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Spend
only 15-20 minutes a night on ACT Prep, 4-5 times a week.

You have 8 minutes and 45 seconds for this passage. You must
complete each passage in this time.

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reading the passage. As you read the passage mark the
important parts- circle topics you remember from the stems
and square in the major topics.

Record your answers.

Check your answers and read the reasoning. Convert your

scores to ACT scores.

Passage I Reading
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
6) 7) 8) 9) 10)
Score- ACT Score-
Passage II Reading
11) 12) 13) 14) 15)
16) 17) 18) 1 9) 20)
Score- ACT Score-
Passage III Reading
211 221 231 241 25)
26) 27) 28) 29) 30)
Score- ACT Score-
Passage IV Reading
31) 32) 33) 34) 35)
36) 37) 38) 39) 40)
Score- ACT Score-
READING
PASSAGE I
PRACTICE TEST 1 READING TEST 41

3 3
READING TEST
35 Minutes-40 Questions
DIRECTIONS: This test includes four passages, each
followed by ten questions. Read the passages and choose
the best answer to each question. After you have selected
your answer, fill in the corresponding bubble on your
answer sheet. You should refer to the passages as often
as necessary when answering the questions.

PASSAGE I
PROSE FICTION: This passage is adapted from to a seaman unless it be the sea itself, which is the
Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness© 1899. mistress of his existence and as inscrutable as destiny.
For the rest, after his hours of work, a casual stroll or
a casual spree on shore suffices to unfold for him the
The Nellie, a cruising ship, swung to her anchor 45 secret of a whole continent, and generally he finds the
without a flutter of the sails, and was at rest. The tide secret not worth knowing. The stories of seamen have
had come in, the wind was nearly calm, and being a direct simplicity, the whole meaning of which lies
bound down the river, the only thing for the ship was within the shell of a cracked nut. But Marlow was not
5 to come to and wait for the tum of the tide. typical, and to him the meaning of an episode was not
The Director of Companies was our captain and 50 inside like a kernel but outside, enveloping the tale,
our host We four affectionately watched his back as he which brought it out only as a glow brings out a haze,
stood in the bow looking toward the sea. On the whole in the likeness of one of these misty halos that some­
river there was nothing that looked half so nautical. times are made visible by the spectral illumination of
10 He resembled a pilot, which to a seaman is trustwor­ moonshine.
thiness personified. It was difficult to realize his work 55 His remark did not seem at all surprising. It was
was not out there in the luminous estuary, but behind just like Marlow. It was accepted in silence. No one
him, within the brooding gloom. took the trouble to grunt even: and presently he said,
Between us there was, as I have already said very slow-"I was thinking of very old times, when
15 somewhere, the bond of the sea. Besides holding our the Romans first came here, nineteen hundred years
hearts together through long periods of separation, it 60 ago." And at last, in its curved and imperceptible fall,
had the effect of making us tolerant of each other's the sun sank low, and from glowing white changed to
stories-and even convictions. The Lawyer-the best a dull red without rays and without heat, as if about to
of old fellows-had, because of his many years and go out suddenly, stricken to death by the touch of that
20 many virtues, the only cushion on deck, and was gloom brooding over a crowd of men.
lying on the only rug. The Accountant had brought 65 Marlow broke off. Flames glided in the river, small
out already a box of dominoes, and was toying archi­ green flames, red flames, white flames, pursuing, over­
tecturally with the pieces. Marlow sat cross-legged, taking, joining, crossing each other-then separating
leaning against the mast. He had sunken cheeks, a slowly or hastily. The traffic of the great city went on
25 yellow complexion, a straight back, and, with his anns in the deepening night upon the sleepless river. We
dropped, the palms of his hands outwards, resembled 70 looked on, waiting patiently-there was nothing else
an idol. The Director, satisfied the anchor had good to do; but it was only after a long silence, when he said,
hold, made his way forward and sat down amongst us. in a hesitating voice, "I suppose you fellows remem­
We exchanged a few words lazily. Afterwards there ber I did once turn fresh-water sailor for a hit," that we
30 was silence on board the yacht. For some reason or knew we were fated, before the ebb began to run, to
another we did not begin that game of dominoes. We 75 hear about one of Marlow's inconclusive experiences.
felt meditative, and fit for nothing but placid staring.
"And this also," said Marlow suddenly, "has been
one of the dark places of the earth." He was the only
35 man of us who still "followed the sea." The worst 1. The narrator's point of view is that of:
that could be said of him was that he did not repre­ A. an omniscient observer.
sent his class-always the same. In their unchanging
surroundings, the foreign shores, the foreign faces glide B. a member of the ship's crew.
past, veiled not by a sense of mystery but by a slightly C. another ship's captain.
40 disdainful ignorance; for there is nothing mysterious D. a person watching from shore.

