12. C The question specifically asks what the authors mean by “they will have residual protection during pandemics.” The “they” is referring to the elderly and the “protection” is immunity acquired during previous outbreaks. So, while the passage discusses the younger groups, those answers don’t address the concept of residual protection. This makes (A) and (D) incorrect, since they are true, but don’t answer the question. Choice (B) is incorrect because while the authors do state that younger people should get vaccines before the elderly, the answer choice doesn’t address the reason, which is that older people may have some immunity due to previous exposure.
13. D The question asks what the authors are trying to indicate by using the word “enjoy”. Choices (B) and (C) assume that “enjoy” means to take pleasure in something. While the word does have a positive meaning in context, it simply means “to have.” In this case, children who might have been exposed to influenza in the past may grow up to have some form of immunity to it that prevents it from becoming fatal. Choice (A) is too strong, since people can still die from it later in life, even if they were exposed as children, as is clear from the charts. Choice (D) is based on the statement in the first paragraph: “While the elderly are normally at most risk for severe outcomes during seasonal influenza, warranting the targeting of vaccination for direct protection to that group, they may have residual protection during pandemics.”
14. C The question asks which statement contradicts the politician’s statement. Choices (B) and (D) somewhat support the idea that there’s no simple way to protect against a pandemic, so they do not contradict it. Choice (A) discusses which age group should be a priority for vaccination, but doesn’t support the idea that Mexico needs vaccines for a majority of the population. Only (C) contradicts the politician by stating that it’s possible to protect the population with a limited supply of vaccines.
15. A The question asks why certain information about Mexico’s vaccine production was included. Because the passage states that Mexico relies on foreign producers and thus could face a shortage if the world suffers a pandemic, it could be assumed that the authors are suggesting that Mexico create more of its own vaccines. However, this is a trap to get you to choose (B), which talks about vaccinations as opposed to vaccines and doesn’t meet the overall intent of the authors. Instead, note that the authors’ mention of the potential shortage is to point out that their strategy can work even with a limited supply, which matches (A). Choices (C) and (D) also address the idea of Mexico producing its own vaccines, but in a negative way, so they are wrong.
16. C Quantitative questions like this are fairly straightforward if you work carefully. Make sure you identify exactly what the question wants, find the graph for fatality rate given hospitalization (Figure 2), and then look for the number that corresponds to the 1918 profile and the ages 0−5.
17. B The question is asking for evidence that elderly people have some sort of immunity or protection against pandemics. If this were true, it would mean that fewer get sick and die, so that’s the information you are looking for in the figures. Choice (B) agrees with the information in the figures and supports the authors’ contention that the elderly “may have residual protection during pandemics,” since fewer elderly people get sick and die from a pandemic than from typical Influenza.
18. A Remember to keep an eye out for questions that are related to one another. In this case, you should already have the answer from the previous question: Figure 2 shows the percentages for people over 60 as 15% for the typical influenza outbreak and 10% for the 1918 pandemic, which suggests that elderly people have protection against pandemics.
19. A Remember to read for the word in context, and not just to leap to a conclusion based on your prior knowledge. The passage says, “This model illustrates a prioritization scheme based on age groups but does not further discriminate other sub-groups such as those persons with other medical conditions including pregnancy.” The use of the term “sub-groups” means breaking up the sample into smaller groups, which means to differentiate them.
20. A This question asks for the main idea of the passage. The authors suggest that creating a flexible strategy that takes into account several factors such as age will help policy makers prepare for a pandemic. Choice (A) best reflects that. Choice (B) is too strong, since the passage doesn’t say children should have all of the vaccine. The passage says that the other methods have “debatable efficacy,” which means it’s unclear how much they help. They definitely aren’t “proven” to help, so (C) is incorrect. The passage does imply that viruses may not be susceptible to vaccines but it’s unclear whether producers can’t adapt or whether it’s a matter of getting the vaccines delivered to people who need them, so (D) is incorrect.
21. D This question asks for the evidence you used to answer the previous question, so if you can’t find something to support your answer to Question 20, take a moment to reassess. In this case, only (D) supports the idea that creating a flexible strategy that takes into account several factors such as age will help policy makers prepare for a pandemic.
