1. Directions

Each passage in this section is accompanied by a number of questions. For some questions, you will consider how the passage might be revised to improve the expression of ideas. For other questions, you will consider how the passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage or a question may be accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a table or graph) that you will consider as you make revising and editing decisions.

Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage. Other questions will direct you to a location in a passage or ask you to think about the passage as a whole.

A pair of brackets containing an uppercase Q and a number — for example, [Q1] — indicates that an associated question refers to that location in the passage or to the following underlined portion of the passage. The number in brackets is the number of the associated question. The bracketed element is hyperlinked to the associated question, and the question heading is hyperlinked back to the related location or portion of the passage.

There are two ways to follow a link. One is to move the flashing text cursor, or caret, into the hyperlinked text and press the Enter key; the other is to place the mouse cursor, or pointer, over the hyperlinked text and press Ctrl+leftclick (that is, press and release the left button on the mouse while holding down the Ctrl key on the keyboard).

After reading each passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions of standard written English. Many questions include a “NO CHANGE” option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is.

In questions that ask you to consider potential revisions, the list of answer choices is followed by a presentation of each revision in context. A set of revisions in context is surrounded by “Begin skippable content” and “End skippable content” labels formatted as level6 headings. If a question includes a “NO CHANGE” option, that option in the skippable content will present the relevant context of the passage in its original form with the original underlined text. For the following options, the same context will be repeated with the underlined portion replaced by each revision to be considered.

Punctuation is essential to some questions in this test, so we suggest that you either activate the punctuationreading function of your software or utilize the characterbycharacter capabilities.

Questions 1 through 11 are based on the following passage and supplementary material.

Compost: Don’t Waste This Waste

Over the past generation, people in many parts of the United States have become accustomed to dividing their household waste products into different categories for recycling. [Q1] Regardless, paper may go in one container, glass and aluminum in another, regular garbage in a third. Recently, some U S cities have added a new category: compost, organic matter such as food scraps and yard debris. Like paper or glass recycling, composting demands a certain amount of effort from the public in order to be successful. But the inconveniences of composting are far outweighed by its benefits.

Most people think of banana peels, eggshells, and dead leaves as “waste,” but compost is actually a valuable resource with multiple practical uses. When utilized as a garden fertilizer, compost provides nutrients to soil and improves plant growth while deterring or killing pests and preventing some plant diseases. It also enhances soil texture, encouraging healthy roots and minimizing or [Q2] annihilating the need for chemical fertilizers. Better than soil at holding moisture, compost minimizes water waste and storm runoff, [Q3] it increases savings on watering costs, and helps reduce erosion on embankments near bodies of water. In large [Q4] quantities, which one would expect to see when it is collected for an entire municipality), compost can be converted into a natural gas that can be used as fuel for transportation or heating and cooling systems.

In spite of all compost’s potential uses, however, most of this socalled waste is wasted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over [Q5] 13 million tons of metal ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris. Remarkably, [Q6] less glass was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper. Even [Q7] worse, then the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills [Q8] contribute to the release of methane, a very [Q9] potent greenhouse gas.

Note: The following figure supplements this passage. The passage continues after the figure.

Adapted from Food Waste Disposal. ©n.d. by Food Waste Disposal, L L C.

Begin skippable figure description.

The figure presents a bar graph titled “E P A Estimates of Municipal Solid Waste Discarded in U S Landfills in 2009.” The horizontal axis is labeled “Type of waste” and contains 10 vertical bars representing the following 10 categories, from left to right: “food waste,” “plastics,” “paper,” “metals,” “wood,” “yard waste,” “textiles,” “glass,” “other,” and “rubber and leather.” The vertical axis is labeled “Amount of waste, in millions of tons,” and the numbers 0 through 35, in increments of 5, are indicated. The approximated data represented by each of the 10 bars are as follows.

Food waste, 33 million tons.

Plastics, 28 million tons.

Paper, 26 million tons.

