There could never be much more of a study in contrasts than that between Matthew and Gina, two siblings who were like two opposed elements. My goodness, Gina was quite the free spirit, never settling down in one place but always following after this or that passing dream!Which of the following is implied by the sentences?
Answer(s): E
Clearly, these sentences intend to convey the fact that Gina and Matthew have opposite personality types. In contrast to the free-spirited Gina, Matthew must have a very "down to earth" and stable personality. Here a little vocabulary helps. The word "stolid" means "dependable" but also "unemotional" or at least "showing little in the way of emotion." Among the options, "Matthew's personality likely is rather stolid," is the best answer. Regarding other details about their lives, we must be careful not to infer too much.
Things had been very difficult in Poland during Maria’s childhood. From the time she was a very young lady, she wanted more than anything else to attend university to study philosophy; however, her family’s poverty led her to many years of hard working. After years of slaving in the mines, Maria decided that she would follow her dreams.Which of the following can be inferred from this paragraph?
Answer(s): D
The passage implies that Maria had "made up her mind" to leave the mines to follow her dreams. Note that we cannot yet state if she had started her studies. Likewise, although it might be tempting to say that she merely "went back to school," this really is not all that implied by the passage. Clearly, the paragraph intends to express that she has decided to go back to school to study philosophy. This is a safe assumption, given the details. Likewise, we cannot say anything about how much money she had made in the mines. She might have left the hard work because she was now well-placed financially; however, she might have decided to leave because she was tired of the hard labor.
Throughout the course of history, trends often occur in pairs, one cancelling out the excesses of the one that preceded it. For instance, after many years of dictatorship, a nation can find itself only worried about securing the maximum amount of freedom for its citizens. Things had been going very well for Paul for a number of years, and he had become quite wealthy and satisfied that he would forever rest in his wealth; however, he should have been aware that the winds of fate do change rapidly.Which of the following can be inferred from the paragraph?
Answer(s): C
The opening sentence of this paragraph sets up the general motif that is being explained – about the "back and forth" of history that leads one change to happen in an opposite manner to the state of affairs before that change. The example of the dictatorship vs. quasi-libertarian state is supposed to provide an image of such change. Then, describing Paul's life, the paragraph remarks that he was wealthy. The paragraph closes by clearly (and ominously) relating Paul's life to the general "back and forth" of history; therefore, the implication is that Paul should be concerned that he will lose his wealth. (Note that we cannot say anything about Paul's character, so any of the answers related there to go beyond what can be implied from the passage).
There are a number of psychological “tools” that we often use to hide our depression from ourselves. For instance, some people take up exercise routines that are very harsh and others eat a lot more than normal. Recently Amber noticed that Wendy was obsessively practicing the piano, far more than she ever had in the past. This fact worried Amber.Which of the following can be inferred from the paragraph?
The paragraph opens by giving us some information regarding the ways that we can hide the fact that we are depressed. Overactivity and overeating are cited as examples of the means by which we can distract ourselves from sadness. Amber is said to be worried about Wendy because of the latter's new habit of practicing the piano far more than is normal. Based on what this paragraph states, we can imply that Amber is concerned that Wendy is depressed, using piano practice as a "psychological relief valve" for her depression. We cannot say anything else, however.
People who grow up in rural and semi-rural areas often have trouble understanding the travel habits of people who live in cities. In these less densely populated areas, most people must own vehicles in order to travel, and almost any trip requires transportation to travel to a desired location. In the city, however, it is quite a different matter.Which of the following is the best conclusion to this paragraph?
The key sentence in the selection is: "In these less densely populated areas, most people must own vehicles in order to travel, and almost any trip requires transportation to travel to a desired location." After this, the "However ..." is meant to set up a contrast. The best contrast is the one that focuses on vehicle ownership and the need to use a vehicle to travel almost anywhere. In contrast to this, the best option is, "Many city dwellers are able to travel by foot with great ease and often do not even own a car."
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