22. C This is a General Paired question, so see the explanation for Question 23.
23. B This is a General Paired question, so approach Questions 22 and 23 together. Choice (A) for Question 23 could match (D) for Question 22. Choice (B) for Question 23 could match (C) for Question 22. Choice (C) for Question 2 could match (B) for Question 23. Choice (D) for Question 23 could match (B) for Question 22. Choice (A) for Question 22 does not match any line reference for Question 23, so it is not the best answer. Now, look closely at Question 22, which asks how the author of Passage 1 would describe his own position. Because (B) for Question 22 is supported only by references from Passage 2, it does not represent how the author of Passage 1 would “most likely describe his own position,” and both 22 (B) and 23 (D) can be eliminated. Look more closely at Passage 1: “Newton’s laws of dynamics are therefore valid only for…our experiments on earth and in our observations of the heavenly bodies.” Because the author of Passage 1 states situations in which Newton’s laws are valid, he is not “dismissive” of those laws, eliminating (D) for Question 22 as well as (A) for Question 23. The best answers are (C) for Question 22 and (B) for Question 23.
24. C This question asks why the author of Passage 1 wrote the first paragraph, so look there. “These are a few of the startling implications of Einstein’s theory of relativity” provides a contrast between Newton’s laws and Einstein[‘s theories] in order to describe some of the “startling” elements of Einstein’s theories. Underline the last sentence of the first paragraph of Passage 1, which matches (C). Choice (A) does not match the prediction. The confusing language of (B) resolves to mean that the author of Passage 1 disagrees with Einstein’s theories, which does not match the prediction, so (B) is not the best answer. The word abnormal means “different from average,” which matches the author’s use of the word startling. Choice (D)’s confusing language means that the author of Passage 1 is stating the limits of an assertion, which does not match the prediction, and is therefore not the best answer.
25. D This question asks what hypothetical situation most nearly matches the analogy in the second paragraph of Passage 1. Begin by summing up the analogy: an object at ordinary speed has a slight alteration whereas one that approaches the speed of light undergoes a major alteration. Underline the analogy and its description in the first through fifth sentences of the second paragraph of Passage 1. Choice (A) is not the best answer because it describes an arrow shot only at a speed of 200 miles per hour, which does not approach the speed of light, and which would therefore not appear much smaller. Choice (B) is not the best answer because while the comet matches the considerable alteration of rates, it is contradictorily described as remaining the same size. Choice (C) is not the best answer because it describes an object going faster than the speed of light, which the article asserts is impossible. Choice (D) is therefore the best answer, as it describes an object “approaching the speed of light” and “appearing as different sizes,” which matches the information in Passage 1.
26. A This question asks what the word “irritant” means. According to Passage 2, “if [relativity] does those alarming things claimed for it, distort our bodies, make our clocks unreliable, shorten our yard-sticks, we ought to study it to see if we can invent some counter irritant.” The word “counter” indicates that the “irritant” refers to the “alarming things.” Underline the first sentence of Passage 2. Choices (B) and (D) are not the best answer because they do not match the prediction. Choice (C) Could Be True, but “devastation” is more extreme than anything supported by Passage 2. The best answer is (A).
27. D This question asks what the rhetorical effect of the last sentence of the fourth paragraph of Passage 2 is. According to Passage 2, if you “question [Einstein’s] claim, he can say you are not one of the eleven…men in the world [who] can read and understand fully his book.” The sentence itself suggests that Einstein’s theories are difficult to criticize because few can understand those theories, and those who don’t may feel that they have to agree. Rhetorically, the use of “apostles” and “eleven” is a reference to the 12 apostles in the Christian faith, one of whom is commonly known as a traitor. Even without direct knowledge of the reference, the word apostle means a believer. Therefore, this sentence suggests that the answer will have something to do with faith. Choice (A) is not the best answer because it does not match the prediction. The confusing language of (C) resolves to mean the opposite of what the author states, so it is not the best answer. Choice (B) may seem to match the prediction at first glance, but its Deceptive Language does not directly address that those outside dare not criticize what they cannot read, and so it is not the best answer. Choose (D) because it matches the prediction: trusting Einstein’s theories requires faith.
28. C This is a Specific Paired question, so look at what was underlined as support for Question 27. The sentence underlined for Question 27 is the second-to-last sentence of the fourth paragraph of Passage 2, so (C) is the best answer.
29. A This question asks what the author of Passage 1 would most likely give as a response to the claim in the last paragraph of Passage 2. Begin by paraphrasing that claim: even men of learning and authority alter facts in order stick to their claims against relativity. Given that the author of the first passage uses the analogy of the arrow in order to describe an event which could not literally happen to an arrow, it can be shown that he disagrees with the author of Passage 2, and is willing to use a relatable example in order to educate. The best answer is therefore (A). Choices (B) and (D) do not match the prediction, and while (C) Could Be True, the author of Passage 1 suggests the opposite by stating that Newton’s laws apply only to his earth-bound experiments, which means it is not the best answer.
