Transitions

A sentence can be grammatically correct without being logical. A logicalsentence is one that
makes sense. Recall from lesson 2 that conjunctions within sentences must show the correct
relationship (contrast, comparison, cause and effect, sequence, etc.) in context,
. lllogical: Missy studied hard for the test, but she got a perfect score.

lf Missy studied hard, one would expect her to do well on the test. The coordinating
conjunction "but" illogically suggests a contrasting relationship. ln this case, tt and" or ttsot'

would be more logical.

ln the context of a text, transition words can be used to effectlvely link ideas within sentences,
between sentences, at the beginning of paragraphs, and at the end of paragraphs.

of Some Common Transitions (see Lesson 2 for more

Compare as, like, likewise, similarly
Contrast alternativeiy, although, by contrast, but,
conversely, even though, in contrast to,
nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand
Addition also, and, aside from, in addition,
furthermore, moreover, what's more
Time as, at last, finally, first, next, previously,
su bsequentlv, ultimatelv
Cause as, because, due to the fact, for, since
Effect conseque ntly, hence, therefore, thus
Example for example, for insta nce
Emphasis indeed, in fact
Clarity in other words
Concession admittedly, granted
Conclusion in co nclusio n, in summarv
Definition as such, in broad terms
Detail pa rticu la rly, specifica llv

Sample: Question: ln addltion to the financial benefits of bargain shopping, this activity is also
associated with emotional benefits.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Despite
C. Given that
D. Due to

ltI
The correct answer is A, as the sentence highllghts a relationship of addition (there are both
financial and emotional benefits to bargain shopping).

Sample Question: Typically, scientific papers are organized in chronological order.

Consequently,- effective papers often break this general pattern.
A. NO CHANGE
B. However,
C. For instance,
D. As such,

B is correct. "Typically" indicates what scientific papers usually do. The second sentence
indicates that while these papers are usually chronological, the best papers do NoT always
follow this format. Therefore, a contrast transition is needed.

phrases and sentences must logically connect the information that both precedes and follows
them. Consider the sample below.

Many lowyers work at lorge firms where they make lorge solaries; however, others dedicote
their coreers to public service for more modest compensotion. The lowyer who det'ends people
who can't ot'ford an attorney often does so out of a sense of moraliustice.

The underlined portlon refers to lawyers who dedicate their careers to public service and serves
as a proper contrast to the information that precedes it (other lawyers work at large firms for
more money). The following sentence explains why public service lawyers work for less money.

While Venus is mostly known for its hot air and high air pressure, it is also the closest
planet to the earth. Any scientists planning potentialfuture missions to Venus will need
to consider the electrical activity in its atmosphere'
Sample Question: Which provides the best transition to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. lightning has recently been discovered in the Venusian atmosphere"
C. it has been recently observed by the European Agency's Venus Express mission.
D. it is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

B is correct. The electrical activity in the atmosphere mentioned in the second sentence refers
to the lightn ing.

Drill 5: Select the choice that best answers each question or replaces the underlined portion of
each se ntence.
1. The psychology program offers a course ln the psychology of thinking, ln broad terms, -
"thinking" can be described as the manipulation of mental representations of information.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Also,
C. Nevertheless,
D. Consequently,
When exercising,, you should work at an intensity that is high enough to challenge you" ln
addition, you do not want to over-exert yourself and risk injury.
A. NO CHANGE
B, AIthough,
C. However,
D. Fu rthermore,
a
When applying to be a consultant at certain firms, you must first take part in a behavioral
interview where you discuss your past accomplish m e nts, Next. you must participate in a
case interview where you are asked apply your problem-solving skills to a business
situation. Finally, you must pass a wrltten exam.
A. NO CHANGE
B.
Conversely,
C.
lndeed,
D.
Granted,
4. Rudyard Klpling was an English author lauded for his children's books, such asThe Jungle
Book. lndeed, he was known for his novels and poems.
A. NO CHANGE
B,Moreover,
C. Consequently,
D. For instance,
5. A healthy corporate culture is crucialto both large and small businesses alike. Still,
businesses with healthy corporate cultures are more likely to retain employees and
motivate workers to produce quality products and services.
A. NO CHANGE
B.However,
C.ln fact,
D.Next,
6. Thomas iefferson believed that the cornerstone of the American economy should be
agriculture. On the other hand, Alexander Hamilton believed that ind ustria lization was
needed for the economic development of the nation.
A. NO CHANGE
B, Thus,
C. Fina lly,
D. Fu rthermore,
7. Distillation is the process of separating the components of a liquid by boiling it and then
condensing the resulting vapors. Distillation is used in many processes. Next, distillation is

used to purify water.

A. NO CHANGE
B. Co nseq uentlY,
C. For insta nce,
D. Additionally,
8. A Mach number is the speed of an object as a multiple of the speed of sound. Furthermore,
an object traveling at twice the speed of sound travels at a speed of Mach 2'
A. NO CHANGE
B. Fina lly,
C. For example,
D. Moreover,
9. The green revolution during the late 1960s was associated with a series of initiatives that
increased the production of cereals worldwide. For example, over a billion people were
saved from sta rvation.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Last,
C. Conseq uently,
D. Also,
10. The maximum distance that light in space can travel in one year is a light year. The nearest
star to the Earth (other than the sun) is about four light years away, First, the light we see in
the sky from this star actually left the star four years ago.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Therefore,
C. Nevertheless,
D. ln a dd ition,
11. During the Renaissance, perspective was a technique by which painters added a sense of
depth to their art. !!e!vever, chiaroscuro was another technique by which artists made
pa intings appear th ree-dimensiona l.
A. NO CHANGE
B. As a result,
C. Likewise,
D. lndeed,
12. Consumer attention has been shifting from television to the internet. Nevertheless,
television advertisements are less effective at attracting potential consumers.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Thus,
C. Similarly,
D. Then,
13, The best preserved building in ancient Rome is the Pantheon. lts precisefunction is not
known. However, the decorations in the building suggest that it was a temple.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Therefore,
C. For example,
D. Finally,
14. There are many reasons to consume kale, which has become an increasingly popular green
vegetable. Kale is a great source of Vitamin C. However. kale has properties that help
reduce cholesterol levels.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Also,
C. Thus,
D. For instance,

Teleconferencing technology can be verv expensive. For example, politicians use such
technologies to talk to campaign workers and consultants use them to strategize with
clients.
15. Which provides the best transition to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. plays a role in many sectors, ranging from government to business.
C. threatens to bankrupt the travel industry.
D. includes a number of different forms of electronic technology.

The Hubble Space Telescope recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Stargazers appreciate
this piece oftechnology, which received an infrared camera in 2009. These images inspired
a Los Angeles-based composer to write a symphony, "Cosmic Dust."
16. Which provides the best transition to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. and it will likely continue to enhance our knowledge about the universe.
C. and human astronauts have made repairs to the invention over the years.
D. which has produced sharper pictures than any other telescope.

The celebrity campaigned for the passage of the popular bill, and many other celebrities did
as well. After a series of scandals that tarnished his reputation, he sought to curry favor
with the people.
17. Which provides the best transition to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. bill because he was concerned about his public image.
C. bill, and he spoke in favor of it on the news.
D. bill, all while running his own business.

/oo
 Overfishing occurs when fish are reduced to unacceptable levels. Most efforts to combat
overfishing address t-tfe-pge4!, but fish in smaller inland waters are in greater danger.
18. Which provides the best transition to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Most people understand the crisis,
C. Other organisms feed on fish,
D. Environmental contamination threatens aquatic plants as well,

Benjamin Banneker was a self-educated astronomer during the eighteenth century who was
hired by George Washington. They included astronomical calculations, opinion pieces, and
information about tides and eclipses.
19. Which provides the best transition to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. planted crops on his farm in Baltimore.
C. frequently corresponded with Thomas Jefferson.
D. was most famous for his farmers' almanacs, which he originally published in 1792.

Civil engineers assist in the design of large construction projects. They typically work in
offices, and sometimes thev are hired by governments. For example, they may monitor the
construction of major roads or bridges.
20. Which provides the best transition to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B, and they must take college courses in math and science.
C, though they often spend time at construction sites.
D. while the impact of their work is felt on a large scale.

While larger brain size is somewhat correlated with higher intelligence, larger animals often
have more diverse diets. For example, primates are often superior to larger animals in
performing cogn itive tasks.
2L. Which choice most effectively sets up the contrast that is consistent with the information
that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. this relationship always holds true.
C. there are notable exceptions to this trend.
D. larger brain weight provides more room to store memories.
 During economic downturns, college graduates often have a harder time finding work. ![
The number of students taking the Graduate Record Examination (the GRE), an entrance
exam for graduate school, rose L3% in 2009 from the year before. [f!
22. Which choice most effectively sets up the information that follows?
A. Thus, hoping to become more desirable candidates for employment, many students
choose to pursue more education,
B. Nevertheless, many students take on part-time jobs.
C. For that reason, internship or volunteer work can help one gain experience.
D. Consequently, colleges discourage students from taking on additional courses unless
their student loan burden is minimal,
23. Which of the following adds an example that is similar to the one in the previous sentence?
A. Some graduates were forced to take jobs outside of their major fields.
B. ln 2010, a record number of people took the Law School Admissions Test (the LSAT).
C. The need for people to fill positions in math, science, engineering, and technology fields
contin ues to increase.
D. Fewer people retired than expected, leaving fewer entry-level positions available.

Studies suggest that natural darkness is good for humans: it allows people to produce
melatonin, which is protective against certain diseases. Darkness is also good for animals, as
too much light at night is harmfulto animals'immune systems. Despite debates in the
scientific communitv, it makes financialsense to limit artificial light at night: many buildings
that turn off Iights can save close to a million dollars each year.
24. Which of the following provides the best transition from the information in the previous
sentences to the information that follows?
A. NO CHANGE
B. In addition to the need for darkness for health-related reasons,
C. While the immune system plays a protective role against common infections,
D. For the aforementioned reasons,

The process of removing seeds from cotton fibers by hand was once very time-consuming.
To meet the demand for increased productivitv. Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, a
machine that separated cotton seeds from cotton fibers quickly.
25. Which choice provides the most logical introduction to the sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. While he failed to produce interchangeable parts,
C. Despite the legal battles he faced as a result of his invention,
D. The eldest child of a prosperous farmer,

/ol
 Andrew carnegie, a wealthy captain of industry, donated much of his fortune before
his

death. He believed that the rich had a responsibility to help the poor. one of his most
notable accomptishments was the creation of f ree public libraries' l!
26. Which of the following follows the sentence most logically?
A. Ca rnegie was a h uge proponent of world peace, a nd he esta blished a cou ncil on
internation a I affairs.
B. After working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Carnegie made the fortune that funded his
philanthropy.
c. As a result of this donation, many people were able to become self-educated and
improve th eir lives.
D. Abroad, Carnegie created an organization to help people in the United Kingdom through
volunteerism and the arts.

Neoprene is a family of synthetic rubbers. IAvailable online and in stores, neoprene is

used by powerlifters as knee and elbow sleeves, martial artists as coverings for weapons,
and horseback riders in cinches and saddle pads.
27. Which choice most effectively sets up the examples in the given sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Although it exhibits good molecular stability,
C. When it comes to the household applications of neoprene,
D. Useful for athletic Purposes,
ln the internet age, communication between organizations and the public is often
,,snail mail," a term for traditional mailthat is physically delivered, is losing
electronic.
traction to email. Although email is a more efficient means of communication that
I
conserves paper, EElsnail mail will likelv disappear.

A study shows that customers often perceive direct mail about brands and products as
more trustworthy than emails about such products. Many people also complain that their
inboxes are cluttered with spam and junk mail. @ For instance, new businesses may find
that their letters stand out when they land in people's mailboxes rather than their inboxes"

28. Which of the following provides the best contrast to the information provided earlier in the
sentence and sets up the information discussed in the second paragraph?
A. NO CHANGE
B. email has proven to be an unreliable medium of communication.
C" snail mail still has value to many people.
D. the costs of postage stamps fluctuate.
)q
A. NO CHANGE
B. However.
C. Co nseq uentlY,
D. Nonetheless,
Sequence

A sentence should provide a logical and coherent link to the sentences before and after it.
Sudden and unnatural shifts in content can be confusing to the reader.

