The Ends of the World as We Know Them by Jared Diamond

This passage as a whole is best characteristic as a (n)...

• a. polemic against pessimistic conclusions

• b. objective study of ancient societies

• c. reflection on the similarity of all cultures

• d. argument for learning from historical precedent

• e. chronological examination of environmental problems

The function of the opening sentence can best be characterized as...

• a. rebutting an objection

• b. introducing a counterclaim

• c. dismissing a fallacious viewpoint

• d. embracing a novel idea

• e. discrediting a popular belief

Which of the following best describes the function of the questions at the end of paragraph 14?

• a. They present conflicting interpretations of the examples discussed in subsequent paragraphs.

• b. The second question broadens the perspective that the first.

• c. The second question presents broadens the perspective specific cases that will be discusses in response to the first.

• d. They introduce Diamond's sole sources of support, which are developed in following paragraphs.

• e. The second question qualifies the aggressive tone of the first.

According to Jared, which of the following is true of a "congenial environment" (par. 15)?

• a. It contributes to but does not guarantee success.

• b. It is necessary for but does not guarantee success.

• c. It guarantees success, but it is not necessary for it.

• d. It rarely contributes to success.

• e. It is necessary for and also guarantees success.

The development of paragraph 15 can best be described as a ...

• a. presentation of conflicting ideas followed by a resolution

• b. series of examples that lead inductively to a conclusion

• c. claim followed by a series of qualifying statements

• d. movement from concrete abstract

• e. generalization followed by discussion of its implications

In the context of paragraph 17, "paradoxically" refers to the fact that...

• a. Japan's population explosion occurred during a period of "peace and prosperity"

• b. Japan's civil war converged with a period of "peace and prosperity"

• c. a military triumph caused deforestation

• d. environmental destruction resulted from "peace and prosperity"

• e. the shoguns failed to understand that natural resources were not unlimited

The cases of Japan and Iceland support which of the following statements.

I. Japan is a positive model, Iceland a cautionary tale.

II. Each country's history has relevance to contemporary societies.

III. Both examples involve environmental factors.

• a. II only

• b. III only

• c. I and II only

• d. II and III only

• e. I, II, and III

Paragraph 20 contains all of the following except...

• a. an analogy

• b. an application to current events

• c. refutation and concession

• d. a rhetorical question

• e. a cause-and-effect analysis

Which of the following statements would most effectively challenge the argument about historical precedent that Diamond puts forth in this passage?

• a. Environmental factors complicate economic and political conditions

• b. No two societies are the same

• c. Today, the world's population is growing while natural resources are shrinking

• d. Globalism has made societies more interdependent than ever before

• e. The rate of today's environmental changes has accelerated.

The style of this passage is most accurately described as...

• a. informal and descrptive

• b. detailed and explanatory

• c. metaphoric and lyrical

• d. pedantic and formal

• e. complex and abstract