Verbal Test - 23

Directions: The sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled (1) through (5). Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

According to a ___________, a city of _________ wealth existed thousands of years ago in Sri Lanka.

Directions: The sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled (1) through (5). Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The government adopted a ________ attitude towards telecom operators who were ______ to clear all their dues before the year end.

Directions: The sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled (1) through (5). Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Even by the country's ___________ standards of law enforcement, the performance of the city police force leaves much to be _________.

Directions: The sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled (1) through (5). Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

I was __________ to the possibility that the house might get _________ in the war.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

You are very impatient with her; you should be a bit considerate.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

It is a notion peculiar in ethics; that subjective end is subordinate to the objective end.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

With the usual display of semi-barbaric pomp, arrangements were made by Albert to engage in the perilous holy war, from which few ever returned.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

The optimist contended that since men cannot foresee the future, worry about the future is futile, and that every thing, is inevitably for the best.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

Mother nature helps us survive in this world; something as simple as a tree provides us with so much - food, shade, wood and oxygen - and expects nothing in return.

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

Moderations in the affections and passions, self control and calm deliberation is not only good in many respects, constitutes part of the intrinsic worth of the person; but they are far from deserving to be called good without qualification although they have been praised by the ancients.

Directions: The sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled (1) through (5). Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The land reforms were _________, if not sabotaged, in _______ with politicians and lower level officials.

Directions: The sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled (1) through (5). Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

An uneasy _______ has descended on the region and the near future is full of _________ forebodings.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) All (B) but (C) he had fled away from the office when police (D) raided. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

He is not (A) such (B) a good man (C) who can help (D) anyone. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

The home team (A) controlled the ball (B) for a majority of the game, yet it couldn't succeed in (C) getting the ball into the opposite team's net (D) often enough. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) In order to prevent recurrence of (B) the endemic condition, the (C) society needs to accept either of the two solutions offered by the health department, but the governing council (D) is not of one opinion. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

The Ostrich, a flightless bird (A) possessing fully developed wings (B) as well as legs, (C) but unable to fly because of its weight, (D) is the largest bird in the avian family. (E) No error

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) Lost in the jungle and completely exhausted, (B) dark woods frightened them but just as they were about to lose all hope, (C) they saw a house (D) at a distance of two miles. (E) No error

The author of passage 2 will agree with which of the following assertions given in passage 1?
I. Nature is a great teacher.
II. Body is the medium of expression of thoughts same as art is a medium to vent the feelings.
III. The exuberance of true art lies in soulful expression of sentiments by a well trained professional.

Answer this question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            There is a constant evolution in all things
            progressive, and this evolution is felt very
            perceptibly. Times change, however, and
            we change with them. While the changes
(5)        may be slow and almost imperceptible to
            the observer, they are sure, and finally
            become evident by the accumulation of
            event after event.
            Many of our foremost educators in all
 (10)     branches of development, physical and
            mental, are now making a bold stand for
            natural methods of education. However,
            all training and development in the past
            has not been on the wrong side of the
(15)      question. The custom of many has been,
            and is, to condemn without investigation;
            to condemn because it does not happen to
            be in the line of their teaching and study.
            He who condemns without knowledge or
(20)      investigation is dishonest.
            There have been, at all ages and under all
            circumstances and conditions, men who
            have been at the root or the bottom of
            things — men who have preserved the truth
(25)      in spite of their surroundings. There have
            been at every decade a few men who have
            known the truth, and who have handed it
            down even through the dark ages. The work
            of these men has not been lost. Its influence
(30)      has been felt, and is today more powerful
            than ever. Hence the trend of the best
            thought is away from the ideas of the local-
            effort school, away from rigidity and
            artificiality, and more in the direction of
 (35)     naturalness and common sense.
            There is to-day a movement which had
            its origin in the belief that no man ever
            learned because he consciously, rigidly
            set or firmly pulled in one direction or
(40)      another, or because he did a hundred
            other unnatural things too foolish to
            mention. It is true he may have learned
            in spite of them, which shows that Nature
            is kind; but as compared to the whole, he
(45)      is one in a thousand.