To identify where a sentence belongs

1) Ask yourself what specific content the sentence mentions. where in the passage is the
most precise discussion of this content taking place?
2) Examine transition words and phrases that signalcertain relationships (addition,
contrast,, example, cause and effect). For example, "however', at the beginning of a
sentence signals that two sentences are being contrasted,
3) Does a certain sentence need to appear BEFORE or AFTER another sentence in order for
the paragraph to make sense?

Consider the paragraph outline below.

1) Topic Sentence: The development of the Tra nsco ntinenta I Railroad significantly changed
the landscape of the United States economy in the 19th century.

The introductory sentence establishes the economic significance of the Tra nscontinenta I

Railroad.

2) The railroad served to promote commerce by allowing for the faster transportation of
goods across the cou ntry.
3) Factory owners were able to grow their businesses by sending their products over
longer dista nces,
4) The railroad also benefited farmers.
5) Furthermore, the railroad facilitated westward expansion by making it easier for people
to travel.
6) *x*lncorrectly Placed Sentence: Farmers were able to transport food items cheaply
and quickly and specialize in the production of "cash crops" (high-value crops),
7) Many people established new settlements and started businesses.

Sentence 4 states that the railroad benefited farmers. Since sentence 6 describes these
benefits, it should follow sentence 4. Sentence 7, which describes how people established new
settlements and businesses, should follow sentence 5.

8) Conclusion: By facilitating the transportation of goods and people, the Tra nscontin enta I

Railroad served as a boon to the economy,

The conclusion sentence recaps how the Tra nsco ntin ental Railroad helped the economy.

o)
Consider the passage below.

that shrinking icecaps make it more

[1] Polar bears face many threats. [2] lt is believed
Jifficult for them to hunt seals, increase negative human-polar bear interactions on land,
and expose young polar bears to more threats due to the
weakened integrity oftheir den
sites. [3] other dangers polar bears face include contaminants., such as hydrocarbons,
potlutants, and heavy metals. [4] Hunting also poses a threat to polar bears. [5] According to
the Fish and Wildlife Service, the combined effects of permissive subsistence harvesting in
Alaska and illegal harvesting in the chukotka Peninsula in Russia have been responsible
for
precipitation
declining polar bear populations. [6] For instance, oil spills and contaminated
can weaken polar bears'immune svstems and reproductive svstems

Sample Question: Suppose the author wants to add a conclusion sentence that emphasizes
the
importance of addressing the issues discussed in the passage. Which of the following best
accomplishes this Soal?
A. Clearly, improved regulations are needed to protect polar bears'
B. Polar bears are some of the world's most beautiful creatures,
C. The polar bear is just one of the many species threatened by the actions of humans.
D. Some polar bears have swum great distances in response to shrinking icecaps.

The best answer is A. The passage describes human actions that threaten polar bears. only
choice A alludes to policies being needed to address such actions in order to protect polar
bea rs.

Sample Question:To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 6 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after sentence 3.
C. after sentence 4.
D. after sente nce 5,

The best answer is B, which mentlons that polar bears are threatened by contaminants"
Sentence 6 identifies specific contaminants and the threats they pose.
Occasionally, you will be asked to find the proper location of a paragraph. To approach such
questions, treat these questions the same way that you would treat sentence order questions.
Especially pay attention to the beginning and end of each paragraph. The topic sentence of a
paragraph often makes reference to the paragraph preceding it. Likewise, the last sentence of a
paragraph often provides a transition into the topic that follows it.

Paragraph 1: There is strong reason to believe that the discovery of more organisms
located in the hot springs of national parks will lead to extraordinary scientific
findings. For example, research of thermophiles (heat-thriving organisms) found in
parks such as Yellowstone is likely to lead to significant medical and agricultural
advances. This is because the enzymes found in these species speed up reaction rates
and are integral to various advances in biotechnology, such as PCR (polymerase chain
reaction). PCR allows scientists to replicate DNA at an extremely rapid rate. PCR is useful
in criminal investigations, medical diagnoses, and genetic engineering. Other processes
in which park microbes have been useful include producing ethanol, treating
agricultural food waste, improving animal feed, and increasing juice yields from fruits,

Paragraph 2: While the scientific importance of many discoveries generated from

research at national parks is undeniable, the scientific benefits are often
overshadowed by their profitableness. There is debate over whether or not the parks
themselves should be compensated for research studies proving successful. opponents
of ben efits-sha ring agreements (agreements that allow parks to share a portion of
researchers' profits) claim that the researchers should have patent rights over their
intellectual property as long as their profits are based on the knowledge gained from
their studies rather than from the com mercia lization of the resources themselves. For
example, while the development of PCR might not have happened if it weren't for the
discovery of Thermus oquaticus at Yellowstone, PCR ultimately relies on laboratory-
made bacteria, not bacteria from the park itself,

The last sentence of the first paragraph emphasizes the uses of microbes discovered at parks.
The first sentence of the second paragraph recaps the theme of the first paragraph. The
remainder of the topic sentence transitions into the second paragraph's topic/ benefits-sharing
agreements.

{o9
Let's take a look at another samPle.

m
IParagraph 1] [1]
lac@ [2] On these occasions, I will often go to an internet caf6,
iptr* tf,rt provides internet access as well as snacks and beverages. [3] lnternet access is
generally provided for a time-based fee. [4] Many other people were there with their
laptops, checking their emails, doing work, posting on social medla, or simply browsing
the
web. [5] Other people were playing multiplayer games at computer statlons'

use in Morogoro,
[paragraph 2] [1] ln 2013, a study was conducted on internet caf6
Tanzania. [2] Most of the people using the internet at these caf6s are proficient in English.
[3] Since most of the university students in Tanzania are men,
one might expect that a great
majority of the internet caf6 users are men. [4] Nearly half of the people using internet
cafes are women. [5] The researchers concluded that the "digital divide" between the
genders is decreasing. [6] However, the studY made a surprising discoverv' [7] The
researchers also found that most people in the region used the internet for social purposes
(social media and blogging) and a smaller percentage used the internet for business.

Sample Question:The writer wants to include an introductory sentence to the passage that
links a personal experience to a Iarger phenomenon discussed in the passage. Which choice
best accomplishes this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Many ordinary cafes now offer Wi-Fi.
C. lndustrlalized nations depend heavily on high-speed internet connections'
D. Coffee is my favorite morning beverage.

The best answer is A. Only A and D describe personal experiences. A explains the reason that
the writer attends internet cafes.

During my most recent trip, I walked into an internet caf6, bought a cup of coffee, and started
working on a presentation for my conference the next day.
Sample Question: The writer wants to add the above sentence to paragraph l
The best
placement of the sentence above is
A. after sente nce 1.
B. after sentence 3.
C. after sentence 4,
D. after sentence 5.

B is correct. Sentences 2 and 3 describe internet cafes. lt makes sense for the added sentence,
which describes the writer's recent trip to one, to follow these sentences. lt would not make
sense for the sentence to be included before internet caf6 is defined. The sentence also
provides a logical introduction to sentence 4. ln the added sentence, the writer describes what
he was doing on a particular day at the internet caf6. Sentences 4 and 5 describe what other
people were doing at the internet caf6 that day'
Sample Question: To make paragraph 2 most logical, sentence 6 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after sentence L.
C. after sentence 3.
D. after sente nce 4.

The correct answer is C. Sentence 3 specifies what one would normalty expect. "However,,
signals that a contrast will follow and makes mention of a "surprising discovery." Sentence 4
identifies the discovery: many users are women despite higher university enrollment among
men.

Sample Question. The author wants to add a sentence at the end of paragraph 1 that sets up
the paragraph that follows. Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. lnternet connections are often too slow in hotels, and internet caf6s fill in the gap.
B. While internet caf6s are convenient for visitors to foreign countries, they are also popular
among locals, as evidenced by internet caf6 users in Tanzania, a country in Africa.
C. The primary users of internet caf6s worldwide are students who are active on soclal media.
D. The number of people enrolled in universities is on the rise internationa lly.

B isthe best answer. The second paragraph is focused on the attendance of people at internet
caf6s in Tanzania. There is no support for choice A in the second paragraph. Although
university students in Tanzania are mentioned, the passage does not discuss international
enrollment levels. While the passage does state that most people who attend the caf6s in
Tanzania are on social media, there is no mention of worldwide trends.
oriti O: Setect the choice that best answers each question'

impact on people's dailv lives. [2] Judicial review

[1] Judicial review I has had a significar]t
that violates the
allows the courts to strike down any law, treaty, or administrative regulation
has been
united states constitution, a state constitution, or another law. [3] Judicial review
used to protect the civil rights of minority groups.[4] Judicial review has also upheld
free
yard signs on
speech.[5] For example, Lodue v Gilleo (1994) struck down a law that outlawed
front lawns, as these signs allow people to express their political views. [ [6] An example.of

ert.blishine prbli. s.h;ol, thrt w"re regregated bv rac". [7] clea rly, fl iudicia l reviewisneeded
to analyze the technical complexities of laws.

1. The author wants to include an introductory sentence that emphasizes an important aspect
of judicial review that is implied by the paragraph as a whole. ln context, which
of the
following best completes the sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B, is amajor source of controversy amongst constitutional scholars'
C. has been used to resolve complex financial matters'
D. has protected the rights of lawmakers against ordinary citizenry'
2. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 6 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after sente nce 1.
C. after sentence 2.
D. after se ntence 3.
3. The writer wants to conclude the paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the impact of
judicial review in relation to the cases discussed. Which of the following best accomplishes
this goal?
A, NO CHANGE
B. judicial review is taken for granted in today's society.
C. judicial review has been applied to protect the rights of individuals'
D. judicial review a llows judges to a buse their powe rs.
I tt] unpaia internships often give students a competitive advantage when applying for full-
time jobs, and prospective employers often look favorably upon relevant internship experience.
El [2] Some emplovers violate these rules by essentiallV utilizing interns to perform basic
operations oftheir businesses without pav instead of providing them with educationallv
enriching experiences.[3] However, there is a growing scholarly and societal debate over the
ethics of unpaid internships and the dynamics of power and exploitation that characterize many
of them. [4] The Department of Labor's Fair Labor Standards Act requlres that for-profit
companies provide interns with legitimate training in skills that can benefit them outside of the
internship. [5] The result of this practice is that employers save large amounts of money that
would have otherwise been allocated to paid employees, @

4. The writer wants to add an introduction that reflects his attitude toward unpaid internships.
Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. People who do not obtain internships before graduating college ought to be pitied.
B" The dynamics of many unpaid internships in today's society are disturbing.
C. People wishing to be successful must become interns while in college.
D, The labor code in relation to internships is intentionally vague.
5. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 2 should be placed
A; where it is now.
B. before sentence L.
C. after sentence 3,
D. after sentence 4.
6. Suppose the writer wants to conclude the paragraph with an ethical commentary on unpaid
internships. Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. Nevertheless, unpaid internships have tangible benefits for students' long-term career
prospects.
B. Clearly, many unpaid internships unfairly take advantage of workers without providing
them with the requisite skills needed for success in the workplace.
C. Evidently, unpaid internships ultimately reward workers for the sacrifices they make
during the internsh ips themselves.
D, Ultimately, there are no financial incentives for people to accept unpaid internships.
 promote violent
[[1] Shakespeare sought to malign maior historical figures in order to
He often altered historical details to suit his dramatic and
political purposes' [3]
l^:.""f,rt,"r,t. fZf
r"*-rrrpr., i. "The Tragedy of Julius caesar," he changed the timeline of certain battles so
last words, "Et
that they would better fit into his storyline. [4] He also included caesar's famous
he learned that
tu, Brut;? (and you, Brutus?) to dramatize Caesar's feelings of betrayal when
historical evidence that the
Biutus took part in the plan to aslassinate him, though there is no
real Julius caesar ever said these words.[5] lnterestingly, the manner
in which Shakespeare
portrayed Rome,s shift away from republicanism paralleled England's shift towards a more
poweriul monarchy. [6] Thus, Shakespeare could criticize developments during his own era
outright
indirectly by using ancient Rome as his setting. ! [7] ln certain cases, Shakespeare
misrepresented historical figures. [8] Most notably, there is weak historical evidence to
su8gest

th.t Kirg Ri.hrrd lll was the villain that shakespeare made him out to be, and Shakespeare
or fabricated Richard's role in certain crimes. [9] ln addition to making for arguably
"*ugg"rit"d
mo[- entertaining stories, Shakespeare's cha racterization of Richard lll and other rulers
throughout his historical plays served to critique the dangers of war and tyrannical ruters'p

