nswer Explanations:

Although the twentieth century saw the rise of women as professional musicians, the majority of
composers and performers were, and still are, men. The music industry in the U.S. and Britain
overwhelmingly reflects the values of a patriarchal society; the success or failure of a female
artist is based largely on her physical appearance and gendered performance style. Blues, rock,
and pop began as genres dominated by men, and thus included styles of dress, lyrics, and sound
born of a male perspective. The history of these genres, then, is also a history of women seeking
to locate their space within a predominately masculine musical environment.
Women are always judged, in part, on their image, and it is through the manipulation of this
image that some women artists have been able to push the boundaries of gender identity. Women
have been able to enter popular genres of music either by playing with the aesthetics of
masculinity, or by playing into a male expectation of femininity. Sexuality, therefore, is a tool
women continue to use to shape and reshape their place within popular music.
Pushing boundaries is a balancing act, however, and a contradictory process. In order to gain
access to the world of popular music, a female artist must at once be pleasing her audience, and,
at the same time, remain true to herself as a woman. A desire to be too much one of the guys
can lead to identity problems and ultimately to self-destruction. An artist's use of irony or parody
may run the risk of being mistaken for genuineness, causing her to be objectified. Working
within the limits of popular music has proven difficult and dangerous for women. But due to the
professionalism and inventiveness of many female performers, the space for women in popular
music is being expanded and redefined.

1. According to the passage, successful women in popular music

I. parody their gender
II. are under constant scrutiny by audiences
III. use sexuality to their advantage
(A) I only
(B) III only
(C) I and III
(D) II and III
(E) I, II, and III

Type: Detail of the passage

(D). The passage states "In order to gain access to the world of popular music, a female artist
must at once be pleasing her audience, and, at the same time, remain true to herself as a woman,"

indicating that audience opinion is central to a woman's success in music, so II is correct. III is
also correct because the passage states: "Sexuality, therefore, is a tool women continue to use to
shape and reshape their place within popular music." However, I is not stated in the passage. The
passage states that parody can often lead to objectification. While it can be useful at times, it
does not guarantee success and therefore is incorrect. (500)
2. The passage suggests which of the following about the 20th century?
(A) Female musicians were tolerated because of their physical appearance.
(B) Professional male musicians did not respect women.
(C) Song lyrics changed over time to fit the most current female perspective.
(D) Rapid technological advancements helped women achieve notoriety in music.
(E) Women's musical progress happened slowly and with much struggle.
Type: Inference
(E). Only (E) is an inference based on actual information contained in the passage. (A) is partly
true but the passage doesn't really mention tolerance; its focus is on acceptance of women in the
music world. (B), (C) and (D) are never mentioned in the passage. (E) gets to the author's main
point, and is backed up by several parts of the passage, which discuss the role of women in music
and how it has changed over the century, with much trouble. (400)
3. Which of the following best describes summarizes the main idea of the last paragraph?
(A) Entering the music world is not easy for women but they are making progress.
(B) Parody and irony are the only ways in which women can hope to achieve success in music.
(C) Women in popular music cannot escape being judged on their appearance.
(D) Women assume stereotypically female appearances in order to attract audiences.
(E) Popular music has space for women if only they would seek it out.

Type: Main Idea

(A). (C) brings up an idea from the first paragraph and therefore missed the main idea of the last.
(B) misconstrues an issue in the last paragraph, while (D) brings up a detail from the last
paragraph but misses the main idea. (E) is never stated anywhere in the paragraph and very much
goes against the author's tone in the passage as a whole. (300)
4. The author is likely to have which of the following attitudes when advising women about the
music business?
(A) persuasive
(B) cautionary

