MC Practice #2

It can be inferred from the passage that the author assumes the reader is:

• an expert questioning every aspect of the author’s argument

• a generalist who needs an explanation of specialized concepts

• a student seeking facts in order to develop a testable thesis

• a colleague evaluating a proposal for a research project

• an enthusiast aware of current discoveries and debates

One important purpose of the passage is to:

• urge the public to contribute money to a proposed taxonomy project

• argue that the public should focus on identifying and saving a few key species

• suggest that ecological conservation is a beneficial enterprise

• question why some species are better protected than others

• promote specific organizations devoted to improving global well-being

The passage is most likely excerpted from:

• an educational article promoting awareness of a critical scientific issue

• a scholarly essay substantiating the veracity of a recent scientific discovery

• a historical document describing public funding for biodiversity studies

• a research report criticizing the behavior of both sides in a current scientific debate

• an informational pamphlet discussing exhibits in a natural history museum