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42 PRACTICE TEST 1 READING TEST

3 3
2, It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that the 7. According to the passage, how did the men aboard the
crew most likely did not play dominoes because: Nellie feel about the Director?
F. they Jacked the energy and desire. A. They respected and trusted him.
G. they did not get along well enough to play a game B. They felt that he was lazy.
together. C. They despised and rejected him.
H. the Director would not have approved of game­ D. They thought that he was gloomy.
playing.
J. the sea was too rough.
3. Which of the following are explanations given by the
narrator as to why the Lawyer used the ship's only
cushion?
I. He was very old. 8. The reaction of the narrator to Marlow's story can be
II. He would not allow anyone else to use it. most accurately described as:
III. He was greatly respected by the ship's crew. F. malicious annoyance.
A. I and Il only G. resigned tolerance.
B. I only H. genuine interest.
C. I and III only J. sincere appreciation.
D. II only

4. As it is used in line 32 of the passage, the word placid

most nearly means:
F. calm.
G. straightforward. 9. According to the passage, which of the following was
H. nervous. NOT an effect of the "bond of the sea" (line 15)?
J. playful. A. It allowed the men to look past each other's criminal
backgrounds.
5. According to the passage, how was Marlow unlike B. The men did not mind listening to each other's
typical seamen? meandering tales.
A. Marlow was content to stay in one place, while most C. It eased the loneliness of extended periods of time
men of the sea prefer to roam and explore. away from each other.
B. Marlow believed his home was the ship, while most D. The men were able to be more tolerant of each other's
sailors believed their home was the sea. beliefs.
C. Marlow found the sea inexplicable and full of secrets,
while a typical sailor understands the mysteries of the
water.
D. Marlow wove complicated and ambiguous tales,
while most seamen prefer to tell simple and clear
tales.
10. What is the main point of the second paragraph?
6. It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that F. The ship's captain is better suited to be an aviator
Marlow is about to tell a story: than a sailor.
F. that explains why he is now a freshwater sailor. G. The captain is unaware of the great amount of hard
G. that is short and funny, like most of the stories he work that lies ahead of him.
tells. H. An unqualified and inexperienced businessman is
H. that is not clear and self-contained but is instead serving as the captain of the Nellie.
rather nebulous. J. The narrator and other crew members greatly respect
J. about a man that he saved from drowning in a river. their ship's captain.

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ANSWERS
PRACTICE TEST 1 ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS 83

Reading Test Explanations

PASSAGE I
1. The best answer is B. The passage talces place on
a ship, the Nellie, and the narrator is one of the whole river there was nothing that looked half so
crew members. He uses words like "we" and "us" nautical. He resembled a pilot, which to a seaman
when referring to the crew, implying his member­ is trustworthiness personified." This best supports
ship in this group. The other answer choices are not answer choice A.
supported by the passage.
8. The best answer is G. There are clues in the passage
2. The best answer is F. Although the passage states, to indicate that the narrator, as well as the other crew
"for some reason or another we did not begin that members, were not thrilled when Marlow began to
game of dominoes," it is reasonable to assume speak. Marlow's very first comment was "accepted
from the use of the words "lazily" and "meditative" in silence" and "no one took the trouble to grunt
that the crew had neither the energy not the desire even." In the next paragraph the narrator begins to
to play. The other answer choices are not supported realize that the crew was "fated, before the ebb began
by the passage. to run, to hear about one of Marlow's inconclusive
experiences." The word "resigned" means "accept­
3. The best answer is C. The passage states that "the ing that something can not be avoided" and tolerance
Lawyer . .. had, because of his many years and means "patience," making G the best answer.
many virtues, the only cushion on deck," indicating
that, since he was the eldest crew member and bad 9. The best answer is A. In the third paragraph the
the other crew members' respect, he was afforded passage states that the men's mutual interest in the
the comfort of the cushion. The other answer choices sea created a bond between them capable of "hold­
are not supported by the passage. ing (their) hearts together through long periods of
separation," "making (them) tolerant of each other's
4. The best answer is F. The definition of "placid" is yarns," and making them accepting of each other's
"not easily excited or upset: calm." Since the men "convictions." Answer choice A is not mentioned in
on the ship were feeling "meditative" and seemed the passage.
not to have an abundance of energy, it makes sense
that they simply wanted to sit calmly. The other 10. The best answer is J. The passage states that the
answer choices are not supported by the context of crewmen watched him "affectionately," meaning
the passage. "showing fondness or liking." The captain is also
described as "trustworthiness personified," indicat­
S. The best answer is D. In the fifth paragraph the nar­ ing that the other crew members have the utmost
rator describes how Marlow is unlike most sailors: faith and trust in him. This best supports answer
"The stories of seamen have a direct simplicity, the choice J.
whole meaning of which lies within the shell of a
cracked nut. But Marlow was not typical ..o. and to
him the meaning of an episode was not inside like
a kernel but outside ..o. " This is to say that typical
sailors tell simple, uncomplicated tales, while Mar­
low tends to tell stories that are layered and complex.
This best supports answer choice D.
6. The best answer is H. According to the passage,
"Marlow was not typical, and to him the meaning
of an episode was not inside like a kernel but
outside ..." This suggests that Marlow's story will
be unlike the usual straightforward tales told by
seamen and will instead be vague and nebulous.
7. The best answer is A. The passage states that,
''The Director of Companies was our captain and
our host. We four affectionately watched his back
as he stood in the bow looking toward the sea. On the
READING
PASSAGE II
 - -· · · - -----------