30. B This question asks what is different between the two authors’ opinions. There are many potential differences, so evaluate the answer choices. According to Passage 1, “if…you could shoot an arrow from a bow with a velocity of 160,000 miles a second, it would shrink to about half its length.” According to Passage 2, “it is a little provoking that…writers…speak of our bodies, yard-sticks and clocks as if they had found something seriously wrong affecting them.” These references support (B), which is the best answer. Choice (A) is Mostly Right/Slightly Wrong because the author of Passage 1 seems to support Einstein’s theories but states that Newton’s laws are valid for experiments on earth. Choice (C) Could Be True about Passage 2, but does not match Passage 1, which acknowledges that Newton’s laws are sometimes valid. Choice (D) also Could Be True about Passage 2, but does not match Passage 1, and it uses Deceptive Language by referring to sports and travel. Passage 1 states that Newton’s laws are valid for “experiments on earth,” so (D) is not the best answer.
31. C This question asks what both authors would most likely agree about. According to Passage 1, “Newton’s laws…are…valid…for…our experiments on earth and in our observations of the heavenly bodies, and when we come to consider velocities approximating that of light the ordinary laws…are subject to…correction.” The author of Passage 2 writes that “men of learning…speak of our…yard-sticks…as if they had found something seriously wrong affecting them,” which implies that the contraction of “one-hundredth of the thickness of a cat’s hair” isn’t alarming, and thus is not something that we necessarily ought to study. Both authors acknowledge that Einstein’s theories do not significantly change some calculations, so (C) is the best answer. Choice (A) Could Be True for Passage 2, but is not the best answer because it does not match Passage 1. Choice (B) Could Be True for Passage 1, but is not the best answer because it does not have support from Passage 2. Choice (D) is supported by Passage 2, and Could Be True for Passage 1, but the author of Passage 1 uses an analogy of having a man travel along with an arrow moving with a velocity of 160,000 miles a second, which implies that the author of Passage 1 is willing to utilize hypothetical situations which are unlikely to be literally true in order to explain elements of Einstein’s theories. This means that (D) can be eliminated, as the author of Passage 1 doesn’t agree with it.
1. D This question is asking for the author’s attitude, or tone. While this can often be challenging to discern, this passage provides direct evidence: “when persons ask me how…I can have such faith…I remind them of the wilderness through which and out of which, a good Providence has already led us.” This suggests that the author has a faith that is strengthened by living through hard circumstances. Choice (A) is not the best answer, because it does not match the prediction. Choice (B) is not the best answer because it does not match the prediction, and the author states “I have long since ceased…any spirit of bitterness.” Choice (C) is not the best answer because it does not match the prediction. Moreover, the author uses artistic phrases, such as “I suspect I must have been born somewhere and at some time,” and the discussion about the author’s first pair of shoes demonstrates that the author’s attitude goes beyond simple determination. Choice (D) matches the prediction, and is the correct answer, because tempered means strengthened through hardship.
2. B This is a General Paired question, so see the explanation for Question 3.
3. D Choice (A) for Question 3 could match Choice (A) for Question 2. Choice (B) for Question 3 could match Choice (C) for Question 2. Choice (C) for Question 3 could match Choice (D) for Question 2. Choice (D) for Question 3 could match Choice (B) for Question 2. Because all the answer choices for Question 3 could match a choice for Question 2, nothing can be eliminated yet. Look more closely at what exactly the choices for Question 3 support to eliminate weak matches. Choice (A) for Question 2 contains the phrase current situation, which is not supported by the matching (A) for Question 3, so both choices can be ruled out. Now, look closely at Question 2, which asks for the primary purpose of the passage, and consider why the author wrote the passage. Choice (C) for Question 2, and (B) for Question 3 suggest that the author wrote the passage in order to describe [the] particular suffering of wearing…a flax shirt. Because the final paragraph of the passage broadens the scope of the passage to talk about slavery in general, and the future of my race in this country, the author did not write the passage in order to discuss wearing…a flax shirt, so (C) for Question 2 and (B) for Question 3 can be eliminated. Now, determine whether the author wrote the passage to seek sympathy or illustrate an optimism gained through trials. The best evidence to answer the question is (D) for Question 3, which states that the author has such faith in the future of [his] race in this country due to the wilderness through which and out of which his race has been led. The hopeful tone with which the author ends the passage will help to eliminate (D) for Question 2 and (C) for Question 3, and supports (B) for Question 2 and (D) for Question 3.