(C) ambivalence
(D) discouraging
(E) hostile

Type: Tone
(B). The author states in the last paragraph that popular music careers for women are "a
balancing act" and that "Working within the limits of popular music has proven difficult and
dangerous for women." Clearly the author does not view popular music as welcoming towards
women. The author is also not particularly positive in his or her description of the music world.
Therefore the author is unlikely to be "persuasive" toward women seeking entrance into a music
career. The author's knowledge of the subject and subsequent remarks about women show him or
her to have a real opinion, and not be ambivalent. Hostile is too extreme for this author; just take
a look at her subdued descriptions. If this essay were hostile, it would be very different in its
writing style. Though the authors somewhat negative assessment of the music industry may
cause you to think the answer is "discouraging," the author does however, explain that some
women have been able to make real progress when he or she says "But due to the
professionalism and inventiveness of many female performers, the space for women in popular
music is being expanded and redefined." Therefore the closest attitude would be "cautionary."
The author believes some women can be successful, but would likely warn any she met to be
careful in the business. (700)
5. From which of the following sources was the passage most likely excerpted?
(A) A newspaper editorial
(B) An American history textbook
(C) A book on gender studies
(D) A teaching manual
(E) A music magazine

Type: Category of Writing

(C). The passage is most likely to come from a book on gender studies because it describes the
challenges women face in a particular arena. It is not likely to be a newspaper editorial (it
contains historical information and has little to do with events in the news) nor is it likely to
come from a teaching manual (it does not contain directions or lessons) nor an American history
textbook (the passage contains British, as well as U.S. history). A music magazine will contain
articles on current trends in music, reviews, interviews, etc. This passage is too general and the
language is a bit too sophisticated for a music magazine. (500)

Nearly twenty years ago, biochemists found that a separable constituent of deoxyribonucleic acid
(or DNA) appeared to guide the cell's protein-synthesizing machinery. The internal structure of
DNA seemed to represent a set of coded instructions which dictated the pattern of proteinsynthesis. Experiments indicated that in the presence of appropriate enzymes each DNA
molecule could form a replica, a new DNA molecule, containing the specific guiding message
present in the original. This idea, when added to what was already known about the cellular
mechanisms of heredity (especially the knowledge that DNA is localized in chromosomes),
appeared to establish a molecular basis for inheritance.
Proponents of the theory that DNA was a "self-duplicating" molecule, containing a code that by
itself determined biological inheritance, introduced the term central dogma into scientific
literature. They did so in order to describe the principles that could explain DNA's governing
role. The dogma originally involved an admittedly unproven assumption that, whereas nucleic
acids can guide the synthesis of other nucleic acids and of proteins, the reverse effect is
impossible; that is, proteins cannot guide the synthesis of nucleic acids. But actual experimental
observations deny the second and crucial part of this assumption. Other test-tube experiments
show that agents besides DNA have a guiding influence. The kind of protein that is made may
depend on the specific organism from which the necessary enzyme is obtained. It also depends
on the test tube's temperature, the degree of acidity, and the amount of metallic salts present.
The central dogma banishes from consideration the interactions among the numerous molecular
processes that have been discovered in cells or in their extracted fluids. In the living cell,
molecular processes - the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins or the oxidation of food
substance - are not separate but interact in exceedingly complex ways. No matter how many
ingredients the biochemists' test tubes may contain, the mixtures are nonliving. However, these
same ingredients, organized by the subtle structure of the cell, constitute a system, which is alive.
Consider an example from another field. At ordinary temperatures, electricity flows only so long
as a driving force from a battery or generator is imposed upon the circuit. At temperatures near
absolute zero, metals exhibit superconductivity: a unique property that causes an electric current
to flow for months after the voltage is cut off. Although independent electrons exist in a metal at
ordinary temperatures, at very low temperatures they interact with the metal's atomic structure in
such a way as to lose their individual identities and form a coordinated, collective system which
gives rise to superconductivity.
Such discoveries of modern physics show that the unique properties of a complex system are not
necessarily explicable solely by the properties that can be observed in its isolated parts. We can
expect to find a similar situation in the complex chemical system of the living cells.
Play by Play
PARAGRAPH 1
Nearly twenty years ago, biochemists found that a separable
constituent of deoxyribonucleic acid (or DNA) appeared to guide
the cell's protein-synthesizing machinery. The internal structure
of DNA seemed to represent a set of coded instructions which