Metals, 14 million tons.

Wood, 14 million tons.

Yard waste, 13.5 million tons.

Textiles, 11 million tons.

Glass, 9 million tons.

Other, 7 million tons.

Rubber and leather, 6 million tons.

End skippable figure description.

[Q10] While composting can sometimes lead to accidental pollution through the release of methane gas, cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have instituted mandatory composting laws requiring individuals and businesses to use separate bins for compostable waste. This strict approach may not work everywhere. However, given the clear benefits of composting and the environmental costs of not composting, all municipalities should encourage their residents either to create their own compost piles for use in backyard gardens [Q11] or to dispose of compostable materials in bins for collection.

Question 1.

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Over the past generation, people in many parts of the United States have become accustomed to dividing their household waste products into different categories for recycling. Regardless, paper may go in one container, glass and aluminum in another, regular garbage in a third.

B. Over the past generation, people in many parts of the United States have become accustomed to dividing their household waste products into different categories for recycling. However, paper may go in one container, glass and aluminum in another, regular garbage in a third.

C. Over the past generation, people in many parts of the United States have become accustomed to dividing their household waste products into different categories for recycling. Furthermore, paper may go in one container, glass and aluminum in another, regular garbage in a third.

D. Over the past generation, people in many parts of the United States have become accustomed to dividing their household waste products into different categories for recycling. For example, paper may go in one container, glass and aluminum in another, regular garbage in a third.

End skippable content.

2. Which choice best maintains the style and tone of the passage?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. It also enhances soil texture, encouraging healthy roots and minimizing or annihilating the need for chemical fertilizers.

B. It also enhances soil texture, encouraging healthy roots and minimizing or eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.

C. It also enhances soil texture, encouraging healthy roots and minimizing or ousting the need for chemical fertilizers.

D. It also enhances soil texture, encouraging healthy roots and minimizing or closing the door on the need for chemical fertilizers.

End skippable content.

3. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Better than soil at holding moisture, compost minimizes water waste and storm runoff, it increases savings on watering costs, and helps reduce erosion on embankments near bodies of water.

B. Better than soil at holding moisture, compost minimizes water waste and storm runoff, savings increase on watering costs, and helps reduce erosion on embankments near bodies of water.

C. Better than soil at holding moisture, compost minimizes water waste and storm runoff, increases savings on watering costs, and helps reduce erosion on embankments near bodies of water.

D. Better than soil at holding moisture, compost minimizes water waste and storm runoff, also it increases savings on watering costs, and helps reduce erosion on embankments near bodies of water.

End skippable content.

4. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. In large quantities, which one would expect to see when it is collected for an entire municipality), compost can be converted into a natural gas that can be used as fuel for transportation or heating and cooling systems.

B. In large quantities (which one would expect to see when it is collected for an entire municipality), compost can be converted into a natural gas that can be used as fuel for transportation or heating and cooling systems.

C. In large quantities which one would expect to see when it is collected for an entire municipality), compost can be converted into a natural gas that can be used as fuel for transportation or heating and cooling systems.

D. In large quantities; (which one would expect to see when it is collected for an entire municipality), compost can be converted into a natural gas that can be used as fuel for transportation or heating and cooling systems.

End skippable content.

5. The writer wants to include information from the graph that is consistent with the description of compost in the passage. Which choice most effectively accomplishes this goal?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 13 million tons of metal ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris.

B. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 6 million tons of rubber and leather ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris.

C. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 10 million tons of textiles ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris.

D. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 33 million tons of food waste ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris.

End skippable content.

6. The writer wants to support the paragraph’s main idea with accurate, relevant information from the graph. Which choice most effectively accomplishes this goal?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Remarkably, less glass was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper.

B. Remarkably, more metal was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper.

C. Remarkably, more food waste was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper.

D. Remarkably, more yard waste was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper.

End skippable content.

7. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Even worse, then the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture.