7. Which of the following serves as the best introduction in context?

A. NO CHANGE
B. Shakespeare's historical plays were not meant to be accurate accounts of history, but
entertaining pieces that commented on political and social issues'
C. Shakespeare was primarily interested in criticizing ancient societies'
D. Shakespeare believed that the actual history of ancient rulers included no compelling
characters.
To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 7 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after sentence 1.
C" after sentence 5,
D. after sentence 8 .
Suppose that the writer wants to include a conclusion sentence that indicates the
political
9.
significance of shakespeare's plays. which of the following would best accomplish this Soal?
A, While shakespeare did not rigidly adhere to historical accuracy, he nonetheless
commented on societal issues that were relevant in his own era'
B. Because shakespeare presented historical figures precisely, his audience was more
ucated as a result.
ed
C. Shakespeare's historical plays continue to entertain audiences today for both their
tragic components and more lighthearted moments.
D. Although Shakespeare slandered the villains he portrayed, he was able to create plays
th at were more interesting.
[Paragraph 1] When shopping, why are you drawn to some items and not others? According to
some scientists, you may be "programmed" to have positive responses to certain products.
Neuromarketing is a field that uses brain imaging and eye tracking technologies to study the
brain's responses to marketing stimuli, The field is premised in the notion that the decisions
consumers make are primarily emotional. For researchers, neuroscience is primarily used as a
means of understanding what happens in the brain when purchasing decisions are made. For
corporations, science is used for the purpose of driving business. @Thus, businesses are likely
to continue applving neuromarketing techniques in the future.

[Paragraph 2] E t1] one common critiqqe-gftulvevs is that the person conducting the survey
can influence the responses of the participants. [2] ln comparison with traditional market
research methods, neuromarketing can potentially prove more reliable since its findings are
backed by science. [3] Specifically, participants who know they are being studied may alter their
behavior or lie in order to give answers that they believe are more socially desirable. [4] By
studying subjects'physiological responses to certain stimuli, researchers can avoid
encou nte ring such problems.

[Paragraph 3] Supporters of neuromarketing also argue that E neuromarketing is the key to

fixing all problems that companies face. Many companies such as Google have used
neuromarketing technologies to determine how consumers react to their products. ln an era in
which brands are becoming increasingly competitive with one another, neuromarketing
technology can help companies remain competitive. Businesses can more successfully sell their
products by altering their brands and advertising in a way that elicits positive emotional
responses from potential consumers. However, in the process, they can also make
improvements to products and services that genuinely meet consumers' needs.

[! learagraph 4l [1] In addition to concerns about n eu roma rketing's effectiveness,

neuromarketing @ is criticized on ethical grounds. [2] Some critics argue that the techniques
used to study subjects are invasive and infringements on their privacy. [3] Furthermore, there
ls some concern that neuromarketing is immoral for the way it arguably manipulates ,
customers. [4] Because neuromarketing can be used to reach people on the subconscious level
(the level below rational awareness), people might struggle to differentiate between truth and
untruth, thus falling prey to immoral business practices. [5] lnstead, neu roma rketing's
proponents argue that lt is a tool that helps companies tailor their products and advertising
methods to their consumers' needs. [6] They also argue that the power of neuromarketing to
actually manipulate shoppers to buy products they do not want or need is exaggerated,
 benefits of neuromarketing, there are many people who
@ learagraph 5l Despite the apparent
ma rketing's proponents
I7e critical of this field. Some scientists doubt the claims made by neu ro
journals on its effectiveness' While
and believe more studies need to be done in peer-reviewed
neuroscientists can observe people's brain activity in response to stimuli,
they cannot be sure
about what these observations mean. For example, a positive brain response can signify
guarantee that
genuine amazement or mild amusement. Responses detected in subjects do not
.onrrr"r, will make specific purchasing decisions. lnstead, they provide clues as into how
businesses can better design and position their products'

interest in neuroscience and its

[paragraph 6] Despite its controversies, it is clear that
.onn".tion to consumer behavior is not likely to wane any time soon. While neuromarketing
technologies might not function as "mind readers," they nonetheless
provide valuable insights
into consumers' responses to products and advertisements'

L0. Thewriter wants a concluding sentence to paragraph L that clarifies how corporations apply
neuromarketing principles. which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Clearly, all companies should employ neuromarketing techniques, unless they want to
lose out on P rofits.
C. Many major companies have used neuromarketing to establish predictive models about
consumer responses so that they can more effectively market and design products.
D. Employers should consider the needs oftheir employees when designing products.
11". To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 1of paragraph 2 should be
placed
A, where it is now.
B. before sentence 3.
C, after sentence 3.
D. after sente nce 4.
12. The writer wants the introduction of paragraph 3 to present a claim that is supported by the
paragraph. Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. neuromarketing is crucial for learning about the neural underpinningsof common
d is ea ses.
C. neuromarketing is the most ethical means of Iearning about consumers' priorities"
D. neuromarketing is a legitimate business tool that benefits businesses and customers
a like.

However, supporters of neuromarketing claim that it cannot truly be used to manipulate

people.
13. The writer is considering adding the above sentence to paragraph 4. To make the paragraph
most logical, the sentence should be placed
A. after sentence 3.
B. after sente nce 4.
C. after sen te nce 5.
D. after sentence 6.
14, Thewriter wants the introduction of paragraph 4 t0 introduce the argument presented in
the paragraph, Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. NOCHANGE
B. is condemned for its inability to influence consumers.
C. is critiqued for its prohibitive expense.
D. unproductive waste of time and effort.
is seen as an
15. To make the passage most logical, paragraph 5 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after paragraph 3.
C. before paragraph 1-.
D, after paragraph 5.

IParagraph 1] Water scarcity is a serious environmental concern because water@sustains

both our economy and life ltself. Many industrial, recreational, and agricultural processes
depend on water. Sadly, most water is too salty to be consumed or used for agriculture.

[Paragraph 2] [1] Surging populations have put pressure on the global water supply. [2] ln
many arid regions of the world, groundwater aquifers are unable to be replenished fast enough,
resulting in inadequate supplies of pure drinking water. [3] Despite these dangers, some people
are forced to drink contaminated water anyway. [4] Water scarclty also has negative
environmental impacts. fi [S] Consu-mption of impure water can lead to the transmission of
deadly d.iseases, many of which are preventable. [6] Dams and reservoirs that are built in
populated areas to provide people with water are disturbing natural ecosystems and harming
freshwater aqu atic species. @

EE [raragraph 3] E t1l Water is used more efficientlv bv some countries than others. EE [2]
Fortunatslv, the company is seeking partners to build the necessary equipment. [3] One
company is planning to ship glacial spring water from lceland to more arid countries. [4] The
lack of suitable harbors and terminals might delay this project, so it is necessary that
appropriate infrastructure be built. [5] Alternatively, desalinization technology can be used to
filter salt from water so that it becomes drinkable, a practice that many countries are already
employing. [6] While the process of removing salt from water can be costly, it has become
more practical in recent years. [7] Also, on the municipal level, more wastewater can be
recycled and reused by clties, as this would conserve money and protect the environment.

[Paragraph 4] [].1 Some companies are developing more efficient ways to conduct common
commercial practices, [2] However, smart irrigation systems allow farmers to irrigate with a
greater degree of precision. [3] Sensors located throughout a field can detect changes in soil
moisture so that only the dry sections receive water at any given tirr,e.AV)The agrlcultural
industry is one industry that is notorioqs for wasting water, [5] Some companies are also
developing common household products that conserve water. [6] A British company developed
a washing machine that uses less water and detergent than traditional washing machines do.
[7] While the machine is currently used for commercial purposes, the company hopes to have a
household version available by 70rc.1$
 using more water than they need when performing
[paragraph 5] [1] lndividuals should avoid
Lasic household and hygienic tasks such as washing dishes,
showering, brushing their teeth,
a
and shaving. @ [2J
*.t th. briitl.Tof hit orh"t . [3] outdoors, there are also various actions people can
trk" to.or*ru. water. [4] For example, people can save water simply by not using a hose
should be
when washing their cars (except when rinsing) or cleaning their driveways broom
(a

used instead), [5] Homeowners should also mow their lawns sparingly and
always check for
gallons of water'
leaks in plpes, hoses, and faucets so that they can avoid wasting hundreds of
known to save water, such as water-
[6] Finaliy, consumers can invest in products that are
pipes'
saving showerheads, low-flow faucet aerators, and insulators for water

is reason to be optimistic. However,

[paragraph 6] while water scarcity is a serious issue, there
EEI*, ere are never an

16. The writer wants an introduction sentence that emphasizes that water is a
vital resource'
Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. beautifies are lawns.
C. is a renewable resource.
D. has become more exPensive.
17, To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 5 of paragraph 2 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after sente nce 1.
C. after se ntence 2.
D. after sentence 3,
18, At this point the writer wants to add a concluding sentence that presents a claim that
is
goal?
supported by the paragraph. which of the following would best accomplish this
A. Noise pollution is another source of harm to aquatic species'
B. While water scarcity is a serious issue, some plants are adapted to arid climates.
C. The primary cause of all modern epidemics is water pollution"
D. The need to enhance our water supply without harming the environment in the process
is crucial.
19. Which ofthe following connects the first sentence of paragraph 3 to the previous
paragra p h?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Multiple strategies are needed to address the issues caused by water scarcity.
C. A network of salty water is found underneath glaciers.
D. Dehydration is a serious health issue caused by a lack of water'
20. T0 make the paragraph most logical, sentence 2 of paragraph 3 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after sentence 3.
C. after sentence 4.
D, before sentence 1.
Some cities could save millions of dollars in piplng costs by simply restoring water.
21. The writer considering adding the above sentence to paragraph 3. To make the paragraph
is
most logical, the sentence should be placed
A. after sentence 1.
B. after sentence 4.
C. after sentence 5,
D. after sentence 7.
22. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 4 of paragraph 4 should be placed
A. before sentence 1,
B. after sentence L"
C. after se ntence 2.
D. after sentence 5.
23^ The writer wants to add a sentence at the end of paragraph 4 that provides a lin k to the
ideas discussed in paragraph 5. Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. Droughts contribute to the issue of water scarcity.
B. In addition to commercial reforms, personal responsibility is another key factor in
preserving water.
C. While technological innovations are impressive, it is unclear if they can be improved
enough to meet the demands of the modern world.
D. People must become less dependent on commercially-grown foods.
24. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 2 of paragraph 5 should be placed
A. where it is now.
B. after sentence 3.
C. after sentence 4.
D. after se ntence 5.
25. Which of the following provides the best conclusion to the sentence and to the passage?
A. NO CHANGE
B. more than one solution must be adopted to protect our water resources.
C. the way we plant crops must change.
.D" we should also research ways to create water.
Lesson 23: Focus

Paragraphs must be highly focused in order to be effective. Focus shifts occur when writers
insert random details that do not flow logically within the context of a specific paragraph.

Consider the outline of the paragraph below.

1) The Great Wall of China once served as a means of protecting China from invaders.

The clear topic sentence indicates that the Great Wall of China served defensive functions.

2) An elaborate defense system was built along the wall. It included features such as forts,
watchtowers, and beacon towers that housed and provided supplies for soldiers.
Soldiers posted along the towers could watch out for invaders and send signals to other
soldiers posted at other sections of the wall by using fire, Ianterns, or flags,

The above sentences are needed because they illustrate the Great Wall's defensive functions.

3) Today, the Great Wall of China is a popular tourist destination.

Even though the sentence deals with the general topic of the Great Wall of China, it should be
deleted for shifting the paragraph's focus away from the Great Wall's defensive functions.

