MC Reading Practice 4.11

The author uses the word "obscure" in the first sentence of paragraph 3 to mean

• ambiguous

• not well known

• uncertain

• unusually small

The primary purpose of the first paragraph is to

• inspire students to enter scientific professions

• encourage people to follow the progress of current scientific research

• call attention to the decline of a significant field of study

• explain the relationship between different scientific disciplines

The author mentions "glass-blowing and harpsichord manufacture" (third sentence) to suggest that taxonomy is

• a field characterized by antiquated practices

• an art that is extremely difficult to master

• a profession practiced by relatively few people

• an area of expertise with various practical applications

The series of phrases in the fifth sentence ("Marvelously varied . . . acre of land") primarily conveys the

• ferocity with which springtails and oribatid mites compete for survival

• array of tiny animals that coexist with springtails and oribatid mites in the soil

• characteristics of springtails and oribatid mites

• life span of springtails and oribatid mites living in the soil

In the context of sentence 7, the words "one is retired" are best described as

• a detail that makes a critical situation even more precarious

• a claim that is of equal concern to scientists and the general public

• an excuse for outdated designs for research projects

• an aside that undermines the point about taxonomy that is being made

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the first and second paragraphs?

• The second paragraph illustrates the work of the specialists mentioned in the first paragraph.

• The second paragraph describes the effects of an issue raised in the first paragraph.

• The second paragraph questions the logic of an idea expressed in the first paragraph.

• The second paragraph lists the practical applications of a theory proposed in the first paragraph.

The author cites a Chinese saying (last sentence of paragraph 2) to emphasize the

• contrast between Eastern and Western science

• intricacy of the relationships that unite living beings

• importance of taxonomy as a field of study

• danger of postponing biological research

The third paragraph serves which of the following functions?

• It explains the results of a controversial study.

• It compares examples that illustrate a point.

• It explores social and historical contexts.

• It speculates about a potential improvement.

Which of the following is true of the position presented in the fourth and fifth sentences of the final paragraph (“The second . . . progress”)?

• It takes issue with the claims made in the previous sentence.

• It acknowledges that the solution to the problem will involve painful choices.

• It emphasizes that immediate action is essential for success.

• It suggests that an assumption held by many people may be incorrect.

One important purpose of the passage is to

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

• 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