Reading
E
English
The sentence should read “Everyone should work hard in his/her studies.” Everyone is a singular indefinite pronoun that requires a singular possessive pronoun in subsequent constructions.
Martin Luther King is the earliest leader in the Civil Rights’ movement.
Writing
First person; the narrator is sarcastically describing his pejorative views toward modern technology.
Science
All
Math
x = -5
Vocabulary
anthropophobiac means “afraid of people”
philanthropy means “love of mankind”
misanthrope means “someone who hates people”
Reading
B
English
C
Writing
I. Introduction: A year-long school would enable students to progress in their learning without any regression and as a result will help them compete in the world market.
II. Body
A. American students are behind foreign students in almost every academic area.
1. Students forget things in the summer.
2. Students need more time to learn difficult subjects.
B. Americans are not competitive in the job market.
1. Most engineers are from overseas.
2. Many students cannot read and write when they graduate.
III. Conclusion: Because of the crisis looming in American education students should stay in school all year.
Science
A
Math
D
Vocabulary
A. There was a silence — a comfortable replete (complete, full) silence. Into that silence came The Voice. Without warning, inhuman, penetrating (strong; intrusive) . . . “Ladies and gentlemen! Silence, please! . . . You are charged with the following indictments (criminal charges).”
B. But — incongruous (paradoxically out of order) as it may seem to some — I was restrained (hindered) and hampered (restricted) by my innate (internal) sense of justice. The innocent must not suffer.
Reading
A and C are true.
A. I English
B
Writing
Pascal D. Forgione Jr., PhD, U.S. Commissioner of Education Statistic, argues that American education is in trouble. By the time our students are ready to leave high school — ready to enter higher education and the labor force — they are doing so badly with science they are significantly weaker than their peers in other countries. Our idea of “advanced” is clearly below international standards. One reason this is the case is that American students enjoy a summer break. What if that was removed? Clearly education would improve and scores would increase.
Science
A
Math
C and D
Vocabulary
A. The pigs had an even harder struggle to counteract (replace) the lies put about by Moses, the tame raven. . . . The animals hated Moses because he told tales and did no work, but some of them believed in Sugarcandy Mountain, and the pigs had to argue very hard to persuade (convince) them that there was no such place.
B. The animals were not badly off throughout that summer. . . . The advantage (benefit) of only having to feed themselves, and not having to support five extravagant (generous to excess) human beings as well, was so great that it would have taken a lot of failures to outweigh it. And in many ways the animal method of doing things was more efficient (productive) and saved labour. Such jobs as weeding, for instance, could be done with a thoroughness impossible to human beings. And again, since no animal now stole, it was unnecessary to fence off pasture from arable (dry and fit for growing crops) land.
C. As yet no animal had actually retired on pension, but of late the subject had been discussed more and more. Now that the small field beyond the orchard had been set aside for barley, it was rumoured that a corner of the large pasture was to be fenced off and turned into a grazing-ground for superannuated (disqualified for active duty by advanced age) animals.
D. There was the same hearty cheering as before, and the mugs were emptied to the dregs. But as the animals outside gazed at the scene, it seemed to them that some strange thing was happening. What was it that had altered (changed) in the faces of the pigs?
Reading
D and A
English
B — parallel structure is necessary.
B — Turkish fleet requires a singular, third person possessive pronoun — its.
Writing
Write the body of an essay where you extend your argument introduced in lesson 3.
American education would benefit from full-year school, and American education needs help (Argument 1). By grade 4, American students only score in the middle of 26 countries reported. By grade 8 they are in the bottom third, and at the finish line, where it really counts, we’re near dead last. It’s even worse when you notice that some of the superior countries in grade 8 (especially the Asians) were not included in published 12th grade results. They do not need 12 grades (Evidence 1). Part if not most of the problem is that American students forget most of their information in the summer and have to relearn it in the fall. Many studies have shown that in some subjects — especially math — students never really relearn what they have forgotten and therefore never really progress. The net result is that American education is in big trouble. A full-year school would remove a lot of these troubles.
Science
C. Both
Math
The sum of two numbers is 60, and the greater is four times the less. What are the numbers?
Let x = the less number;
then 4x = the greater number,
and 4x + x = 60,
or 5x = 60;
therefore x = 12,
and 4x = 48. The numbers are 12 and 48.
Answer: 12 and 48.
If the difference between two numbers is 48, and one number is five times the other, what are the numbers?
Let x = the less number;
then 5x = the greater number,
and 5x ¡ x =48,
or 4x = 48;
therefore x = 12,
and 5x = 60.
The numbers are 12 and 60.
There are three numbers whose sum is 96; the second is three times the first, and the third is four times the first. What are the numbers?
X = first number,
3x = second number,
4x = third number.
x + 3x + 4x = 96
8x = 90
x = 12
3x = 36
4x = 48
The numbers are 12, 36, and 48.
Divide the number 126 into two parts such that one part is 8 more than the other.
X = less part,
x + 8 = greater part.
x + x + 8 = 126
2x + 8 = 126
2x = 1181
x = 59
x + 8 = 67
The parts are 59 and 67.
Vocabulary
A. Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity (anonymity) in which I was born and bred, to a state of affluence (prosperity) and some degree of reputation in the world, and having gone so far through life with a considerable share of felicity (great happiness), the conducing (contributing) means I made use of, which with the blessing of God so well succeeded, my posterity (descendants) may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own situations, and therefore fit to be imitated.
B. It was written in 1675, in the home-spun verse of that time and people, and addressed to those then concerned in the government there. It was in favor of liberty of conscience, and in behalf of the Baptists, Quakers, and other sectaries that had been under persecution, ascribing the Indian wars, and other distresses that had befallen the country, to that persecution, as so many judgments of God to punish so heinous (terrible) an offense, and exhorting (strongly urging) a repeal of those uncharitable (unjust; ungenerous) laws.
C. At his table he liked to have, as often as he could, some sensible friend or neighbor to converse with, and always took care to start some ingenious (original) or useful topic for discourse (conversation), which might tend to improve the minds of his children.
D. I continu’d this method some few years, but gradually left it, retaining only the habit of expressing myself in terms of modest diffidence (shyness).
E. In his house I lay that night, and the next morning reach’d Burlington, but had the mortification (humiliation; shame) to find that the regular boats were gone a little before my coming. . . .
F. My ideas at that time were, that the sect should be begun and spread at first among young and single men only; that each person to be initiated should not only declare his assent to such creed, but should have exercised himself with the thirteen weeks’ examination and practice of the virtues as in the before-mention’d model; that the existence of such a society should he kept a secret, till it was become considerable, to prevent solicitations (entreaties, allurements) for the admission of improper persons, but that the members should each of them search among his acquaintance for ingenuous (natural; genuine), well-disposed youths, to whom, with prudent (wise) caution, the scheme should be gradually communicated these proverbs, which contained the wisdom of many ages and nations, I assembled and form’d into a connected discourse prefix’d to the Almanack of 1757, as the harangue (angry diatribe) of a wise old man to the people attending an auction.
G. In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond, a particular friend of mine, conceived the idea of establishing a hospital in Philadelphia, a very beneficent (beneficial; advantageous) design, which has been ascrib’d to me, but was originally his, for the reception and cure of poor sick persons, whether inhabitants of the province or strangers. He was zealous (enthusiastic) and active in endeavoring to procure subscriptions for it, but the proposal being a novelty (new thing) in America, and at first not well understood, he met with but small success.
Reading
A and D
English
I effected the outcome by my choices.
I affected the outcome of my choices.
It was alright for me to borrow my mother’s car.
It was all right for me to borrow my mother’s car.
Please lay next to the water fountain.
Please lie next to the water fountain.
I cannot choose between the three food dishes.
I cannot choose among the three food dishes.
Writing
As we move into the 21st century it is imperative that America’s leadership look again at its education. It is failing. One easily implemented and highly effective way to improve education is to institute a full-year program. No doubt, with this intervention America will again be competitive in the world arena.
Science
D and E
Math
Divide the number 126 into two parts such that one part is 8 more than the other.
x = less part,
x + 8 = greater part.
x + x + 8 = 126
2x + 8 = 126
2x = 1181
x = 59
x + 8 = 67
The parts are 59 and 67.
The sum of two numbers is 25, and the larger is 3 less than three times the smaller. What are the numbers?
Let x = smaller number,
3x ¡ 3 = larger number.
x + 3x ¡ 3 = 25
4x ¡ 3 = 25
4x = 282
x = 7
3x ¡ 3 = 18
The numbers are 7 and 18.
Mr. Y gave $6 to his three boys. To the second he gave 25 cents more than to the third, and to the first three times as much as to the second. How much did each receive?
X = number of cents third boy received,
x + 25 = number of cents second boy received,
3x + 75 = number of cents first boy received.
x + x + 25 + 3x + 75 = 600
5x + 100 = 600
5x = 500
x = 100
x + 25 = 125
3x + 75 = 375
1st boy received $3.75,
2d boy received $1.25,
3d boy received $1.00.
Arthur bought some apples and twice as many oranges for 78 cents. The apples cost 3 cents apiece, and the oranges 5 cents apiece. How many of each did he buy?
Let x = number of apples,
2x = number of oranges,
3x = cost of apples,
10x = cost of oranges.
3x + 10x = 78
13x = 78
x = 6
2x = 12
Vocabulary
A. The Director opened a door. They were in a large bare room, very bright and sunny; for the whole of the southern wall was a single window. Half a dozen nurses, trousered (wearing pants) and jacketed in the regulation white viscose-linen (clear; like rayon) uniform, their hair aseptically (extremely clean) hidden under white caps, were engaged in setting out bowls of roses in a long row across the floor. Big bowls, packed tight with blossom. Thousands of petals, ripe-blown and silkily smooth, like the cheeks of innumerable (a large number) little cherubs (angels), but of cherubs, in that bright light, not exclusively pink and Aryan, but also luminously (light)Chinese, also Mexican, also apoplectic (debilitative) with too much blowing of celestial (heavenly) trumpets, also pale as death, pale with the posthumous (after-death) whiteness of marble. (ch. 2)
B. An almost naked Indian was very slowly climbing down the ladder from the first-floor terrace of a neighboring house — rung after rung, with the tremulous (extreme) caution of extreme old age. His face was profoundly (deeply; throughly) wrinkled and black, like a mask of obsidian (black). The toothless mouth had fallen in. At the corners of the lips, and on each side of the chin, a few long bristles gleamed almost white against the dark skin. The long unbraided hair hung down in grey wisps (small strands) round his face. His body was bent and emaciated (thin to the extreme) to the bone, almost fleshless. Very slowly he came down, pausing at each rung before he ventured another step.
C. Lenina alone said nothing. Pale, her blue eyes clouded with an unwonted (unusual) melancholy (sadness), she sat in a corner, cut off from those who surrounded her by an emotion which they did not share. She had come to the party filled with a strange feeling of anxious exultation (celebration).
D. But who was he to be pampered (spoiled) with the daily and hourly sight of loveliness? Who was he to be living in the visible presence of God? . . . Seeing them, the Savage made a grimace (frown); but he was to become reconciled (at peace) to them in course of time; for at night they twinkled gaily with geometrical constellations, or else, flood-lighted, pointed their luminous (full of light) fingers (with a gesture whose significance nobody in England but the Savage now understood) solemnly towards the plumbless mysteries of heaven.
Reading
C and A
English
D, A, and B
Writing
Problem Sentence
Problem Number
Correct Sentence
(3) Nazi Germany started World War II.
(10) Hitler attacked Stalin in 1941; furthermore, he destroyed most of Russia’s military.
(4) The Germany army attacked on July 22, 1941, but the Russian army was not ready.
(5) The German soldier with a black SS uniform attacked the railroad station.
(8) The surprise attack completely affected the outcome of the first year of fighting.
(7) The German army loved fighting and overwhelming its enemies.
(2) Germany almost captured Moscow in 1941.
(1) Every soldier finished his tour of duty.
(6) Hitler and his generals enjoyed their victories.
(9) Ultimately the German army won the Kiev campaign because they tried.
Science
C and A
Another way to phrase the problem would be, “The length of the waves varies inversely as the number of times the current is closed per second.”
length of waves = x
frequency of closure = y
This leads to the equation, “x = k/y.” Plugging in the values given, we find the constant k.