B. Even worse than the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture.

C. Even worse then the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture.

D. Even worse, than the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture.

End skippable content.

8. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

B. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills are contributing to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

C. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contributes to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

D. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills have contributed to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

End skippable content.

9. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

B. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very sturdy greenhouse gas.

C. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very influential greenhouse gas.

D. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very commanding greenhouse gas.

End skippable content.

10. Which choice provides the most effective transition from the previous paragraph?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. In spite of all compost’s potential uses, however, most of this socalled waste is wasted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 13 million tons of metal ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris. Remarkably, less glass was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper. Even worse, then the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

While composting can sometimes lead to accidental pollution through the release of methane gas, cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have instituted mandatory composting laws requiring individuals and businesses to use separate bins for compostable waste.

B. In spite of all compost’s potential uses, however, most of this socalled waste is wasted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 13 million tons of metal ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris. Remarkably, less glass was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper. Even worse, then the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

Though government regulations vary, cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have instituted mandatory composting laws requiring individuals and businesses to use separate bins for compostable waste.

C. In spite of all compost’s potential uses, however, most of this socalled waste is wasted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 13 million tons of metal ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris. Remarkably, less glass was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper. Even worse, then the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

Armed with these facts, cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have instituted mandatory composting laws requiring individuals and businesses to use separate bins for compostable waste.

D. In spite of all compost’s potential uses, however, most of this socalled waste is wasted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E P A), over 13 million tons of metal ended up in U S landfills in 2009, along with over 13 million tons of yard debris. Remarkably, less glass was discarded in landfills in that year than any other substance, including plastics or paper. Even worse, then the squandering of this useful resource is the fact that compost in landfills cannot break down due to the lack of necessary air and moisture. As a result, organic material that is sent to landfills contribute to the release of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas.

Mindful of this setback, cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have instituted mandatory composting laws requiring individuals and businesses to use separate bins for compostable waste.

End skippable content.

11. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. This strict approach may not work everywhere. However, given the clear benefits of composting and the environmental costs of not composting, all municipalities should encourage their residents either to create their own compost piles for use in backyard gardens or to dispose of compostable materials in bins for collection.

B. This strict approach may not work everywhere. However, given the clear benefits of composting and the environmental costs of not composting, all municipalities should encourage their residents either to create their own compost piles for use in backyard gardens nor to dispose of compostable materials in bins for collection.

C. This strict approach may not work everywhere. However, given the clear benefits of composting and the environmental costs of not composting, all municipalities should encourage their residents either to create their own compost piles for use in backyard gardens but to dispose of compostable materials in bins for collection.

D. This strict approach may not work everywhere. However, given the clear benefits of composting and the environmental costs of not composting, all municipalities should encourage their residents either to create their own compost piles for use in backyard gardens and to dispose of compostable materials in bins for collection.

End skippable content.

12. Questions 12 through 22 are based on the following passage.

A Lion’s Share of Luck

It’s the beginning of February, and as they do every year, thousands of people line H Street, the heart of Chinatown in Washington, D C. The crowd has gathered to celebrate Lunar New Year. The street is a sea of [Q12] red. Red is the traditional Chinese color of luck and happiness. Buildings are [Q13] draped with festive, red, banners, and garlands. Lampposts are strung with crimson paper lanterns, which bob in the crisp winter breeze. The eager spectators await the highlight of the New Year parade: the lion dance.

Experts agree that the lion dance originated in the Han dynasty (206 B C E through 220 C E); however, there is little agreement about the dance’s original purpose. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; [Q14] lions are obviously very fierce. Another theory is that an emperor, upon waking from a dream about a lion, hired an artist to choreograph the dance. [Q15] The current function of the dance is celebration.