The first paragraph here is actually mostly

fluff. This is a scientific background that
prepares readers for the controversy

dictated the pattern of protein-synthesis. Experiments indicated

that in the presence of appropriate enzymes each DNA molecule
could form a replica, a new DNA molecule, containing the
specific guiding message present in the original. This idea, when
added to what was already known about the cellular
mechanisms of heredity (especially the knowledge that DNA is
localized in chromosomes), appeared to establish a molecular
basis for inheritance.

ahead. Don't get intimidated. Skim over

this type of writing. If you don't understand
all of the jargon the first time through, don't
panic and re-read too much. On long
essays like this you can't get bogged
down.

PARAGRAPH 2
Proponents of the theory that DNA was a "self-duplicating"
molecule, containing a code that by itself determined biological
inheritance, introduced the term central dogma into scientific
literature. They did so in order to describe the principles that
could explain DNA's governing role. The dogma originally
involved an admittedly unproven assumption that, whereas
nucleic acids can guide the synthesis of other nucleic acids and
of proteins, the reverse effect is impossible; that is, proteins
cannot guide the synthesis of nucleic acids. But actual
experimental observations deny the second and crucial part of
this assumption. Other test-tube experiments show that agents
besides DNA have a guiding influence. The kind of protein that is
made may depend on the specific organism from which the
necessary enzyme is obtained. It also depends on the test
tube's temperature, the degree of acidity, and the amount of
metallic salts present.

PARAGRAPH 3
The central dogma banishes from consideration the
interactions among the numerous molecular processes that
have been discovered in cells or in their extracted fluids. In the
living cell, molecular processes - the synthesis of nucleic acids
and proteins or the oxidation of food substance - are not
separate but interact in exceedingly complex ways. No matter
how many ingredients the biochemists' test tubes may contain,
the mixtures are nonliving. However, these same ingredients,
organized by the subtle structure of the cell, constitute a system,
which is alive.

PARAGRAPH 4
Consider an example from another field. At ordinary
temperatures, electricity flows only so long as a driving force
from a battery or generator is imposed upon the circuit. At
temperatures near absolute zero, metals exhibit
superconductivity: a unique property that causes an electric
current to flow for months after the voltage is cut off. Although
independent electrons exist in a metal at ordinary temperatures,
at very low temperatures they interact with the metal's atomic
structure in such a way as to lose their individual identities
and form a coordinated, collective system which gives rise to
superconductivity.

When you see "dogma" or some other

somewhat derogatory term, the author is
bringing his or her opinion into the essay.
Start reading slowly. You are getting to the
good part. You have just found the central
point of the essay. Like Galileo using the
movements of the planets to rail against
the established orthodoxy of his time, our
author seeks to use his experimental
observations to challenge the "dogma".
This essay is describing a conflict between
dogma and actual experimental evidence.
This conflict is likely to come up later in the
questions, because it deals with the
author's opinion and argument.
Now the author begins to really make his
point and he uses strong language:
"dogma" banishes from consideration
the interactions among the numerous
molecular processes that have been
discovered in cells or in their extracted
fluids." He is stating a simple vs. complex
conflict: the simplicity of the "dogma" and
the complexity of his understanding of the
cell. The theme can be likened to the
simple versus the more complex.

The author is making an analogy between the complexity of

metals and that of the cell's molecular structure. The author
does so just to make sure you really understand how complex
cells are.

PARAGRAPH 5
Such discoveries of modern physics show that the unique
properties of a complex system are not necessarily explicable
solely by the properties that can be observed in its isolated
parts. We can expect to find a similar situation in the complex
chemical system of the living cells.

The author continues to explain that

physical systems are more complicated
than they appear. Because the author has
dwelled on this concept for quite a long
time, you can be sure it will reappear in the
questions.