1 = k/186,000
186,000 = k
So the constant k is 186,000.
Our equation now becomes x = 186,000/y.
Now we can solve the problem.
x = 186,000/10
x = 18,600 (answer A)
Math
If you roll a die, what are the chances of rolling a two? 1 out of 6
If you roll a die, what is the probability that you will roll an even number? 1 out of 2
A bag contains 3 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 1 green marble. 3 out of
A bag contains 6 numbered tiles . . . 5 out of 6
Mr. Jones has a hot air balloon . . . 1 out of 3
What is the probability that he will select a girl? 2 out of 3
Vocabulary
A. At the time of Yefim Petrovitch’s death, Alyosha had two more years to complete at the provincial (country; unsophisticated) gymnasium. The inconsolable (unable to be comforted) widow went almost immediately after his death for a long visit to Italy with her whole family, which consisted only of women and girls.
B. As he hastened out of the hermitage precincts (districts) to reach the monastery in time to serve at the Father Superior’s dinner, he felt a sudden pang (pain) at his heart, and stopped short. He seemed to hear again Father Zossima’s words, foretelling his approaching end. What he had foretold so exactly must infallibly (without fail) come to pass. Alyosha believed that implicitly (with no evidence). But how could he go?
C. “Quite so, quite so,” cried Ivan, with peculiar (unique) eagerness, obviously annoyed (irritated) at being interrupted, “in anyone else this moment would be only due to yesterday’s impression and would be only a moment. But with Katerina Ivanovna’s character, that moment will last all her life. What for anyone else would be only a promise is for her an everlasting burdensome, grim perhaps, but unflagging (untiring) duty. And she will be sustained (supported; nourished) by the feeling of this duty being fulfilled. Your life, Katerina Ivanovna, will henceforth be spent in painful brooding (contemplating) over your own feelings, your own heroism, and your own suffering; but in the end that suffering will be softened and will pass into sweet contemplation (deep thought) of the fulfillment of a bold and proud design.
D. “After a month of hopeless love and moral degradation (humiliation), during which he betrayed his betrothed (fiancée) and appropriated (took) money entrusted to his honour, the prisoner was driven almost to frenzy, almost to madness by continual jealousy — and of whom? His father! And the worst of it was that the crazy old man was alluring and enticing (tempting; attracting) the object of his affection.
Reading
D, B, and D
English
Not that General Rosecran shouldn’t be in the mix. He was a pretty good general.
George Washington, of course, lived in Virginia anyway.
And you should think about World War II — now that was a great war.
Writing
The struggle is daily. There are choices we make, people we talk to, and sights that we see. This all is unavoidable, and goes on outside of us but mostly inside. This struggle forces us to choose between the hard way of the cross, or the easy broad path leading to destruction. For example, George Herbert (1593–1633), one of the 17th century poets, wrote a beautiful poem titled, “The Collar.” This poem is written in the first person about himself, and not only identifies the struggle between good and evil, but in it he also faces the struggle, and in the end, he wins.
The poem begins with the words, “I struck the board, and cried, “No more! I will abroad.” Here Herbert is fearfully running away from God and telling Him “no more,” and to leave him alone. He knows that he has been given free will, “My lines and life are free; free as the road, loose as the wind, as large as store.” But he is not sure he wants to use it, “Shall I still be in suit?” Next, he begins to struggle with what he has lost, “Have I no harvest but a thorn to let me blood, and not restore what I have lost with cordial fruit? Is the year only lost to me? Have I no bays to crown it? No flowers no garlands gay? All blasted? All wasted?” But telling himself that, that cannot be all, “Not so, my heart; but there is fruit, and thou hast hands,” he begins to calm down, and see what he has really been given. Then the struggle changes, from being a struggle between running away or staying and becoming having to let go. “Leave thy cold dispute of what is fit and not; forsake thy cage, thy rope of sands, which petty thoughts have made.” Here Herbert writes beautiful examples of how we are often tied up in things that we think are important. But in reality if we shake them off, we find that they are of no use to us at all. He goes on to say, “Tie up thy fears,” which is another example of leaving behind something that we do not need and cannot enter the Kingdom with. The poem ends very simply in submission, “Me thoughts I heard one calling, ‘Child’; and I replied, ‘My Lord.’ ” At that point there is no struggle, he is at complete peace.
Leaving behind the struggle to immerse oneself in complete submission is an idea at which some people would laugh. But not George Herbert. When he wrote this poem, he knew that it was a beautiful action. And so it has been captured onto paper, for all of us (Anna).
Topic Sentence
That I, whose experience of teaching is extremely limited, should presume to discuss education is a matter, surely, that calls for no apology. It is a kind of behavior to which the present climate of opinion is wholly favorable. Bishops air their opinions about economics; biologists, about metaphysics; inorganic chemists, about theology; the most irrelevant people are appointed to highly technical ministries; and plain, blunt men write to the papers to say that Epstein and Picasso do not know how to draw. Up to a certain point, and provided that the criticisms are made with a reasonable modesty, these activities are commendable. Too much specialization is not a good thing. There is also one excellent reason why the veriest amateur may feel entitled to have an opinion about education. For if we are not all professional teachers, we have all, at some time or another, been taught. Even if we learnt nothing — perhaps in particular if we learnt nothing — our contribution to the discussion may have a potential value.
However, it is in the highest degree improbable that the reforms I propose will ever be carried into effect. Neither the parents, nor the training colleges, nor the examination boards, nor the boards of governors, nor the ministries of education, would countenance them for a moment. For they amount to this: that if we are to produce a society of educated people, fitted to preserve their intellectual freedom amid the complex pressures of our modern society, we must turn back the wheel of progress some four or five hundred years, to the point at which education began to lose sight of its true object, towards the end of the Middle Ages. . . .
When we think about the remarkably early age at which the young men went up to university in, let us say, Tudor times, and thereafter were held fit to assume responsibility for the conduct of their own affairs, are we altogether comfortable about that artificial prolongation of intellectual childhood and adolescence into the years of physical maturity which is so marked in our own day? To postpone the acceptance of responsibility to a late date brings with it a number of psychological complications which, while they may interest the psychiatrist, are scarcely beneficial either to the individual or to society. The stock argument in favor of postponing the school-leaving age and prolonging the period of education generally is there is now so much more to learn than there was in the Middle Ages. This is partly true, but not wholly. The modern boy and girl are certainly taught more subjects — but does that always mean that they actually know more?
Science
A
Math
What number added to twice itself and 40 more will make a sum equal to eight times the number?
x = the number.
x + 2x + 40 = 8x
3x + 40 = 8x
40 = 5x
8 = x
The number is 8.
Divide the number 72 into two parts such that one part shall be one-eighth of the other.
x = greater part,
1
8x = lesser part.
x + 1
8x = 72
9
8x = 72
1
8x = 8
x = 64
The parts are 64 and 8.
Vocabulary
A. I had spent five days in a hospital and the world around seemed sharpened (to become sharp) now and pulsing (moving with purpose) with life.
B. A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span (determined length), he is something.
C. It makes us aware of how frail (weak) and tiny we are and of how much we must depend upon the Master of the Universe.
D. We shook hands and I watched him walk quickly away, tall, lean, bent forward (pushing ahead) with eagerness and hungry for the future, his metal capped shoes tapping against the sidewalk.
Reading
D, A, C, C, and A
English
Indian history begins 4,000 years ago. India is a success story. India’s population recently exceeded one billion people, yet a noted Indian historian said that “although it is difficult to accept, the Indians totally lacked the historical sense.” The ancient Indians made great inroads into astronomy, physics, mathematics, all kinds of literature and arts, but never seriously took to documenting their history — and their indifference has cost their posterity very dearly. Civilization, when an agricultural economy, gave rise to extensive urbanization and trade. The second stage occurred around 1000 B.C., when the Ganga-yamuna river basin and several southern river deltas experienced extensive agricultural expansion and population growth.
Writing
Main Idea: When we think about the remarkably early age at which the young men went up to university in, let us say, Tudor times, and thereafter were held fit to assume responsibility for the conduct of their own affairs, are we altogether comfortable about that artificial prolongation of intellectual childhood and adolescence into the years of physical maturity which is so marked in our own day?
Detail: To postpone the acceptance of responsibility to a late date brings with it a number of psychological complications which, while they may interest the psychiatrist, are scarcely beneficial either to the individual or to society.
Detail: The stock argument in favor of postponing the school-leaving age and prolonging the period of education generally is there is now so much more to learn than there was in the Middle Ages.
Detail: This is partly true, but not wholly. The modern boy and girl are certainly taught more subjects — but does that always mean that they actually know more?
Science
E
Math
The half and fourth of a certain number are together equal to 75. What is the number?
x = the number.
1
2x + 1
4x = 75.
3
4x = 75
1
4x = 25
x = 100
The number is 100.
What number is that which being increased by one-third and one-half of itself equals 22?
x = the number.
x + 1
3x + 1
2x = 22.
15
6x = 22
11
6 x = 22
1
6x = 2
x = 12
The number is 12
Vocabulary
A. Perhaps by now McClellan had learned to abide the tantrums (fits of bad temper) and exasperations (irritations) of his former friend and sympathizer.
B. McClellan was quite aware of the danger of straddling (going on both sides of) what he called “the confounded (frustrating) Chickahominy.”
C. In addition to retaining the services of Seward and Chase, both excellent men at their respective (particular) posts, he had managed to turn aside the wrath (intense anger) of the Jacobins (extreme political radicals) without increasing their bitterness toward himself or incurring (bringing upon himself) their open hatred. . . . Paradoxically (the opposite of expected), because of the way he had done it.
D. Stuart had accepted the gambit (sacrifices to gain advantage; maneuver).
E. Poor as the plan was in the first place, mainly because of its necessary surrender of the initiative (making the first move) to the enemy, it was rendered even poorer — in fact, inoperative (dysfunctional; not working) — by the speed in which Sherman moved through the supposedly impenetrable (impassable) swamps.
Reading
Setting is a critical component of this book. What is the setting in chapter 1? The setting begins in Southern California but moves to Alaska.
Which setting is most friendly? Southern California. This is important because Buck (the dog) changes from the soft, domesticated pet in the beginning of the novel to the wild, assertive animal in Alaska. Buck, in effect, answers the “call of the wild.”
English
B, E, A, D, C, and F
Writing
B does not belong.
Science
B
Math
The surface area is 272(pi) square feet.
The rectangle is 7 centimeters long and 14 centimeters wide.
Vocabulary
A. Now, in spite of the mobility (changeability) of his countenance (face), the command of which, like a finished actor, he had carefully studied before the glass, it was by no means easy for him to assume an air of judicial (legal) severity (seriousness). Except the recollection of the line of politics his father had adopted, and which might interfere (impede), unless he acted with the greatest prudence (cautious wisdom), with his own career, Gerard de Villefort was as happy as a man could be.
B. “Then,” answered the elder prisoner, “the will of God be done!” and as the old man slowly pronounced (declared) those words, an air of profound (deep) resignation (surrender; acceptance) spread itself over his careworn (grieving; anguished) countenance. Dantès gazed on the man who could thus philosophically (thoughtfully and theoretically) resign hopes so long and ardently (fervently) nourished (maintained) with an astonishment (extreme excitement) mingled (mixed) with admiration (astonished approbation).
C. He had a very clear idea of the men with whom his lot had been cast. . . . It spared him interpreters (people who explain), persons always troublesome (causing problems) and frequently indiscreet (imprudent), gave him great facilities (aptitudes) of communication, either with the vessels he met at sea, with the small boats sailing along the coast, or with the people without name, country, or occupation, who are always seen on the quays (landing places; docks) of seaports, and who live by hidden and mysterious means which we must suppose to be a direct gift of providence, as they have no visible means of support. It is fair to assume that Dantès was on board a smuggler.