Passage 2

The tone in the two passages is

Answer this question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            There is a constant evolution in all things
            progressive, and this evolution is felt very
            perceptibly. Times change, however, and
            we change with them. While the changes
(5)        may be slow and almost imperceptible to
            the observer, they are sure, and finally
            become evident by the accumulation of
            event after event.
            Many of our foremost educators in all
 (10)     branches of development, physical and
            mental, are now making a bold stand for
            natural methods of education. However,
            all training and development in the past
            has not been on the wrong side of the
(15)      question. The custom of many has been,
            and is, to condemn without investigation;
            to condemn because it does not happen to
            be in the line of their teaching and study.
            He who condemns without knowledge or
(20)      investigation is dishonest.
            There have been, at all ages and under all
            circumstances and conditions, men who
            have been at the root or the bottom of
            things — men who have preserved the truth
(25)      in spite of their surroundings. There have
            been at every decade a few men who have
            known the truth, and who have handed it
            down even through the dark ages. The work
            of these men has not been lost. Its influence
(30)      has been felt, and is today more powerful
            than ever. Hence the trend of the best
            thought is away from the ideas of the local-
            effort school, away from rigidity and
            artificiality, and more in the direction of
 (35)     naturalness and common sense.
            There is to-day a movement which had
            its origin in the belief that no man ever
            learned because he consciously, rigidly
            set or firmly pulled in one direction or
(40)      another, or because he did a hundred
            other unnatural things too foolish to
            mention. It is true he may have learned
            in spite of them, which shows that Nature
            is kind; but as compared to the whole, he
(45)      is one in a thousand.

Passage 2

What is meant by 'special aptitude' (line 39)?

Answer this question based on the following passage.

            The most desirable industries are those in
            which there is an opportunity for
            development of all the workers and a chance
            for the greatest number to find the best
(5)        opportunity to acquire special skill and
            special ability. In such industries there
            should be the open door of progress so
            that those who are qualified for
            advancement can go forward from position
(10)      to position with no barrier other than their
            own mental or physical limitations.
            Special ability, skill and team work are only
            acquired by long specialized practice. These
            qualities constitute the most valuable assets
(15)      on which to create a new concern. This
            natural evolution of the group's effectiveness
            as a single organization is one of greatest
            importance.
            Changes must be most sparingly made,
(20)      with the full knowledge that anything that
            interferes with the habit-action of the
            workers is a serious hindrance. The stake
            holders must remember that in a growing
            industry, individual skill as well as group
(25)      skill of the whole organization greatly
            improves with continued action. Under the
            process of continued action the average
            man can make a fair showing and with a
            reasonable degree of moral support will
(30)      make good, while without it the ablest man
            will have a hard time and even fail if he is
            forced to accept changes that disturb
            continuity of action.
            Each man's energies, both mental and
 (35)     physical, must be employed constructively
            with the minimum disturbance, concentrated
            on his own particular work. Through continuity
            of attention and application to a given work,
            man acquires a special aptitude. Each man
(40)      on the face of the earth has a special
            knowledge and special ability that he has
            acquired by experience.

The passage revolves around

Answer this question based on the following passage.

            The most desirable industries are those in
            which there is an opportunity for
            development of all the workers and a chance
            for the greatest number to find the best
(5)        opportunity to acquire special skill and
            special ability. In such industries there
            should be the open door of progress so
            that those who are qualified for
            advancement can go forward from position
(10)      to position with no barrier other than their
            own mental or physical limitations.
            Special ability, skill and team work are only
            acquired by long specialized practice. These
            qualities constitute the most valuable assets
(15)      on which to create a new concern. This
            natural evolution of the group's effectiveness
            as a single organization is one of greatest
            importance.
            Changes must be most sparingly made,
(20)      with the full knowledge that anything that
            interferes with the habit-action of the
            workers is a serious hindrance. The stake
            holders must remember that in a growing
            industry, individual skill as well as group
(25)      skill of the whole organization greatly
            improves with continued action. Under the
            process of continued action the average
            man can make a fair showing and with a
            reasonable degree of moral support will
(30)      make good, while without it the ablest man
            will have a hard time and even fail if he is
            forced to accept changes that disturb
            continuity of action.
            Each man's energies, both mental and
 (35)     physical, must be employed constructively
            with the minimum disturbance, concentrated
            on his own particular work. Through continuity
            of attention and application to a given work,
            man acquires a special aptitude. Each man
(40)      on the face of the earth has a special
            knowledge and special ability that he has
            acquired by experience.

Which of the following is the best way to revise sentence 10? (Reproduced below)
The question is, which method is the most practical, the most successful and most popular?