4) ln addition, the Great Wall protected economic trade routes that were used for the
transmission of materials, information, and cultural ideas. This protective function was
especially important since bandits frequently robbed people along trade routes.

The above sentences provide more details supporting the Great Wall's protective functions.
They should be kept,

5) Qin Shi Huang was the emperor who first conceptualized the wall.

This irrelevant detall shifts the focus of the paragraph away from the Great Wall's defensive
functions, This sentence should be deleted.

6) By serving as apowerful physical and psychological barrier, The Great Wall of China was
an effective means of defense.

This clear conclusion sentence ties up the paragraph.

 professional athletes
E [f] Sportr dieticians are experts in human nutrition who work with
and rugby. [2] ln
it.ving a variety of sports, such as basketball, volleyball, swimming, soccer,
order for athletes to make the most of their training and perform to the best of their abilities,
principles to make
they need to have the proper nutrition. [3] Sports dieticians apply scientific
practi.al recommendations. t+l Specificallv, thev work with athletes to create personalized
E
ha
rceCf. E tSt Registered dieticians must pass an exam, meet minimum educational
requirements, and complete an internship.

1. For the sake of logic and cohesion, which sentence should be removed from the paragraph?
A. Sentence 1.
B. Sentence 2.
C. Sentence 3.
D. Sentence 5.
2. The writer is considering deleting sentence 4. The sentence should be
A. kept, because it provides important information about the nature of sports dieticians'
work.
B. kept, because it is needed to reveal with whom sports dieticians work.
C. deleted, because it contradicts a point mentioned earlier in the passage.
D. deleted, because it shifts the focus away from the essay's main topic.
3. At this point the writer wants to add a sentence that builds on the preceding sentence.
Which of the following sentences adds the most relevant information?
A. They also advise athletes on proper nutrition for recovery from illnesses and injuries.
B. Some dieticians work with ordinary people seeking to lose weight.
C. Some athletes have personaltrainers.
D. One can make a good living as a sports dietician.
Much of what we
$ [earagraph 1] [1] Hummingbird migration is not completely understood. [2]
[
fo know about hummingbirds is determined from "banding studies." [3] In bandins studies,
individual hummingbirds are trapped and given identification numbers, which are written on
aluminum foil and wrapped around th eir legs. [4] Scientists conduct these studies in order to
Iearn about the natural history and habits of different species of hummingbirds. [5] The age of
hummingbirds can be estimated by examining their bills with a hand lens upon capture. [6] The
studies suggest that many birds follow a set route each year, demonstrating loyalty to particular
sites. @
! [earagraph 2] [1] ln the United States, hummingbirds typically migrate to the North during
the spring and to the South during the winter, but the precise reasons why they migrate are not
completely understood. [2] Some scientists believe that hummingbirds primarily migrate in
order to follow flower populations. [3] Only 8 of over 325 hummingbird species regularly breed
in the United States. [4] Hummingbirds eat the nectar from flowers, so it makes sense that they
would travel to locations where the flowers they feed on are in full bloom. [5] Other scientists
think that hummingbirds migrate to follow insects. E tO latbqrfgbjlf{hSletUh4
[7] Overall, scientists still
have a lot to learn about why hummingbirds mlgrate.9 [8] Hummingbirds usually migrate alone
to avoid detection by predators.

4. The writer is considering deleting sentence 3 from paragraph 1. The sentence should be
A. kept, because it clarifies the meaning of a technicalterm.
B. kept, because it helps the reader visualize the appearance of hummingbirds.
C. deleted, because it shifts the focus of the paragraph away from migration.
D. deleted, because it includes a repetitive reminder.
q For the sake of logic and cohesion, which sentence should be deleted from paragraph 1?
A. Sentence 1.
B. Se ntence 2.
C. Sentence 5.
D. Sentence 6.

For example, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird shows a high degree of fidelity: approximately
one flfth of birds return to the same site year after year.
6. The writer is considering adding this sentence at the end of paragraph 1. Should this
addition be made?
A. Yes, because the sentence is needed in order for the passage as a whole to be coherent.
B, Yes, because it provides an illustrative example that supports a point made in the
preceding sente nce.
C. No, because the migration habits of hummingbirds are not relevant to the paragraph's
fo cu s.
D. No, because it is inconsistent with the description of hummingbirds provided earlier in
the passage.
7. For the sake of logic and cohesion, which sentence should be deleted from paragraph 2?
A. Se ntence 2.
B, Se ntence 3.
C. Sentence 4.
D. Se ntence 5.

tlo
 At this point, the writer wants to add a sentence that builds on the discussion of the reasons
for hummingbird migration. Which of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B, other scientists hypothesize that a chemical change occurs in the birds that
Still.,
prompts them to migrate regardless.
C. . Hummingbirds will often gain 25 to 40 percent of their bodyweight before starting a
migration.
D. Studies suggest that male and female hummingbirds often migrate at different times.
9. The writer is considering deleting this sentence. The sentence should be
A. kept, because it establishes an important detail about migration patterns,
B. kept, because it expands upon a point mentioned in an earlier sentence.
C. deleted, because it blurs the paragraph's focus by introducing a loosely related detail.
D. deleted, because it is insufficiently supported by evidence.

[ [f] e"org" Washington Carver was a famous botanist and inventor of over 100 products. [2]
He altered farming practices in such a way that improved farmers' lives. [3] Carver originally
majored in art before becoming a scientist. [4] By encouraging farmers to plant soil-enriching
crops, such as peanuts and cowpeas, Carver was able to help farmers increase crop yields
without the use of traditional fertilizers that poor farmers could not afford. @ [s] To further
entice farmers to grow soil-enriching plants, Carver discovered interesting uses of these crops.
[6] For example, he made peanut butter, soap, and peanut oll from peanuts. E [Z] fn.tu
products were extremely popular with consumers. E E tgt Because of Carver's discoveries,
farmers were able to adopt healthier diets, increase their earnings, and help the economy,

Carver frequently went on speaking engagements where he promoted his ideas about racial
harmony.
10. At this point, the writer is considering adding the abbve sentence. Should the writer make
th is addition?
A. Yes, because it reveals an essential detail about Carver's life.
B. Yes, because it signals an important transition.
C. No, because it interrupts the paragraph's discussion of Carver's agricultural
accomplish ments,
D. No, because it directly opposes the way in which the writer characterizes Carver.
11". For the sake of logic and cohesion, which sentence should be deleted?
A. Sentence 1.
B. Sentence 2.
C. Se ntence 3.
D. Sentence 4.
He also made starches, ink, and sugar from sweet potatoes,
12. At this point, the writer is considering adding the above sentence. Should the writer make
this add ition ?
A. Yes, because it reinforces how Carver moved away from his artistic pursuits.
B. Yes, because it illustrates the type of inventions that Carver created.
C, No, because the discussion of sweet potatoes is not relevant to the writer's main point.
D. No, because it introduces a new topic that goes unexplained.

Carver graduated from a school that did not have many black students.
13" At this point, the writer is considering adding the above sentence. Should the writer make
this addition?
A. Yes, because it explains how Carver was educated.
B. Yes, because it highlights an important detail about Carver's childhood.
C. No, because it lntroduces a detail that is irrelevant to the main focus of the paragraph.
D. No, because it ignores the negative aspects of Carver's character.

14, lf the writer were to delete the final sentence, the essay would primarily lose
A. information about Carver's motivations,
B. an explanation of Carver's background.
C. details about the results of Carver's efforts.
D. a reference to how rnodern day farmers regard Carver.

[Paragraph 1] The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge along the Golden Gate strait that
connects San Francisco to Marin County. lE lt is a beautiful bridge that is frequently
photographed. Prior to the bridge's construction, people had to take a ferry to travel between
San Francisco and Marin County. ftAs the population on both sides of the strait grew,
congestion on the ferries became a huge problem. Thus, a bridge could make travel more
efficient. ln addition, a bridge could help the economy since fi
the lack of direct land access
between San Francisco and Marin Countv contributed to SaI Francisco's relativelV slow
economic growth,
@ [Raragraph 2] [1] lnitially, many experts did not believe that a suspension bridge could be
built due to strong winds and blinding fog, E [Z] ev fgtO, however, iournalist and former
engineering student James Wilkins advocated for the construction of the bridge in response to
citizen demands. [3] Unfortunately, his proposal was deemed to be too expensive, so the San
Francisco City Engineer asked bridge engineers if there was a cheaper way to construct the
bridge. [4] The military originally wanted the bridge to have stripes. [5] one of them, Joseph
Strauss, responded with a plan for a practical and affordable suspension bridge. [6] Strauss was
hired as the chief engineer, but he agreed to forgo his original design, which was visually
una ppea Iing. @
15. The author is considerlng deleting this sentence. The sentence should be
A. kept, to provide a needed transition.
B. kept, in order to emphasize the aesthetic appeal of a construction.
C. deleted, because it contradicts a fact established later in the passage.
D. deleted, because it shifts the focus of the paragraph away from the reasons why the
bridge was constructed.
L6. The author is considering deleting the sentence. The sentence should be
A. kept, because it clarifies a reason for a development.
B. kept, because it emphasizes that traveling by ferry was a hazardous process.
C. deleted, because it shifts the focus ofthe paragraph from travel by land to travel by
water.
D. deleted, because it misleads the reader into thinking the passage is about ferry travel.
17. The writerwants to emphasize why a bridge was needed to help the economy. Which of the
following best completes the sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. the idea of a bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait captured popular imagination.
C. the construction of the bridge inspired a commemorative song.
D. ferry travel became increasingly popular.
18. The author is considering deleting the underlined sentence. The sentence should be
A. kept, because it describes the qualifications of a controversialfigure.
B. kept, because it provides context for the sentence that follows.
C. deleted, because it is irrelevant to the topic of the essay.
D. deleted, because the information presented in this sentence is unduly repetitive.
19. To maintain the logic and cohesion of paragraph 2, which of the following sentences should
be deleted ?
A. Sentence 1.
B. Sente nce 3.
C. Sentence 4.
D. Sentence 5

Engineers charles Ellis and Leon Moisseiff made modifications to strauss's original design,
culminating in a more beautiful and elegant bridge that is now regarded as one of the finest
works of architecture.
20. The writer is considering adding the following sentence at the end of the passage. Should
the writer make this addition?
A. Yes, because it clarifies the role that two individuals played in improving Strauss's
original design.
B, Yes, because it suggests that Strauss deserves no credit for the bridge's construction'
C. No, because it discusses the accomplishments of individuals who played only minor
roles in an innovative project.
D. No, because it does not add any new information.

i
I
When interpreting graphs, charts, and tables that relate to a text, be sure to read
all
you are presented with, you
information carefully. Regardless of what form of quantitative data
should
1) identify what the graph, chart, or table represents. The title generally reveals the
general purpose of the data set.
2\ read all labels to identify how the data is being presented'
3) look up the information you need to answer the question'

Tables
Tables present data on two variables using rows and columns' Rows run
horizontally' and
columns run on a table is called a " cell."
Each individual box ona
Row 1, Column 1 Row 1, Column 2 Row 1, Column 3
Row 2, Column 1 Row 2, Column 2 Row 2, Column 3
Row 3, Column 1 Row 3, Column 2 Row 3, Column 3

Carefully read the title of the graph and the category that each row and column
represents.
Then, locate the relevant cellthat you need to answer a question'
Price of Used Ford Year Manufactured
Model Susgested Retail Price
2008 sls,806.00
2009 s20,167.00
2010 s22,1s0.00
201! s28,918.00
*source: Kelley Blue Book

Forexample,accordingtothetableabove,thesuggestedretailpricefora2010FordExploreris
$22,75o.

llL
 Grcphs

Graphs are pictures of information based on data found in a data

table.
Bar graphs use bars to represent data that represents categories
whire rine graphs use rines.

Average Hlgh Temperature ln New york City

a
E
,f

l\4onth

Average Hlgh Tomperature ln New york Clty

30
e
70

e 60
U
h
,5 50

l,ih F.b liir Ap. r{iy lur Jul A,ru Scn ().1 Nov $!c

Month

Source: U.S. Climate Data

According to the graphs above, the average high temperature
in New york city in January is
about 40 degrees while the average temperature in April is about
60 degrees.
 do N0T show percent change'
Pie charts are used t0 show percentages of a whole' They
in the 1860 Presidential
According to the chart below, Lincoln won 59% of the electoral votes
election while Breckenridge received 24%, Bell received l3%, and Douglas received
4%.