D. It would be difficult to describe the state of stupor (a state of supreme, debilitative disbelief) in which Villefort left the Palais. Every pulse (heartbeat) beat with feverish (extreme) excitement, every nerve was strained (under stress), every vein swollen, and every part of his body seemed to suffer distinctly from the rest, thus multiplying his agony a thousand-fold. He made his way along the corridors (passageways) through force of habit; he threw aside (away) his magisterial (official; ceremonial) robe, not out of deference (respect) to etiquette (polite custom), but because it was an unbearable (too much to carry) burden, a veritable (genuine; true) garb of Nessus, insatiate (unable to be satisfied) in torture. Having staggered (walked in uncoordinated style) as far as the Rue Dauphine, he perceived his carriage, awoke his sleeping coachman by opening the door himself, threw himself on the cushions, and pointed towards the Faubourg Saint-Honoré; the carriage drove on. The weight of his fallen fortunes seemed suddenly to crush him; he could not foresee the consequences (outcome; results); he could not contemplate the future with the indifference (without regard) of the hardened criminal who merely faces a contingency (unforeseen result) already familiar. God was still in his heart. “God,” he murmured (spoke in complaint), not knowing what he said — “God — God!” Behind the event that had overwhelmed (deeply upset) him he saw the hand of God. The carriage rolled rapidly onward. Villefort, while turning restlessly on the cushions, felt something press against him. He put out his hand to remove the object; it was a fan which Madame de Villefort had left in the carriage; this fan awakened a recollection (remembrance) which darted through his mind like lightning. He thought of his wife.
Reading
E, A
English
1. The president recently finished reading the Bible.
2. Our company is called For Such A Time As This.
3. “Open the door now!” exclaimed the soldier.
4. I visited the Washington Monument.
5. The North defeated the South in the American Civil War.
Writing
Answers will vary.
Science
E, B
Math
X + X + 10 = 180
2X = 170
X = 85
Y = 95
Vocabulary
A. I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart! I never knew what pretense (falsity; fraud) Salem was, I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their covenanted (contracted) men! And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes? I will not, I cannot! You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!
B. This is a sharp time, now, a precise (exact) time — we live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled (confused) the world.
Reading
The world has never seen a contest like it (hyperbole).
Nations have fought for territory and for gold, but they have not fought for the happiness of others (generalization).
Men have gone on crusades to fight for holy tombs and symbols, but armies have not been put in motion to overthrow vicious (inflammatory diction) political systems and regenerate iniquitous (inflammatory diction) governments for other peoples.
For more than four centuries Spain has held the island of Cuba as her chattel, and there she has revelled in corruption, and wantoned in luxury wrung from slaves with the cruel hand of unchecked power (inflammatory diction).
But the end has come at last. The woe, the grief, the humiliation, the agony, the despair that Spain has heaped upon the helpless, and multiplied in the world until the world is sickened with it, will be piled in one avalanche on her own head (hyperbole and inflammatory diction).
Liberty has grown slowly. Civilization has been on the defensive. Now liberty fights for liberty, and civilization takes the aggressive in the holiest (emotional language) war the world has even known
English
1. Mark is ready, but Mary is not.
2. I know who is listening when I speak.
3. Nothing matters more to a mom because she loves to see her daughters safe.
4. When I step up to the plate, I hit a ball.
5. I love eating berries but they do not love me!
Writing
Remove these two paragraphs:
In the 1870s Japanese leadership sent a group on a diplomatic mission around the world. Under the leadership of Iwakura Tomomi, they were to learn about technologically advanced countries of the West. The Iwakura mission’s direct observation of the West left them feeling challenged but hopeful and it seemed possible that Japan could catch up with the Western nations.
Japan lost World War II but emerged as one of the premier economic powers of the post-World War II world.
Science
C
Math
B
Vocabulary
A. Amy rebelled outright, (overtly with vigor) and passionately (with emotion and enthusiasm) declared that she had rather have the fever than go to Aunt March. Meg reasoned, pleaded, and commanded, all in vain. Amy protested that she would not go, and Meg left her in despair to ask Hannah what should be done. Before she came back, Laurie walked into the parlor to find Amy sobbing, with her head in the sofa cushions. She told her story, expecting to be consoled (comforted), but Laurie only put his hands in his pockets and walked about the room, whistling softly, as he knit his brows in deep thought. Presently he sat down beside her, and said, in his most wheedlesome (patient, bordering on patronizing) tone, “Now be a sensible little woman, and do as they say. No, don’t cry, but hear what a jolly plan I’ve got. You go to Aunt March’s, and I’ll come and take you out every day, driving or walking, and we’ll have capital times. Won’t that be better than moping (sulking) here?”
B. Jo’s face was a study next day, for the secret rather weighed upon her, and she found it hard not to look mysterious and important. Meg observed it, but did not trouble herself to make inquiries, for she had learned that the best way to manage Jo was by the law of contraries (opposites), so she felt sure of being told everything if she did not ask. She was rather surprised, therefore, when the silence remained unbroken, and Jo assumed a patronizing (superior, pejorative) air, which decidedly aggravated Meg, who in turn assumed an air of dignified reserve and devoted herself to her mother. . . . Amy being gone, Laurie was her only refuge(safe and private), and much as she enjoyed his society, she rather dreaded him just then, for he was an incorrigible (adamant, stubborn) tease, and she feared he would coax the secret from her.
C. There were to be no ceremonious performances, everything was to be as natural and homelike as possible, so when Aunt March arrived, she was scandalized (to have the appearance of a scandal) to see the bride come running to welcome and lead her in, to find the bridegroom fastening up a garland that had fallen down, and to catch a glimpse of the paternal (fatherly) minister marching upstairs with a grave countenance (facial expression) and a wine bottle under each arm.
D. “You look like the effigy (image, usually of a dead person on his tomb) of a young knight asleep on his tomb,” she said, carefully tracing the well-cut profile defined against the dark stone.
E. Yes, Jo was a very happy woman there, in spite of hard work, much anxiety, and a perpetual (continual) racket. She enjoyed it heartily and found the applause of her boys more satisfying than any praise of the world, for now she told no stories except to her flock of enthusiastic believers and admirers. As the years went on, two little lads of her own came to increase her happiness — Rob, named for Grandpa, and Teddy, a happy-go-lucky baby, who seemed to have inherited his papa’s sunshiny temper as well as his mother’s lively spirit. How they ever grew up alive in that whirlpool of boys was a mystery to their grandma and aunts, but they flourished like dandelions in spring, and their rough nurses loved and served them well.
Reading
B
English
1. The mayor is not a mean man, but he has limits. (Join with but)
2. He was sure there would be an end to the war when the enemy surrendered. (Join with when)
3. I really want to go to Dallas, Texas, and I want to watch the Steelers beat the Cowboys. (Join with and)
Writing
1. The Germans caused World War II.
2. Mary published her first novel at age 12.
3. Although, I never visited Hong Kong, my wife tells me it is beautiful.
Science
11.8 grams of DDT (11.8g + delta)
Math
Since we expect about 13,000 people, this works out to about 10,343 adult tickets. The remaining 2657 tickets will be child tickets. Then the expected total ticket revenue totals to $58,357.50, of which ($5.00)(10,343) = $51,715 will come from adult tickets, and ($2.50)(2,657) = $6,642.50 will come from child tickets.
Vocabulary
A. You must know, then, that the above-named gentleman whenever he was at leisure (which was mostly all the year round) gave himself up to reading books of chivalry (with courtesy and decorum) with such ardor and avidity (affinity) that he almost entirely neglected the pursuit of his field-sports, and even the management of his property; and to such a pitch did his eagerness and infatuation (foolish and extravagant love) go that he sold many an acre of land to buy books of chivalry to read, and brought home as many of them as he could get.
B. He approved highly of the giant Morgante, because, although of the giant breed which is always arrogant (harsh and haughty) and ill-conditioned, he alone was affable (friendly) and well-bred.
C. Thus setting out, our new-fledged adventurer paced along, talking to himself and saying, “Who knows but that in time to come, when the veracious history of my famous deeds is made known, the sage who writes it, when he has to set forth my first sally in the early morning, will do it after this fashion? ‘Scarce had the rubicund (red) Apollo spread o’er the face of the broad spacious earth the golden threads of his bright hair, scarce had the little birds of painted plumage attuned their notes to hail with dulcet (agreeable) and mellifluous (richly flowing and generous) harmony the coming of the rosy Dawn. . . . And thou, O sage (wise) magician, whoever thou art, to whom it shall fall to be the chronicler of this wondrous history, forget not, I entreat (beg) thee, my good Rocinante, the constant companion of my ways and wanderings.” Presently he broke out again, as if he were love-stricken in earnest, “O Princess Dulcinea, lady of this captive heart, a grievous wrong hast thou done me to drive me forth with scorn, and with inexorable(relentless) obduracy (stubbornness) banish me from the presence of thy beauty. O lady, deign to hold in remembrance this heart, thy vassal, that thus in anguish pines for love of thee.”
D. Seeing what was going on, Don Quixote said in an angry voice, “Discourteous (impolite) knight, it ill becomes you to assail (accost; attack) one who cannot defend himself; mount your steed and take your lance” (for there was a lance leaning against the oak to which the mare was tied), “and I will make you know that you are behaving as a coward.” The farmer, seeing before him this figure in full armor brandishing a lance over his head, gave himself up for dead, and made answer meekly, “Sir Knight, this youth that I am chastising (scolding) is my servant, employed by me to watch a flock of sheep that I have hard by, and he is so careless that I lose one every day, and when I punish him for his carelessness and knavery (mischievously evil) he says I do it out of niggardliness, to escape paying him the wages I owe him, and before God, and on my soul, he lies.”
E. Such was the end of the Gentleman of La Mancha, whose village Cide Hamete would not indicate precisely, in order to leave all the towns and villages of La Mancha to contend among themselves for the right to adopt him and claim him as a son, as the seven cities of Greece contended for Homer. The lamentations (expressions of grief) of Sancho and the niece and housekeeper are omitted here, as well as the new epitaphs (brief, pithy statements) upon his tomb.
Reading
D and A
English
Active: The car hit the deer.
Active: The workers built the football stadium in five months.
Passive: His homework was finished by Rosco.
Passive: His tricks were practiced by my dog.
Writing
False. Robert Frost likes to play in the snow.
True. Someone must have hurt Frost.
True. Frost seems to be unhappy as he writes this poem.
False. Frost is writing a poem about fire and ice.
True. Frost is writing a poem about love and hatred.
Science
Many chimneys offer affordable heat; close auxilliary buildings can be reached in the winter; high, pitched roofs provide quick snow removal. High ceilings offer cool summer comfort.
Leaks will occur where adjacent buildings are joined, where adjacent rooms are joined on corners, and places where standing water and snow will settle.
Math
1,662 square feet
Vocabulary
A. Harriet Smith’s intimacy at Hartfield was soon a settled thing. Quick and decided in her ways, Emma lost no time in inviting, encouraging, and telling her to come very often. . . . Her father never went beyond the shrubbery, where two divisions of the ground sufficed (archaic use of the word “sufficient” meaning adequate) him for his long walk, or his short, as the year varied; and since Mrs. Weston’s marriage her exercise had been too much confined.
B. In short, she sat, during the first visit, looking at Jane Fairfax with twofold complacency (peaceful composure). . . that case, nothing could be more pitiable or more honourable than the sacrifices she had resolved on. Emma was very willing now to acquit (to absolve, to remove all guilt) her of having seduced Mr. Dixon’s actions from his wife, or of any thing mischievous which her imagination had suggested at first . . . and from the best, the purest of motives, might now be denying herself this visit to Ireland, and resolving to divide herself effectually (successfully accomplish) from him and his connections by soon beginning her career of laborious duty.
C. As long as Mr. Knightley remained with them, Emma’s fever continued; but when he was gone, she began to be a little tranquillized and subdued — and in the course of the sleepless night . . . but she flattered herself, that if divested (to remove forcefully) of the danger of drawing her away, it might become an increase of comfort to him. . . . At any rate, it would be a proof of attention and kindness in herself, from whom every thing was due; a separation for the present; an averting of the evil day, when they must all be together again.
Reading
The main character, a German U-boat captain, is developed through dialogue and narrative. We never know what the captain is really thinking.
English
Answers will vary
Writing
Problem: Again, this was awfully good news to a community that faced the awful King Sennacherib. King Hezekiah, Uzziah’s successor, was sorely tempted to trust in Egypt, but frankly, Isaiah in chapter 35 is making an offer that Hezekiah cannot refuse.