Directions: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answer for the question that follows. Keep in mind that some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask to consider organization and development. In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

[1] There are two principal methods of treating disease. [2] One is the combative, the other the preventive. [3] The trend of medical research henceforth has almost entirely been along combative lines, although the progressive physician learns to work more and more along preventive lines. [4] The slogan of medical science has been, "Kill the germ and cure the disease." [5] The usual procedure is to wait until acute or chronic diseases have fully developed, and then, if possible, to subdue them by means of drugs, surgical operations, and by means of the morbid products of disease, in the form of serums, antitoxins, vaccines, etc. [6] The combative methods fight disease with disease, poison with poison, and germs with germs and germ products. [7] In the language of the Good Book, it is "Beelzebub against the Devil." [8] The preventive method does not wait until diseases have fully developed and gained the ascendancy in the body, but concentrates its best endeavors on preventing, by hygienic living and by natural methods of treatment, the development of diseases. [9] By these put the human body in a normal and healthy condition which is practically proof against infection or contagion by disease taints and miasmas, and against the inroads of germs, bacteria and parasites. [10] The question is, which method is the most practical, the most successful and most popular? [11] Which will stand the test in the great struggle for existence? [12] The medical profession has good reason to be alarmed by the inroads made in its work by irregular, unorthodox systems, schools and cults of treating human ailments. [13] But instead of raging at the audacious presumption of these interlopers, would it not be better to inquire if there is not some reason for the astonishing spread and popularity of these therapeutic innovations?

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence 3 below?
The trend of medical research henceforth has almost entirely been along combative lines, although the progressive physician learns to work more and more along preventive lines.

Directions: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answer for the question that follows. Keep in mind that some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask to consider organization and development. In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

[1] There are two principal methods of treating disease. [2] One is the combative, the other the preventive. [3] The trend of medical research henceforth has almost entirely been along combative lines, although the progressive physician learns to work more and more along preventive lines. [4] The slogan of medical science has been, "Kill the germ and cure the disease." [5] The usual procedure is to wait until acute or chronic diseases have fully developed, and then, if possible, to subdue them by means of drugs, surgical operations, and by means of the morbid products of disease, in the form of serums, antitoxins, vaccines, etc. [6] The combative methods fight disease with disease, poison with poison, and germs with germs and germ products. [7] In the language of the Good Book, it is "Beelzebub against the Devil." [8] The preventive method does not wait until diseases have fully developed and gained the ascendancy in the body, but concentrates its best endeavors on preventing, by hygienic living and by natural methods of treatment, the development of diseases. [9] By these put the human body in a normal and healthy condition which is practically proof against infection or contagion by disease taints and miasmas, and against the inroads of germs, bacteria and parasites. [10] The question is, which method is the most practical, the most successful and most popular? [11] Which will stand the test in the great struggle for existence? [12] The medical profession has good reason to be alarmed by the inroads made in its work by irregular, unorthodox systems, schools and cults of treating human ailments. [13] But instead of raging at the audacious presumption of these interlopers, would it not be better to inquire if there is not some reason for the astonishing spread and popularity of these therapeutic innovations?

Which of the following sentences can be removed from the essay, without affecting the flow of the argument?

Directions: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answer for the question that follows. Keep in mind that some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask to consider organization and development. In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

[1] There are two principal methods of treating disease. [2] One is the combative, the other the preventive. [3] The trend of medical research henceforth has almost entirely been along combative lines, although the progressive physician learns to work more and more along preventive lines. [4] The slogan of medical science has been, "Kill the germ and cure the disease." [5] The usual procedure is to wait until acute or chronic diseases have fully developed, and then, if possible, to subdue them by means of drugs, surgical operations, and by means of the morbid products of disease, in the form of serums, antitoxins, vaccines, etc. [6] The combative methods fight disease with disease, poison with poison, and germs with germs and germ products. [7] In the language of the Good Book, it is "Beelzebub against the Devil." [8] The preventive method does not wait until diseases have fully developed and gained the ascendancy in the body, but concentrates its best endeavors on preventing, by hygienic living and by natural methods of treatment, the development of diseases. [9] By these put the human body in a normal and healthy condition which is practically proof against infection or contagion by disease taints and miasmas, and against the inroads of germs, bacteria and parasites. [10] The question is, which method is the most practical, the most successful and most popular? [11] Which will stand the test in the great struggle for existence? [12] The medical profession has good reason to be alarmed by the inroads made in its work by irregular, unorthodox systems, schools and cults of treating human ailments. [13] But instead of raging at the audacious presumption of these interlopers, would it not be better to inquire if there is not some reason for the astonishing spread and popularity of these therapeutic innovations?