1. What is the passage type?

Subject: Science
Action: Persuade
2. What is each paragraph about?
P1: DNA is the molecular basis of inheritance.
P2: DNA does not act alone. The reality is more complicated.
P3: Cells are really complicated and the parts work together.
P4: Metals are complicated and the parts work together (just like in cells).
P5: Cells are complicated and highly coordinated systems.
3. What is the organization?
This is a theory / counter-theory passage.
Old Theory:

Protein synthesis is a simple matter of DNA

Problem with theory:

Other agents influence protein synthesis

Implication of problem:

Cells are complicated, coordinated systems

Explanatory analogy:

Example of superconductivity metals

Summary:

Cells are complicated, coordinated systems

4. What is the big idea?

Cells are so complex that the current theory doesn't do them justice.
5 . What is the author's purpose?
The author takes issue with an old theory about cells and introduces a new theory as an
alternative.
Explanations
1. The author is primarily concerned with
A) Proposing that a new philosophical foundation for modern biochemistry be developed.
B) Describing the various processes that take place in a living cell.
C) Drawing analogies between different scientific fields.
D) Revealing a discrepancy between a scientific theory and some experimental results.
E) Questioning the assumptions behind experimental methods in science.
Type: Main Idea
(D) The third sentence in the second paragraph tells us that the author's primary
concern is that actual experimental observations deny the assumptions of scientific
theory. ("But actual experimental observations deny the second and crucial part of this
assumption."). The last paragraph emphasizes this discrepancy. This question asks you
to find the best summary of the author's ideas, and therefore requires an understanding
of the passage as a whole. (difficulty level 500 on a scale from 200 to 800)
2. The author provides information that would answer which of the following questions?
I. What have test-tube experiments revealed about the role of DNA?
II. What viruses interfere with DNA replication?
III. What methods have been developed to allow scientists to observe a living cell?
A) I only
B) II only
C) I and III only
D) II and III only
E) I, II and III
Type: Detail of the passage
(A) The first option, What have test-tube experiments revealed about the role of DNA,
is supported by the passage in the second paragraph. No information is provided for the

other options. This question requires one to look back to the passage for evidence of
each choice. (difficulty level 300 on a scale from 200 to 800).
3. The author's argument is directed against which of the following?
I. The use of test-tube experimentation alone to establish the validity of scientific
theories
II. The exclusion of experimental facts from the formation of scientific theories
III. The observation of certain cellular components in isolation.
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)

I only
I and II only
I and III only
II and III only
I, II and III

Type: Detail of the passage

(E) The last sentence of the third paragraph shows that the author is against the use of
test-tube experimentation alone to establish the validity of scientific theories. The last
paragraph also tells us that the author is against options II and III. Hence, (E) is the
correct answer. This question requires a scanning of the entire passage. I and II deal
with our author's crusade of experimentation versus dogma. III is our author's concern
with complexity versus simple isolation. (difficulty level 400 on a scale from 200 to 800)
4. The author refers to the results of test-tube experiments involving the replication of
DNA primarily in order to
A) Question the validity of experimental results that describe the structure of DNA.
B) Provide evidence to contradict the theory that DNA alone governs protein synthesis.
C) Show the way in which DNA acts as a self-duplicating molecule.
D) Explain the internal structure of DNA.
E) Reveal how nucleic acid can influence the synthesis of proteins.
Type: Function of a part of the passage
(B) In the last three sentences of the second paragraph, the author says that there was
"an admittedly unproven assumption that, whereas nucleic acids can guide the
synthesis in other nucleic acids and of proteins, the reverse effect is impossible.
However, actual experimental observations deny the second and crucial part of this
assumption." Other test-tube experiments show that agents besides DNA have a
guiding influence. The answer relates to experiment vs. established dogma. The answer
is directly available from the second paragraph but requires an understanding of the
context. (difficulty level 300 on a scale from 200 to 800)
5. According to the passage, a metal cannot become super conductive unless

A) The voltage through the metal is increased.