Solution: The really good news of Isaiah 35, and of the gospel, is that as we — the chosen community, today the Church — rejoice, grow healthy, and find ourselves living in Zion, so also will the land and those who live in it find hope, health, and wholeness. Health to the Jew, as it was to the Greek, means far more than physical health. It means healing, wholeness. Indeed, the Greek word salvation has at its root the word health. We are the light of the world, and we can change our world as we share the good news. The Christ whom we represent is the only real hope the world has for wholeness. And we should be outspoken and unequivocal with this message. As we sing, with our words and our lives, the land will be saved, made whole. “Say to those with fearful hearts: ‘Be strong; do not fear! Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped’ ” (Is. 35:4–5).
End Result: Likewise, today, when we live a holy life, when we trust in God with faith and hope, the land in which we work and live becomes holy. In this God, of whom we bear witness with our words and lives, we, like the faithful Israelites, find wholeness, health, and life. This news is good news!
Science
1. What is disease? Disease is the general term for any deviation from the normal or healthy condition of the body.
2. What is a predisposing cause? The predisposing causes are such factors as tend to render the body more susceptible to disease or favor the presence of the exciting cause. Exciting cause? The exciting causes are the immediate causes of the particular disease. Exciting causes usually operate through the environment.
Math
8/15 of the cistern
Vocabulary
A. Scarsely (barely; infrequently) had Phoebus in the glooming (dawning) East / Yet harnessed (attached) his firie-footed teeme
B. For all so soone, as Guyon thence was gon / Vpon his voyage with his trustie guide, / That wicked band of villeins fresh begon / That castle to assaile on euery side, / And lay strong siege about it far and wide. / So huge and infinite their numbers were, / That all the land they vnder them did hide; / So fowle and vgly, that exceeding (excessive) feare / Their visages imprest, when they approched neare.
C. Who backe returning, told as he had seene, / That they were doughtie knights of dreaded (fearful) name; / And those two Ladies, their two loues vnseene; / And therefore wisht them without blot or blame, / To let them passe at will, for dread of shame. / But Blandamour full of vainglorious (prideful) spright, / And rather stird by his discordfull Dame, / Vpon them gladly would haue prov’d his might, / But that he yet was sore of his late lucklesse fight.
Reading
Two descriptions:
I got into my old rags and my sugar-hogshead again, and was free and satisfied. But Tom Sawyer he hunted me up and said he was going to start a band of robbers, and I might join if I would go back to the widow and be respectable. So I went back.
The widow she cried over me, and called me a poor lost lamb, and she called me a lot of other names, too, but she never meant no harm by it.
Twain creates humor mostly through exaggeration.
English
D and D
Writing
Answers will vary.
Science
A and B
Math
2a2 + 7a - 4 = 0
First we factor: (2a - 1)(a + 4) = 0
This brings us to our first solution: a = -
For our second solution, we bring the first set of parentheses out and solve for zero:
2a - 1 = 0
2a = 1
a = 1/2 = 0.5
Our two solutions are -4 and 0.5 (answer B)
Vocabulary
A. You can be oblivious (unable to discern or to respond) to the sound for a long while, then in a second of ticking it can create in the mind unbroken the long diminishing parade of time you didn’t hear.
B. From then on until he had you completely subjugated he was always in or out of your room, ubiquitous (everywhere present) and garrulous (talkative), though his manner gradually moved northward as his raiment improved, until at last when he had bled you until you began to learn better he was calling you Quentin or whatever. . . .
C. . . . and I suppose that with all his petty chicanery (mischievious behavior) and hypocrisy (insincere behavior) he stank no higher in heaven’s nostrils than any other.
D. Suddenly I held out my hand and we shook, he gravely, from the pompous (indigenous hubris) height of his municipal and military dream.
E. . . . where only he and the gull, the one terrifically motionless, the other in a steady and measured pull and recover that partook of inertia (tendency to remain in its original position) itself. . . .
F. . . . all I had felt suffered without visible form antic and perverse mocking without relevance inherent (internal) themselves with the denial of the significance they should have affirmed. . . .
G. The air brightened, the running shadow patches were not the obverse (main side), and it seemed to him that the fact the day was cleaning was another cunning stoke on the part of the foe.
H. . . . and suddenly with an old premonition (prediction; prophecy) he clapped the brakes and stopped and sat perfectly still. . . . For a moment Benjy sat in an utter hiatus (cessation).
Reading
D and D
English
1. England in the eleventh century was conquered by the Normans.
2. Amid the angry yells of the spectators, he died.
3. For the sake of emphasis, a word or a phrase may be placed out of its natural order.
4. In The Pickwick Papers, the conversation of Sam Weller is spiced with wit.
5. New York, on the contrary, abounds in men of wealth.
6. It has come down by uninterrupted tradition from the earliest times to the present day. (No Punctuation)
Writing
Answers will vary.
Science
E
Math
12 yards
Vocabulary
A. The servant, from a feeling of propriety (conventional standards), and perhaps, too, not anxious to remain under the master’s eye, had gone to the gate, and was smoking a pipe. Nikolai Petrovitch bent his head, and began staring at the crumbling steps; a big mottled (spotted or streaked) fowl walked sedately (quietly, confidently) towards him, treading firmly with its great yellow legs; a muddy cat gave him an unfriendly look, twisting herself coyly (reticent) round the railing.
B. She used suddenly to go abroad, and suddenly return to Russia, and led an eccentric life in general. She had the reputation of being a frivolous (superficial, humorous) coquette (superficial), abandoned herself eagerly to every sort of pleasure, danced to exhaustion, laughed and jested with young men, whom she received in the dim light of her drawing-room before dinner; while at night she wept and prayed, found no peace in anything, and often paced her room till morning, wringing (grasping and moving) her hands in anguish, or sat, pale and chill, over a psalter.
C. Nikolai Petrovitch had made Fenitchka’s acquaintance in the following manner. He had once happened three years before to stay a night at an inn in a remote district town. He was agreeably struck by the cleanness of the room assigned to him, the freshness of the bed-linen. Surely the woman of the house must be a German? was the idea that occurred to him; but she proved to be a Russian, a woman of about fifty, neatly dressed, of a good-looking, sensible countenance (face) and discreet (measured, careful, confidential) speech.
Reading
D and B
English
1 A, 2 B, 3 A
Writing
The author uses a series of rhetorical questions that he then answers himself. For example, “Freedom: what do we want freedom for? For this, at least; that we may be each and all able to think what we choose; and to say what we choose also, provided we do not say it rudely or violently, so as to provoke a breach of the peace.”
Science
A, D, C
Math
We know that it is a parallelogram because the question states that we have two pairs of equal sides. One pair is twice as long as the other pair.
We will let the long side be y and the short side be x.
The question stated that the long side is exactly twice the length of the short side. Mathematically, this can be expressed as:
y = 2x
It also stated that the total perimeter of the rectangle was 250 feet. This can be expressed as:
2y + 2x = 250
(2y/2) + (2x/2) = (250/2)
y + x = 125
Our two equations are therefore:
1. y = 2x
2. 2y + 2x = 250
We can solve this rather easily by substitution. Substituting equation one into equation 2:
2x + x = 125
3x = 125
(3x/3) = (125/3)
x = 41.6667 or 41 and 2/3
Substituting back into the original equation:
y = 2(x)
y = 2(41.6667)
y = 83.3333 or 83 and 1/3
The solution for the equation is (41.6667,83.3333).
The north and south gutters measure 83”4’ and the east and west gutters measure 41”8’
If we double the solutions of the equation and add them, we get 250, which shows us that our solution was correct. Vocabulary
A. There was only this perfect sympathy (relationship; affinity) of movement, of turning this earth of theirs over and over to the sun, this earth which formed their home and fed their bodies and made their gods.
B. But Wang Lung thought of his land and pondered (considered) this way and that, with the sickened heart of deferred (postponed) hope, how he could get back to it. He belonged, not to this scum which clung to the walls of a rich man’s house; nor did he belong to the rich man’s house. He belonged to the land and he could not live with any fullness until he felt the land under his feet and followed a plow in the springtime and bore a scythe (cutting blade) in his hand at harvest.
Reading
D
English
1. This (direct object), and other measures (direct object) of precaution, I (subject) took.
2. The pursuing the inquiry under the light of an end or final cause (subject clause), gives wonderful animation (direct object), a sort of personality to the whole writing.
3. Why does the horizon (subject) hold me (direct object) fast, with my joy and grief, in this center?
4. His books (subject) have no melody (direct object), no emotion (direct object), no humor (direct object), no relief (direct object) to the dead prosaic level.
5. On the voyage to Egypt, he (subject) liked, after dinner, to fix on three or four persons to support a proposition, and as many to oppose it.
Writing
I. Her “baby” son is 67 The author is writing this passage as if this, her youngest son, was a mid-twenty marriage ceremony.
2. The notion that New Yorkers are mowing their lawns at Christmas is an anomaly!
Science
G and F
Math
10
Vocabulary
A. I could faintly make out the only two black things in all the prospect that seemed to be standing upright; one of these was the beacon by which the sailors steered — like an unhooped cask upon a pole — an ugly thing when you were near it; the other, a gibbet (historical), with some chains hanging to it which had once held a pirate.
B. She concluded by throwing me — I often served as a connubial (matrimonial) missile — at Joe, who, glad to get hold of me on any terms, passed me on into the chimney and quietly fenced me up there with his great leg.
C. My sister had a trenchant (strident; combative) way of cutting our bread and butter for us. . . . Then she took some butter (not too much) on a knife and spread it on the loaf, in an apothecary kind of way, as if she were making a plaster — using both sides of the knife with a slapping dexterity . . . before separating from the loaf, hewed (cut) into two halves, of which Joe got one, and I the other.
D. My sister, having so much to do, was going to church vicariously (done as if one were someone else); that is to say, Joe and I were going.
Reading
C and F
English
D, C, A
Writing
B
Science
B, C, H
Math
$27,205.20 (remember: 1% of his commission, not 1% of his sale), 7500 books
Vocabulary
A. Myra Babbitt — Mrs. George F. Babbitt — was definitely mature. She had creases from the corners of her mouth to the bottom of her chin, and her plump neck bagged. But the thing that marked her as having passed the line was that she no longer had reticences (shyness) before her husband, and no longer worried about not having reticences. She was in a petticoat now, and corsets which bulged, and unaware of being seen in bulgy corsets. She had become so dully habituated (to be accustomed to) to married life that in her full matronliness (characteristics of a mother) she was as sexless as an anemic (pale) nun. She was a good woman, a kind woman, a diligent (conscientious; hard working) woman, but no one, save perhaps Tinka her ten-year-old, was at all interested in her or entirely aware that she was alive.
B. After a rather thorough discussion of all the domestic and social aspects of towels she apologized to Babbitt for his having an alcoholic headache; and he recovered enough to endure the search for a B.V.D. undershirt which had, he pointed out, malevolently (with malfesance or evil) been concealed among his clean pajamas.
C. He was fairly amiable (friendly) in the conference on the brown suit.
Reading
The Babbitt family was a typical, upper middle class, late 19th century nouveau rich family. The represented the worst of the Gilded Age, a time when unprecedented wealth was accompanied by no particular increase in morality or perspicacity.
English
1. I felt that I breathed an atmosphere of sorrow (functions as a direct object).
2. But the fact is, I was napping (functions as a predicate nominative).
3. Shaking off from my spirit what must have been a dream (functions in apposition to the subject I), I scanned more narrowly the aspect of the building.
4. Except by what he could see for himself (functions in apposition to the direct object nothing), he could know nothing.
5. Whatever he looks upon (function as a subject) discloses a second sense.
Writing
C
Science
E
That is because the plants sowed their own seed. The flowers faded; then the seed-cases shed their seed upon the ground. Next spring the seeds produced fresh plants. Most annual wild flowers sow their own seed in this way, but we must not mistake them for perennials because year after year they grow in the same place.
Math
1 hour 12 minutes (11/5 hours)
Vocabulary
A. The square finger, moving here and there, lighted suddenly on Bitzer, perhaps because he chanced to sit in the same ray of sunlight which, darting in at one of the bare windows of the intensely white-washed room, irradiated (shined on) Sissy.
B. Whether I was to do it or not, ma’am, I did it. I pulled through it, though nobody threw me out a rope. Vagabond, errand-boy, vagabond, labourer, porter, clerk, chief manager, small partner, Josiah Bounderby of Coketown. Those are the antecedents (precedents), and the culmination (the highest point)
C. In truth, Mrs. Gradgrind’s stock of facts in general was woefully (sadly) defective; but Mr. Gradgrind in raising her to her high matrimonial (concerning marriage) position, had been influenced by two reasons.