PRAOICE TEST 1 READING TEST 43

3 3
PASSAGE II China become more desperate for fuel sources. Some
SOCIAL SCIENCE: This passage discusses some social 60 of the more daring politicians and business leaders
and economic issues regarding liquid natural gas as believe that building new liquid natural gas facilities
an energy source. will help companies and consumers take advantage of
future increased liquid natural gas imports. Currently,
Canada is the largest liquid natural gas supplier for
Although oil and gasoline remain important energy 65 the United States. However, liquid natural gas imports
sources, it is natural gas that currently supplies around from Canada \\-ill decrease considerably in the next
25 percent of America's energy needs. A recent study decade as Canadian consumption increases and sup­
shows that natural gas use was roughly 22 trillion plies of natural gas dwindle. Therefore, consumers and
5 cubic feet (TCF) annually. Natural gas demand is business leaders should not rely on liquid natural gas
increasing at phenomenal rates because of its ability 70 to solve America's energy needs, and consumers should
to create cleaner fuel for electrical power. Experts pre­ continue to expect high prices as demand grows and
dict that annual demand is likely to increase to almost supply declines.
32 TCF in less than a decade. At a consumption rate
10 of 32 TCF per year, the United States would only have
about a five-year supply of natural gas. Known natural
gas reserves in North America are quickly becoming 11. According to the passage, current known North
exhausted. In fact, in the past thirty years, known sup­ American supplies of natural gas are:
plies have dwindled from almost 300 TCF to around A. sufficient to provide the United States with natural
15 150TCF. gas for the next thirty years.
It is no wonder that natural gas has become a
controversial and critical topic of discussion among B. down approximately 50 percent from 30 years
politicians, business leaders, and consumers. It is appar­ ago.
ent that the United States will need to drastically increase C. decreasing at a rate of 25 percent per year.
2 0 imports of natural gas to relieve shortages. One way that D. extremely difficult to access.
economists believe this can be done is by importing liq­
uid natural gas. Experts predict that liquid natural gas
imports will increase by almost 500 percent in a few 12. The author of the passage would most likely agree with
short years. Currently, the country imports very little which of the following statements?
25 liquid natural gas. The process of transporting liquid
natural gas is complicated and expensive. This is the F. Liquid natural gas will never be a viable source of
most obvious reason why America has been reluctant energy in the United States.
to choose liquid natural gas over other energy sources. G. America's energy needs will not be met by the use
Converting natural gas into liquid natural gas involves of liquid natural gas alone.
30 cooling natural gas as it is collected to -260"F. This H. The populations of Japan and China are growing too
transforms the gas into a liquid, which is then injected rapidly to be served by liquid natural gas.
into a specially designed vessel for transport. When J. Until another reliable energy source is discovered,
the liquid natural gas reaches its destination, the liquid liquid natural gas is the best solution to the world's
is reheated into its original gaseous state and allowed energy problems.
35 to flow into a pipeline. Even though new technology
has considerably decreased transportation costs for liq­
uid natural gas, these costs are often prohibitive. This is
especially true for nations with other energy sources. 13. One of the main ideas of the passage is that:
One of the largest misconceptions about liquid A. energy sources are dwindling around the world.
40 natural gas is that it is an abundant source of natural gas. B. natural gas supplies one-quarter of America's energy
While liquid natural gas imports continue to increase, needs.
the public demand for natural gas increases at an C. liquid natural gas takes millions of years to form.
even higher rate. Even though the United States has D. the known supply of liquid natural gas is limited.
several facilities that can process liquid natural gas,
45 these facilities are consistently unable to obtain enough
liquid natural gas to operate at their fullest capacity.
Even when liquid natural gas is obtainable, there is a 14. It can be inferred from the second paragraph (lines
fear that low natural gas prices in the United States will 16- 38) that America's reluctance to choose liquid natural
make liquid natural gas uneconomical. Most business gas over other energy sources will:
50 leaders and politicians are reluctant to create new facili­ F. not prevent America from importing more liquid
ties to process liquid natural gas because these facilities natural gas from other countries.
are expensive and risky. This limits the capacity to pro­ G. induce Japan and China to build new liquid natural
cess liquid natural gas even if it becomes more readily gas processing facilities.
available.
55 The United States also faces competition from H. most likely continue until the cost and problems
Asia in securing liquid natural gas. Competition associated with liquid natural gas can be reduced.
for liquid natural gas will most likely become even J. lead to a decrease in the current demand for liquid
more ferocious as populous countries like Japan and natural gas in other countries, such as Canada.