B) The metal's atomic structure has been destroyed.
C) The metal is exposed to very low temperatures.
D) Electrons in the metal interact with one another at ordinary temperatures.
E) Electrical flow is provided by a battery
Type: Detail of the passage
(C) The third sentence of the fourth paragraph states that At temperatures near
absolute zero, metals exhibit superconductivity; a unique property that causes an
electric current to flow for months after the voltage is cut off." This question is just a fact
check from the essay and doesn't test any real understanding. (difficulty level 200 on a
scale from 200 to 800)
6. The author suggests that the most important difference observed between a dead cell
and a living cell results primarily from the
A) Differences in the chemical elements present in each.
B) Differences in the degree of acidity present in each.
C) Biochemical procedures used to examine each cell.
D) Varying temperatures at which cells are examined.
E) Integrating mechanism thought to exist within the structure of the living cell.
Type: Detail of the passage
(E) The last line of the third paragraph illustrates that "No matter how many ingredients
the biochemists' test tubes may contain the mixtures are nonliving.However, these same
ingredients, organized by the subtle structure of the cell, constitute a system, which is
alive. Again, this ties into the author's theme of complexity. (difficulty level 300 on a
scale from 200 to 800)
7. The experimental results mentioned in the passage suggest that biological
inheritance depends on
A) Instructions contained in a single molecule within the cell.
B) Processes that are guided by specific enzymes.
C) Genetic information contained in metallic salts.
D) Interactions among several molecular processes in the cell.
E) Replicative processes within the chemistry of protein synthesis
Type: Detail of the passage
(D) The second sentence in the third paragraph states, In the living cell, molecular
processes - the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins or the oxidation of food
substance - are not separate but interact in exceedingly complex ways. You didn't even
have to look this up, though, because if you clearly understood the author's thinking, it
would be easy. The answer is directly available and needs no inference. (difficulty level
300 on a scale from 200 to 800)

8. The author presents his argument primarily by

A) Contrasting two fields of science.
B) Providing experimental evidence against a point of view.
C) Criticizing proponents of other theories.
D) Stating a new theory and its important implications.
E) Comparing two theories of cellular structure.
Type: Organization of the passage
(B) This question is asking you to remember the author's main point and then explain
how he or she makes it. (B) states just this: the experiments the author refers to and
their refuting of the "dogma." (D) may have tricked you since the author is discussing his
theory, but this essay is railing against an established point of view and not an
introduction of a new theory. (difficulty level 500 on a scale from 200 to 800)
As in the case of so many words used by the biologist and physiologist, the word acclimatization
is hard to define. With increases in scientific knowledge and understanding, meanings of words
change. Originally the term acclimatization was taken to mean only the ability of human beings,
animals or plants to accustom themselves to new and strange climatic conditions, primarily
altered temperature. A person or a wolf moves to a hot climate and is uncomfortable there, but
after a time is better able to withstand the heat. But aside from temperature, there are other
aspects of climate. A person or an animal may become adjusted to living at higher altitudes than
those it was originally accustomed to. At very high altitudes, such as those that aviators may be
exposed to low atmospheric pressure becomes a factor of primary importance. In changing to a
new environment, a person may, meet new conditions of temperature or pressure, and in addition
may have to contend with different chemical surroundings. On high mountains, the amount of
oxygen in the atmosphere may be relatively small; in crowded cities, a person may become
exposed to relatively high concentrations of carbon dioxide or even carbon monoxide, and in
various areas may be exposed to conditions in which the water content of the atmosphere is
extremely high or extremely low. Thus in the case of humans, animals, and even plants, the
concept of acclimatization includes the phenomena of increased toleration of high or low
temperature, of altered pressure, and of changes in the chemical environment.
Let us define acclimatization, therefore, as the process in which an organism or a part of an
organism becomes inured to an environment which is normally unsuitable to it or lethal for it. By
and large, acclimatization is a relatively slow process. The term should not be taken to include
relatively rapid adjustments such as those that our sense organs are constantly making. This type
of adjustment is commonly referred to by physiologists as "adaptation." Thus our touch sense
soon becomes accustomed to the pressure of our clothes and we do not feel them; we soon fail to
hear the ticking of a clock; obnoxious orders after a time fail to make much impression on us,
and our eyes in strong light rapidly become insensitive.
The fundamental fact about acclimatization is that all animals and plants have some capacity to
adjust themselves to changes in their environment. This is one of the most remarkable
characteristics of living organisms, a characteristic for which it is extremely difficult to find
explanations.

