbit of hot Jupiters C. explain why stars are not always the dominant gravitational influence on a planet D. show that hot Jupiters defy physics E. illustrate the binary star model

A study of high school students found that children from homes with a modern computer, typically one that is less than two years old, tend to score above average on state science exams, while students with lower scores on the same exam tend to come from homes that either do not have a computer or have one that is more than two years old. 27. What additional information would strengthen the claim that parents who do not have a modern computer in their home cause their children to fall behind in science skills? A. The students involved in the study had unlimited access to computers both at school and at their local public library. B. Children who have access to a home computer are generally happier than are other children. C. Many of the computers found in the homes of the highachieving students were home office computers that were not used by the children. D. Outside of school, students spend most of their time playing sports, watching television, or playing with friends. E. Students whose homes have a modern computer are as motivated to study for the exams as are students whose homes do not have a modern computer.

Economist: Most companies become less efficient over time. Some analysts suggest that all companies should dissolve and restart after no more than 20 years by replacing all employees and allowing the company infrastructure to develop anew. However, this suggestion is too extreme, because it does not acknowledge the cost of losing brand awareness, relearning best practices, and rebuilding company infrastructure. 28. In the economist's argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles? A. The first is data offered in support of an opinion that the economist rejects; the second offers information that contradicts that data. B. The first is an assertion that the author rejects; the second offers a premise that supports the economist's position. C. The first is a conclusion that the economist argues against; the second is the conclusion that the economist defends. D. The first is an observation that supports a position the economist rejects; the second supports the economist's position. E. The first is a generalization that is used as the basis for the economist's position; the second offers additional evidence in support of that position.

29. The runaway success of stretchy rubber bracelets, extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led to the formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated to the sale of them. A. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led to the formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated to the sale of them B. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led to the formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated for their sale C. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, have led to the formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated to the sale of the bracelets D. extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, has led to the formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated to their sale E. being extruded in a plethora of whimsical shapes, has led to the formation of dozens of online storefronts dedicated to the sale of the bracelets

30. Although the tarantula rarely bites and is much less venomous than either the black widow or brown recluse, its fangs are of such size and power that they can cause mechanical damage. A. its fangs are of such size and power that they can be a cause of mechanical damage B. its fangs are so large and powerful as to cause mechanical damage C. such are the size and power of its fangs that they can be a cause of mechanical damage D. their fangs are large and powerful enough to cause of mechanical damage E. such are the size and power of its fangs that it can cause mechanical damage

A journalist covering professional poker players found that these individuals tend to be risk-takers and possess the complementary traits of aggressiveness, confidence, and quick-wittedness. The journalist concluded that the world of professional poker tends to attract those who naturally enjoy taking risks. 31. If true, which of the following statements would most weaken the journalist's conclusion? A. Professional poker players develop their risk-loving traits through years of experience playing the game of poker. B. Professional poker players often display good public speaking skills that stem from their natural self-confidence. C. Many individuals who are not poker players have taken greater risks than has the average professional poker player. D. The most successful professional poker players have claimed that skill, rather than luck, is responsible for their success. E. The professional poker players featured in the journalist's story were not able to successfully apply their betting strategies to similar activities, such as investing.

32. Prior to the 1800s, people dwelling in rural locations made up nearly 90 percent of the entire human population; in 2007, they decreased by 50 percent. A. in 2007, they decreased by 50 percent. B. in 2007, they decreased to less than 50 percent. C. decreasing to less than 50 percent in 2007. D. in 2007, this proportion decreased to less than 50 percent. E. which decreased to less than 50 percent in 2007.

33. Though most ocean life neophytes typically consider the killer whale a whale due to its physical similarity to one, genetic analysis has revealed that it is more closely connected to the modern dolphin than any member of the whale family. A. due to its physical resemblance to one, genetic analysis has revealed that it is more closely connected to the modern dolphin than B. due to the fact that it physically resembles one, genetic analysis revealed that it is more closely connected to the modern dolphin than is C. because of its physical resemblance to one, genetic analysis has revealed that it is more closely connected to the modern dolphin than to D. because of its physical resemblance to one, genetic analysis has revealed that it is more closely connected to the modern dolphin than E. because of its resemblance to one physically, genetic analysis has revealed that it is more closely connected to the modern dolphin than is