The lion dance requires the strength, grace, and coordination of two dancers, [Q16] both of whom are almost completely hidden by the elaborate bamboo and papiermâché lion costume that they maneuver. One person operates the lion’s head as the other guides the torso and tail. Many of the moves in the dance, such as jumps, rolls, and kicks, are similar to [Q17] martial arts and acrobatics. The dancers must be synchronized with the music accompanying the dance—drums, cymbals, and gongs that supply the lion’s roar—as well as with each other.

While there are many regional variations of the lion dance costume, all make extensive use of symbols and colors. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix [Q18] (a mythical bird) or a tortoise (for longevity). Green lions encourage friendliness. Golden and red lions represent liveliness and bravery, respectively. Their older counterparts, yellow and white lions, dance more slowly and deliberately. In some variations, lions of different colors are different ages, and they move accordingly. Black lions are the youngest; therefore, they dance quickly and playfully. The appearance of the lions varies, but their message is consistent: Happy New Year. [Q19]

As the parade winds its way through Chinatown, the music crescendos, and the lion dance reaches [Q20] it’s climax with the “plucking of the greens.” Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the [Q21] lion’s teeth snare the envelope. It then chews up the bills and spits out the [Q22] moneyfilled envelope instead of chewing it up. The crowd cheers for the lion dancers and for the prosperity and good fortune their dance foretells.

Question 12.

Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion?

The sentences containing the underlined portion are as follows:

The street is a sea of red. Red is the traditional Chinese color of luck and happiness.

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. The street is a sea of red, the traditional Chinese color of luck and happiness.

B. The street is a sea of red; in addition, red is the traditional Chinese color of luck and happiness.

C. The street is a sea of red; in other words, red is the traditional Chinese color of luck and happiness.

D. The street is a sea of red, the color; that is the traditional Chinese color of luck and happiness.

End skippable content.

13. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Buildings are draped with festive, red, banners, and garlands.

B. Buildings are draped, with festive red banners, and garlands.

C. Buildings are draped with festive red banners—and garlands.

D. Buildings are draped with festive red banners and garlands.

End skippable content.

14. Which choice most effectively completes the explanation of a possible origin of the lion dance?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; lions are obviously very fierce.

B. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; the evil spirit was called Nian.

C. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; villagers dressed in lion costumes to scare the spirit away.

D. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; the precise location of the village remains lost to history.

End skippable content.

15. Which choice most effectively concludes the paragraph?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Experts agree that the lion dance originated in the Han dynasty (206 B C E through 220 C E); however, there is little agreement about the dance’s original purpose. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; lions are obviously very fierce. Another theory is that an emperor, upon waking from a dream about a lion, hired an artist to choreograph the dance. The current function of the dance is celebration.

B. Experts agree that the lion dance originated in the Han dynasty (206 B C E through 220 C E); however, there is little agreement about the dance’s original purpose. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; lions are obviously very fierce. Another theory is that an emperor, upon waking from a dream about a lion, hired an artist to choreograph the dance. It turns out that the origins of the lion dance are irrelevant.

C. Experts agree that the lion dance originated in the Han dynasty (206 B C E through 220 C E); however, there is little agreement about the dance’s original purpose. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; lions are obviously very fierce. Another theory is that an emperor, upon waking from a dream about a lion, hired an artist to choreograph the dance. Whatever its origins, today the lion dance is a joyous spectacle, a celebration of the promise of the New Year.

D. Experts agree that the lion dance originated in the Han dynasty (206 B C E through 220 C E); however, there is little agreement about the dance’s original purpose. Some evidence suggests that the earliest version of the dance was an attempt to ward off an evil spirit; lions are obviously very fierce. Another theory is that an emperor, upon waking from a dream about a lion, hired an artist to choreograph the dance. Things are different these days, of course.

End skippable content.

16. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. The lion dance requires the strength, grace, and coordination of two dancers, both of whom are almost completely hidden by the elaborate bamboo and papiermâché lion costume that they maneuver.

B. The lion dance requires the strength, grace, and coordination of two dancers, of which both are almost completely hidden by the elaborate bamboo and papiermâché lion costume that they maneuver.