D. ”Whether,” said Gradgrind, pondering with his hands in his pockets, and his cavernous (immense) eyes on the fire.
Reading
C and B
English
1. There were passages that reminded me perhaps too much of Massillon. (modifies the noun passages)
2. I walked home with Calhoun, who said that the principles which I had avowed were just and noble. (modifies the proper noun Calhoun)
3. Other men are lenses through which we read our own minds. (modifies the noun lenses)
Writing
THE INDUSTRY OF LAWYER
Oddly enough, hardly any notice is taken of an industry in which the United States towers in unapproachable supremacy above all other nations of the earth. The census does not say a word about it, nor does there exist more than the merest word about it in all the literature of American self-praise.
The author is calling attention to his point, “industry in the United States,” by stating that it is hardly noticed when comparisons are made to other nations. This is an effective way to pique the interests of readers.
MY CHILDHOOD FEAR OF GHOSTS
Nothing stands out more keenly in the recollection of my childhood, than the feelings of terror which I experienced when forced to go to bed without the protecting light of a lamp. Then it was that dread, indefinite ghosts lurked behind every door, hid in every clothes-press, or lay in wait beneath every bed.
Using a personal anecdote, the author is drawing the reader into his narrative. Clearly, he will be discussing electricity. By evoking a personal story, the author is hoping that the reader will be stimulated to identify with him and, therefore, join the author in the spirit of the occasion. In other words, the author is saying “this is important to you so you should read it.”
THE USES OF IRON
No other metal is put to so many uses and is so indispensable as iron.
This author is employing my personal favorite: a direct, cogent, straightforward introduction that clearly states his purpose in one sentence. This reader would enjoy a small quote or two, but overall, this is an effective way to begin an essay. Especially an ACT essay that must be informative from the beginning!
Science
Figure 2 is a single-cell animal without any connection to other organisms.
A
Math
17 inches
Vocabulary
A. A mote (particle) it is to trouble the mind’s eye.
In the most high and palmy (alive) state of Rome,
A little ere the mightiest Julius fell,
The graves stood tenantless, and the sheeted dead
Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets;
As, stars with trains of fire and dews of blood,
Disasters in the sun; and the moist star,
Upon whose influence Neptune’s empire stands,
Was sick almost to doomsday (end times) with eclipse (declining):
And even the like precurse of fierce events —
As harbingers preceding still the fates,
And prologue to the omen (foreboding prophecy) coming on —
B. Think it no more:
For nature, crescent (curved shape like a half moon), does not grow alone
C. Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain (keep healthy)
If with too credent (credible) ear you list his songs,
Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open
To his unmaster’d importunity (opportunity)
D. Out of the shot and danger of desire.
The chariest maid is prodigal (recalcitrant, wayward) enough
E. And in the morn and liquid dew of youth
Contagious blastments (set backs, obstacles) are most imminent (inevitable)
Be wary then; best safety lies in fear:
Youth to itself rebels, though none else near
Reading
While they once were very close, sustaining friends, they now struggle to be close. Their relationship is strained.
English
See underline:
As I was clearing away the weeds from this epitaph, the little sexton drew me on one side with a mysterious air, and informed me in a low voice that once upon a time, on a dark wintry night, when the wind was unruly, howling and whistling, banging about doors and windows, and twirling weathercocks, so that the living were frightened out of their beds, and even the dead could not sleep quietly in their graves, the ghost of honest Preston was attracted by the well-known call of “waiter,” and made its sudden appearance just as the parish clerk was singing a stave from the “mirrie garland of Captain Death.”
Writing
1.They can go everywheres.
They can go anywhere they wish.
2.He spends all his time grinding.
He spends all his time grinding corn.
3.There ain’t a sightlier town in the state.
There is no prettier town in the state.
4.He ate the whole hunk of cake.
He ate the entire cake.
5.Smith’s new house is very showy.
Smith’s new house if very ostentatious.
Science
E and E
Math
The train traveling east is traveling at a speed of 65 mph. The westbound train is traveling 90mph.
The swimming portion of the race was 4 miles, the running part was 9 miles, and the bicycling part was 55 miles.
Vocabulary
A. That’s what it was like to be alive. To move about in a cloud of ignorance; to go up and down trampling (stomping) on the feelings of those . . . of those about you. To spend and waste time as though you had a million years. To be always at the mercy of one self-centered passion, or another.
B. Never support two weaknesses at the same time. It’s your combination sinners — your lecherous (immoral) liars and your miserly (parsimonious) drunkards — who dishonor the vices and bring them into bad repute (reputation; character).
C. He regarded love as a sort of cruel malady (sickness) through which the elect are required to pass in their late youth and from which they emerge, pale and wrung (disheveled; diminished), but ready for the business of living.
Reading
B
English
1. The horse with the rider holding a young girl went into the barn.
2. Mary drove the automobile with its tank full of gas.
3. The dancer dazzled the audience full of loyal patrons.
Writing
C. The pronoun myself requires a singular form of the verb speaks.
Science
All the answers are plausible answers except IV. So the answer is F.
Math
$3,700 was invested in the technology fund that yielded 9% simple interest; $3,900 was invested in the fixed account that yielded 6% simple interest. A total of $7,600 was invested.
Vocabulary
A. Is a tractor bad? Is the power that turns the long furrows (plowed rows) wrong? If this tractor were ours, it would be good — not mine, but ours. . . . The people were driven, intimidated (frightened), hurt by both. We must think about this.
B. And the great owners, who must lose their land in an upheaval (disruption) the great owners with access to history, with eyes to read history and to know the great fact: when property accumulates (collects) in too few hands it is taken away.
C. How can you frighten a man whose hunger is not only in his own cramped (constricted) stomach but in the wretched (awful) bellies of his children? You can’t scare him — he has known a fear beyond every other.
Reading
D
English
1. Who they were I really cannot specify.
2. Truth is mightier than we all.
3. If there ever was a rogue in the world, it is I.
4. They were the very two individuals who we thought were far away.
5. Seems to me as if they who write must have a gift for it.
Writing
Mock/Serious. This adds to the irony and humor of the passage.
Science
G and H
Math
10 green apples
Vocabulary
A. The old man was thin and gaunt (emaciated) with deep wrinkles in the back of his neck. The brown blotches (discolored) of the benevolent skin cancer the sun brings from its reflection on the tropic sea were on his cheeks. . . . They were as old as erosions (deteriorated) in a fishless desert.
B. . . . he looked ahead and saw a flight of wild ducks etching (marking) themselves against the sky over the water, then blurring, (causing to be unclear) then etching again and he knew no man was ever alone on the sea.
Reading
As Madame Defarge knits a covering for a corpse, suspense increases (diction clues). This is developed even more with repetition. Next, there is the drumbeat. Syntax, violent words, builds suspense.
English
Neither of the two sisters were very much deceived. — Thackeray.
Every one must judge of his own feelings. — Byron.
Had the doctor been contented to take my dining tables, as anybody in his senses would have done. — Austen.
If the part deserve any comment, every considering Christian will make it himself as he goes. — Defoe.
Every person’s happiness depends in part upon the respect he meets in the world. — Paley.
Every nation has its refinements. — Sterne.
Neither gave vent to his feelings in words. — Scott.
Each of the nations acted according to his national custom. — Palgrave.
Writing
Sad and pensive
This tone is created by heartwrenching scenes of a poor, defenseless, suffering dog.
Science
B
Math
3x2 - 5xy -2y2
Vocabulary
A. No, you don’t feel it now. Some day, when you are old and wrinkled and ugly, when thought has seared (burned) your forehead with its lines, and passion branded your lips with its hideous (awful, terrible) fires, you will feel it, you will feel it terribly.
B. It cannot be questioned. It has its divine right of sovereignty (ownership). It makes princes of those who have it.
C. Every month as it wanes brings you nearer to something dreadful (terrifying).
D. Don’t squander the gold of your days, listening to the tedious (predictable, boring), trying to improve the hopeless failure, or giving away your life to the ignorant, the common, and the vulgar.
E. We degenerate (break down) into hideous puppets, haunted by the memory of the passions of which we were too much afraid, and the exquisite temptations that we had not the courage to yield to. Youth! Youth! There is absolutely nothing in the world but youth!
F. A few wild weeks of happiness cut short by a hideous, treacherous (pejorative, dangerous) crime. Months of voiceless agony, and then a child born in pain.
G. Behind every exquisite (wonderful) thing that existed, there was something tragic. There was something terribly enthralling (engrossing) in the exercise of influence.
Reading
Argument: Has American intervention in post-Spanish American Cuba been a good thing? Yes! The development of Cuba’s commerce since the withdrawal of Spain, and the substitution of a modern fiscal policy for an antiquated and indefensible system, has been notable.
Detail: Imports are higher than ever. Cuba is prospering and so is the USA.
Detail. Exports to Cuba are higher, too.
Detail: Political stability in the region is higher than ever.
English
1. And sharp Adversity will teach at last Man — and, as we would hope — perhaps the devil, That neither of its intellects are vast. — Byron.
2. Both death and I are found eternal. — Milton.
3. How each of these professions is crowded. — Addison.
4. Neither of his counselors were to be present. — Id.
5. Either of them are equally good to the person to whom he is significant. — Emerson.
Writing
B, E, D, A, C
Science
F
Math
Answer is C. The slope of the line perpendicular to Z has a negative value. The only answer choices with negative slopes are C and D. You can back solve from there.
Vocabulary
A. The growing crowd, he said, was becoming a serious impediment (obstacle) to their excavations, especially the boys. . . . The case appeared to be enormously thick, and it was possible that the faint sounds we heard represented a noisy tumult (uproar) in the interior.
B. I was very glad to do as he asked, and so become one of the privileged spectators within the contemplated (analyzed; well considered) enclosure (compound; stockade). I failed to find Lord Hilton at his house, but I was told he was expected from London by the six o’clock train from Waterloo; and as it was then about a quarter past five, I went home, had some tea, and walked up to the station to waylay (stop; cause impediment) him.
C. Two large dark-coloured eyes were regarding me steadfastly (firmly). . . . The whole creature heaved (moved up substantially) and pulsated (throbbing, bumping) convulsively. A lank tentacular appendage (extension) gripped the edge of the cylinder, another swayed in the air.
D. Those who have never seen a living Martian can scarcely imagine the strange horror of its appearance. The peculiar V-shaped mouth with its pointed upper lip, the absence of brow ridges, the absence of a chin beneath the wedgelike lower lip, the incessant (without ceasing) quivering (spasmodic moving) of this mouth, the Gorgon (fierce, frightening) groups of tentacles. . . .
Reading
Suspenseful. Wells uses the narration (first person by a participant) and diction (“A sudden chill came over me. There was a loud shriek from a woman behind.”)
English
1. They crowned him long ago; But whom they got to put it on nobody seems to know.
2. I experienced little difficulty in distinguishing among the pedestrians who had business with St. Bartholomew.
3. The great difference lies between the laborer who moves to Yorkshire and him who moves to Canada.
4. It can’t be worth much to them that hasn’t larning.
5. To send me away for a whole year — me who had never crept from under the parental wing — was a startling idea.
Science
D
Math
Let AM and AH in all the figures denote the positions of the minute and hour hands at 1 o’clock, and AX the position of both hands when together.
Let x = number of minute spaces in arc M X.
M X = M H + H X
x = 5 + x 12
Solution gives x = 5-5/11
Hence, the time is 5-5/11 minutes past 1 o’clock.
Vocabulary
A. It would be rash (precipitous) to predict how Passepartout’s lively nature would agree with Mr. Fogg. Passepartout had been a sort of vagrant in his early years, and now yearned (to seek fervently) for repose (to rest); but so far he had failed to find it, though he had already served in ten English houses. But he could not take root in any of these; with chagrin (embarrassment) he found his masters invariably (inevitably) whimsical (playful) and irregular, constantly running about the country, or on the look-out for adventure.
B. Fix had . . . to take his seat in the car, an irresistible (inexorable) influence held him back.
C. The engineer whistled, the train started, and soon disappeared, mingling its white smoke with the eddies (patterns) of the densely falling snow.
