The Strangeness of Beauty

Which choice best describes what happens in the passage?

• A. One character argues with another character who intrudes on her home. 
• B. One character receives a surprising request from another character. 
• C. One character reminisces about choices she has made over the years. 
• D. One character criticizes another character for pursuing an unexpected course of action. 

Which choice best describes the developmental pattern of the passage?

• A. A careful analysis of a traditional practice. 
• B. A detailed depiction of a meaningful encounter. 
• C. A definitive response to a series of questions
• D.  A cheerful recounting of an amusing anecdote. 

As used in line 1 and line 65, "directly" most nearly means...

• A. frankly
• B. confidently
• C Without mediation
• D. with precision

Which reaction does Akira most fear from Chie

• A. She will consider his proposal inappropriate. 
• B. She will mistake his earnestness for immaturity
• C. She will consider his unscheduled visit an imposition
• D. She will underestimate the sincerity of his emotions. 

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A. Line 33 ("His voice...refined")
• B. Lines 49 - 51 ("You...mind")
• C. Lines 63-64 ("Please....proposal")
• D. Lines 71-72 ("Eager...face")

In the passage, Akira addresses Chie with 

• A. affection but not genuine love. 
• B. objectivity but not complete impartiality. 
• C. amusement but not mocking disparagement. 
• D. respect but not utter deference. 

The main purpose of the first paragraph is to 

• A. describe a culture. 
• B. Criticize a tradition. 
• C. question a suggestion. 
• D. analyze a reaction. 

As used in line 2, "form" most nearly means

• A. appearance. 
• B. custom. 
• C. structure. 
• D. nature. 

Why does Akira say his meeting with Chie is "a matter of urgency" (line 32)

• He fears that his own parents will disapprove of Naomi. 
• B. He worries that Naomi will reject him and marry someone else. 
• C. He has been offered an attractive job in another country. 
• D. He know that Chie is unaware of his feelings for Naomi. 

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• A. Line 39 ("I don't....you")
• B. Lines 39 - 42 ("Normally....community")
• C. Lines 58-59 ("Depending...Japan")
• D. Lines 72-73 ("I see...you")