C. The lion dance requires the strength, grace, and coordination of two dancers, both of them are almost completely hidden by the elaborate bamboo and papiermâché lion costume that they maneuver.

D. The lion dance requires the strength, grace, and coordination of two dancers, both are almost completely hidden by the elaborate bamboo and papiermâché lion costume that they maneuver.

End skippable content.

17. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Many of the moves in the dance, such as jumps, rolls, and kicks, are similar to martial arts and acrobatics.

B. Many of the moves in the dance, such as jumps, rolls, and kicks, are similar to the disciplines of martial arts and acrobatics.

C. Many of the moves in the dance, such as jumps, rolls, and kicks, are similar to martial artists and acrobats.

D. Many of the moves in the dance, such as jumps, rolls, and kicks, are similar to those in martial arts and acrobatics.

End skippable content.

18. Which choice provides information that is most consistent in style and content with the information about the symbolism of the tortoise?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (a mythical bird) or a tortoise (for longevity).

B. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (for new beginnings) or a tortoise (for longevity).

C. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (from Chinese mythology) or a tortoise (for longevity).

D. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (for symbolic reasons) or a tortoise (for longevity).

End skippable content.

19. To make this paragraph most logical, sentence 5 should be placed

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. While there are many regional variations of the lion dance costume, all make extensive use of symbols and colors. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (a mythical bird) or a tortoise (for longevity). Green lions encourage friendliness. Golden and red lions represent liveliness and bravery, respectively. Their older counterparts, yellow and white lions, dance more slowly and deliberately. In some variations, lions of different colors are different ages, and they move accordingly. Black lions are the youngest; therefore, they dance quickly and playfully. The appearance of the lions varies, but their message is consistent: Happy New Year.

B. While there are many regional variations of the lion dance costume, all make extensive use of symbols and colors. Their older counterparts, yellow and white lions, dance more slowly and deliberately. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (a mythical bird) or a tortoise (for longevity). Green lions encourage friendliness. Golden and red lions represent liveliness and bravery, respectively. In some variations, lions of different colors are different ages, and they move accordingly. Black lions are the youngest; therefore, they dance quickly and playfully. The appearance of the lions varies, but their message is consistent: Happy New Year.

C. While there are many regional variations of the lion dance costume, all make extensive use of symbols and colors. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (a mythical bird) or a tortoise (for longevity). Green lions encourage friendliness. Their older counterparts, yellow and white lions, dance more slowly and deliberately. Golden and red lions represent liveliness and bravery, respectively. In some variations, lions of different colors are different ages, and they move accordingly. Black lions are the youngest; therefore, they dance quickly and playfully. The appearance of the lions varies, but their message is consistent: Happy New Year.

D. While there are many regional variations of the lion dance costume, all make extensive use of symbols and colors. The lion’s head is often adorned with a phoenix (a mythical bird) or a tortoise (for longevity). Green lions encourage friendliness. Golden and red lions represent liveliness and bravery, respectively. In some variations, lions of different colors are different ages, and they move accordingly. Black lions are the youngest; therefore, they dance quickly and playfully. Their older counterparts, yellow and white lions, dance more slowly and deliberately. The appearance of the lions varies, but their message is consistent: Happy New Year.

End skippable content.

20. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. As the parade winds its way through Chinatown, the music crescendos, and the lion dance reaches it’s climax with the “plucking of the greens.”

B. As the parade winds its way through Chinatown, the music crescendos, and the lion dance reaches its climax with the “plucking of the greens.”

C. As the parade winds its way through Chinatown, the music crescendos, and the lion dance reaches there climax with the “plucking of the greens.”

D. As the parade winds its way through Chinatown, the music crescendos, and the lion dance reaches their climax with the “plucking of the greens.”

End skippable content.

21. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the lion’s teeth snare the envelope.

B. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the lion snares the envelope with its teeth.

C. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the envelope is snared by the lion with its teeth.

D. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the teeth of the lion snare the envelope.