4. D This question is asking what the “rhetorical effect” is, so you’re looking for unusual elements included in the passage. For instance, the first paragraph details the author’s birth (a thing that we all have in common), but adds that he is “not quite sure of the exact place or…date,” and that “I must have been born somewhere and at some time.” This might suggest (B) or (C), but remember that the question specifies that the answer must be “in the context of the passage as a whole,” so consider other elements. In the second paragraph, the author again discusses a universal thing (clothing) with some unusual specifics: “I can scarcely imagine any torture…equal to that caused by putting on a new flax shirt.” Choices (B) and (C) can now be eliminated as too specific, and (A) can be ruled out, as there’s little funny about these descriptions. Choice (D) is the best answer because it matches both the shared experience and distinguishing features of the prediction.
5. A This question asks why the author uses a specific word. According to the passage, the author “can scarcely imagine any torture…that is equal to that caused by putting on a new flax shirt.” The author continues to emphasize the painful nature of the experience with analogies about “chestnut burrs” and “a hundred small pin-points.” Because memories are known to fade over time, the author uses the word “accurately” in order to continue emphasizing the painful nature of putting on a new flax shirt. This matches (A) and eliminates (B) which does not match the context. Choice (C) is not the best answer, because “the following sentence” describes another element that “added to the pain,” which means that both sentences are support. Choice (D) Could Be True, in that John does the author the favor of breaking in a new shirt for him, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the use of the word “accurately.”
6. C This question asks what is most directly suggested by the sentence. Begin by underlining it, and then focus on which answer choices are supported by the text. Choice (A) is not the best answer, because although the passage states that the author was forced to wear a shirt on at least “several occasions,” it is not directly stated in the text that the planation owners forced this upon him. Choice (B) is not the best answer, because the author states that “it was common to use flax as part of the clothing,” not that flax was the only available option, which means that it can be eliminated as Mostly Right, Slightly Wrong. Choice (D) is not the best answer, because the author “would have chosen to wear no covering” instead of the flax shirt, and while it Could Be True, it is not directly supported by the text. Choice (C) is the best answer, because the author wore the shirt, and states that “had it been left to me to choose,” he would not have worn the shirt, which directly suggests that he was not given a choice.
7. D This question asks what “cherish” most nearly means in context. According to the passage, the author has “long ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness” towards a group of people. Because the author follows that statement by adding that “no one section of our country was wholly responsible,” the author means that he does not feel bitter, so he must have “long ceased to have any spirit of bitterness.” Underline the second and third sentences of the last paragraph. Only (D) matches this prediction.
8. D This question asks for the author’s position on slavery. According to the passage, “no one section of our country was wholly responsible for [slavery’s] introduction,” so the author feels that responsibility is shared, (D). This directly contradicts (A), so eliminate it. Choice (B) is Mostly Right, Slightly Wrong because “no one section…was wholly responsible” does not mean that “no one is responsible at all,” so (B) is not the best answer. Choice (C) Could Be True, because the author states that slavery “was recognized and protected for years by the…Government,” but the author does not directly state that the government has most of the responsibility, so this is not the best answer.
9. C This is a Specific Paired question, so look at what was used as support for Question 8, which makes (C) the best answer.
10. B This question asks what wilderness means in the context of the passage, so look at the sentence in which it is used. “Already” indicates that the author relates the “hopelessly discouraging conditions” to the wilderness, so “wilderness” refers to those kinds of conditions, (B). Choices (A) and (C) may make for a difficult journey, but they’re not specific enough and can be eliminated. Choice (D) may seem tempting, but it is not the best answer. While the wilderness through which he has been led may refer to slavery, questions about meanings in context are about the word itself, and replacing the word wilderness with the word slavery does not keep the meaning of the sentence, because the author is referring to how a journey through one type of difficulty gives him hope that his race can handle another difficult journey.
32. B This is a General Paired question, so refer to the explanation for Question 33.
33. C This is a General Paired question, so approach Questions 32 and 33 together. Choice (A) for Question 33 could match (A) for Question 32. Choice (B) for Question 33 can be eliminated, because it does not match any choice for Question 32. Choice (C) for Question 33 could match (B) for Question 32. Choice (D) for Question 33 can be eliminated, because it does not match any choice for Question 32. Now, look closely at Question 32, which asks for “the author’s rhetorical style.” Because (A) for Question 32 and (A) for Question 33 represent a quote from C.F. Atkinson, and not the author, this pair can be eliminated, which leaves the correct answer as (B) for Question 32 and (C) for Question 33.