The author emphasizes on all except

Answer this question based on the following passage.

            The most desirable industries are those in
            which there is an opportunity for
            development of all the workers and a chance
            for the greatest number to find the best
(5)        opportunity to acquire special skill and
            special ability. In such industries there
            should be the open door of progress so
            that those who are qualified for
            advancement can go forward from position
(10)      to position with no barrier other than their
            own mental or physical limitations.
            Special ability, skill and team work are only
            acquired by long specialized practice. These
            qualities constitute the most valuable assets
(15)      on which to create a new concern. This
            natural evolution of the group's effectiveness
            as a single organization is one of greatest
            importance.
            Changes must be most sparingly made,
(20)      with the full knowledge that anything that
            interferes with the habit-action of the
            workers is a serious hindrance. The stake
            holders must remember that in a growing
            industry, individual skill as well as group
(25)      skill of the whole organization greatly
            improves with continued action. Under the
            process of continued action the average
            man can make a fair showing and with a
            reasonable degree of moral support will
(30)      make good, while without it the ablest man
            will have a hard time and even fail if he is
            forced to accept changes that disturb
            continuity of action.
            Each man's energies, both mental and
 (35)     physical, must be employed constructively
            with the minimum disturbance, concentrated
            on his own particular work. Through continuity
            of attention and application to a given work,
            man acquires a special aptitude. Each man
(40)      on the face of the earth has a special
            knowledge and special ability that he has
            acquired by experience.

What is meant by “acquired by experience” (last line)?
I. Expertise gained to excel in a line.
II. Knowledge surfacing around the specialized trade.
III. Trade secrets acquired due to continuous work.

Answer this question based on the following passage.

            The most desirable industries are those in
            which there is an opportunity for
            development of all the workers and a chance
            for the greatest number to find the best
(5)        opportunity to acquire special skill and
            special ability. In such industries there
            should be the open door of progress so
            that those who are qualified for
            advancement can go forward from position
(10)      to position with no barrier other than their
            own mental or physical limitations.
            Special ability, skill and team work are only
            acquired by long specialized practice. These
            qualities constitute the most valuable assets
(15)      on which to create a new concern. This
            natural evolution of the group's effectiveness
            as a single organization is one of greatest
            importance.
            Changes must be most sparingly made,
(20)      with the full knowledge that anything that
            interferes with the habit-action of the
            workers is a serious hindrance. The stake
            holders must remember that in a growing
            industry, individual skill as well as group
(25)      skill of the whole organization greatly
            improves with continued action. Under the
            process of continued action the average
            man can make a fair showing and with a
            reasonable degree of moral support will
(30)      make good, while without it the ablest man
            will have a hard time and even fail if he is
            forced to accept changes that disturb
            continuity of action.
            Each man's energies, both mental and
 (35)     physical, must be employed constructively
            with the minimum disturbance, concentrated
            on his own particular work. Through continuity
            of attention and application to a given work,
            man acquires a special aptitude. Each man
(40)      on the face of the earth has a special
            knowledge and special ability that he has
            acquired by experience.

In context, what is the best way to improve the underlined part of sentence 9 (reproduced below)?
By these put the human body

Directions: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answer for the question that follows. Keep in mind that some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask to consider organization and development. In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

[1] There are two principal methods of treating disease. [2] One is the combative, the other the preventive. [3] The trend of medical research henceforth has almost entirely been along combative lines, although the progressive physician learns to work more and more along preventive lines. [4] The slogan of medical science has been, "Kill the germ and cure the disease." [5] The usual procedure is to wait until acute or chronic diseases have fully developed, and then, if possible, to subdue them by means of drugs, surgical operations, and by means of the morbid products of disease, in the form of serums, antitoxins, vaccines, etc. [6] The combative methods fight disease with disease, poison with poison, and germs with germs and germ products. [7] In the language of the Good Book, it is "Beelzebub against the Devil." [8] The preventive method does not wait until diseases have fully developed and gained the ascendancy in the body, but concentrates its best endeavors on preventing, by hygienic living and by natural methods of treatment, the development of diseases. [9] By these put the human body in a normal and healthy condition which is practically proof against infection or contagion by disease taints and miasmas, and against the inroads of germs, bacteria and parasites. [10] The question is, which method is the most practical, the most successful and most popular? [11] Which will stand the test in the great struggle for existence? [12] The medical profession has good reason to be alarmed by the inroads made in its work by irregular, unorthodox systems, schools and cults of treating human ailments. [13] But instead of raging at the audacious presumption of these interlopers, would it not be better to inquire if there is not some reason for the astonishing spread and popularity of these therapeutic innovations?