D. The weather was dismal (dreary), and it was very cold. Aouda, despite the storm, kept coming out of the waiting-room, going to the end of the platform, and peering (looking intently) through the tempest of snow. . . . She heard and saw nothing. Then she would return, chilled through, to issue out again after the lapse (cessation) of a few moments, but always in vain.
E. The commander of the fort was anxious, though he tried to conceal his apprehensions (concerns). As night approached, the snow fell less plentifully, but it became intensely cold. Absolute silence rested on the plains. Neither flight of bird nor passing of beast troubled the perfect calm.
F. Throughout the night Aouda, full of sad forebodings (foreshadowing; hints), her heart stifled with anguish (worry; discomfiture), wandered about on the verge (edge) of the plains.
Reading
A
English
1. Let you and me look at these, for they say there are none such in the world.
2. “Nonsense!” said Amyas, “we could kill every soul of them in half an hour, and they know that as well as I.”
3. Markland, whom, with Jortin and Thirlby, Johnson calls three contemporaries of great eminence.
5. They are coming for a visit to her and me.
Science
B
Math
Let x = number of hours the second is traveling.
x + 5 = number of hours the first is traveling.
8 1/2 x = distance the second travels.
6(x + 5) = distance the first travels.
8 1/2 x = 6(x + 5). Solution gives x = 12.
He will overtake the first in 12 hours.
Vocabulary
A. Camelot — Camelot,” said I to myself. “I don’t seem to remember hearing of it before. Name of the asylum (abode of mentally challenged people), likely.”
B. It was a soft, reposeful (restful) summer landscape, as lovely as a dream, and as lonesome as Sunday.
C. She walked indolently (lazily) along, with a mind at rest, its peace reflected in her innocent face.
D. She was going by as indifferently (uninterested) as she might have gone by a couple of cows; but when she happened to notice me, then there was a change! Up went her hands, and she was turned to stone; her mouth dropped open, her eyes stared wide and timorously, she was the picture of astonished curiosity touched with fear. And there she stood gazing, in a sort of stupefied (mesmerizing) fascination.
E. I couldn’t make head or tail of it. And that she should seem to consider me a spectacle, and totally overlook her own merits in that respect, was another puzzling thing, and a display of magnanimity (forgiveness), too, that was surprising in one so young.
“F. As we approached the town, signs of life began to appear. At intervals we passed a wretched (awful) cabin, with a thatched roof, and about it small fields and garden patches in an indifferent state of cultivation.
G. Presently there was a distant blare of military music; it came nearer, still nearer, and soon a noble cavalcade (procession) wound into view, glorious with plumed helmets and flashing mail and flaunting banner. . . .
Reading
A and C
English
1. Neither of the sisters was very much deceived. — Thackeray.
2. Every one must judge of his own feelings. — Byron.
3. Had the doctor been contented to take my dining tables, as anybody in his senses would have done. — Austen.
4. If the part deserve any comment, every considering Christian will make it himself as he goes. — Defoe.
Writing
This essay is a 4 or 5. Essays within this score range demonstrate adequate skill in responding to the task. However, I would like to see more examples (he only offers two).
Science
E
Math
y = 5, x = 2
Vocabulary
A. With the first light we were up and making ready for the fray (altercation).
B. With great difficulty, and by the promise of a present of a good hunting-knife each, I succeeded in persuading three wretched (poor) natives from the village to come with us for the. . . . They jabbered (nonsensical sound) and shrugged their shoulders, saying that we were mad and should perish of thirst, which I must say seemed probable; but being desirous (desiring) of obtaining the knives, which were almost unknown treasures up there, they consented to come, having probably reflected (contemplated) that, after all, our subsequent (following) extinction (wiping out) would be no affair of theirs.
C. . . . by a precipitous (steep, dangerous) cliff of rock, and towering in awful white solemnity (quiet; peaceful) straight into the sky.
D. These mountains placed thus, like the pillars of a gigantic gateway, are shaped after the fashion of a woman’s breasts, and at times the mists and shadows beneath them take the form of a recumbent (lying prostrate) woman, veiled mysteriously in sleep. The stretch of cliff that connects them appears to be some thousands of feet in height, and perfectly precipitous (dangerous), and on each flank of them, so far as the eye can reach, extent similar lines of cliff. . . .
Reading
B and A
English
1. Mary plays the guitar beautifully, and so we will ask her to play for church. (who)
We asked Mary, who plays the guitar beautifully, to play for church.
2. My homework needs some attention, so I asked my mother to help me. (because)
I asked my mother to help me because my homework needs some attention.
3. I gathered as much coal as I could, and the winter storm struck. (before)
Before the winter storm struck, I gathered as much coal as I could.
4. We slowed down, and we saw the roadblock. (when)
When we saw the roadblock we slowed down.
My friends could hear the enemy growing closer because the enemy was talking. Finally we could see the enemy emerge around the bend. The captain was motioning with his hand to be quiet because the soldiers were laughing. One blew his noise and coughed as he stumbled. All my friends were staring and waiting as the enemy soldiers came forward.
Writing
In fact, this is very close to being perfect. It would be a 6 except there are no counter arguments. Counter-arguments are critical. There are several good examples, fairly well developed. The author repeats his thesis fairly often in an inspiring way. There is a conclusion that stays on point.
Science
E.
Math
1. x = ±3.
2. x = ±2.
3. x = ±5.
4. x = ±2.
5. x = ± 1/2 .
Vocabulary
Through their means man acquires a kind of preternatural (beyond what is natural) power over the future lot of his fellow-creatures. When the legislator has regulated the law of inheritance, he may rest from his labor. The machine once put in motion will go on for ages, and advance, as if self-guided, towards a given point. When framed in a particular manner, this law unites, draws together, and vests property and power in a few hands: its tendency is clearly aristocratic (high class) On opposite principles its action is still more rapid; it divides, distributes, and disperses both property and power. Alarmed by the rapidity of its progress, those who despair of arresting (stopping) its motion endeavor to obstruct it by difficulties and impediments (obstacles); they vainly seek to counteract its effect by contrary efforts. . . . When the law of inheritance permits, still more when it decrees, the equal division of a father’s property amongst all his children, its effects are of two kinds: it is important to distinguish (separate) them from each other, although they tend to the same end.
In virtue of the law of partible (partial) inheritance, the death of every proprietor (owner) brings about a kind of revolution in property; not only do his possessions change hands, but their very nature is altered, since they are parcelled into shares, which become smaller and smaller at each division. This is the direct and, as it were, the physical effect of the law. It follows, then, that in countries where equality of inheritance is established by law, property, and especially landed property, must have a tendency to perpetual (unceasing) diminution (declination).
Reading
C
English
1. There are, then, many things to be considered carefully, if a strike is to succeed. — Laughlin.
2. That the mind may not have to go backwards and forwards in order rightly to connect them. — Herbert Spencer.
3. It may be easier to bear along all the qualifications of an idea . . . than first to imperfectly conceive such idea. — Id.
4. In works of art, this kind of grandeur, which consists in multitude, is to be admitted very cautiously. — Burke.
5. That virtue which requires ever to be guarded is scarcely worth the sentinel. — Goldsmith.
Writing
This would be a 4. There needs to be more than two examples. While it is organized fairly well, the argument/thesis must be repeated several times.
Science
F
Math
1. M, 390; H, 130.
2. 39; 41; 32; 27.
3. 3205; 2591; 1309.
4. 20 miles; 4 miles; 48 miles.
Vocabulary
Now and then Mr. Bixby called my attention to certain things. Said he, “This is Six-Mile Point.” I assented (agreed). It was pleasant enough information, but I could not see the bearing of it. . . . they all looked about alike to me; they were monotonously (boring; in the same tone) unpicturesque (uniform; immemorial; out of date). . . . The “off-watch” was just turning in, and I heard some brutal (cruelly harsh) laughter from them. . . . It seemed to me that I had put my life in the keeping of a peculiarly (strange) reckless outcast. . . . This manner jolted (shook) me. I was down at the foot again, in a moment. But I had to say just what I had said before. . . . Oh, but his wrath (vehemence) was up!
Reading
D
English
1. Only the name of one obscure epigrammatist in the verses of his rival has been embalmed for us. — Palgrave.
2. Do you remember pea shooters? I think we only had them when we went home for holidays. — Thackeray.
3. Affording one horse, Irving could only live very modestly. — Id.
4. By supposing the motive power to have been steam, the arrangement of this machinery could only be accounted for. — Wendell Phillips.
5. No change.
Writing
This essay would be scored a 4. It is neat and well-written. However, it lacks robust writing. It has too few examples. No counter argument.
Science
D
Math
1. Dictionary, $7.20; thesaurus, $.90.
2. 112; 4144.
3. Aleck, 56; Arthur, 8.
4. Mother, 28; daughter, 4.
5. John, 15 yrs.; Mary, 5 yrs.
Vocabulary
A. A surging (increasing), seething (penetrating), murmuring (garrulous) crowd of beings that are human only in name, for to the eye and ear they seem naught but savage creatures, animated (made alive) by vile (repulsive) passions and by the lust of vengeance and of hate.
B. During the greater part of the day the guillotine (device to execute criminals) had been kept busy at its ghastly work: all that France had boasted of in the past centuries, of ancient names, and blue blood, had paid toll to her desire for liberty and for fraternity (brotherhood). The carnage had only ceased at this late hour of the day because there were other more interesting sights for the people to witness, a little while before the final closing of the barricades (portable walls) for the night.
C. . . . but a more effectual (successful in producing a desired result) weight, the knife of the guillotine.
Reading
F
English
A. Run-on sentence
B. Parallelism problem
C. Run-on Sentence
Writing
4. This is a solid essay. It borders on a 5. It has sufficient examples (although not terrific ones), some transitions, an introduction, and a conclusion. It has no counter argument. It does not have a robust style. It does not state the argument multiple times.
Science
E
Math
1. A, 35; B, 15; C, 5.
2. 12; 48.
3. 8 men; 40 women.
4. Henry, $200; John, $400; James, $800.
5. 4500 ft.; 13,500 ft.; 27,000 ft.
Vocabulary
I mean hope, courage, poetry, initiative (to start), all that is human. For instance, when materialism leads men to complete fatalism (pessimism) (as it generally does), it is quite idle to pretend that it is in any sense a liberating force. . . . The determinists (those who believe outside, impersonal forces control fate) come to bind, not to loose. . . . It is the worst chain that ever fettered (bound) a human being. You may use the language of liberty, if you like, about materialistic teaching, but it is obvious that this is just as inapplicable (not applicable) to it as a whole as the same language when applied to a man locked up in a mad-house. . . . In passing from this subject I may note that there is a queer fallacy to the effect that materialistic (of material; palatable) fatalism is in some way favourable to mercy, to the abolition (removal; destruction) of cruel punishments or punishments of any kind. . . . It is quite tenable (defensible) that the doctrine of necessity makes no difference at all; that it leaves the flogger flogging and the kind friend exhorting (urging) as before.
Reading
E
English
1. fish, animal, creature, goldfish.
creature, animal, fish, goldfish
2. foreigner, woman, person, German
person, woman, foreigner, German
3. chicken, main dish, food, meat
food, meat, main dish, chicken
Writing
This would be a 2 or 3. There is no introduction. No conclusion. The author makes no attempt to really develop his argument and there are only two weak examples.
Science
F
Math
1. 51; 28; 16 sheep.
2. A, 253; B, 350; C, 470 votes.
3. 17; 12; 24 A.
4. 36; 20; 55.
5. $50,000; $44,000; $24,000.
Vocabulary
A. . . . whose caravans penetrated (move into). . . . It concerned all manner of out-of-the-way mountain principalities, (states ruled by a prince) But, recently, five confederated (ruling with subkingdoms) Kings . . . accounted for three strange ruffians (outlaws) who might, or might not, have been hired for the job. Therefore Mahbub had avoided halting at the insalubrious (formal) city of Peshawur, and had come through without stop to Lahore, where, knowing his country-people, he anticipated curious developments.
B. . . . the Border hung unfinished on his hands, and when these scores were cleared he intended to settle down as a more or less virtuous (morally good) citizen. He had never passed the serai gate since his arrival two days ago, but had been ostentatious in sending telegrams to Bombay, where he banked some of his money; to Delhi, where a sub-partner of his own clan was selling horses to the agent of a Rajputana state; and to Umballa, where an Englishman was excitedly demanding the pedigree (lineage) of a white stallion.