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44 PRACTICE TEST 1 READING TEST

3 3
15. According to the passage, which of the following 18. The passage states that all of the following are reasons
countries supplies the most liquid natural gas to the for America's reluctance to choose liquid natural gas
United States? EXCEPT:
A. Japan F. the expense of transporting liquid natural gas.
B. China G. the increasing demand for liquid natural gas.
C. Canada H. the difficulty in processing liquid natural gas.
D. Asia J. the possibility of low natural gas prices.
16. According to the third paragraph (lines 39-54), miscon­
ceptions exist about liquid natural gas regarding: 19. The passage states that which of the following is true
about natural gas?
I. its abundance. A. It currently supplies more than half of America's
II. the expense of converting it energy needs.
III. public demand for it. B. The United States has an unlimited supply of natural
gas.
F. I only C. Canada is the world's largest exporter of natural gas.
G. II only D. Annual demand fornatural gas is increasing at a rapid
H. II and III only rate.
J. I, II, and III

17. As it is used in line 6, the word phenomenal most nearly 20. As it is used in line 32, the word vessel most nearly
means: means:
A. special. F. process.
B. efficient. G. source.
C. extraordinary. H. facility.
D. inconsequential. J. container.

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ANSWERS
PASSAGE II
11. The best answer is B. As stated in the passa�e, 16. The best answer is F. The firs
t sentence of the third
"in the past 30 years, known supplies have dwin­ passage states "One of the largest
dled from almost 300 TCF to around 150 TCF:' or misconceptions
about liquid natural gas is that it
known supplies have decreased by about 50 percent. is an abundant
source of natural gas." While the
Answer choice A is incorrect because the �as­ passage goes on
to discuss the expense of creating new
sage states that at predicted rates of consumpuon, processing
facilities and prices making liquid natu
the United States' natural gas supply would be ral gas uneco­
nomical, the only misconception men
exhausted in approximately five years. Ans"!'er tioned is the
fact that liquid natural gas is an
choice C is incorrect because natural gas provides abundant source
for roughly 25 percent of America's ener�y needs.
which has nothing to do with the decrease m supply.
Answer choice D is incorrect because the pa�­
sage states that it is extremely difficult to o��n
natural gas from other countries, not from within
the U.S. ------ · ---------·· - ----- of natural gas. The other answer choices are not
supported by the passage.
12. The best answer is G. At the end of the passage, the
17. The best answer is C. The context surrounding the
author states that "consumers and business leaders
word phenomenal discusses the surprisingly large
should not rely on liquid natural gas to solve Amer­
growth expected in natural gas demand and the
ica's energy needs." This can also be inferred from
huge impact that such growth will have on deple­
the point that natural gas is currently only supply­
tion of the resource. This context clearly indicates
ing approximately 25 percent of the nation's energy
that the demand is increasing at "phenomenal," or
needs and even at this level there is much concern
extraordinary, rates. The other answer choices are
over �hether supplies will run out. Answer choice
not supported by the context of the passage.
H may appear to be correct, but the passagesmere�y
_
states that countries such as Japan and China will 18. The best answer is G. Answer choice G is the
also be searching for fuel sources, including liquid only reason that America is choosing liquid natu­
natural gas, outside of their own countries in the ral gas; consumers are demanding it so America
future. must provide it. Answer choices F and H express
current problems with choosing liquid natural gas;
13. The best answer is D. This question can be diffi­
transportation and processing are both very costly
cult if you do not read the answer choices �arefu�ly.
relative to other fuel sources . Answer choice J is a
The third paragraph is devoted to a d1scuss1on
potential problem. Liquid natural gas is inherently
on the limited availability of liquid natural gas,
expensive due to its transportation and processing
and the expense of processing the gas, which �akes
costs. If natural gas prices are low, the market for liq­
answer choice D the best selection. Answer choice A
uid natural gas will plummet, making liquid natural
may appear to be correct; however, the passage
gas an uneconomical choice for consumers.
focuses on the supply and use of liquid natural gas
around the world. The passage does not discuss the 19. The best answer is D. As stated in the paragraph,
supply and use of any other energy sources. Answer "natural gas demand is increasing at phenomenal
choice B was mentioned briefly in the passage, but rates" and its consumption is expected to grow from
is not a main idea. Answer choice C is beyond the 22 trillion cubic feet per year to 32 trillio n cubic
scope of the passage. feet per year in less than a decade. Answer choice C
may appear to be correct; however, the passage sim­
- The best answer is F. As stated in the second
14.
ply states that Canada is the largest liquid natural
paragraph, it is predicted that "liquid natural gas
. gas supplier for the United States alone. The pas­
imports will increase by almost 500 percent m a
sage does not compare Canada's liquid natural gas
few short years." Although America may be reluc­
exports to those of any other country; therefore, we
tant to import liquid natural gas, it is necessary
do not know whether Canada is the world's largest
for the nation to do so in order to relieve and/or
exporter. Likewise, the other answer choices are not
avoid shortages. Answer choice H may appear to
supported by the passage.
be correct; however, the author states that even
though transportation costs have bee� subst�ti�y 20. The best answer is J. In the paragraph, the vessel
decreased due to new technology, 1mportmg liq­ in question is described as something that the liquid
uid natural gas is still often uneconomical. Answer natural gas is injected into for transportation. It does
choices G and J are beyond the scope of the not make sense that a liquid would be injected into a
passage. "process," "source," or "facility" for transportation.
Answer choice J, "container," is the most logical
15. The �t answer is C, According to the passage, choice.
"Currently, Canada is the largest liquid natural gas
_
supplier for the United States." Japan and �bin�,
-
two countries in Asia, are providing competitlon m
attaining liquid natural gas.
READ I N G
PASSAGE I I I
PRAOICE TEST 1 READING TEST 45

