LSAT Collective: Speed Reading Passage 2

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

• In its transition to self-governance, Russia, unlike the other 14 republics, has been shaken by controversy, political failure, and stubborn remnants of the corrupt Soviet regime.

• Corruption among the Communist leadership was the sole problem in Soviet politics, but in the end it was enough to dissolve the Union.

• Russia's strength relies on the full exploitation of its resources, and the Soviet Union's inability to tap into Siberian riches led to its downfall.

• Russia's political remodeling since late 1991 has been one of the most studied transformations in history.

• Over the past several years, Russia's rapid emergence from a corrupt socialist system has required political transformations on a colossal scale.

Answer explanation

The passage relates the facts surrounding the dissolution of the U.S.S.R, and Russia's reemergence onto the global scene. It goes on to tell how Russia has had to change in order to adapt to the new system of government.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which one of the following would Russian politicians probably deem the most detrimental contributor to Russian politics before 1991?

• A. the Russian Federation

• B. Boris Yeltsin

• C. Europe

• D. Communism

• E. self-governance

Answer explanation

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

The phrase "monolithic union" in line 56 most likely refers to

• A. a metaphor comparing the Soviet Union to obdurate stone

• B. the massiveness and perceived indestructibility of the Soviet Union in late 1991

• C. the way that the republics together comprised a single association and acted as a uniform block

• D. the Soviet leaders' tradition of demonstrating their power by building huge statues that were displayed around the republics

• E. a popular nickname the stalwart Mikhail Gorbachev acquired due to his physical build and political obstinacy

Answer explanation

The "monolithic union" refers to the unified states under the Soviet Union.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

4. The second paragraph primarily serves to

• A. explain why the effects of the breakup of the Soviet Union meant that the new republics would need to entirely reconstruct their political systems and attitudes

• B. offer several reasons why the 15 republics were better off in the long term as part of the Soviet Union

• C. describe the short-term goals of most of the republics just after the breakup of the Soviet Union

• D. blame the collapse of the Soviet Union on Communism

• E. argue that the 15 republics were far better off when the center of authority was in Moscow

Answer explanation

This passage explains the implications of the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

5. It can be inferred that most Russian citizens view Siberia as which of the following?

• A. intolerably inhospitable

• B. politically overwhelmed

• C. unfairly exploited

• D. favorably desolate

• E. uncomfortably overpopulated

Answer explanation

 This view was shown by their preference to avoid living in Siberia.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

6. According to the passage, all the following are true of Russia since its emergence from the Soviet Union EXCEPT:

• A. it has had to deal with the loss of control of the satellite republics that constituted its buffer zone

• B. it banned Communist parties from the country

• C. it has attracted the attention of many social scientists, historians, and cultural analysts

• D. it underwent a very difficult political transformation

• E. it has developed into a corruption-free, benevolent political entity

Answer explanation

Nothing is said about Russia currently being benevolent or corruption free.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2