Fools Rush In reading practice

Which statement helps clarify the meaning of the metaphor, “the early bird gets the worm” (lines 7 and 8)?

• “In work and in life, we are constantly taught that acting early is the key to success” (line 1)

• we can be sure to finish what we start and beat competitors to market” (line 5)

• “I’ve learned that the advantages of acting quickly and being first are often outweighed by the disadvantages” (lines 6 and 7)

• “procrastination might be conducive to originality” (line 10)

According to lines 9 through 16, Shin’s theory suggests that____

• procrastination provides time for ideas to develop

• having too many choices makes people less productive

• procrastination wastes energy needed for progress

• being the first mover makes success more

It may be inferred from lines 19 through 22 that the individuals who were directed to put off the task “to play computer games” were more likely to____

• address trivial details

• generate more original solutions

• complete business proposals efficiently

• solve tasks quickly

The phrase “seizing and freezing” (line 37) emphasizes the ______.

• importance of targeting specific solutions

• necessity of limiting solution choices

• benefits associated with following set plans

• problems associated with acting too fast

The purpose of lines 38 through 42 is to present_____

• historical differences regarding attitudes toward procrastination

• evidence that the Protestant work ethic

  valued procrastination

• historical verification of the consequences of procrastination

• evidence that the Industrial Revolution was hindered by procrastination

Golder and Tellis’s findings (lines 49 through 57) suggest that settlers’ success is the result of_____

• insufficient funding

• inefficient marketing

• competitive pricing

• strategic timing

The “staggering difference” in lines 53 and 54 refers to a comparison between the _____

• time it took pioneers and settlers to create their product

• kinds of products pioneers and settlers develop to market

• profits made by pioneer and settler companies

• success rate of pioneer and settler

In the context of lines 63 through 68, the phrase “blew Magnavox out of the water” suggests the author’s _______.

• resignation

• disbelief

• admiration

• antagonism

Which statement best reflects a central idea of the text?

• “When we have a meaningful task, we’re advised to get it done well ahead of schedule” (lines 2 and 3)

• “Perhaps it was playing the games that provided mental stimulation, giving people the energy to think more creatively” (lines 26 and 27)

• Procrastination may be the enemy of productivity, but it can be a resource for creativity” (line 38)

• ) “The pioneers were first movers: the initial company to develop or sell a product (lines 50-51)