3 3
PASSAGE Ill the streets would be clear, people in an amiable mood,
HUMANfflES: This passage is adapted from The business and social duties would move forward easily.
Nature of Goodness by George Herbert Palmer 60 In fact, whatever our plans, in calling the day a good
@1903. day we meant to speak of it as excellently adapted to
something outside itself.
A usage more curious still occurs in the nursery.
My reader may well feel that goodness is already There when the question is asked, "Has the baby
the most familiar of all the thoughts we employ, and yet 65 been good?" one discovers by degrees that the anxious
he may at the same time suspect th'.1� th�re is s?met!1ing mother wishes to know if it has been crying or quiet. This
about it perplexingly remote. Fatn1har _it certamly 1s_. It elementary life has as yet not acquired positive standards
5 attends all our wishes, acts, and pro3ects as nothmg of measurement. It must be reckoned in negative tenns,
else does so that no estimate of its influence can be a failure to disturb.
excessive'. When we take a walk, read a book, pick out 70 This signification of goodness is lucidly put in the
a dress visit a friend, attend a concert, cast a vote, enter remark of Shakespeare's Portia, "Nothing I see is good
into oo'siness, we always do it in the hope of attaining without respect." We must have some respect or end in
IO something good. Since they are so frequently encoun­ mind in reference to which the goodness is compared.
tering goodness, both laymen and scholars are apt to Good always means good "for." That little preposition
assume that it is altogether clear and requires no expla­ 75 cannot be absent from our minds, though it need not
nation. But the very reverse is the truth. Fa�liarity audibly be uttered. The knife is good for cutting and the
obscures. It breeds instincts and not understanding. So day for business. Omit the "for," and goodness ceases.
15 woven has goodness become with the very web of life To be bad or good implies external reference. To be
that it is hard to disentangle. good means to be an efficient means; and the end to
Consequently, we employ the wor� or some 80 be furthered must be already in mind before the word
synonym of it during pretty much every wakmg hour of good is spoken.
our lives. Wishing some test of this frequency I turned In short, whenever we inspect the usage of the
20 to Shakespeare, and found that he uses the word "good" word good, we always find behind it an implication of
fifteen hundred times, and its derivatives "goodness," some end to be reached. Good is a relative term. The
"better," and "best," about as many more. He could 85 good is the useful, and it must be useful for something.
not make men and women talk right without incessant Silent or spoken, it is the mental reference to some­
reference to this concept. thing else which puts all meaning into it. So ��et
25 How then do we employ the word "good"? I do says, "There's nothing either good or bad, but thinking
not ask how we ought to employ it, but how we actually makes it so." No new quality is added to an object or
do. For the present, we shall be engaged in a psycho­ 90 act when it becomes good.
logical inquiry, not an ethical one. We need to get at
the plain facts of usage. I will therefore ask eac� reader
30 to look into his own mind, see on what occas10ns he
uses the word, and decide what meaning he attaches to
it. Taking up a few of the simplest possible examples, 21. One of the main arguments the author is trying to make
we will through them inquire when and why we call in the passage is that:
things good. A. the word good always connotes the same idea no mat­
35 Here is a knife. When is it a good knife? Why, ter the context of the usage, whether people realize
a knife is made for something, for cutting. Whenever it or not.
the knife slides evenly through a piece of wood, and B. although the word good is used frequently, the exact
with a minimum of effort on the part of him who steers definition and connotation of the word is difficult to
it when there is no disposition of its edge to bend or identify precisely.
40 b�ak, but only to do its appointed work effectively,
then we know that a good knife is at work. Or, looking C. things or people are either good or not good; good­
at the matter from another point of view, whenever the ness is not a quality that is debatable.
handle of the knife neatly fits the hand, following its D. a debate of ethics, not psychology, will most clearly
lines and presenting no obstruction, we may say that identify the exact definition and connotation of the
4a5 in these respects also the knife is a good knife. That is, word good.
the knife becomes good through adaptation to its work,
an adaptation realized in its cutting of the wood and
in its conformity to the hand. Its goodness always has 22. The main idea of the sixth paragraph {lines 63-69) is that:
reference to something outside itself, and is measured F. it is irrelevant for a mother to inquire if her baby has
50 by its performance of an external task. been well-behaved or not.
Or take something not so palpable. What glorious G. a baby has not been alive long enough to be judged
weather! When we woke this morning, drew aside our as either good or bad.
curtains and looked out, we said "It is a good day!" H. since the baby is so young, it is not judged as good
And of what qualities of the day were we thinking? We
55 meant, I suppose, that the day was well fitted to its by what it does, but rather what it does not do.
various purposes. Intending to go to our office, we saw J. whether a baby has been crying is not a significant
there was nothing to hinder our doing so. We knew that standard upon which to determine its goodness.