Reading
D
English
1. The red men were not so infrequent visitors of the English settlements. — Hawthorne. Okay
2. “Huldy was so up to everything about the house, that the doctor didn’t miss anything in a temporal way.” — Mrs. Stowe.
3. Her younger sister was a wide-awake girl, who hadn’t been to school for anything. — Holmes.
4. You will find no battle which will not exhibit the most cautious circumspection. — Bayne.
5. No man can acquire such information, nor should he labor after it. — Grote.
6. Every thoughtful man in America who would consider a war with England the greatest of calamities. — Lowell.
7. In the execution of this task, every man would find it an arduous effort. — Hamilton.
8. “A weapon,” said the King, “well worthy to confer honor, and it has been laid on an undeserving shoulder.”—Scott.
Writing
1. The poor shipwrecked sailor abandoned all hope of being saved.
2. Good health requires ceaseless vigilance.
3. That Super Bowl win was a dazzling triumph.
Science
H
Math
1. b – e dollars
2. l + 4 + m – x dollars
3. c – a – b.
4. 429; 636 votes.
5. m + x – y + b – z dollars
Vocabulary
A. The officer proceeded, without affecting to hear the words which escaped the sentinel (guard) in his surprise; nor did he again pause until he had reached the low strand, and in a somewhat dangerous vicinity to the western water bastion (ramparts; wall) of the fort. The light of an obscure (fading) moon was just sufficient to render objects, though dim, perceptible (to be seen) in their outlines. He, therefore, took the precaution to place himself against the trunk of a tree, where he leaned for many minutes, and seemed to contemplate the dark and silent mounds of the English works in profound attention. His gaze at the ramparts (wall of the fort) was not that of a curious or idle spectator; but his looks wandered from point to point, denoting (actual meaning of a word) his knowledge of military usages, and betraying that his search was not unaccompanied by distrust.
B. Just then a figure was seen to approach the edge of the rampart, where it stood, apparently contemplating (reflecting upon) in its turn the distant tents of the French encampment. . . . left no doubt as to his person in the mind of the observant spectator. Delicacy, no less than prudence (wisdom), now urged him to retire; and he had moved cautiously round the body of the tree for that purpose, when another sound drew his attention, and once more arrested (impeded; hindered) his footsteps. It was a low and almost inaudible (silent; unheard) movement of the water, and was succeeded by a grating of pebbles one against the other.
Reading
D and A
English
1. B. This needs to be closer to “I,” its modifier.
2. A. He should have. . . . Never replace a verb with a preposition in a verbal construction.
3. B. Even though there is a linking verb, use “well” instead of “good” when you are speaking of health.
4. C. Use “fewer” eggs. “Fewer” tells how many; “less” tells “how much.”
5. A. “Beside” means “by the side of something;” it is a preposition. “Besides” as a preposition means “in addition to.” As an adverb, “besides” means “moreover.”
Writing
1. I am no sure why you’all folks ain’t paying attention to “moi.”
I am not sure why you are not paying attention to me.
2, Well, yeah — I guess so — what else could that mean?!?
That may be true.
3. You really mean that? Whatever!
I find it to be incredible that you believe this.
Science
H
Math
+ 108ab5
– 90a 2 b4
-80a3 b3
+ 60a4 b2
+ 48a5 b
+ 3a6 – 27b 6
Vocabulary
A. There were dark stains of suffering or sleeplessness under the low-lidded eyes, heightening their brilliance and their gentle melancholy (depression). The face was very pale, save for the vivid colour of the full lips and the hectic flush on the rather high but inconspicuous (ordinary) cheek-bones. It was something in those lips that marred (marked; scarred) the perfection of that countenance; a fault, elusive (difficult to retrieve) but undeniable, lurked there to belie the fine sensitiveness of those nostrils, the tenderness of those dark, liquid eyes and the noble calm of that pale brow.
B. The physician in Mr. Blood regarded the man with peculiar interest knowing as he did the agonizing malady from which his lordship suffered, and the amazingly irregular, debauched (wasted; wicked) life that he led in spite of it — perhaps because of it. “Peter Blood, hold up your hand!”
C. Abruptly he was recalled to his position by the harsh voice of the clerk of arraigns. His obedience was mechanical, and the clerk droned (stated in a monotonous, perfunctory tone) out the wordy indictment. . . .
Reading
E
English
1. The doctor used to say ’twas her young heart, and I don’t know but that he was right. — S.O. Jewett
2. At the first stroke of the pickax it is ten to one that you are taken up for a trespass. — Bulwer
3. There are few persons of distinction who can hold conversation in both languages. — Swift
4. Who knows but there might be English among those sun-browned half-naked masses of panting wretches? — Kingsley
5. No little wound of the kind ever came to him but that he disclosed it at once. — Trollope
6. They are not so distant from the camp of Saladin but that they might be in a moment surprised. — Scott
Science
G
Math
1. 5(x + y); 4(x – y)
2. 12/35 of the field
3. 1/a + 1/b
Vocabulary
A. Before the Lord God made man upon the earth He first prepared for him by creating a world of useful and pleasant things for his sustenance (nourishment) and delight. In the Genesis account of the creation these are called simply “things.” They were made for man’s uses, but they were meant always to be external to the man and subservient (a servant) to him. In the deep heart of the man was a shrine where none but God was worthy to come.
B. . . . but there in the moral dusk stubborn and aggressive usurpers (rebels) fight among themselves for first place on the throne.
C. This is not a mere metaphor, but an accurate analysis of our real spiritual trouble. There is within the human heart a tough fibrous (characterized by fiber) root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always to possess.
Reading
D, A, B, C
English
1. Can you imagine Indians or a semi-civilized people engaged on a work such as the canal connecting the Mediterranean and the Red seas?
2. In the friction among an employer and workmen, it is commonly said that the employer’s profits are high.
3. None of them is in any wise willing to give his life for the life of his chief.
4. Art is neither to be achieved by effort of thinking, nor to be (parallelism problem) explained by accuracy of speaking.
Writing
1. Fill the glass.
2. They appeared to be talking on private affairs.
3. I saw the boy and his sister in the garden.
4. He went into the country last week and returned yesterday.
5. The subject of his discourse was excellent.
6. You need not wonder that the matter of his discourse was excellent; it was taken from the Bible.
7. They followed him, but could not overtake him.
8. The same sentiments may be found throughout the book.
9. I was very ill every day last week.
10. That was the substance of his discourse.
Science
H
Math
1. (5 – x)(3 – x).
2. (6 – x)(7 + x).
3. (11 – x)(3 + x).
4. (x – 3)(x + 3).
5. (y + 5)(y – 5).
Vocabulary
I seemed swinging in a mighty rhythm through orbit (curved path) vastness. (large emptiness) Sparkling points of light spluttered (soft explosive sounds)and shot past me. They were stars, I knew, and flaring comets, that peopled my flight among the suns. As I reached the limit of my swing and prepared to rush back on the counter swing, a great gong struck and thundered. For an immeasurable period, lapped in the rippling of placid (tranquil, peaceful) centuries, I enjoyed and pondered my tremendous (vast, huge) flight.
But a change came over the face of the dream, for a dream I told myself it must be. My rhythm grew shorter and shorter. I was jerked from swing to counter swing with irritating haste. I could scarcely catch my breath, so fiercely was I impelled (driven) through the heavens. The gong thundered more frequently and more furiously. I grew to await it with a nameless dread. Then it seemed as though I were being dragged over rasping (grating) sands, white and hot in the sun. This gave place to a sense of intolerable (unbearable) anguish. My skin was scorching in the torment of fire. The gong clanged and knelled (sound of a bell). The sparkling points of light flashed past me in an interminable stream, as though the whole sidereal (distant stars) system were dropping into the void. I gasped, caught my breath painfully, and opened my eyes. Two men were kneeling beside me, working over me. My mighty rhythm was the lift and forward plunge of a ship on the sea. The terrific gong was a frying-pan, hanging on the wall, that rattled and clattered with each leap of the ship. The rasping, scorching sands were a man’s hard hands chafing (irritating) my naked chest. I squirmed under the pain of it, and half lifted my head. My chest was raw and red, and I could see tiny blood globules starting through the torn and inflamed cuticle (skin pore).
Reading
C
English
1. He clobbered the ball over the fence.
2. He consumed all the cake that was left.
3. She screamed for help.
Writing
1. He took wine and water and mixed them together.
2. He descended the steps to the cellar.
3. He fell from the top of the house.
4. I hope you will return soon.
5. The things he took away he restored.
Science
D and B
Math
1. xy men.
2. 60x/a minutes.
3. 100b/x apples.
Vocabulary
In spite of the fact that Germany had one of the best democracies in world history, the Weimar republic, Germans enthusiastically embraced totalitarianism (autocratic government) during the period between the two world wars. Both the fear of communism and the hope of economic prosperity drove Germans into the Nazi Party.
The Nazi Party was one of the many right-wing parties formed by the monarchist (government by a king or monarch) reactionaries (radicals) who supported the Kaiser’s rule and conversely hated the Weimar Republic. Many of these right-wing parties disappeared in the 1920s, but the Nazi Party was an exception. Under the brilliant leadership of Adolf Hitler, it grew as an important political party. It appealed to the unemployed masses and the nationalistic (patriotic) industrialists.
Ironically (unexpectedly; coincidentally), the leader of Nazi Germany was an Austrian. Adolf Hitler, born in 1899, was the son of an Austrian minor customs official. Hitler was an undistinguished boy. . . . The party adopted an emblem, a salute, and a greeting as its distinctives (special characteristics). It had a newspaper through which Hitler fiercely denounced (abrogated) the Treaty of Versailles and the Jews. He also organized the Stormtroopers (S.A. or the Brown Shirts) to disrupt the meetings of opposition parties. . . . To the middle classes, he promised to abolish the Treaty of Versailles and relieve them of the burden of reparations (payments for war damage) payment. To the army, he promised military victory. Hitler was also a gifted orator. His speeches, though they contained little truth, always made successful appeals to the masses. Moreover, the Nazi Party, with its huge parades, attracted the younger generation. Most Germans followed Hitler with religious fervor (excitement). By 1933, Hitler was firmly in control.
Reading
H
English
B, C, and C
Writing
B
Science
B
Math
1. 3x – y
2. 5x2 – 1
3. 3b2 + 4a
4. x2 – 2y2
5. 1 + 3x
Vocabulary
A. . . . placed the entire government in the hands of the latter (the one next; the last one), who at once began to abuse it to such an extent, by imposing enormous taxes upon the clergy and the people, that he paved the way for the return of his uncle of Burgundy to power.
B. The change was disastrous (terrible) for France. John was violent and utterly unscrupulous (immoral), and capable of any deed to gratify either his passions, jealousies, or hatreds.
C. When he recovered, the two princes went to mass together, dined at their uncle’s, the Duke of Berri, and together entered Paris; and the Parisians fondly hoped that there was an end of the rivalry (contest) that had done so much harm.
D. The Duke of Burgundy at first affected grief and indignation (annoyance) but at the council the next day he boldly avowed that Orleans had been killed by his orders. He at once took a horse and rode to the frontier of Flanders, which he reached safely, though hotly chased by a party of the Duke of Orleans’ knights.
E. The duke’s widow, who was in the country at the time, hastened up to Paris with her children, and appealed (pleaded) for justice to the king, who declared that he regarded the deed done to his brother as done to himself. . . . no attempt was made at resistance, and the murderer was received with acclamations (affirmations) by the fickle (changeable) populace (community).
Reading
A and C
English
(A) I use to want a pet monkey (B) who could do tricks.
A. I used. . .
(A) About a year ago, (B) I sat in the park and (C) sulked.
C. Parallelism . . .
The trouble (A) started when I went into the house (B) to lay down.
B. To lie down . .
Writing
After reading the assignment, I began making notes on cards, so that I could memorize the main points in the lesson. Since I was not through when the bell rang, I had to carry my heavy book home.
Science
D
Math
1. 33 pieces.
2. 74 men.
3. 104.9+ in.
4. 92 trees.
Vocabulary
A. That story shows about the time when Nolan’s braggadocio (bragging) must have broken down. At first, they said, he took a very high tone, considered his imprisonment a mere farce (sham), affected to enjoy the voyage. . . .