Percent of ElectoralVotes Received in 1860

Presidential Election
Douglas
4%

Wheninterpretinggraphs,makesureyoureadalllabelsandtitlescarefully.Gobacktothe
wrong
graph or chart to determine accurate statements. For example, in the pie chart above'
answer choices might say
. "Lincoln won 24% of the electoral votes"'
Breckenridge received 24% of the votes.

. ,,The number of votes Lincoln received increased by 59% from the previous election."

Pie charts provide no information about percent increase or decrease'

. "Lincoln received 59% more electoral votes than Breckenridge"'

He received 59% of the total number of electoral votes, not 59% more than Breckenridge'

IB
 Drill 8: Select the best answer to each

Projected Employment lncreases 2012-2022

3
.;

Professlon

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment projections: ZOI2-2O22.,'

Based on the graph above, which ofthe following projections is accurate?

A. Accountantswill comprise between IO% and 15% of the workforce by 2022.
B. Actuaries will comprise more than 2s% of rhe workforce between 2o1rz and 2022.
c. The percent of budget analysts in the workforce will decrease by about 6% between 2012
and 2022.
D. Between 2072 and 2022, the percent of accountants in the workforce is expected to
increase by less than L5%.
2. The chart indicates that
workforce than accountants bv 2022. Which choice offers the most accurate interpretation of
the information in the graph?
A. NO CHANGE
B. in comparison to the actual number of accountants, the number of actuaries is expected to
increase by a greater amount from ZOTZ to 2022.
C. the percent increase in the number of actuaries ftom 2072 to 2O2Z is projected to be about
double the percent increase in the number of accountants.
D. the percent increase in the number of accountants from 2012 to 2o2z is projected to be
about half the percent increase in the number of budget analysts.
 The table below shows the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in four countries during L990,
lt
also shows what percent of each country's carbon dioxide emissions came from oil.

1990 Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Country Million Metric Tons of Carbon Perce ntof Carbon Dioxide
Dioxide Emissions from Oil
United States 4,989 44%
Canada 471 48%
Mexico 302 77%
Japan 1,054 6s%
sorrrcu, rr.nrportation Energy Data Book, "world carbon Dioxide Emissions, 1990 and 2013."

3" Based on the table above, which is accurate?

ofthe following statements
A. The United States emitted 4,989 million metric tons of oil in 1990.
B. Canada was responsible for 48% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions in l-990.
C. 77% ol Mexico's carbon dioxide emissions in 1990 came f rom oil.
D, Japan emitted 1,054 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2,000.

The graph below shows the percent of microbusiness owners who reported dipping into their
savings over a one-year period.

Ml{robuilDess Ownors lrhs Hnd io 'rnil, intp ple{{qnal s{v}l]tr s" t r Makq fndr lvloet

Attt

{h

,b
yno ' " : ''
T8
" "1"'
i

:
. '.. ,' , ,j .,,.
3B
,Jt n ioln ScDt 2.f)'14 Dsl:r0I4

.M.oirth

Source: Adapted from RYan, Ben, "U.S. Microbusiness Owners Finish 2014 Feeling Strong,"
Gallup.

i
.1
l,',-: ,l
I
I
,r(L I
 Which choice offers the most accurate interpretation of the graph?
A. More microbusiness owners had to dip into their savings in April 2014 than in June 2014.
B, From the period of December 2013 to Decemb er z0!4, the percent of microbusiness
business owners who had to dip into their savings decreased each month.
C. June 2014 was the month in which the largest number of microbusiness owners had to dip
into their savings.
D. A smaller percent of microbusiness owners had to dip into their savings in December 2014
than in November of 2014.
c Which choice offers the most accurate interpretation of the graph?
A. The portion of microbusiness owners who had to dip into their savings decreased by
almost L0% in a year.
B' The portion of microbusiness owners who had to dip into their savings nearly doubled
from March 2074 to June ZOI4.
C. The portion of microbusiness owners who had to dip into their savings halved from
September 2014 to Decemb er 2014.
D. The portion of microbusiness owners who dipped into their savings increased by
more
than !O% from March 2Ol4 to June 2014.

The pie chart below shows the percentage of the costs of workplace injuries
that different
parties pav.

Percent of Cost of Workplace lnjuries paid By

Different Parties
State and Local

Worker's
Compensation
lnsurance 21%

source: Department of Labor. Michaels, David "lnsult to lnjury: ls lncome

lnequality Tied To
Worker Safety?"
 According to the chart above,
A. thepercentageofworkplaceinjurycostsincurredbyworkershasincreasedby50%.
B. 50% ofthe costs associated with workplace injuries are paid by workers "out of pocket."
C. the federal government pays the largest percentage ofthe costs associated with workplace
inju ries.
D. about half of all workers will be injured on the job.

The graph below presents data about health approaches used by adults in the United States
in

2007.

Comn:ron Cornpletnentary, l.lealth Apprr:acheg Among Adults" 2007

.g
s
g
I6
E
3
{
6

b
at.

Adults
source: Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin RL, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among
and children: united states, 2007. center for Disease control National Health statistics Report #12,

2008.

ln2OOT,the percentage of U.S. adults who practiced meditation r,vaSlightlV more than
half
7.
the percentage of people who used natural products. which ofthe following is the best
interpretation of the graPh?
A. NO CHANGE
B. was about 9% greater than the percentage of people who received massages'
C. was more than double the percentage of people who practiced yoga'
in 2006.
D. was about 9% greater than the percentage of people who practiced meditation
S.Thepercentofadu|tspracticingdeepbreathinggrewatarateof12.l%from2006to200Z
Which of the following is the best interpretation of the graph?
A. NO CHANGE
B. About 12.1% of adults in the United States practiced deep breathing in 2007'
C. About !2.7% of all people in the world practiced deep breathing in 2OO7 '
D. The percent of people practicing deep breathing decreased by fz'L% in 2OO7 '
The graph below contains data about sulfur dioxide levels in the United states
from l-980 to
20L3.
 sullur Dioxlde Air Quality at 47 Sites (Average ggth percentlls Dally lvlaximum 1.H0ur Average)

c
3

fl

.a
p
E
g

3
1996

Year

source: "National Trends in sulfur Dioxide Levels," Environmental protection Agency.

The national standard for sulfur dioxide is the minimum acceptable 99th percentile
of 1-hour
daily maximum concentrations averaged over 3 years. This value is set at
75 parts per billion.
9. Based on the graph and text, the average concentration of sulfur dioxide from 19g5 to 1995
was greater than 1S0 parts per billiorr.
A, NO CHANGE
B. met the nationalstandard.
C. decreased steadily throughout the decade.
D. was above the minimum acceptable level.
10. ln comparison to the period from 1995 to 2000, the period of 2005 to
2010 saw a greater
reduction in the concentration of sulfur dioxide (in terms of .rur.g" 99* p"r*ntilu
d-uily
maximum L-hou r averages).
A. NO CHANGE
B. the period of 1980 to 1995 saw a smaller reduction in the concentration of sulfur dioxide.
C. the period of L985 to 1990 had lower levels ofsulfur dioxide on average.
D. the period of 2010 to 2013 had greater levels ofsulfur dioxide on ,r"ogu.
 Lesson 25: Concision

The SAT rewards clear and concise writing. when choosing the best form of a sentence,
avoid
choices that use more words than are necessary to convey the sentence,s meaning. Although
some wordy sentences are grammatically correct, they are not always stylistically sound,

1) Avoid sentences that use awkward and unnecessary verbs (especially,,ing,,verbs).

. Wordy: Being that she is a skilled athlete, she easily won the race.
. Concise: A skilled athlete, she easily won the race.

' wordy: By its informing of the public, the newspaper serves an important function.
' concise: Because it informs the public, the newspaper serves an important function.

2) Avoid sentences that use unnecessary and wordy phrases.

' wordy: Because she has a mountain of homework is the reason she cannot go to the
Party.
. Concise: Because she has a lot of homework, she cannot go to the party.

. Wordy: Many packs of wolves temporarily scatter when they are hunting, and since
such is the case, they howl to reunite.
' concise: Many packs of wolves temporarily scatter when they are hunting, and they
howl to reu n ite.

3) Avoid sentences that use the passive voice when the active voice would be a stronger
choice.
. Wordy: The jeans cannot be afforded by her.
. Concise: She cannot afford the jeans.

4) Avoid sentences that include information that is obvious, vague, or irrelevant.

' wordy: Jarrett placed the letter in the mailbox outside the post office to be mailed,
. Concise:Jarrett placed the letter in the mailbox outside the post office.

A letter placed in the mailbox is obviously being mailed.

. Wordy: After a long day of work, Ryder exercised for some duration of time.
. Concise: After a long day ofwork, Ryder exercised.

It is obvious that if Ryder exercised, it was for a certain amount of time. This vague information
adds nothing of value to the sentence.

ttL
 present'
Redundancy errors occur when repetitive words or phrases are

1) Avoid unnecessarily repeated words.

. Redundant: A person must have a pen, pencil, and the person's notebook'
. Concise: A person must have a pen, pencil, and notebook'

There is no need to repeat the word "person."

. Redundant: Financial advisors have many responsibilities: they meet with clients
to
and they help
discuss their financial goals, educate clients about their investment options,
them plan for retirement.
. Concise: Financial advisors have many responsibilities: they meet with clients
to discuss
plan for
their financial goals, educate them about their investment options, and help them
retirement.

There is no need for the word "they," as the subject is clearly "financial advisors'" ln a
series,

using verb phrases is acceptable (there is no need to restate the subject)'

would
2) Avoid using words that have the same meaning as each other when using one word
s uffice.

. Redundant: At the beach, Rebecca and Tory talked and chatted about their weekend.
. Concise: At the beach, Rebecca and Tory talked about their weekend'

Since "talked" and "chatted" mean the same thing, both words are not needed'

. Redundant: I protested the unfair injustice.

. Concise: I protested the injustice.

By definition, an "injustice" is something that is "unfair'"

. Redundant: Every year, my family goes on an annual vacation'

. Concise: Every year, my family goes on vacation.

Something that is "annual" happens "every year."

. Redundant: Because the author values economy of expression is the reason his book is
short.
. concise: Because the author values economy of expression, his book is short.

"Because" and "is the reason" mean the same thing.