34. B This question asks what the best characterization is of “the author’s attitude towards the French armies.” According to the passage, the French armies are described in a variety of positive and negative ways, ranging from “enthusiasts” who are “cheerfully” accepting of “discomfort” to “ragged and hungry.” This suggests that the author has both positive and negative feelings about the French armies, or (B). Underline the last sentence of the first paragraph, and the sentence that makes up the entire second paragraph, and then eliminate (A), (C), and (D), which do not match that prediction or fully account for the author’s feelings.
35. A The question asks what want most nearly means in the context of the passage: “tents were unprocurable for want of money.” Because unprocurable means “could not be obtained,” want must mean something like “lack,” or (A). Underline the fourth sentence of the first paragraph. Choices (B) and (D) can now be eliminated. While it’s true that buying tents may require money, want is used in the sentence to show the current state of money, not what would be needed, so (C) can also be eliminated.
36. B This question asks what the author uses to support his description of Napoleon as “a man of severely limited understanding.” Read the sentences immediately following that quote until you get to a list of Napoleon’s actions, which is where the window cuts off. Underline the portion that states “he had no real grasp of the new forces that were working Europe,” as this demonstrates that there were things he did not understand. This should lead to (B), as it implies that Napoleon failed due to his poor comprehension of the political state of affairs—“new forces that were working in Europe.” Choice (A) Could Be True, because Napoleon “divorced his French wife,” but that doesn’t mean that the French felt alienated. Choice (C) uses Deceptive Language, in that Napoleon is called an “extremist,” but that doesn’t show a lack of understanding. And (D) can be eliminated, for while it Could Be True that he received “overtures from other heads of state,” there’s no proof to support this.
37. C This is a Specific Paired question, so look at what was underlined as support for Question 36. The sentence underlined for Question 36 is the fourth sentence of the fourth paragraph, so choice (C) is the best answer.
38. D This question asks what ideas the author is contrasting in the sixth paragraph, so begin there. The author provides examples of various victories, but then continues by noting that “he never won the command of the sea” and suffered a series of defeats and losses that eventually led to his death. This is a contrast, then, of Napoleon’s victories and defeats, which is another way of describing “multiple outcomes” of a “larger endeavor,” Napoleon’s full career. Underline the first and third sentences of the sixth paragraph, which matches (D). Choice (A) uses Deceptive Language, because while it does contrast a victory with a defeat, it’s too specific. Likewise, (B) only illustrates part of the scope of the paragraph, and can be eliminated. Choice (C) doesn’t offer any contrast or match the prediction.
39. C The question asks what “wasted” most nearly means in the context of the passage: “the forces released by the French Revolution were wasted and finished,” and a group “met…to restore…the state of affairs” that had existed before the armies of the French Revolution had moved through Europe. Therefore, wasted and finished are used for the same meaning, and wasted means “finished,” (C). Choice (A) doesn’t fit the context, and (B) and (D) hint at a meaning that isn’t present in the context.
40. A This question asks in what region “Napoleon did not have significant success.” According to the passage, Napoleon’s army “was defeated and largely destroyed by the Russians and Russian winter.” Additionally, the passage states that Napoleon “dominated all Europe west of Russia.” Underline that phrase, and note that (A) best matches it. Be careful of the trap answer at (B): while Belgium is later mentioned as part of the allied group that defeated Napoleon, “all Europe west of Russia” includes Belgium, as indicated by the map.
41. D This question asks what can be inferred based on the map and the passage. According to the passage, Napoleon “dominated all Europe west of Russia,” but the map shows a large portion of “Europe west of Russia” that is neither part of the French Empire nor a satellite state. It can be inferred that Napoleon dominated areas that were not part of the French Empire or a satellite state, which matches (D). Choice (A) Could Be True, because the map shows a gap between the easternmost satellite state and the bulk of the territory controlled by Napoleon, but there’s no support to show that this territory was hostile. Choice (B) contradicts the passage, for if Napoleon never won the command of the sea from the British, then he must have fought them at sea. Choice (C) Could Be True, in that Napoleon does not control Greece on the map, but there’s no mention of it on the passage, which means that we cannot assume he didn’t attack (and fail to capture) it.