Play by Play
PARAGRAPH 1
(1) As in the case of so many words used by
the biologist and physiologist, the word
acclimatization is hard to define. With
increases in scientific knowledge and
understanding, meanings of words change. (2)
Originally the term acclimatization was
taken to mean only the ability of human
beings, animals or plants to accustom
themselves to new and strange climatic
conditions, primarily altered temperature. A
person or a wolf moves to a hot climate and
is uncomfortable there, but after a time is
better able to withstand the heat. (3) But
aside from temperature, there are other aspects
of climate. (4) A person or an animal may
become adjusted to living at higher altitudes
than those it was originally accustomed to. At
very high altitudes, such as those that aviators
may be exposed to, low atmospheric pressure
becomes a factor of primary importance. In
changing to a new environment, a person may,
meet new conditions of temperature or
pressure, and in addition may have to contend
with different chemical surroundings. (5) On
high mountains, the amount of oxygen in the
atmosphere may be relatively small; in
crowded cities, a person may become
exposed to relatively high concentrations of
carbon dioxide or even carbon monoxide,
and in various areas may be exposed to
conditions in which the water content of the
atmosphere is extremely high or extremely
low.(6) Thus, in the case of humans, animals,
and even plants, the concept of acclimatization
includes the phenomena of increased toleration
of high or low temperature, of altered pressure,
and of changes in the chemical environment.

(1) This first sentence sets up the whole thing.

The passage will be a discussion of the
meaning of acclimatization. First sentences are
often topic sentences, and the topic sentence of
the first paragraph is often the main idea.

PARAGRAPH 2
(1) Let us define acclimatization, therefore, as

(1) A new definition, wow! That's important.

Make sure you know the contrast between the

(2) Setting up a contrast: old definition vs.

new model. Acclimatization meant getting
used to a hotter or colder climate. If you live
in Vermont, think of moving to Florida.
(3) "But" means contrast. That was then, this is
now. Old definition vs. new, more
encompassing one. The definition of
acclimatization is going to expand.
(4) We thought we had the meaning down, but
there's more. Adjusting to temperature is not
the only thing that defines acclimatization.
Adjusting to altitude and chemicals is also part
of the definition.
(5) High oxygen vs. low oxygen, high
pollution vs. low pollution, high humidity vs.
low humidity. People survive by adjusting to
all these differing environmental conditions.
(6) The author's use of "thus" clues us into a
main idea statement. We now read that
acclimatization includes a broad scope of
adjustments to the environment. (Note that this
is a different definition than the early definition
which only included temperature change
adjustments. The new definition goes further.)
Old definition vs. new definition.

the process in which an organism or a part of

an organism becomes inured to an environment
which is normally unsuitable to it or lethal for
it. (2) By and large, acclimatization is a
relatively slow process. (3) The term should
not be taken to include relatively rapid
adjustments such as those that our sense organs
are constantly making. This type of adjustment
is commonly referred to by physiologists as
"adaptation." Thus our touch sense soon
becomes accustomed to the pressure of our
clothes and we do not feel them; we soon fail
to hear the ticking of a clock; obnoxious orders
after a time fail to make much impression on
us, and our eyes in strong light rapidly become
insensitive.

PARAGRAPH 3
The fundamental fact about acclimatization is
that all animals and plants have some capacity
to adjust themselves to changes in their
environment. This is one of the most
remarkable characteristics of living organisms,
a characteristic for which it is extremely
difficult to find explanations.

old definition (temperature) and the new,

improved one (temperature, pressure,
chemicals).
(2) OKthe new definition encompasses a lot
more than the old one. But still, there are
limits. Now that they have told us what is
included, they are going to tell us what it's
not.
(3) Another important contrast: fast vs. slow.
Acclimatization is slow. It's what happens
when you've been spending considerable time
in a new environment.