 Fungi serve as foodfor organisms and are vitalfor plant growth. Fungi are also important
because they return vital nutrients to the ecosystem.
A. NO CHANGE
B, also important because of it being the case that
C. also additionally important in addition because
D, furthermore more additionally important since
The detectives revised their theory about the crime because new evidence exonerated the
suspect they had in custody.
A. NO CHANGE
B. owing to the knowledge that
C. consequently as a result of
D. in an understandable maneuver due to the fact that
The new invention mav or mav not win the competition.
A. NO CHANGE
B" might
C. could pote ntia lly
D. maybe possibly will
4. ln a sea filled with many coral reefs that having been found there, the scuba divers were
dazzled by the diversity of aquatic life.
A. NO CHANGE
B. reefs that were located there,
C. reefs in the water,
D. reefs,
\ The poet's profound ideas changed the way people conceptualized agricultural life.
A. NO CHANGE
B.points made through the use of her writings
C. thoughts crystallized through the medium of her works
D. convictions that took the form of words written on paper
6. During our meeting in my office of sonre distance from the bus stop, we worked out the
terms of the contract.
A. NO CHANGE
B. office that is close to the bus stop,
C. office that is far away from the bus stop,
D. office,
7. lgave the cashier money for the food.
A. NO CHANGE
B. food that lwanted to buy.
C. consumable goods that I wanted to ingest.
D. edible items that I eat.

nl
g. lt is important to have the courageous braverv to stand up to acts of injustice.
A. NO CHANGE
B. courage
C. bold braverY
D. plucky fea rlessness
9. The teacher assigned the students an
A. NO CHANGE
B. essay that needed to be completed.
C. essay that needed writing.
D. essay.
10. My father works as a chef who cooks at an ltalian restaurant'
A. NO CHANGE
B. a chef who prepares food at an ltalian restaurant'
C. a chef at an ltalian restaurant.
D. a chef who makes meals at an ltalian restaurant'
11. Because of the employee's misconduct, he was fired, even terminated'
A. NO CHANGE
B. fired, terminated, and removed.
C. f ired.
D. fired and asked to leave.
L2. ln the beginning, the camper was initiallv concerned about hiking along
the trail, but his
worries quickly subsided once he saw the beautiful scenery'
A. NO CHANGE
B. at first concerned
C. concerned to start with
D. ncerned
co
L3. Most textbooks include indexes so that people can tocate information on specific topics
of
interest they are looking for in the books.
A. NO CHANGE
B. of interest in the books'
C. of interest in the textbooks.
D. DELETE the underlined portion and end the sentence with a period'
14. Some scholars believe that violent video games are harmfulto the development
of
child ren's minds.
A. NO CHANGE
B.
harmful dangers
C. d isastrous harms
D. harmful and dangerous
15. The athlete was famouslV renowned for maintaining her composure in stressful situations.
A. NO CHANGE
B. prestigiouslyacclaimed
c. famous
D. DELETE the underllned Potion.
l-6, For over two centuries and two hundred years, the building has been a prominent
tourist
attraction.
A. NO CHANGE
B. two centuries, and over two hundred years,
C, two centuries, which is about two hundred years,
D. two centu ries,
17. The results of the experiment indicate, and even show, that people behave differently in the
workplace when they know they are being observed by an outside party.
A. NO CHANGE
B. demonstrate and show
C. show
D. show and are an indication
18' security was stationed at the mall during the chaotic disorder of holiday shopping.
A. NO CHANGE
B" crazy chaos
C. disordered frenzy
D. chaos
19. Recently there has been a growing demand for organic foods latelv: foods grown without
the use of synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
A. NO CHANGE
B. organ ic foods:
C. organic foods of late:
D" organ ic foods now:
20. The child read a book alone itisolation in a treehouse.
A. NO CHANGE
B. alone
C. alone in a lonely manner
D. by herself while isolated
21. The yogurt was made with artificialflavors that are not natural.
A. NO CHANGE
B. being unnatural,
C, and they are unnatural.
D. DELETE the underlined portion and end the sentence with a period.
22.ln7870, william Lyman invented the rotatingwheel can opener. years later, a newversion
of the can opener, which he invented, that contained serrated edges was developed.
A. NO CHANGE
B. the can opener, which Lyman invented,
C. the can opener, the invention in question,
D. the can opener

ttt
23. The guests on the talk show included entertainers, politicians, activists, and ordinary
people
with inspiring stories to top it off.
A. NO CHANGE
B. to round it out.
C. in addition to the aforementioned more famous people who have already been listed'
D. DELETE the underlined portion and end the sentence with a period,
24. If your application to the school is not accepted, be sure to gain additional experience and
re-apply again next Year.
A. NO CHANGE
B. send in another application by repeating the process
C. re-apply
D. repeat what you did and apply once again
25. Speaking in a manner dashed with realism, you will not be able to learn the entire
curriculum in one night of studying.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Speaking in a way that many would characterize as realistic,
C. Speaking in realistic manner, quite honestly,
D. Rea listically spea king,
26. Plum pudding is a dish that is traditionallv served at Chrlstmas dinner in Britain.
A. NO CHANGE
B. served in a traditional manner
C. served in a traditional Christmas setting
D. traditionally and thus not rarely served
27.fhere have been annual increases in the firm's profits each vear.
A. NO CHANGE
B. every year
C. per year
D. DELETE the underlined portion and end the sentence with a period.
28. As the party planner, Allie called the caterers, ordered the flowers, and she delivered the
invitations.
A. NO CHANGE
B. she delivered
C. and delivered
D. and she also delivered
29. Many people are currently waiting for the latest news about the shocking scandal now.
A. NO CHANGE
B" at the moment.
C, presently.
D. DELETE the underlined portion and end the sentence with a period.
Lesson 26r Precision

to ensure
clear writing must be both concise and precise, or specific. Read sentences carefully
that the correct word is used in context.

When approaching precisio n questions

1) determine what the word in context SHOULD mean'
zi identify the answer choice whose meaning most closely corresponds with that
definition.

Sample Question: Because lwas enjoying my vacation, I decided to expand my trip by an extra
two days.
A. NO CHANGE
B. extend
C. ela borate
D. amplify

B is correct.While all of these words are in the family of words meaning to "increase," only
,,extend,,, whlch means "lengthen," makes sense in context. The speaker wants to make his trip

longer.
. ,,Amplify,, means to increase the stren8th or amount of (e.g., "The sound is amplified").
. ,,Expand,, means to increase in size (e.g., "The small business owner hopes to expand her
business by opening up a second store").
. ,.Elaborate,, means to provide more details about something (e.g., "The writer elaborated

on her reasons for opposing the governor's proposal")'

You might be asked to choose that sentence helps a writer convey a specific
effect'

With great enthusiasm, the scientist handled the specimens'

Surnpt. qr.itlon: Suppose the writer wants to emphasize the cautiousness
of the scientist'
Which choice would best accomplish this goal?
A, NO CHANGE
B, ln haste,
C. With great care,
D. Effortlessly,

"Cautious" means careful. C works best.

tt1
 Some precision questions test your ability to recognize sentences that provide the most specific
and releva nt information.

The book contains information about how to complete certain tasks.

sample Question: Suppose the writer wants to inform the reader about what one can learn
from the book. Which of the following provides the most specific information to accomplish this
goa l?
A. NO CHANGE
B. The book contains factsrelevant to nature.
C. The book contains useful material.
D. The book explains how to identify different species of flowers.

Choice D is most specific. Choices A and C give the reader no indication of the topic of the book.
Choice B is better than A and C in that it at least specifies that the book deals with the broad
topic of "nature." choice D indicates the specific information contained in the book: how to
identify flowers.

1. Because the music was too loud, I had to compress the volume.
A, NO CHANGE
B. contract
C. reduce
D. sh rin k
2. The lawyer commanded his assistant to acquire the documents that he needed to perform
resea rch.
A. NO CHANGE
B. enquire
C. retire
D. inq uire
Because dogs have a sense of smellthat is much more acute than that of humans, they are
often used in search and rescue missions.
A. NO CHANGE
B. sly
C. severe
D. vibra nt
4, The contest between jam and jelly is that jam is made from crushed fruit and jelly is made
from the ju ice of fruit.
A. NO CHANGE
B, difference
C. tra nsformatio n
D. sepa ration
 in working with her on her new project, ln fact,
I
5. ltold my colleague that I had no interest
found her repeated requests extremely imperialistic.
A. NO CHANGE
B. intrusive,
C. intriguing.
D. instructive.
6. ln light of the recent crime wave, tensions 9xte.!de!L between members of the community'
A, NO CHANGE
B. exo nerated
C. heightened
D. elongated
7. The editor asked the author to exterminate repetitive excerpts from the book.
A. NO CHANGE
B, delete
C. obliterate
D. destroy
8. An apparentlv simple task such as selecting a college major can actually be quite
overwhelming.
A. NO CHANGE
B. A visibly
C. A visua lly
D. A f ully
9. I generated my journey across the state in five days.
A. NO CHANGE
B. completed
C. attained
D. reached
10. The summary of the debate dazzled the important differences between the two candidates,
A. NO CHANGE
B. emitted
C. illuminated
D. rad iated
from
1L. when creating the Declaration of lndependence, Thomas Jefferson integrated ideas
va rious sources.
A. NO CHANGE
B.
ingratiated
C.
pasted
D.
enlarged
12. Writers must constantly read and write in order to culminate their talent.
A. NO CHANGE
B. cultivate
C. pollinate
D. stretch

l)n
The male musicians were required to dress in accordance with specific standards.
13. Which of the following provides the most specific information about the dress code?
A. NO CHANGE
B. wear tuxedos and black bow ties,
C. wear certain cloth ing.
D. dress in appropriate attire.

The article contained important advice for business owners.

14. Which of the following provides the most specif ic information about the content of the
article?
A. NO CHANGE
B. included a lot of important facts.
C. advised businesses on the optimal times to post on social media.
D. is integral to the success of business owners.

Fairytales teach less.ons about manv impor .

15. Which choice provides the most specific information about lessons fairy tales teach?
A, NO CHANGE
B. deal with life lessons that are relevant in modern times.
C. discuss important educational matters,
D. teach us the concept ofjustice: the wicked are punished for their misdeeds"

DNA fingerprinting is a technique that is used to identify genetic markers unique to individual
people. This technique is important in advancing scientific knowledge.
16, Which of the following provides the most specific information about how DNA
fingerprinting is used ?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Scientists analyze markers of people with certain diseases in an effort to find cures.
C, The genetic markers have applicatlons in diverse fields.
D. This technique is a complex process that entails severalsteps.

A new study suggests that artificialsweeteners have d a nCefof$lfe!!9,

17. Which of the following provides the most specific information about the effects of artiflcial a

sweete ne rs?
A. NO CHANGE
B. are more harmful than once thought.
C. contribute to ailments such as diabetes,
D. have fewer calories than pure sugar.
 on an unrelated
The invention of the microwave was largely serendipitous, while working
project, percy Spencer noticed that chocolate in his pocket melted when he walked in front of a
vacuum tube generating microwaves.
18. Suppose the writer wants to convey that the invention of the microwave was a positive
development that was largely due to chance. Which of the following would best accomplish
this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. a nticipated.
C. inevita ble.
D. u nfortu nate.

. With confidence, many settlers crossed the dangerous rivers present along the Oregon Trail.
1-9. Suppose the writer wants to convey the nervousness that the settlers experienced. Which
of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Speedily,
C. With apprehension,
D. Willingly,

The speaker wrote her speech in a hurry.

20. Suppose the writer wants to convey the impact that the speaker had on her listeners. Which
of the following would best accomplish this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. delivered an impassioned performance.
C. inspired the audience to make changes in their personal lives.
D. carefully chose her words.

t>l
 The author's tone is the author's overall attitude towards the subject
and the audience. A piece
of academic writing will generally use an objective tone. Narrative pieces (descriptive pieces,
such as stories) will often use a more subjective tone.
. Subjective: Roller coasters are fun! I love theml
' objective; Many people find the experience of riding a roller coaster thrilling.

subjective Tone Objectiye Tone

. JudgmentaI t.ngriguif,ut rorurt, tt . lmpartial and impersonal language
writer's opinions. Opinions expressed" that does not show judgment, Any
are based on emotions, intuition, and opinlons that are presented (if any) are
prejudices. Personal pronouns (1, you, in the form of arguments supported by
we) are often used. evidence, facts, or data. Personal
. Example: "l think that it is a good pronouns are often avoided,
technique." . Example: "The available evidence
suggests that it is an effective
technique,"
. Often uses extreme, passionate, and Avoids using emotional language.
emotional language that appeals to Example: "Many people found his
the emotions of readers. speech d istastefu L"
. Example: "l was disgusted by his tl
speech."
j
.1

4
n
,.:1

Style is the unique way in which an author writes for a specific purpose. j
:i
Academic pieces will typically use a formal style while narrative pieces will sometimes ,j
use an
informal, or conversational, style. However, narrative pieces can be formal as well. :J

I
lt
Formal Style lnformal Style 5
. Uses soph isticated language. . Uses casual language. B
. Example: "He is a fine young man.,, . Example: "He is a cool kid." ,I
o Often uses a polite and serious tone, Often uses an emotional tone.
ta
. Example: "That is a considerate Example: "That is so sweet!"
-3
{
gestu re."
]t
it
within and between sentences, you should maintain ifl
a consistent style and tone.
' lnconsistent style: The restaurant offers customers a true fine dining experience. lts ,fl
gourmet cuisine, serene ambiance, and its location along the water account for its fl
popularity. Most importantly, the food is yummy, and I love it so much! .,1

$
The author shifts from a formal style to an informal one. r$

fl
l>>.1
 . fine dining experience' lts
lnconsistent Tone: The restaurant offers customers a true
account for its
gourmet cuisine, serene ambiance, and its location along the water
popularity. Most importantly, the food is awful!

