P4 READING

What is the main purpose of the passage?

• To distinguish between laborers and mercenaries

• To change the existing view of the military

• To cite examples of armor in the Middle Ages

• To trace the origins of military organization

In line 4, the word "ratio" is closest in meaning to ...

• quota

• reason

• proportion

• pace

Which of the following statements can be inferred from the first paragraph?

• Temporary armies of farmers were not well trained.

• Drafting farmers into armies was costly.

• Heavy ground battles were won during combat.

• Infantry was directed to the opposition for support.

In line 8, the word "sporadic" is closest in meaning to ...

• spirited

• splendid

• irreverent

• irregular

Which of the following statements about the Swiss pikemen is supported by the passage?

• Their weapons and skills were ahead of their time.

• Their gear ensured their fame as well-dressed soldiers.

• The demand for their cavalry made them the best-paid army.

• Their weapons were issued to nonprofessionals as well.

Where in the passage does the author state the reasons for the emergence of professional armies?

• Lines 1-4

• Lines 8-10

• Lines 12-14

• Lines 15-18

The author of the passage implies that the soldiers in mercenary armies were ...

• not loyal

• not effective

• well guarded

• well rounded

In line 19, the phrase "these troops" refers to ...

• the Swiss pikemen

• military companies

• almost all armies

• Ottoman soldiers

According to the passage, the first army of professionals was mobilized ...

• only in peacetime

• only in wartime

• in times of anticipated war

• both during war and during peace

In line 25, the word "undermined" is closest in meaning to ...

• underestimated

• reduced

• undersized

• shred