Which of the following will most strengthen the author's argument in paragraph 3?

Directions: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answer for the question that follows. Keep in mind that some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask to consider organization and development. In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

[1] There are two principal methods of treating disease. [2] One is the combative, the other the preventive. [3] The trend of medical research henceforth has almost entirely been along combative lines, although the progressive physician learns to work more and more along preventive lines. [4] The slogan of medical science has been, "Kill the germ and cure the disease." [5] The usual procedure is to wait until acute or chronic diseases have fully developed, and then, if possible, to subdue them by means of drugs, surgical operations, and by means of the morbid products of disease, in the form of serums, antitoxins, vaccines, etc. [6] The combative methods fight disease with disease, poison with poison, and germs with germs and germ products. [7] In the language of the Good Book, it is "Beelzebub against the Devil." [8] The preventive method does not wait until diseases have fully developed and gained the ascendancy in the body, but concentrates its best endeavors on preventing, by hygienic living and by natural methods of treatment, the development of diseases. [9] By these put the human body in a normal and healthy condition which is practically proof against infection or contagion by disease taints and miasmas, and against the inroads of germs, bacteria and parasites. [10] The question is, which method is the most practical, the most successful and most popular? [11] Which will stand the test in the great struggle for existence? [12] The medical profession has good reason to be alarmed by the inroads made in its work by irregular, unorthodox systems, schools and cults of treating human ailments. [13] But instead of raging at the audacious presumption of these interlopers, would it not be better to inquire if there is not some reason for the astonishing spread and popularity of these therapeutic innovations?

What is the central idea of passage 1?

Answer this question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            There is a constant evolution in all things
            progressive, and this evolution is felt very
            perceptibly. Times change, however, and
            we change with them. While the changes
(5)        may be slow and almost imperceptible to
            the observer, they are sure, and finally
            become evident by the accumulation of
            event after event.
            Many of our foremost educators in all
 (10)     branches of development, physical and
            mental, are now making a bold stand for
            natural methods of education. However,
            all training and development in the past
            has not been on the wrong side of the
(15)      question. The custom of many has been,
            and is, to condemn without investigation;
            to condemn because it does not happen to
            be in the line of their teaching and study.
            He who condemns without knowledge or
(20)      investigation is dishonest.
            There have been, at all ages and under all
            circumstances and conditions, men who
            have been at the root or the bottom of
            things — men who have preserved the truth
(25)      in spite of their surroundings. There have
            been at every decade a few men who have
            known the truth, and who have handed it
            down even through the dark ages. The work
            of these men has not been lost. Its influence
(30)      has been felt, and is today more powerful
            than ever. Hence the trend of the best
            thought is away from the ideas of the local-
            effort school, away from rigidity and
            artificiality, and more in the direction of
 (35)     naturalness and common sense.
            There is to-day a movement which had
            its origin in the belief that no man ever
            learned because he consciously, rigidly
            set or firmly pulled in one direction or
(40)      another, or because he did a hundred
            other unnatural things too foolish to
            mention. It is true he may have learned
            in spite of them, which shows that Nature
            is kind; but as compared to the whole, he
(45)      is one in a thousand.

Passage 2

What is the best way to combine sentence 1 and 2?

Directions: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answer for the question that follows. Keep in mind that some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask to consider organization and development. In choosing the answer, follow the requirements of standard written English.

[1] There are two principal methods of treating disease. [2] One is the combative, the other the preventive. [3] The trend of medical research henceforth has almost entirely been along combative lines, although the progressive physician learns to work more and more along preventive lines. [4] The slogan of medical science has been, "Kill the germ and cure the disease." [5] The usual procedure is to wait until acute or chronic diseases have fully developed, and then, if possible, to subdue them by means of drugs, surgical operations, and by means of the morbid products of disease, in the form of serums, antitoxins, vaccines, etc. [6] The combative methods fight disease with disease, poison with poison, and germs with germs and germ products. [7] In the language of the Good Book, it is "Beelzebub against the Devil." [8] The preventive method does not wait until diseases have fully developed and gained the ascendancy in the body, but concentrates its best endeavors on preventing, by hygienic living and by natural methods of treatment, the development of diseases. [9] By these put the human body in a normal and healthy condition which is practically proof against infection or contagion by disease taints and miasmas, and against the inroads of germs, bacteria and parasites. [10] The question is, which method is the most practical, the most successful and most popular? [11] Which will stand the test in the great struggle for existence? [12] The medical profession has good reason to be alarmed by the inroads made in its work by irregular, unorthodox systems, schools and cults of treating human ailments. [13] But instead of raging at the audacious presumption of these interlopers, would it not be better to inquire if there is not some reason for the astonishing spread and popularity of these therapeutic innovations?