First sentences of last paragraphs are usually

important, especially when they contain a
giveaway phrase like "fundamental fact."
Keywords: capacity for change. The author
is summarizing the passage's main points:
acclimatization is a very special ability shared
by all animals and plants.

1.What is the passage type?

Subject: Science
Action: Describe
2. What is each paragraph about?
P1: Acclimatization: more than just temperature
P2: Fast adjustment = adaptation vs. slow adjustment = acclimatization
P3: Characteristic of all living things = Capacity for change
3. What is the organization?
This is a contrast passage. We have: old definition (adjust to temperature) vs. new (adjust to
many environmental factors). Two definitions are contrasted

Temperature

temperature and more

Chosen definition is clarified

General idea is summarized

Slow vs. fast

We can change!

4. What is the big idea?

Animals and plants can adjust to their environments in various ways.
5. What is the authors purpose?
The author wants to set the record straight by introducing a more nuanced definition of an
important term, acclimatization.
Explanations
1. According to the reading selection, all animals and plants
(A) have an ability for acclimatization.
(B) can adjust to only one change in the environment at a time.
(C) are successful in adjusting themselves to changes in their environments.
(D) can adjust to natural changes in the environment but not to artificially induced changes.
(E) that have once acclimatized themselves to an environmental change can acclimatize
themselves more rapidly to subsequent changes.
Type: Detail of the passage
(A) The beginning of the last paragraph states that "The fundamental fact about acclimatization
is that all animals and plants have some capacity to adjust themselves to changes in their
environment." Therefore we know that all animals and plants have the ability to for
acclimatization. Choices B, D, and E are wrong because the passage just doesnt say anything to
support these statements. In fact, in the case of D, it actually contradicts what we learned in the
passage: that it is possible to acclimate to artificial changes, such as pollution. Choice C is
incorrect because its going further than the passage takes us. The passage says all living things
have the capacity for change, but doesnt state that all animals and plants always succeed in
adjusting to all changes in all environments. (400)
2. It can be inferred from the reading selection that
(A) every change in the environment requires acclimatization by living things.
(B) plants and animals are more alike than they are different.
(C) biologist and physiologists study essentially the same things.

(D) the explanation of acclimatization is specific to each plant and animal.

(E) as science develops, the connotation of terms may change.
Type: Inference
(E) The third sentence in paragraph 1 tells us that the term acclimatization originally meant an
organism could adjust to temperature changes. Later, in the last sentence of paragraph 1, we
learn that the term now referes to an organism's ability to adjust to changes in temperature,
pressure and chemical environment. Choices A, B, C, and D are incorrect because one cannot
infer any of these statements from the passage. Plants and animals are more alike than they are
different? Huh? Carrots and cats have more similarities than differences? Seems doubtful, but
in any case, all that matters here is that the passage doesn't address this. (700)
3. According to the reading selection, acclimatization
(A) is similar to adaptation.
(B) is more important today than it was formerly.
(C) involves positive as well as negative adjustment.
(D) may be involved with a part of an organism but not with the whole organism.
(E) is more difficult to explain with the more complex present-day environment than it was
formerly.
Type: Definition of a term or phrase
(A) Acclimatization and adaptation are both forms of adjustment. Accordingly, these two
processes are similar. The difference between the two terms, however, is brought out in the
second sentence in second paragraph. Don't let this distinction throw you off. No,
acclimatization and adaptation are not the same, but they are similar. Though the passage never
overtly states this fact, it can be inferred from the description of adaptation that it is similar to
acclimatization. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not say anything about the
parts of the organism versus the whole. The first line of the second paragraph says that the
whole organism, or a part of it, may change to suit a new environment, but not that either must
take place. Choices B, C, and E are incorrect because the passage simply doesn't indicate that
any of these choices are true. (500)
4. By inference from the reading selection, which one of the following would NOT require the
process of acclimatization?
(A) an ocean fish placed in a lake
(B) a shallow diver making a deep dive
(C) an airplane pilot making a high-altitude flight
(D) a person going from daylight into a darkened room
(E) a businessman moving from Denver, Colorado, to New Orleans, Louisiana
Type: Inference
(D) A person going from daylight into a darkened room is an example of adaptation, not
acclimatization. See the second through fourth sentences in paragraph two, where the author
describes the definition of adaptation. Choices A, B, C, and E all require the process of