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46 PRACTICE TEST 1 READING TEST

3 3
23. According to the passage, why does the author concern 27. As it is used in the passage, the word palpable most
himself with Shakespeare's usage of the word good? nearly means:
A. He was seeking confirmation for his belief that both A. apparent.
the use of the word and the concept of good are B. powerful.
strikingly common. C. drab.
B. He was looking for a definition of the concept of D. complicated.
good and turned to Shakespeare for inspiration.
C. He was trying to understand the lack of the concept 28. The main argument that the author tries to make in the
of good and goodness in the works of Shakespeare. seventh paragraph (lines 70--8 1 ) is that:
D. He was seeking support for his belief that F. it is always clear what is meant when someone
Shakespeare was able to use the concept of good describes something as good.
more effectively than any other author. G. the concept of being good is entirely different than
the concept of being goodfor.
24. The author of the passage asserts that the weather and a H. it is often easier to understand the concept of good
knife are similar because: without using the phrase good for.
F. both are defined as good if and only if they can be J. the word good is relative, finding meaning only when
helpful to many people for a variety of reasons. there is a specific end in mind.
G. neither can be defined as good unless they remain
consistent and unchanged in the wake of fluctuating
circumstances. 29, It can � reasonably infermi from the passage that the
H. both are defined as good when their characteristics author would agree that the word good actually means:
serve appropriate external circumstances. A. measurable.
J. neither one can be good unless a universal definition B. significant.
of the concept is accepted. C. persistent.
D. practical.
25. As it is used in line 70, the word lucidly most nearly
means: 30. When, referring to the role of goodness in life, the author
A. obscurely. states, "no estimate of its influence can be excessive"
B. inappropriately. (Jines 6-7), he most likely means that:
C. enthusiastically. F. people must be careful not to allow the search for
D. coherently. goodness to monopolize their lives.
G. it is impossible to over-emphasize the power that the
26. The author argues that a knife may be described as good: quest for goodness has on us.
F. only if it cuts wood. H. it is impossible to conceptualize and grasp the
G. only if it is made for something other than cutting. definition of the word good.
H. only as it relates to something other than itself. J. people often inaccurately describe the role that
J. only if it requires extra effort in its use. goodness plays in their own lives.

GO ON TO THE NEXT PAGE.

ANSWERS
PASSAGE HI
21. The best answer IS · B• ...,.__
L uroughout the pas
sage
�e author talks about the prevalence of the wo�
good," further discusses several •·d•
different meanin
and meth�s for interpreting the
word, and sugges�:
�:r:;�re ts no one specific dc:notation for the wo
g . The other answer chmces rd
are not supported
by the context of the passage.