What is the difference between active euthanasia and passive euthanasia?

Answer this question based on the following passage.

            Euthanasia is often erroneously described
            as "mercy killing". Most forms of euthanasia
            are, indeed, motivated by (some say:
            misplaced) mercy. Not so others. In Greek,
(5)        "eu" means both "well" and "easy" and
            "Thanatos" is death.
            Euthanasia is the intentional premature
            termination of another person's life either
            by direct intervention (active euthanasia)
 (10)     or by withholding life-prolonging measures
            and resources (passive euthanasia), either
            at the express or implied request of that
            person (voluntary euthanasia), or in the
            absence of such approval (non-voluntary
(15)      euthanasia). Involuntary euthanasia -
            where the individual wishes to go on living
            - is a euphemism for murder.
            To my mind, passive euthanasia is immoral.
            The abrupt withdrawal of medical treatment,
(20)      feeding, and hydration results in a slow and
            (potentially) torturous death. Moreover,
            passive euthanasia allows us to evade
            personal responsibility for the patient's death.
            In active euthanasia, the relationship between
(25)      the act (of administering a lethal medication,
            for instance) and its consequences is direct
            and unambiguous.
            To qualify as euthanasia, the termination of
            life has to be the main and intended aim of
(30)      the act or omission that leads to it.
            The sanctity and value of life compete with a
            host of other equally potent moral demands.
            Even the most devout pro-life ethicist accepts
            that certain medical decisions - for instance,
(35)      to administer strong analgesics – inevitably
            truncate the patient's life. Yet, this is
            considered moral because the resulting
            euthanasia is not the main intention of the
            pain-relieving doctor. Moreover, the apparent
(40)      dilemma between the two values (reduce
            suffering or preserve life) is non-existent.

What is the main similarity between the two passages?

Answer this question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            There is a constant evolution in all things
            progressive, and this evolution is felt very
            perceptibly. Times change, however, and
            we change with them. While the changes
(5)        may be slow and almost imperceptible to
            the observer, they are sure, and finally
            become evident by the accumulation of
            event after event.
            Many of our foremost educators in all
 (10)     branches of development, physical and
            mental, are now making a bold stand for
            natural methods of education. However,
            all training and development in the past
            has not been on the wrong side of the
(15)      question. The custom of many has been,
            and is, to condemn without investigation;
            to condemn because it does not happen to
            be in the line of their teaching and study.
            He who condemns without knowledge or
(20)      investigation is dishonest.
            There have been, at all ages and under all
            circumstances and conditions, men who
            have been at the root or the bottom of
            things — men who have preserved the truth
(25)      in spite of their surroundings. There have
            been at every decade a few men who have
            known the truth, and who have handed it
            down even through the dark ages. The work
            of these men has not been lost. Its influence
(30)      has been felt, and is today more powerful
            than ever. Hence the trend of the best
            thought is away from the ideas of the local-
            effort school, away from rigidity and
            artificiality, and more in the direction of
 (35)     naturalness and common sense.
            There is to-day a movement which had
            its origin in the belief that no man ever
            learned because he consciously, rigidly
            set or firmly pulled in one direction or
(40)      another, or because he did a hundred
            other unnatural things too foolish to
            mention. It is true he may have learned
            in spite of them, which shows that Nature
            is kind; but as compared to the whole, he
(45)      is one in a thousand.

Passage 2

What does the phrase 'mercy killing', in line1, refer to?

Answer this question based on the following passage.