The California ground squirrel must constantly balance the conflicting demands of self-preservation and predator assessment. Because predator assessment requires a fairly high degree of proximity and sensory contact, the ground squirrel can only safely assess predators from whom there is little to no immediate threat. For example, when avian predators, including the red-tailed hawk and golden eagle, launch sudden, unexpected aerial attacks, self-preservation must take precedence over the acquisition of knowledge. Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, pose relatively little immediate danger, and give the squirrel the greatest opportunity for predator assessment. Predator assessment might normally be hampered by the inherent danger of the rattlesnake's lethal bite. But while squirrels constitute almost 70 percent of the rattlesnake's diet, adult ground squirrels are all but immune to rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes hunt slowly and stalk their prey, in marked contrast to sudden avian attacks. And even though a rattlesnake's strike is fast, the ground squirrel can move much faster. More important, any danger posed by a snakebite is mitigated by proteins in the squirrel's blood that confer resistance to rattlesnake venom. Adult ground squirrels will generally survive a rattlesnake bite that could prove lethal to a grown human. Indeed, it is the squirrel pups that are most susceptible to rattlesnake bites, because their smaller bodies cannot neutralize a full bite's worth of venom. This innate resistance allows the ground squirrel to change the dynamic of the traditional predator-prey relationship and approach the rattlesnake in an effort to acquire useful information regarding size and body temperature. Larger snakes, which deliver more venom per strike, are naturally more dangerous, as are warmer snakes, which can strike faster, from a greater distance, and with greater accuracy. Visual cues can be helpful, but the squirrel is often hampered by the

surrounding vegetation and darkness of burrows. Auditory cues are generally more reliable. For this reason, the ground squirrel will engage in tail-flagging, sand-kicking, and substrate-throwing in an attempt to put the snake on the defensive, and coax the snake into rattling its tail. The sound of a particular snake's rattle "leaks" information about the snake's size and body temperature. Not only does this information allow the squirrel to accurately assess the surrounding danger to itself and its pups, but it also allows the squirrel to communicate this danger (or lack thereof) to other squirrels by additional tail-flagging. 34. Which of the following can most reasonably be concluded about adult ground squirrels on the basis of the passage? A. They are found exclusively in California. B. They have always been immune to rattlesnake venom. C. They are sometimes vulnerable to a rattlesnake's venom. D. They generally stay away from rattlesnakes in order to protect their young. E. They have only avian and reptilian predators.

35. According to the passage, the adult ground squirrel generally does NOT engage in which of the following? A. The self-application of snake scent B. Acquisition of knowledge regarding a rattlesnake's size C. Biting rattlesnakes D. Large-scale assessment of avian predators E. Communication with other adult ground squirrels

36. The author mentions the hunting method of rattlesnakes in order to A. show how the rattlesnake can sneak up on a ground squirrel engaged in predator assessment. B. give an example of an attack against which the adult ground squirrel must defend itself in order to survive. C. explain why 70 percent of squirrels are eaten by rattlesnakes. D. show how the rattlesnake is different from the red-tailed hawk and golden eagle. E. provide a secondary explanation for the adult California ground squirrel's ability to safely approach the rattlesnake.

37. The passage suggests which of the following about predator-prey relationships? A. They only allow for predator assessment when there is no danger from the predator. B. They often do not allow for a high degree of predator assessment. C. They are fairly traditional in their resistance to evolution. D. They tend to minimize the predator-prey proximity. E. They are the same regardless of the species in question.

38. According to a poll conducted by the library association, young readers prefer not only longer books, like the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, over those that are much shorter, but also more complex stories over those that are simpler. A. like the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, over those that are much shorter, but also more complex stories over B. like the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, to those that are much shorter, but they prefer more complex stories to C. such as the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, more than those that are much shorter, but also more complex stories more than D. such as the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, more than those much shorter, and also more complex stories more than E. such as the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, to those that are much shorter, but also more complex stories to

Patronage at a small bookstore has been declining since a national book chain opened a store in the same neighborhood six weeks ago. The small store's owner has decided that the best way to recapture patronage is to offer coffee and pastries to compete with similar amenities offered by the national chain. 39. The small store owner's conclusion depends on which of the following assumptions? A. Some of the books purchased by patrons of the chain bookstore are also available for purchase at the small bookstore. B. The local store's prices are higher than those of similar stores in nearby towns. C. Patronage at the local store was at its peak three months ago. D. The local store does not currently offer any food or beverages. E. The national chain is serving coffee and pastries only for a limited time and is expected to stop serving food in six months.

40. A growing number of mature readers had been turning to young adult fiction, bringing booksellers a welcome source of revenue. A. had been turning to young adult fiction, bringing booksellers a welcome source B. have been turning to young adult fiction, bringing booksellers a welcome source C. had been turning to young adult fiction, which brings booksellers welcome sources D. have been turning to young adult fiction, which brought booksellers welcome sources E. had been turning to young adult fiction and bringing to booksellers a welcome source

41. In response to allegations of corruption reported in a prominent newspaper, the state attorney general demanded that all official telephone and e-mail records should have their content examined. A. that all official telephone and e-mail records should have their content examined B. that the content be examined for all official telephone and e-mail records C. that the content of all official telephone and e-mail records should be examined D. that the content of all official telephone and e-mail records be examined E. all official telephone and e-mail records to be examined for their content

In most cases, employees of the Acme Company receive less take-home pay than do employees of the Bobber Company, and employee insurance benefits are approximately equal at both companies. However, in Employee Monthly's quarterly list of the best employers, the Acme Company is ranked ahead of the Bobber Company. 42. Which of the following, if true, best explains the apparent discrepancy described above? A. On average, employees at the Bobber Company work as many overtime hours as do employees at the Acme Company. B. Unlike the Bobber Company, the Acme Company gives stock options to its employees as part of their annual bonus. C. Salaries at the Bobber Company are higher than those of the Acme Company. D. Many employees have transferred from the Bobber Company to the Acme Company. E. The Bobber Company has recently moved to a state-ofthe-art building.