27. The best answer is A. The author begins by

22. The best answer is H. As stated by the author, discussing the goodness of a clear, tangible object­
babies are so young and powerless ("this elemen­ a knife. The author then moves on to discussing
tary life has not yet acquired positive standards of the goodness of the weather-something "not so
measurement"), that they can only be judged in neg­ palpable." Answer choice A, "apparent," makes the
ative terms, "a failure to disturb." Answer choice G most sense. The goodness of an intan!ri
may appear to be correct; however, the "anxious e ble thino
o•
such as the weather, is not nearly as "evident or
mother" is still able to judge whether her baby has clear" as that of a tangible object.
been good by what the baby did or did not do-in
this case, cry.
23. The best answer is A. The author states that "we
employ the word or some synonym of it during pretty
much every waking hour of our lives. Wishing some
test of this frequency, I turned to Shakespeare." In
simpler terms, the author is asserting that we use
the word "good" or some form of it constantly, and
he believed that the works of Shakespeare would
28. The best answer is J. The author states, "We must
provide a good test of this notion. In other words, if
have some respect or end in mind in reference to
Shakespeare usedforms ofthe word "good" as often
which the goodness is compared." In other words,
as the author predicted, the author's theory on use of
in order to understand what "good" means, you must
the word would be proven true. This best supports
know specifically what is being referred to as "good"
answer choice A.
before interpreting the definition of "good." Answer
24. The best answer is H. The author writes "goodness choice G may appear to be correct, but the passage
always has reference to something outside itself, and states that "good always means good 'for;' " thereby
is measured by its performance of an external task." asserting that the two are actually identical concepts.
The author goes on to write, 'The knife is good
for cutting and the day for business . . . To be bad or 29. The best answer is D. Throughout the passage
good implies external reference." This best supports the author refers to the actual application of the
answer choice H. word "good," and that the word "must be useful for
something." This best supports answer choice D.
25. The best answer is D. The author describes a quote
by Shakespeare's Portia as being spoken "lucidly," 30. The best answer is G. According to the author,
and goes on to analyze and apply Portia's quota­ goodness in life "attends all our wishes, acts, and
tion. The author does so in a positive light, thus projects as nothing else does, so that no estimate of
eliminating answer choices A and B. It does not its influence can be excessive." The author furthers
make sense that Ponia's quote was "enthusiastic," this point by adding that every action we take is
or excited. Answer choice D makes the most sense in hopes of achieving something good. In simpler
within the context of the passage; "coherently" terms, the author is saying that because our pursuit of
means "logically and meaningfully." goodness has such a huge impact on our lives, there
is no way we could overestimate or over-emphasize
26. The best answer is H. When discussing the knife,
the influence this has on us. Answer choice F is
the author states, "Its goodness always has reference
incorrect because it is the opposite of what the author
to something outside itself." Although the passage
is trying to say. Answer choices H and J are beyond
mentions cutting wood, the author never says that a
the scope of the passage.
knife is good only if it cuts wood. Answer choices G
and J are not supported by the context of the passage.
READ I N G
PASSAGE IV
PRACTICE TEST 1 READING TEST 47

3 3
PASSAGE IV occasionally will eat other farm vegetables as well.
NATURAL SOENCE: The Armored Armadillo Armadillos provide some benefits however, as they eat
many annoying and harmful insects and are often used
Meandering along the shoulder of the highway, the in medical research. Interestingly enough, they are the
armadillo is SU!l)risingly unaffected by its surroundings. 65 only mammal besides humans that can contract leprosy.
This nomad of the desert appears to have no cares in While armadillos are seen as strange and often
the world, and really, why should it, when it carries troublesome animals, they are unique and valuable for
5 on its back a natural suit of annor? The armadillo research. This armored native of the south will most
looks far more awkward than do most animals, yet this likely continue to fascinate and charm people for many
alien creature handles itself remarkably well. For such 70 years to come.
a small animal, the armadillo can withstand a sull)rising
amount of aggression from most predators. Although
lO its shell is far from impenetrable, the armadillo can rest 31. The author likens armadillos scurrying under thorn
assured that it is safer than many animals who wander
the Texas roads. bushes to "tanks strengthening their position" in
The Dasypus novemcinctus, or nine-banded Paragraph 2 because:
armadillo, is characterized by the bands that arch across A. armadillos are well armored and thorn bushes give
15 its back. The bands are made of bony plates and them even more protection.
are covered with leathery skin--these plates, in fact B. an armadillo's shell is as hard as steel.
cover the animal's back, sides, tail, and the top of C. the scurryins of an armadillo sounds like a tank
its head, creating a somewhat turtle-like shell. The rolling over land.
interesting thing about the nine-banded armadillo is D. the armadillo resembles a tank in appearance.
20 that the number of bands on its back may be any­
where between seven and eleven; nine is just the most
common number. Contrary to popular belief, only one
species of annadillo can roll itself into a ball; the 32. The author calls the armadillo an "alien creature" in the
three-banded armadillo does this as its primary defense first paragraph because:
25 against predators. Other armadillos often scurry under F. not much is known about armadillos.
thorn bushes, rather like tanks strengthening their G. annadillos can be uncharacteristically aggressive.
position.
H. armadillos are very aggressive.
Armadillos are, on average, two and a half feet
long and they typically weigh between eight and J. an armadillo's unique appearance makes it stand
30 sixteen pounds, although across different species those out.
numbers can vary dramatically. Nine-banded females
give birth once a year, generally to four identical young,
which come from a single fertilized egg. The nine­
banded annadillo is the only species of animal in which 33. The passage indicates that, unlike some other desert
35 this remarkable trait occurs. The four-month-long ges­ animals, the armadillo;
tation period is more than enough time for the offspring A. lacks a means of defending itself.
to develop, as they are born fully formed with their eyes B. can go without drinking water for long periods of
open. After a few hours, they begin to walk and are able time.
to distance themselves from their mothers after only a C. reproduces many times each year.
40 few months. Few animals are able to outrun a startled D. can withstand most predators' attacks.
armadillo, and if chased into its burrow. the animal is
able to arch its armor against the burrow walls, making
the armadillo nearly impossible to become dislodged;
this is quite frustrating to dogs and other animals who 34. As it is used in the passage (line 42), the phrase "arch
45 would like to eat the armadillo. In addition to threats of its armor" most nearly means:
being eaten by an opportunistic predator, the armadillo F. to construct.
must also endure a more severe danger: automobiles. G. to curve.
A significant number of armadillos die each year after H. to dig.
being struck by cars.
50 Armadillos can be found in the northern parts of J. to fight.
South America and as far north as the State of Texas.
Nine-banded armadillos prefer warm climates and like
to build burrows in the wet soil near streambeds, which 35. Based on information in the passage, the author feels
they often share with other species, such as rabbits and that the nine-banded armadillo is especially unique
55 opossums. Armadillos are nocturnal, and they spend
their evenings digging for grubs and other invertebrates because:
which make up the majority of their diet. A. it can curl into a ball.
Most Texans see the armadillo as a pest, since the B. it is the rarest type of armadillo.
creatures have a tendency to ruin com by eating the C. it gives birth to four identical young.
60 parts of the plants that are low to the ground; they D. its diet consists entirely of grubs.