            Euthanasia is often erroneously described
            as "mercy killing". Most forms of euthanasia
            are, indeed, motivated by (some say:
            misplaced) mercy. Not so others. In Greek,
(5)        "eu" means both "well" and "easy" and
            "Thanatos" is death.
            Euthanasia is the intentional premature
            termination of another person's life either
            by direct intervention (active euthanasia)
 (10)     or by withholding life-prolonging measures
            and resources (passive euthanasia), either
            at the express or implied request of that
            person (voluntary euthanasia), or in the
            absence of such approval (non-voluntary
(15)      euthanasia). Involuntary euthanasia -
            where the individual wishes to go on living
            - is a euphemism for murder.
            To my mind, passive euthanasia is immoral.
            The abrupt withdrawal of medical treatment,
(20)      feeding, and hydration results in a slow and
            (potentially) torturous death. Moreover,
            passive euthanasia allows us to evade
            personal responsibility for the patient's death.
            In active euthanasia, the relationship between
(25)      the act (of administering a lethal medication,
            for instance) and its consequences is direct
            and unambiguous.
            To qualify as euthanasia, the termination of
            life has to be the main and intended aim of
(30)      the act or omission that leads to it.
            The sanctity and value of life compete with a
            host of other equally potent moral demands.
            Even the most devout pro-life ethicist accepts
            that certain medical decisions - for instance,
(35)      to administer strong analgesics – inevitably
            truncate the patient's life. Yet, this is
            considered moral because the resulting
            euthanasia is not the main intention of the
            pain-relieving doctor. Moreover, the apparent
(40)      dilemma between the two values (reduce
            suffering or preserve life) is non-existent.

What is the highlight of the 'dark ages' (lines 7 - 8) of art according to passage 2?

Answer this question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            There is a constant evolution in all things
            progressive, and this evolution is felt very
            perceptibly. Times change, however, and
            we change with them. While the changes
(5)        may be slow and almost imperceptible to
            the observer, they are sure, and finally
            become evident by the accumulation of
            event after event.
            Many of our foremost educators in all
 (10)     branches of development, physical and
            mental, are now making a bold stand for
            natural methods of education. However,
            all training and development in the past
            has not been on the wrong side of the
(15)      question. The custom of many has been,
            and is, to condemn without investigation;
            to condemn because it does not happen to
            be in the line of their teaching and study.
            He who condemns without knowledge or
(20)      investigation is dishonest.
            There have been, at all ages and under all
            circumstances and conditions, men who
            have been at the root or the bottom of
            things — men who have preserved the truth
(25)      in spite of their surroundings. There have
            been at every decade a few men who have
            known the truth, and who have handed it
            down even through the dark ages. The work
            of these men has not been lost. Its influence
(30)      has been felt, and is today more powerful
            than ever. Hence the trend of the best
            thought is away from the ideas of the local-
            effort school, away from rigidity and
            artificiality, and more in the direction of
 (35)     naturalness and common sense.
            There is to-day a movement which had
            its origin in the belief that no man ever
            learned because he consciously, rigidly
            set or firmly pulled in one direction or
(40)      another, or because he did a hundred
            other unnatural things too foolish to
            mention. It is true he may have learned
            in spite of them, which shows that Nature
            is kind; but as compared to the whole, he
(45)      is one in a thousand.

Passage 2

All of the following are necessary for human progress (passage 1), except

Answer this question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            There is a constant evolution in all things
            progressive, and this evolution is felt very
            perceptibly. Times change, however, and
            we change with them. While the changes
(5)        may be slow and almost imperceptible to
            the observer, they are sure, and finally
            become evident by the accumulation of
            event after event.
            Many of our foremost educators in all
 (10)     branches of development, physical and
            mental, are now making a bold stand for
            natural methods of education. However,
            all training and development in the past
            has not been on the wrong side of the
(15)      question. The custom of many has been,
            and is, to condemn without investigation;
            to condemn because it does not happen to
            be in the line of their teaching and study.
            He who condemns without knowledge or
(20)      investigation is dishonest.
            There have been, at all ages and under all
            circumstances and conditions, men who
            have been at the root or the bottom of
            things — men who have preserved the truth
(25)      in spite of their surroundings. There have
            been at every decade a few men who have
            known the truth, and who have handed it
            down even through the dark ages. The work
            of these men has not been lost. Its influence
(30)      has been felt, and is today more powerful
            than ever. Hence the trend of the best
            thought is away from the ideas of the local-
            effort school, away from rigidity and
            artificiality, and more in the direction of
 (35)     naturalness and common sense.
            There is to-day a movement which had
            its origin in the belief that no man ever
            learned because he consciously, rigidly
            set or firmly pulled in one direction or
(40)      another, or because he did a hundred
            other unnatural things too foolish to
            mention. It is true he may have learned
            in spite of them, which shows that Nature
            is kind; but as compared to the whole, he
(45)      is one in a thousand.