Researchers at MIT have created a new nanotube sensor capable of detecting tiny traces of explosives-even as little as one molecule. The cylinders are made of carbon and coated with protein fragments found in bee venom, called bombolitins. The bombolitins react to the nitro-aromatic class of explosives, such as TNT, by shifting the wavelength of the fluorescent light naturally produced by the carbon tubes. The sensor represents a step forward. Earlier carbon nanotubes, which utilize inexpensive and reliable ion mobility spectronometers, can detect molecules of some dangerous compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and sarin, but until now they could not detect nitro-aromatics. In these sensors, the intensity of fluorescence changes when specific molecules are detected; as a result, the light dims or brightens. Although these sensors are effective, they are not always easy to use or to interpret, given the effect of ambient light. The new sensors, however, work on wavelength rather than intensity. This change makes them easier to work with and less prone to error. The new nanotechnology is also promising because multiple nanotubes can be deployed to detect different compounds. In addition, the new sensors can detect compounds even after they have broken down in the environment. The next step before widespread use is to devise reliable technology for capturing airborne molecules and bringing them into contact with the new sensors. 43. It can be inferred from the passage that A. the new sensors are expensive B. nanotubes are not as effective as bomb-sniffing dogs C. bombolitins are synthetic compounds D. ambient light interfered with the use of older sensors E. carbon tubes are difficult to manufacture

44. It can be inferred that the author mentions "hydrogen peroxide and sarin" primarily in order to A. give examples of molecules detected by existing nanotubes B. give examples of dangerous compounds that researchers are attempting to detect C. present two examples of nitro-aromatic class of explosives D. discuss how these molecules bind with carbon E. detail the history of nanotechnology

45. The passage author would most likely agree that A. current explosive detection is woefully inadequate B. nitro-aromatic explosive detectors are too limited to be practical C. changes in fluorescent intensity are harder to detect than are changes in fluorescent wavelength D. nanotechnology sensors are too sensitive for use outside of a controlled environment E. airports should switch to using only nitro-aromatic explosive detectors

46. Conservative opponents of government stimulus spending proposals cite the unwieldy cost and the drain on sector spending as if they were reasons not to support any such legislation in congress. A. for reasons not to B. as being reasons not to C. as reasons not to D. to be reasons not to E. for reasons that they should not

Zoologists have concluded that a gorilla's longevity is primarily determined by how often and how adeptly it employs tools. Researchers who followed a gorilla troop known for its members' longevity found that the proportion of the troop who used tools was close to 80 percent, a figure nearly four times that of a gorilla troop with an average lifespan. The gorillas most often used simple tools to help them obtain food. 47. The zoologists' claim is based on which of the following assumptions? A. Tool-making increases the number of members in a gorilla troop. B. Most of the shortest-lived gorillas in the observed troop did not use tools. C. Unlike other primates, gorillas have a unique toolmaking ability. D. Gorillas in troops have a more diverse diet. E. The ability to create tools allows primates to defend themselves against predators.

48. One reason some particle physicists are switching to astronomy late in their careers is that they tire of spending years constructing environments in which they can conduct experiments; astronomers have an infinite and ready-made supply of environments at their disposal. A. One reason some particle physicists are switching to astronomy late in their careers is that they tire of spending years constructing environments in which they can conduct experiments; astronomers have an infinite and ready-made supply of environments at their disposal B. Late in their careers, one reason that some particle physicists are switching to astronomy is suggested by the fact that particle physicists must spend years constructing environments in which they can conduct experiments, while astronomers have an infinite and ready-made supply of environments at their disposal C. Late in their careers, one reason that some particle physicists are switching to astronomy is suggested by the fact that particle physicists must spend years constructing environments in which they can conduct experiments, while an infinite and ready-made supply of environments is at the disposal of astronomers D. The fact that particle physicists must spend years constructing environments in which they can conduct experiments while astronomers have an infinite and readymade supply of environments at their disposal is one reason, late in their careers, some particle physicists are switching to astronomy E. The existence of an infinite and ready-made supply of environments at the disposal of astronomers compared with the fact that particle physicists must spend years constructing environments in which they can conduct experiments suggests one reason some particle physicists are switching to astronomy late in their careers

49. Although tomatoes were once regarded as poisonous, they are now seen as full of compounds essential for a healthy diet. A. were once regarded as B. had once been regarded as C. were once regarded as being D. had once regarded to be E. have once been regarded as

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