Quarter #4 Reading Comprehension

1) What is the thesis statement in this passage?

• A. It is not uncommon for close synonyms to be believed to share the same meaning. (paragraph 1)

• B. However, for those of us with ample compulsiveness (and time), it is of significant value to comprehend such nuances. (paragraph 1)

• C. While many close synonyms share similar, if not the same, dictionary definitions, the feeling, or mood, they convey is utterly singular. (paragraph 2)

• D. Although a dictionary can provide information about word meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, inflected forms, derived forms, et cetera, it cannot communicate the energy of a word. (paragraph 2)

2) As used in paragraph 1, what is most likely meant by "scrupulous pedanticalness"?

• A. mild curiosity

• B. wry skepticism of

• C. stubborn reluctant

• D. excessive concern

3) As used in paragraph 2, which of the following best describes something that is superfluous?

• Lavished with critical acclaim, the publication was slated to generate tremendous revenue in sales. Unfortunately, demand had been overestimated, and as a result, ten thousand copies never left store shelves

• Yoko expects to have six dinner guests, so she sets the table with six places. On the side, however, she keeps another two places just in case her guests bring friends.

• Manufacture of Model 24A had been scheduled to begin on May 8. However, creditors failed to forward much needed monetary advancements, delaying the start of production until May 10.

• The instructions say to fill the tires with 35-38 pounds per square inch of air, but Michele fills them with 40 pounds per square inch because they are old and tend to leak.

In paragraph 3, the author writes: "To begin, 'hard' is pragmatic and realistic, firmly grounded in reality. It is a utilitarian word that gets the job done and doesn't apologize for its brusque, uncouth nature. On the other hand, 'difficult' is eloquent and refined. It is civilized, willing to expend the effort necessary to appear urbane." Which of the following literary devices is used in this quotation?

• onomatopoeia

• hyperbole

• metaphor

• personification

Using information in paragraph 3 as a guide, which of the following describes someone who is utilitarian?

• Without fail, Edgar rises at daybreak, eats two eggs for breakfast, drinks a glass of orange juice, laces up his boots and heads out into the field.

• In hopes of impressing their classmates, most students wear their new winter jackets to the play. Alyosha, however, knows it will be warm in the theater and therefore leaves his jacket at home.

• Amy takes time to look nice in the morning. She brushes her hair, puts on light makeup, and picks out the clothes she will wear for the day.

• . Jeremy disdains anything artistic. He feels that the appreciation of art is a waste of time, and cannot understand how people spend their days lost in such a fruitless endeavor.

Using the information in paragraph 4, it can be inferred that which of the following statements contains a tautology?

• Paige received a free gift for her birthday

• Science tells us that humans evolved to use their thumbs

• Computers represent a significant technological advancement.

• Drugs are bad.

Which of the following sentences from the passage represents a fact, rather than an opinion?

• One may employ one or the other with complete indifference, postulating no discrepancy between them.

• Although a dictionary can provide information about word meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, inflected forms, derived forms, et cetera, it cannot communicate how it feels to use a word.

• No one wants to be associated with something "weird".

• The thought of someone who is "happy" conjures the image of a bright-eyed, ruddy, smiling face.

Which of the following statements best describes the main idea of this passage?

• Close synonyms are difficult to comprehend, and are commonly used interchangeably

• Contrary to popular belief, close synonyms do not share the same meaning

• The difference between the words "hard" and "difficult" is indiscernible to most

• Absent a dictionary definition, the difference between close synonyms is difficult to discern.