Passage 2

Why did capitalist class gain popularity in the nineteenth century in America?

Questions are based on the following passage.

            The onset of the industrial era brought
            with it a new governing class, as every
            considerable change in human environment
            must bring with it a governing class to give
(5)        it expression. Perhaps, for lack of a
            recognized name, I may describe this class
            as the industrial capitalistic class, composed
            in the main of administrators and bankers.
            As nothing in the universe is stationary, ruling
(10)       classes have their rise, culmination, and
            decline, and I conjecture that this class
            attained its acme of popularity and power,
            at least in America, toward the close of the
            third quarter of the nineteenth century.
(15)       History may not be a very practical study,
            but it teaches some useful lessons, one of
            which is that nothing is accidental, and that
            if men move in a given direction, they do so
            in obedience to an impulsion as automatic
(20)       as is the impulsion of gravitation. I harbor no
            doubt that the equilibrium of society is very
            rapidly shifting, and seeks a new centre of
            social gravity. Industrialism has induced
            conditions which can no longer be controlled
(25)       by the old capitalistic methods, and that the
            country must be brought to a level of
            administrative efficiency competent to deal
            with the strains and stresses of the twenty
            -first century, just as, a couple of hundred
(30)       years ago, it was brought to an administrative
            level competent for that age, by the adoption
            of the Constitution.

What best explains the origin of today's movement (passage 1)?

Answer this question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            There is a constant evolution in all things
            progressive, and this evolution is felt very
            perceptibly. Times change, however, and
            we change with them. While the changes
(5)        may be slow and almost imperceptible to
            the observer, they are sure, and finally
            become evident by the accumulation of
            event after event.
            Many of our foremost educators in all
 (10)     branches of development, physical and
            mental, are now making a bold stand for
            natural methods of education. However,
            all training and development in the past
            has not been on the wrong side of the
(15)      question. The custom of many has been,
            and is, to condemn without investigation;
            to condemn because it does not happen to
            be in the line of their teaching and study.
            He who condemns without knowledge or
(20)      investigation is dishonest.
            There have been, at all ages and under all
            circumstances and conditions, men who
            have been at the root or the bottom of
            things — men who have preserved the truth
(25)      in spite of their surroundings. There have
            been at every decade a few men who have
            known the truth, and who have handed it
            down even through the dark ages. The work
            of these men has not been lost. Its influence
(30)      has been felt, and is today more powerful
            than ever. Hence the trend of the best
            thought is away from the ideas of the local-
            effort school, away from rigidity and
            artificiality, and more in the direction of
 (35)     naturalness and common sense.
            There is to-day a movement which had
            its origin in the belief that no man ever
            learned because he consciously, rigidly
            set or firmly pulled in one direction or
(40)      another, or because he did a hundred
            other unnatural things too foolish to
            mention. It is true he may have learned
            in spite of them, which shows that Nature
            is kind; but as compared to the whole, he
(45)      is one in a thousand.

Passage 2

The author refers to “history” (line 15) in order to

Questions are based on the following passage.

            The onset of the industrial era brought
            with it a new governing class, as every
            considerable change in human environment
            must bring with it a governing class to give
(5)        it expression. Perhaps, for lack of a
            recognized name, I may describe this class
            as the industrial capitalistic class, composed
            in the main of administrators and bankers.
            As nothing in the universe is stationary, ruling
(10)       classes have their rise, culmination, and
            decline, and I conjecture that this class
            attained its acme of popularity and power,
            at least in America, toward the close of the
            third quarter of the nineteenth century.
(15)       History may not be a very practical study,
            but it teaches some useful lessons, one of
            which is that nothing is accidental, and that
            if men move in a given direction, they do so
            in obedience to an impulsion as automatic
(20)       as is the impulsion of gravitation. I harbor no
            doubt that the equilibrium of society is very
            rapidly shifting, and seeks a new centre of
            social gravity. Industrialism has induced
            conditions which can no longer be controlled
(25)       by the old capitalistic methods, and that the
            country must be brought to a level of
            administrative efficiency competent to deal
            with the strains and stresses of the twenty
            -first century, just as, a couple of hundred
(30)       years ago, it was brought to an administrative
            level competent for that age, by the adoption
            of the Constitution.