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48 PRACTICE TEST 1 READING TEST

3 3
36. The passage indicates that most Texans consider the 39. The passage indicates that. at birth, armadillos:
armadillo to be both: A. are utterly helpless.
F. rare and sacred. B. are identical to adults.
G. common and interesting. C. are able to see.
H. annoying and helpful. D. are totally independent.
J. valued and dangerous.

37. What does the passage state is one of armadillo's

greatest threats?
A. farmers
B. cars
C. opossums
D. dogs

38. The passage states that, in the Southern United States, 40. According to the passage, the scientific name Dasypus
armadillos cause damage to: novemcinctus is unique to:
F. crops. F. the three-banded armadillo.
G. deserts. G. the six-banded armadillo.
H. rivers. H. all annadillos.
J. houses. J. the nine-banded armadillo.

END OF THE READING TEST.

STOP! IF YOU HAVE TIME LEFT OVER, CHECK YOUR WORK ON THIS SECTION ONLY.
ANSWERS
 PASSAGE IV
31. The best answer is A. At this point in the pas­
sage, the defense mechanisms of armadillos are
being discussed. If tanks were strengthening their
positions, they would be improving their safety and
increasing their level of protection from enemies.
Therefore, if armadillos "often scurry under thorn
bushes, rather like tanks strengthening their posi­
tion," they are giving themselves better protection
against their predators. This best supports answer
choice A.
32. The best answer is J. The first paragraph states
that armadillos look "far more awkward than most
animals." The passage then goes on to describe-the
armadillo as an "alien creature," which suggests that
the armadillo's awkward appearance is what makes
it an alien creature. The other answer choices are
not supported by the passage.
33. The best answer is D. According to the passage, the
armadillo is "safer than most animals who wander
the Texas roads" because its shell protects its from
predators. Answer choices A through C are beyond
the scope ofthe passage and, therefore, are incorrect.

34. The best answer is G. The author's statement that armadillo; however, the passage explicitly states that
"if chased into its burrow, the animal is able to "In addition to threats of being eaten by an oppor­
arch its armor against the burrow walls making the tunistic predator, the armadillo must also endure
armadillo nearly impossible to become dislodged" a more severe danger: automobiles." Therefore,
suggests that the armadillo curves its back against automobiles are more dangerous to armadillos than
the burrow walls, wedging itself into the burrow. are any other predator. This best supports answer
The other answer choices are not supported by the choice B.
passage.
38. The best answer is F. The passage states that, "Tex­
35. The best answer is C. Information in the passage
ans see the armadillo as a pest, since the creatures
indicates that "The nine-banded armadillo is the
have a tendency to ruin com by eating the parts of
only species of animal in which this remarkable trait
the plants that are low to the ground." This sug­
occurs," which is speaking in reference to their abil­
gests that armadillos are damaging crops. The other
ity to have four identical offspring emerging from
answer choices are not supported by the passage.
the same egg. This best supports answer choice C.
39. The best answer is C. According to the passage,
36. The best answer is H. According to the passage,
armadillos "are born fully formed with their eyes
most Texans feel the armadillo is a "pest" when it
open" so it makes sense that they would be able to
destroys crops and other plants that are low to the
see. The other answer choices contradict statements
ground; however, most Texans also see that armadil­
made elsewhere in the passage, or are unsupported
los provide "benefits" as well, such as its eating
by the passage.
harmful insects and aiding in medical research. This
best supports answer choice H. 40. The best answeris J. The only scientific name men­
tioned, Dasypus novemcincts, is directly defined as
37. The best answer is B. Although the passage
being the name for the nine-banded armadillo. The
mentions both opossums and farmers, neither are
other choices are similar species of armadillo, but
identified as predators of the armadillo. Both dogs
not mentioned in reference to that specific scientific
and cars are acknowledged as predators of the
name.