acclimatization, so they are incorrect. An ocean fish placed in a lake (A) is a chemical change.
Choices B, C, and E are all pressure changes. Acclimatization, according to the new definition in
the passage, deals with both chemical and pressure changes. (600)
5. According to the passage, a major distinction between acclimatization and adaptation is that
acclimatization
(A) is more important than adaptation.
(B) is relatively slow and adaptation is relatively rapid.
(C) applies to adjustments while adaptation does not apply to adjustments.
(D) applies to terrestrial animals and adaptation to aquatic animals.
(E) is applicable to all animals and plants and adaptation only to higher animals and man.
Type: Detail of the passage
(B). See the third and fourth sentences of paragraph two: "The term should not be taken to
include relatively rapid adjustments such as those that our sense organs are constantly making.
This type of adjustment is commonly referred to by physiologists as adaptation." Choices A, D,
and E are incorrect because the passage does not contain any evidence to back up these claims.
These are all just made-up distinctions that are never mentioned in the passage, and, remember,
the passage is all we have to base our answers upon. Choice C is partially correct in that
acclimatization does apply to adjustments, but the choice is incorrect because adaptation also
applies to adjustments.
6. The word "inured" in the first sentence of paragraph two most likely means
(A) exposed
(B) accustomed
(C) attracted
(D) associated
(E) in love with
Type: Definition of a term or phrase
(B) "Inured" most nearly means "accustomed". The sentence is describing an organism surviving
in an environment it normally would not be able to cope with. This question is very detailed and
further knowledge of the passage outside the contextual sentence provides you with little help. If
you are having trouble with this kind of question read each choice into the sentence and chose
the one that best gets at the overall point being made. Most of the choices don't make sense with
the concept of the organism becoming inured to "an environment which is normally unsuitable to
it or lethal for it. Would an organism survive in a normally lethal environment if it was simply
"exposed" (A) or "attracted" (C) to it, for example? (400)
7. The function of paragraph 2 in the passage as a whole is to
(A) Illuminate the human element of acclimatization
(B) Explain the role of scientists in acclimatization research
(C) Provide a definition corresponding to the examples sighted in paragraph 1.

(D) Detail the environmental adjustments animals make to their environment

(E) Show the links between important terms used elsewhere in the essay
Type: Function of a part of the passage (Advanced)
(C) The purpose of the second paragraph is to explain the definition of acclimatization. The end
of paragraph 1 provides examples of acclimatization, and the first line of paragraph 2 provides
the direct definition of the term. The rest of the paragraph provides a secondary definition of
adaptation: to support the definition of acclimatization by showing what it is NOT. (A) and (B)
contain a detail of the paragraph but do not relate to its overall function. (D) is incorrect because
the paragraph does not show enviromental adjustments for animals in detail, only humans. (E) is
incorrect because the paragraph contains the term adaptation which is not used elsewhere in the
essay. (700)

8. The author is most likely:

(A) A researcher in the field of adaptive mechanisms
(B) A student of biology
(C) A veterinarian looking to explain an issue of importance
(D) The editor of a scientific publication
(E) The founder of a new field of science
Type: Identity of the author (Advanced)
(A) The author describes acclimatization in detail and his tone is one of experience. The author is
familiar with acclimatization at a very high level. He or she is unlikely to be a student (B) since
the passage is long, detailed and historical. The author is unlikely to be a veterinarian (C), as the
issue of acclimatization applies to humans, as well as to animals. (D) and (E) are tricky, but they
are incorrect. (D) is incorrect because there is nothing in the passage to indicate that the author is
an editor specifically (as opposed to a contributor) to a scientific publication. (E) is also incorrect
because, although the author attempts to clarify and explain the nuances of acclimatization, this
does not constitute the creation of a new field of science. (700)