B. But after several days the Warren came to the same rendezvous (meeting).
C. But this was a distinct (unique) evidence of something he had not thought of, perhaps — that there was no going home for him, even to a prison.
Reading
A
English
A
Writing
C. To mourn
Science
A
Math
1. 5.46%.
2. 5.57%.
3. 9.70%.
Vocabulary
In this by-place of nature there abode, in a remote (long ago) period of American history, that is to say, some thirty years since, a worthy wight of the name of Ichabod Crane, who sojourned, or, as he expressed it, “tarried,” in Sleepy Hollow, for the purpose of instructing the children of the vicinity (location). He was a native of Connecticut, a State which supplies the Union with pioneers for the mind as well as for the forest, and sends forth yearly its legions of frontier woodmen and country schoolmasters. The cognomen of Crane was not inapplicable to his person. He was tall, but exceedingly lank (tall, skinny), with narrow shoulders, long arms and legs, hands that dangled a mile out of his sleeves, feet that might have served for shovels, and his whole frame most loosely hung together. His head was small, and flat at top, with huge ears, large green glassy eyes, and a long snipe nose, so that it looked like a weather-cock perched upon his spindle (long and thin) neck to tell which way the wind blew. To see him striding along the profile of a hill on a windy day, with his clothes bagging and fluttering about him, one might have mistaken him for the genius of famine descending upon the earth, or some scarecrow eloped (escaped) from a cornfield.
His schoolhouse was a low building of one large room, rudely constructed of logs; the windows partly glazed, and partly patched with leaves of old copybooks. It was most ingeniously (dishonestly) secured at vacant hours, by a withe twisted in the handle of the door, and stakes set against the window shutters; so that though a thief might get in with perfect ease, he would find some embarrassment in getting out — an idea most probably borrowed by the architect, Yost Van Houten, from the mystery of an eelpot.
The schoolhouse stood in a rather lonely but pleasant situation, just at the foot of a woody hill, with a brook running close by, and a formidable (substantial) birch-tree growing at one end of it. From hence the low murmur of his pupils’ voices, conning over their lessons, might be heard in a drowsy summer’s day, like the hum of a beehive; interrupted now and then by the authoritative voice of the master, in the tone of menace or command, or, peradventure, by the appalling (cacophonic) sound of the birch, as he urged some tardy loiterer along the flowery path of knowledge. Truth to say, he was a conscientious man, and ever bore in mind the golden maxim, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” Ichabod Crane’s scholars certainly were not spoiled.
I would not have it imagined, however, that he was one of those cruel potentates (officials) of the school who joy in the smart of their subjects; on the contrary, he administered justice with discrimination (prejudicial treatment) rather than severity; taking the burden off the backs of the weak, and laying it on those of the strong. Your mere puny stripling, that winced at the least flourish of the rod, was passed by with indulgence (tolerance); but the claims of justice were satisfied by inflicting a double portion on some little tough wrong-headed, broad-skirted Dutch urchin, who sulked and swelled and grew dogged and sullen beneath the birch. All this he called “doing his duty by their parents”; and he never inflicted a chastisement (scolding) without following it by the assurance, so consolatory (comforting) to the smarting urchin (a mischievous child) that “he would remember it and thank him for it the longest day he had to live.”
Reading
H
English
(A) On one occasion, I heard someone say “he is bigger than(B) him.”
B. He (is)
(A) Sometimes it is hard to recognize (B) who is having the better time, (C) him or me.
B. He or I (am)
(A) I could hear (B) them speaking (C) to he and to she.
C. To him and to her
Writing
A. Place closer to its modifier.
Science
C
Math
1. 1, 4
2. –1, –4
3. 0.7, –5.7
4. –0.7, 5.7
5. 2, 2
Vocabulary
A. The German occupation of Belgium may be roughly divided into two periods: Before the fall of Antwerp, when the hope of prompt deliverance was still vivid (clear) in every heart, and when the German policy, in spite of its frightfulness, had not yet assumed its most ruthless (no pity) and systematic (according to a fixed plan) character; and, after the fall of the great fortress, when the yoke of the conqueror weighed more heavily on the vanquished (conquered) shoulders, and when the Belgian population, grim and resolute, (determined) began to struggle to preserve its honour and loyalty and to resist the ever-increasing pressure of the enemy to bring it into complete submission and to use it as a tool against its own army and its own King.
B. I am only concerned here with the second period. The story of the German atrocities (cruel actions) committed in some parts of the country at the beginning of the occupation is too well known to require any further comment. Every honest man, in Allied and neutral countries, has made up his mind on the subject. No unprejudiced person can hesitate between the evidence brought forward by the Belgian Commission of Enquiry and the vague denials, paltry excuses and insolent (disrespectful) calumnies (tragedies) opposed to it by the German Government and the Pro-German Press.
C. Besides, in a way, the atrocities committed during the last days of August 1914 ought not to be considered as the culminating point of Belgium’s martyrdom (sacrifice for a cause). They have, of course, appealed to the imagination of the masses, they have filled the world with horror and indignation (offense; affront), but they did not extend all over the country, as the present oppression does; they only affected a few thousand men and women, instead of involving hundreds of thousands.
Reading
F and H
English
C
Writing
1. In the large room some forty or fifty students walked through the party preparation area.
2. A great thick leather garment reaching the knees bound the coat and vest.
3. We joined the crowd, and used our lungs as well as any.
Science
A
Math
b – a; 6(b – a); b + a; 3(b + a) miles
Vocabulary
Amongst the vestiges (remnants) of antiquity which abound in this country are the visible memorials of those nations which have succeeded one another in the occupancy of this island. To the age of our Celtic ancestors, the earliest possessors of its soil, is ascribed the erection of those altars and temples of all but primeval antiquity (ancient times). . . . in the altars erected by the Patriarchs (Church Fathers), and in the circles of stone set up by Moses at the foot of Mount Sinai, and by Joshua at Gilgal. Many of these structures, perhaps from their very rudeness, have survived the vicissitudes (unwelcome change) of time . . . yet it is from Roman edifices that we derive, and can trace by a gradual transition (time of change), the progress of that peculiar kind of architecture called Gothic, which presents in its later stages the most striking contrast that can be imagined to its original precursor (preceding in time).
The Romans . . . as we learn from Tacitus, began at an early period to erect temples and public edifices (structures), though doubtless much inferior to those at Rome, in their municipal towns and cities. The Christian religion was also early introduced, but for a time its progress was slow . . . for that historian alludes (refers) to the British Christians as reconstructing the churches which had, in the Dioclesian persecution, been leveled to the ground.
Reading
A
English
1. Thou art what I shall be, yet only seem.
2. We shall be greatly mistaken if we thought so.
3. Thou shalt have a suit, and that of the newest cut; the wardrobe keeper shall have orders to supply you. Correct
4. “I will not run,” answered Herbert stubbornly.
Writing
C
Science
C
Math
1. Rem. 11, quot. x2 + 5x + 8
2. –61, 2x4 – 4x3 + 7x2 – 14x + 30
3. –0.050671, x2 + 6.09x + 10.5481
1. ax + by/a + b cts
2. 5/100 x dols
3. 5; 11
Vocabulary
“The Dead”
These hearts were woven of human joys and cares,
Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth (joy).
The years had given them kindness. Dawn was theirs,
And sunset, and the colours of the earth.
These had seen movement, and heard music; known
Slumber (sleeping) and waking; loved; gone proudly friended;
Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone;
Touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended.
There are waters blown by changing winds to laughter
And lit by the rich skies, all day. And after,
Frost, with a gesture (motion), stays the waves that dance
And wandering loveliness. He leaves a white
Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,
A width, a shining peace, under the night
“Love”
Love is a breach (break) in the walls, a broken gate,
Where that comes in that shall not go again;
Love sells the proud heart’s citadel (fort) to Fate.
They have known shame, who love unloved. Even then,
When two mouths, thirsty each for each, find slaking,
And agony’s forgot, and hushed the crying
Of credulous (trembling) hearts, in heaven — such are but taking
Their own poor dreams within their arms, and lying
Each in his lonely night, each with a ghost.
Some share that night. But they know, love grows colder,
Grows false and dull, that was sweet lies at most.
Astonishment is no more in hand or shoulder,
But darkens, and dies out from kiss to kiss.
All this is love; and all love is but this.
Reading
C and C
English
B, B, B
Writing
A
Science
A
Math
1. x/5 hrs.
2. x + my + bc/ n dols
3. am + bp / m + p cts
4. y – 11 yrs.
Vocabulary
. . . Now, at the expiration (end) of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses (absorbs) the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. . . .
On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it — all sought to avert it. While the inaugural (beginning) address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent (active in a revolt) agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war — seeking to dissolve the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation. Both parties deprecated (unpopular) war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.
One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate (continue indefinitely), and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it.
Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration (the length) which it has already attained. . . . It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing (squeezing and twisting) their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered — that of neither has been answered fully. . . . Fondly do we hope — fervently (with sincere enthusiasm) do we pray — that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn by the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, “The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”
With malice (ill will) toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right. . . .
Reading
D
English
1. If the phenomena which lay before him will not suit his purpose, all history must be ransacked.
2. He sat with his eyes fixed partly on the ghost and partly on Hamlet, and with his mouth open.
3. The days when his favorite volume set him upon making wheelbarrows and chairs . . . can never again be the realities they were.
4. To make the jacket sit yet more closely to the body, it was gathered at the middle by a broad leathern belt.
5. He had sat up no unattainable standard of perfection.
Writing
C
Science
G
Math
1. 17; 22; 66.
2. $ 5.
3. 28x fourths.
4. 3x/z days.
Vocabulary
A. Up rose Robin Hood one merry morn when all the birds were singing blithely (happily) among the leaves, and up rose all his merry men, each fellow washing his head and hands in the cold brown brook that leaped laughing from stone to stone.
B. So saying, he strode away through the leafy forest glades (open areas) until he had come to the verge of Sherwood. There he wandered for a long time, through highway and byway, through dingly (deeply wooded) dell and forest skirts. Now he met a fair buxom lass in a shady lane, and each gave the other a merry word and passed their way; now he saw a fair lady upon an ambling pad, to whom he doffed his cap, and who bowed sedately (calmly) in return to the fair youth; now he saw a fat monk on a pannier-laden ass; now a gallant knight, with spear and shield and armor that flashed brightly in the sunlight.
Reading
Given this conversation between Majorie and Nick, what can you infer about their relationship? It is no doubt strained.
Predict the ending of this short story? Answers will vary.
English
1. Who they were I really cannot specify.
2. Truth is mightier than we all.
3. If there ever was a rogue in the world, it is I.
4. They were the very two individuals who we thought were far away.
5. “Seems to me as if they as writes must hev a kinder gift fur it, now.”
Writing
B
Science
G
Math
1. $5000; $3000; $10,000
2. $50; $68; $204
3. A, $5000; B, $10,500; C, $31,500.
4. 8000; 24,250; 48,500
5. Daughter, $25,000; son, $40,000; widow, $160,000.
Vocabulary
The ambition to secure an education was most praiseworthy (laudable) and encouraging. The idea, however, was too prevalent (present) that . . . something bordering almost on the supernatural (metaphysical; beyond the natural).
The ministry was the profession that suffered most — and still suffers, though there has been great improvement — on account of not only ignorant (uneducated) but in many cases immoral men who claimed that they were “called to preach.”
Reading
C
English
1. Let you and I look at these, for they say there are none such in the world.
2. “Nonsense!” said Amyas, “we could kill every soul of them in half an hour, and they know that as well as I.”
3. They are coming for a visit to she and me.
Writing
A
Science
B
Math
1. James, 12 years; Samuel, 28 years
2. 20 years
3. Amelia, 6 years; George, 18 years
4. Edward, 40 yrs.; Esther, 30 yrs.
5. 6 yrs.
6. 3; 12 yrs.
Vocabulary
I (Screwtape) once had a patient, a sound atheist (one who does not believe in God), who used to read in the British Museum. . . . The Enemy presumably made the counter suggestion (alternative answer). . . .
Reading
Screwtape is humorous; Usher is very serious. Lewis is poking fun at the Church in a familiar, appropriate way. Poe is exploring the collapse of a family by using a collapsing mansion as his central metaphor.
English
B
Writing
D
Science
C