The author shifts from a complimentary tone to a critical one'

. true fine dining experience lts

consistent Tone/Style: The restaurant offers customers a
account for its
gourmet cuisine, serene ambiance, and its location along the water
popularity. Most importantly, the food is excellent!

Whileyoushouldavoidlanguagethatistoocasualinformalpieces'youshouldalso.avoid
For example"'food" is preferable to
language that is too snobbish, complex, or technical'
"consumable materials"and "directions" is preferable
to"tangible directives'"

.Formal/Accessible:Theconsultantspreparedareportdetailingtheirfindings.

reader understands'
"Report" is an appropriate word that the average educated

. lnaccessible/Techn ica l: The consultants prepared a

physical deliverable.

This term should not be used in

This is a technicalterm used by those in the consulting industry.
a piece for a general audience unless it is clearly defined'

. Very Formal: The consultants prepared a tangible narrative'

"Tangible narrative" is overly formal, almost snobbish'

. lnformal: The consultants wrote some things down'

The sentence uses language that is too casuat for a formal

piece of writing'

' Forma l/Accessible: The theory is credible'

. Very Formal: The theory is not to be brought into disrepute'
. lnformal: The theory is pretty believable'

Animportantpoint:Theremightbeoccasionswhentheveryformalorveryinformalchoiceis
.o..u.i. p"y attention to the siyle the author uses throughout the passage. Passages in the first
person or second person (passages that use pronouns such as "1" and "you") are
more likelv
than academic pieces to be somewhat informal'
 when asked to maintain a pattern of words, pay attention to the structure of each
sentence.
Especially pay attention to the forms verbs take.

' lnconsistent: A movie theater is built to entertain audiences. A mall is constructed to

promote commerce. The opening of the waterpark attracts tourists.
' consistent: A movie theater is built to entertain audiences. A mall is constructed to
promote commerce. A waterpark is opened to attract tourists,

The "is+ participle + 1e a ysrS +nou n,, construction is needed to maintain the pattern.

' lnconsistent: lt will be challenging. lt will be demanding. Rewarding is another feature

it
will have.
' consistent: rt will be chalenging. rt wiI be demanding. It wiI be rewarding.

The "it will be + adjective" constructron dramatically emphasizes the qualities

of ,,it.,,

Drill best

For 1-18, choose the underlined portion that maintains a formal, accessible
style and an
objective tone.

e bov acce
A. NO CHANGE
B. The boy gratefully accepted the gift.
C, The boy gladly took any gift he could get.
D. The gift was a huge deal to the boy.
The scientists studied the relationship between the quality of one,s social
life and personal
well-being. They found that fee!.1q1lqq!411le4!Uon is an important component of a
perso n's h a ppiness.
A, NO CHANGE
B, contin uous human interfacing
C, hanging out with people a lot
D. perpetua I interpersonal engagement
5. Some employees couldn't care less about many workplace rures, berieving them to
be
pointless and u nenforceable.
A. NO CHANGE
B. have exercised their volition not to agree to the terms of
C. blow off
D, d isrega rd

IL,
 People complaine which in no waY resembled music.

B. scoffed mightily at the cacophonous hullabaloo,

C. dissed the bad sound,
o.
whined about the awful racket,
5. Spending excessive time thinking about painful events is not
healthy, Some psychologists
doing something
recommend that people avoid negative thoughts by blowing off steam
different.
A. NO CHANGE
B. distracting themselves with other activities'
C. keeping busY with other stuff.
D. quitting their whining and moving on with their lives'
peace in the large
6. The undercover officers engaged in super-secret spv work to keep the
city.
A, NO CHANGE
B. secret work that helped protect the people
C. hush-hush actions that made people safe
D. underground operations to catch the bad guys
7. I was disappointed in the article, as it was plain wrong about some things'
A. NO CHANGE
B. was fraught with egregious canards.
C. conta ined manY inaccuracies.
D. had disgusting, bold-faced lies.

pcaplc-bsrc-lterqle.
A. NO CHANGE
B.HolyRomanEmperorCharlemagnehasbeencommendedforhisenthusiastic
promotion of lite racY,
c. I believe that Charlemagne was a great Holy Roman Emperor because he promoted
literacy, which is a cause I hold dear.
D. Charlemagne was a nice Holy Roman Emperor because he pushed for people to read
good.

inva ria nt.

A, NO CHANGE
B. Albert Einstein developed the theory of relativity, which states that the speed of light in
a vacuu m is invariant.
c. Albert Einstein's theory of relativity is totatly amazing! He found that the speed of light
is the same in a vacuum.
D. Einstein is the one who made the theory of relativity. lt talks about how the speed of
light in a vacuum is invariant.
 10, The lndustrial Revolution saw rapid technological advancements that arguably benefited
society,

A, NO CHANGE
B. but some evil factory owners hurt innocent workers.
C. but some factory owners subjected workers to conditions that would be considered
cruel and unsafe by today's standards.
D. but I am absolutely appaIed by the dangerous conditions that cruer factory owners
imposed upon workers who were just trying to make a Iiving.
11.
proposalthat easv. He did not have sufficient data to support
his claims.
A, NO CHANGE
B. lt was laughableand outrageous that the company man would think that the committee
would accept his proposal so easilyl
C. The employee overestimated how readiry the committee wourd accept his proposar.
u ,e errproyee
D. The employee mrsJuoged
misjudged the committee accepting the proposaljust like that,
that.
12' Public relations professionals communicate with the public on behali of organizations. you

A. NO CHANGE
B' lf you want to work in this fierd and don't have a coflege degree, good luck finding an
employer who will hire you I
C. Employers in this field generally hire candidates with college degrees.
D, Bosses in this field like to see job candidates who pushed themserves and graduated
college.
13. During The Glorious Revolution in Britain in 1688, James ll was deposed
and the parliament
crowned William lll and Mary ll as rulers, Th teled ia Jjll,Af
rnev stgned tsi of ljghts
Rights that imposed limits on
lielrpervgrs.
A. NO CHANGE
B. The new rulers made a really nice decision to sign the Bill of Rights that took away many
of th eir powers.
c' They foolishly gave away many of their powers when they signed the Bill of Rights,
D. They put their signatures on papers that blew away many oftheir powers.
74' The Sound and The Fury by william Faulkner employs a variety of narrative styles. Even
the

A. NO CHANGE
B. while most people agree that the novel is a literary masterpiece, the shifts in style and
structure are difficult for many people to follow.
c. Even though the novel is a stroke ofgenius, lthink it is too hard to be worth reading.
D. Though some praise the novel, it is way too hard.

tLl
 A, NO CHANGE
by actually
B.but now sociologists are finally doing something useful with their knowledge
applying their expertise in many fields'
c. but now manyfields are being helped a lot by practical sociologists who applytheir
exPertise.
the
D. but thank goodness, sociologists are putting their knowledge to use and solving
problems that matter most to you and me'
begin to form, but they
16. When water in a pot is heated, its temperature rises. Bubbles
pan' When the water reaches
disappear when they reach the cooler water at the top of the
pot'
its boiling point, evaporation occurs rapidly throughout the
A. NO CHANGE
watch'
B. hot steam leaves the pot in a way that is beyond comprehension to
C. the temperature soars super high'
D. there are so many bubbles: it's unbelievable'
t7.
celebrates living simplv and reflecting on the beautv of nature'
A. NO CHANGE
B. Henry David Thoreau recounted his experience living
independently in Wolden' a book
that ihows how awesome it is to live simply and reflect on how pretty nature is.
Henry David Thoreau recounted his experience living independently in
walden, a book
that celebrates living simply and reflecting on the beauty of nature"
D, Henry David Thoreau blabbed about his experience
living off the grid in wolden, a book
that celebrates simple living and the gorgeousness of nature'
1g. The best violin is definitelv the stradivarius because its sound is beautiful.
A. NO CHANGE
B. The Stradivarius is a violin that is widely acclaimed for its beautiful sound.
C. Forwhat it,s worth, I personally love the sound that the stradivarius produces.
D, The Stradivarius has the nicest sound of all the violins'

The sun rises in the sky. The birds chirp in the trees. The shore was splashed bv
waves.
19. Which choice best maintains the sentence pattern already established?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Splashes are waving on the shore.
C. Waves splash on the shore.
D, Waves splashed on the shore.
 An energy efficiency program is instituted to protect the environrnent;
Ajobs training programs
is establishedto serve unemployed populations, An emergencv preparedness program is
coordinated to counter public health threats.
20. Which choice best maintains the sentence pattern already established?
A, NO CHANGE
B. Emergency preparedness programs counter public health threats.
C. Public health threats are combatted by an emergency preparedness program.
D. Coordination between the efforts of an emergency preparedness program and its
countering of public health threats happens.

while the claims of the scientist counter conventional wisdom, I nonetheless found them
unconvincing.
21' The writer wants to suggest that the claims were genuinely interesting without
being critical
or mean-spirited. Which of the following best accomplishes this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. fascinating.
C. controversia l.
D, indisputa b le.

At first the board meeting was very calm and orderly. However, once discussions of
the budget
began, the mood in the room shifted. The tension was parpabre among parents
who were
concerned that resources were being wasted.
22. The writer wants to create a dark tone that is consistent with the rest of
sentence. Which of
the following best accomplishes this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. sentiments were jovial
C. mood was lighthea rted
D. opinions were known

I have always been an extremery uncoordinated person, as evidenced by my abhorrent

performance at the dance: I repeatedly stepped on my partner,s toes.
23. The writer wantsto use an adjective that creates a tone of sarcasm and playful self-
deprecation. Which of the following best accomplishes this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. popular
C. ominous
D. gracefu I

l)4
 as a much-needed reform while others
The law was extremely pragmatic: many people hailed it
lamented that it was an example of government over-stepping
its bounds'
24. Which ad.iective is consistent with the tone in the remainder of the sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B, abysmal:
C. pola rizing:
D. tech nical:

lf the lecturer didn,t spend time addressing rousing matters, we might have
actually learned
something usefu l.
25. Which adjective is consistent with the tone of the sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. terrifying
C. f rivolous
D. austere
at a popular
I donot senerallv listen to classical music, but when I won free tickets to a concert
music ha'il, I decided to embrace the opportunity, and I am grateful for making this decision'
!!
concert would be fantastic. Sure
[[ When i entered the ggrcert hall, I suspected that thewere confirmed'
*-"rgfr, tf" music was tangible and my suspicions
$
paragraph?
26. Which of the following is most consistent with the tone of
A. NO CHANGE
B. make a regrettabledecision,
C. start a Predictable journeY,
D. bite a moral bullet,
27. Which of the following best conveys a tone of approval?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Upon my a rriva l,
C. After entering the elegant venue,
D. Though I had mY doubts,
23.Whichofthefollowingadjectivesisconsistentwiththetoneofparagraph?
A. NO CHANGE
B. audible
C. convoluted
D. sublime
At my old company, the culture was extremely hierarchical: there was a clear divide between
the people working in upper management and the lower-rever employees. Managers would
frequently !p . Not
surprisingly, morale was low among workers.
At my new firm, the culture is much different. Everybody is treated as a valued member of
the
,i?Lv, coworkers and l![ collaborate and consider each other's suggestions. The result of
this El! competitive atmosphere is a better product for the client.

29. which of the following is consistent with the style and tone of the paragraph?
A. NO CHANGE
B. value their employees, input.
C. voice their viewpoints.
D. give employees unreasonable orders.
30. Which of the following is consistent with the tone of the paragraph?
A. NO CHANGE
B, compete
C. compensate
D. consecrate
31. Which of the following is consistent with the style and tone of the paragraph?
A, NO CHANGE
B, confrontationa I milieu
C. collegial environment
D. fun place
Lesson 2B: Syntax

Grammarisasetofrulesforhowsentencesshouldbewrittenandpunctuated.Syntaxishow
sentencesareconstructedtocreateadesiredeffect'Notethatsentencescanbecombinedina
clear and
Sentences should be
way that is grammatically correct but stylistically inappropriate'
logical.
. Bad Syntax: The commitment is to eliminate corruption;
the government agency ls
spending, cut red tape, and
taking measures to increase transparency in government
internal conventions will be established'
.GoodSyntax:Thegovernmentagency,whichiscommittedtoeliminatingcorruption,is
spending, cut red tape, and
taking measures to increase transparency in government
esta blish intern a I conventions'
ThefirstSentenceismostlygrammaticallycorrect,butitisnoteffective'ltisunclearfromthe
is the subject' The improved sentence
beginnlnC ofthe sentence that the government agency
corrects this issue. Also, there is a p'arallelism error in
the list (,,internal conventions will
be
issue ("establish interval
established" is passive). The second sentence corrects this
conventions" corrects the error).

good syntax'
There are various ways to combine sentences using

Coordinating Coniunctions

Compound sentences are sentences that contain two

independent clauses' lf two sentences
haveaclearrelationship(e,g..contrast,causeandeffect)'considercombiningthembyadding
the appropriate coordinating conju nction '
'Example:lplannedonvisitingYellowstoneNationalPark'lhadtocancelduetoanother
commitment.
. Park' but I had to cancel
Potential Revision: I planned on visiting Yellowstone National
due to a nother commitment'

Combining the sentences serves to highlight the contrast

relationship between the two
from keeping the sentences separate'
sentences-and eliminate the choppiness that results

Whenasubjectisdoingtwothingsatonce,considercombiningthesentencestocreateasingle
sentence with more than one obiect'
' Example: lenjoy singing l also enjoy running
. Potential Revision: I enjoy singing and running'

Combining the two sentences highlights the addition

relationship and eliminates the
choppiness that results from keeping the sentences
separate'

rL7
 Complex Sentences with Subordinating qqpjunctions

A complex sentence contains a dependent clause.

. Example: My senior thesis required me to do a lot of research. I started working on it
months in adva n ce.
. Potential Revision: Because my senior thesis required me to do a lot of research, I
started working on it months in advance.

Creating a complex sentence that makes the first sentence a dependent clause emphasizes the
cause and effect relationship.

Relative Clauseg

A nonessential relative clause can be added at the end of a sentence when the last the noun of
the first sentence is described by the second sentence. A relative clause begins with a relative
pronoun (who, which, whom) or adverb (where, when, why).
' Example: I have a video camera. I used it to create a documentary about homelessness
in my neighborhood.
' Potential Revision: I have a video camera, which I used to create a documentary about
homelessness in my nelghborhood.

The relative clause eliminates the choppiness associated with two separate sentences.

Paglcipial Phrases

ls something being described or explained? Consider addlng a participial phrase.

. Example: Redmond hoped to improve his tennis skills. He started taking lessons.
' Possible Revision: Hoping to improve his tennis skills, Redmond started taking lessons.
' Possible Revision: Redmond started taking tennis lessons, hoping to improve his skills.

The second sentence describes the first and can be converted into a participial phrase.

Prepasiqatalltrcleg
. Example: I will start a new career. The career is in my field of interest.
. Possible Revision: I willstart a new career in my field of interest

The ideas in the two originalsentences are conveyed more precisely when linked by the
preposition "in."

. Example: The students in the advanced class studied a minimum of one hour a day, The
most ambitious students studied for more than four hours each day"
 . Possible Revision: The students in the advanced class studied
a minimum of one hour a

day, with the most ambitious students studying more than four
hours each day'

The prepositional phrase links the ideas effectively and emphasizes the extent
to which the
ambitious students stud ied,

Appositives

An appositive renames a noun. Recall that appositives often appear at the end
or middle of
sentences.
.Example: We watched the performance of the merengue. lt is a Dominican style
of
dance.
. Revision: we watched the performance of the merengue, a Dominican style
of dance.

The appositive defines "merengue" and eliminates the choppiness associated

with keeping the
sentences separate.

. Example: My friend is an avid outdoorsman. He hikes every weekend'

. Revision: My friend, an avid outdoorsman, hikes every weekend'

"An avid outdoorsman" is an appositive for "my friend."

people in the
1. The politician made an offensive comment at the rally. This angered many
process.
A, ra lly, angering
B. rally, and this thus angered
C, rally, which angered
D. rally, this angered
2. Many businesses are relying more on analvtical models. These models
allow businesses to
make more strategic decisions that cut costs and increase profits'
A. analytical models; however, these models
B. a nalytica I models, theY
C. a nalytica I models, which
D, ana lytica I models, who
3. Cell walls are found in plant cells. Thev provide structure and
protection to cells'
A. Cell walls are found in plant cells, they
B. Finding them in plant cells, cell walls
C. Found in PIant cells, cell walls
D. Cell walls are found in plant cells, which

t)tr
 4. One does not need a formal musical education to become a musician. Music degree
programs can help musicians develop a stronger understanding of their craft,
A. One does not need a formal musical education to become a musician, but music
B'
one does not need a formal musical education to become a musician, and also music
c. one does not need a formal musical education to become a musician, which music
D. Because one does not need a formal musical education to become a musician, music
5. Most of the students at the college studied the social sciences. The maioritv maiored in
politica I scie nce.
A. social sciences; yet the majority majored
B. social sciences, with the majority majoring
C. social sciences, the majority majored
D. social sciences, however, the majority majored

Iq&.tum. He earned a Nobel Prize in Phvsiology or Medicine.

A. sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered the antibiotic penicillin from the fungus
Penicillium nototum, earning him a Nobel prize in physiology or Medicine.
B. Sir Alexander Fleming, he discovered the antibiotic penicillin from the fungus peniciltium
nototum, earned a Nobel Prize in physiology or Medicine.
c. Because sir Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic penicillin from the fungus
Penicillium nototum, he earned a Nobel prize in physiology or Medicine.
D. sir Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic penicillin from the fungus penicillium
notdtum, the Nobel Prize in physiology or Medicine was earned by him.

worked to change policies that were hurtfulto the colonists.

A. William Pitt the Elder opposed independence for the American colonies, thus, he
B. William Pitt the Elder opposed independence for the American colonies, who
C. William Pitt the Elder opposed independence for the American colonies, he
D. Though william Pitt the Elder opposed independence for the American colonies, he
8. The scientist wrote a book. ln the book he discussed usins genetic data to iCIpISVq lCqth
_c_{e.
A. writing a book, in the book the scientist discussed using genetic data to improve health
re.
ca
B. The scientist wrote a book about using genetic data to improve health care.
c' The scientist wrote a book, he discussed using genetic data to improve health care.
D. The scientist wrote a book, yet discussed using genetic data to improve health care.

A. Although he was fascinated by the sea, he decided to take scuba diving lessons.
B Because he was fascinated by the sea, he decided to take scuba diving lessons.
C. He was fascinated by the sea, yet he decided to take scuba diving lessons,
D, He was fascinated by the sea, therefore, he decided to take scuba diving lessons.
10. He wanted to protect the interests of workers, samuel
Gompers formed the American

fsdeEle!,silole!
R-.w*ting to protect the interests of workers, Samuel Gomers formed the American
Federation of La bor,
B. He wa nted to protect the interests of workers, sa muel Gompers having formed
the
American Federation of Labor.
c" He wanted to protect the interests of workers; and it was also the case that samuel
Gompers formed the American Federation of Labor.
D. He wanted to protect the interests of workers, Samuel Gompers forming the AmeriCan
Federation of Labor.
phase
ll. Phase shifts are invisible. TheV become visible when shown as brightness variations in
contrast microscopv.
phase shifts are invisible, however, they become visible when shown as brightness
variations in phase contrast microscopy.
B. Phase shifts being invisible, they become visible when shown as brightness variations in
-A.
phase contrast microscopy.
c. while phase shifts are invisible, they become visible when shown as brightness
variations in phase contrast microscopy.
D. Since phase shifts are invisible, becoming visible when shown as brightness variations
in phase contrast microscoPY.

matters should be decided by Congress.

A. Believing that most policy matters should be decided by congress., oliver wendell
Hotmes was a champion of judicial restraint.
B. oliver wendell Holmes being a champion of judicial restraint, and he believed that
most policy matters should be decided by Congress.
c. oliver wendell Holmes championed judicial restraint, from there, he believed that
most policy matters should be decided by Congress.
D. He believed that most policy matters should be decided by congress, then oliver
Wendell Holmes championed judicial restraint.
13. A prominent political philosopher of the Enlightenment was Montesquieu. He advocated
the separation of powers between different branches of government'
A. Montesquieu, he advocated
B. Montesquieu, Yet he advocating
C. Montesquieu, who advocated
D. Montesquieu, thus advocating
L4. Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, attended
oxford
Universitv. He began is running career there.
A. University, he beginning his running career there'
B. University, he began his running career there,
C. University, hence he began his running career.
D. Universitv, where he began his running career.

lrl
15..Jeanette Ra n kin as also the only person to
vote against American entry into both World Wars.
A. Rankin was the first female to serve in Congress, also being
B. Rankin, the first female to serve in Congress, was also
C. Rankin, who was the first female to serve in Congress, she also
D. Rankin/ as the first female to serve in Congress, having also been
16. The company received money through a convertible note. lt is a method of investing chosen
by investors wishing to delay giving startup companies a valuation.
A. convertible note,
B, convertib le note, being
C. convertible note, it is
D. co
convertible
nvertib le note; however, it
17. rmt
throughout parts of South America.
A. The lncas known for their empire throughout parts of South America, their
advancements in terrace farming,
B. They made advancements in terrace farming; the empire ofthe lncas extended
throughout parts of South America.
c. The Incas, whose empire extended throughout parts of south America, are known for
their advancements in terrace farming,
D. They are known for their advancements in terrace farming, the lncas, whose empire
extended throughout parts of South America.
18.
greenhouse gas emissions. This treatv was the Kyoto protocol.
A. There was a commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gases by various parties, it
was an international treaty that the united states signed in 1999, the Kyoto protocol.
B. The treaty that the United states signed committing to reduce greenhouse emissions
that was the Kyoto Protocol.
c. ln 1998 the United states signed the Kyoto protocol, an international treaty that
commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
D. An international treaty that commits parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the
United States signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1998.

ln addition to efforts to reduce fossilfuel consumption, and fossil fuels still remain
popular, being that they generate about 67% of the United States, electricity,
Despite efforts to reduce fossilfuel consumption, fossilfuels still remain popular,
generating approximately 67% of the electricity in the United States.
c. Generating approximately 67% of the electricity in the united states, but there have
been efforts to reduce fossilfuel consumption.
D, Fossil fuels, efforts are there to reduce their consumption; however, 67% of elecfficity
in the United States is generated by them.
 n. pr.r.*tlr.s allow foods to remain edible for longer periods of time, when applied to
foods, they prevent oxidative spoiling.
when applied to foods, preservatives prevent the oxidation process that causes food to
spoil, allowing foods to remain edible for longer periods of time'
Becoming edible for longer periods of time, preservatives, they prevent the oxidative
process that causes sPoiling.
D, Foods remain edible for longer periods of time, due to
preservatives, they prevent
oxidation that causes food to spoil.
21. lnterestingly, many emplovers recognize the importance of wellness. Manv of whom hire
a
n. lnlerestingly, the importance of wellness is recognized by many employers, who hire
experts in exercise, nutrition, and stress management to teach their employees'
B. Many employers, interestingly, realize the importance of wellness; they are hiring
experts to teach classes in exercise and nutrition, and stress management is also a topic
that they teach.
c. The importance of wellness is recognized; many employers hire experts who teach
about exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
D. Teaching exercise, nutrition, and stress management to employees, is interestingly, why
employers realize the importance of wellness, so they hire experts'
22. Sleep seems to play an important role in learnlng. Sleep-deprived people are less likely
to be
focused when learning, and sleep itself seems to play a role in helping people recall new
information that they learned when they were awake. sleep deprivation hinders the

by 75%.
a" tn -rddition to hindering the learning process, sleep deprivation threatens people's
health, increasing mortality risks by 15%.
B. Sleep deprivation has negative health effects; in addition to hampering the learning
process, it increases mortality risks by 15%.
C. increasing mortality risks by 15%, sleep deprivation hinders the learning process and
people's healthcare th reatened.
D. Sleep deprivation, which threatens peopte's health and is a hindrance to learnlng'
increases mortality risks bY 15%

tro