End skippable content.

22. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the lion’s teeth snare the envelope. It then chews up the bills and spits out the moneyfilled envelope instead of chewing it up.

B. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the lion’s teeth snare the envelope. It then chews up the bills and spits out the envelope that had been dangling from the doorway.

C. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the lion’s teeth snare the envelope. It then chews up the bills and spits out the envelope that had the money in it.

D. Approaching a doorway in which dangles a red envelope filled with green paper money, the lion’s teeth snare the envelope. It then chews up the bills and spits out the envelope.

End skippable content.

23.  

Questions 23 through 33 are based on the following passage.

Court Reporting: Humans versus Machines

Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking [Q23] scrupulous notes during [Q24] hearings; depositions, and other legal proceedings. Despite the increasing use of digital recording technologies, court reporters still play a vital role in courtrooms. [Q25] Although machines can easily make digital audio recordings of court events, they lack the nuance of human court reporters in providing a precise record.

Court reporters record the spoken word in real time, most commonly using the technique of stenography. A stenotype machine allows a person to type about 200 words per minute (the speed of speech is about 180 words per minute). The typed words are instantaneously translated onto a computer screen for the judge to view, and the transcript is used later by people who want to review the case, such as journalists and lawyers. Digital audio recording is becoming increasingly popular in courtrooms across the United States, with six states using solely audio recordings for general jurisdiction sessions. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not [Q26] subject to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters [Q27] as a record keeper is decreasing. [Q28]

Champions of court reporting, though, argue the [Q29] opposite. They argue that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase. Because digital systems record [Q30] indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom. [Q31] Despite this, a digital device does indeed record everything, but that includes loud noises, such as a book dropping, that can make the actual words spoken impossible to hear. A court reporter, however, can distinguish between the words [Q32] and distinguish between the extrinsic noises that need not be recorded. Also, if a witness mumbles, a human court reporter can pause court proceedings to ask the witness to repeat what he or she said. In some cases, digital recording [Q33] makes it necessary for the judge to make additional announcements at the beginning of a trial. Increasing use of technology is “a transition from accurate records to adequate records,” says Bob Tate, president of the Certified Court Reporters Association of New Jersey.

Despite the apparent benefits of using digital recording systems in courtrooms, there is still a need for the human touch in legal proceedings. At least for the foreseeable future, machines simply cannot replicate the invaluable clarification skills and adaptability of human court reporters.

Question 23.

Which choice best fits with the tone of the rest of the passage?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking scrupulous notes during hearings; depositions, and other legal proceedings.

B. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking superrigorous notes during hearings; depositions, and other legal proceedings.

C. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking spoton notes during hearings; depositions, and other legal proceedings.

D. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking intense notes during hearings; depositions, and other legal proceedings.

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24. Answer choices in context:

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A. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking scrupulous notes during hearings; depositions, and other legal proceedings.

B. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking scrupulous notes during hearings; depositions; and other legal proceedings.

C. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking scrupulous notes during hearings, depositions, and other legal proceedings.

D. Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking scrupulous notes during hearings, depositions; and other legal proceedings.

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25. Question 25 refers to the following information.

At this point, the writer is considering adding the following graph.

Adapted from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U S Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014 through 2015 Edition.

Begin skippable figure description.

The figure presents a bar graph titled “Salary Comparison: Court Reporters versus Other Occupations.” The horizontal axis is labeled “Occupations,” and 3 vertical bars representing the following 3 occupations are present: “legal occupations,” “court reporters,” and “all U S occupations.” The vertical axis is labeled “Median salary, in thousands of dollars,” and the numbers 0 through 80, in increments of 10, are indicated. The approximated data represented by the 3 bars are as follows.

Legal occupations, 76 thousand dollars.

Court reporters, 48 thousand dollars.

All U S occupations, 34 thousand dollars.

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Question 25.

Should the writer make this addition here?

26. Answer choices in context:

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A. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subject to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping.

B. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subjected to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping.

C. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subjected from human errors such as mishearing or mistyping.

D. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subject for human errors such as mishearing or mistyping.

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27. Answer choices in context:

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A. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters as a record keeper is decreasing.

B. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters each as record keepers is decreasing.

C. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters as record keepers is decreasing.

D. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters to be a record keeper is decreasing.

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28. To make this paragraph most logical, sentence 6 should be placed

Answer choices in context:

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A. Court reporters record the spoken word in real time, most commonly using the technique of stenography. A stenotype machine allows a person to type about 200 words per minute (the speed of speech is about 180 words per minute). The typed words are instantaneously translated onto a computer screen for the judge to view, and the transcript is used later by people who want to review the case, such as journalists and lawyers. Digital audio recording is becoming increasingly popular in courtrooms across the United States, with six states using solely audio recordings for general jurisdiction sessions. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subject to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters as a record keeper is decreasing.

B. Court reporters record the spoken word in real time, most commonly using the technique of stenography. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters as a record keeper is decreasing. A stenotype machine allows a person to type about 200 words per minute (the speed of speech is about 180 words per minute). The typed words are instantaneously translated onto a computer screen for the judge to view, and the transcript is used later by people who want to review the case, such as journalists and lawyers. Digital audio recording is becoming increasingly popular in courtrooms across the United States, with six states using solely audio recordings for general jurisdiction sessions. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subject to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping.

C. Court reporters record the spoken word in real time, most commonly using the technique of stenography. A stenotype machine allows a person to type about 200 words per minute (the speed of speech is about 180 words per minute). The typed words are instantaneously translated onto a computer screen for the judge to view, and the transcript is used later by people who want to review the case, such as journalists and lawyers. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters as a record keeper is decreasing. Digital audio recording is becoming increasingly popular in courtrooms across the United States, with six states using solely audio recordings for general jurisdiction sessions. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subject to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping.

D. Court reporters record the spoken word in real time, most commonly using the technique of stenography. A stenotype machine allows a person to type about 200 words per minute (the speed of speech is about 180 words per minute). The typed words are instantaneously translated onto a computer screen for the judge to view, and the transcript is used later by people who want to review the case, such as journalists and lawyers. Digital audio recording is becoming increasingly popular in courtrooms across the United States, with six states using solely audio recordings for general jurisdiction sessions. However, with the rise of highquality recording technology, reliance on court reporters as a record keeper is decreasing. Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not subject to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping.

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29. Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion?

The sentences containing the underlined portion are as follows:

Champions of court reporting, though, argue the opposite. They argue that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase.

Answer choices in context:

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A. Champions of court reporting, though, argue the opposite, such that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase.

B. Champions of court reporting, though, argue the opposite—that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase.

C. Champions of court reporting, though, argue the opposite, which is that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase.

D. Champions of court reporting, though, argue the opposite; their opinion is that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase.

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30. Answer choices in context:

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A. Because digital systems record indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

B. Because digital systems record indiscriminately, they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

C. Because digital systems record indiscriminately. They cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

D. Because digital systems record indiscriminately, therefore they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

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31. Answer choices in context:

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A. Because digital systems record indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom. Despite this, a digital device does indeed record everything, but that includes loud noises, such as a book dropping, that can make the actual words spoken impossible to hear.

B. Because digital systems record indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom. In other words, a digital device does indeed record everything, but that includes loud noises, such as a book dropping, that can make the actual words spoken impossible to hear.

C. Because digital systems record indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom. Therefore, a digital device does indeed record everything, but that includes loud noises, such as a book dropping, that can make the actual words spoken impossible to hear.

D. Because digital systems record indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom. Consequently, a digital device does indeed record everything, but that includes loud noises, such as a book dropping, that can make the actual words spoken impossible to hear.

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32. Answer choices in context:

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A. A court reporter, however, can distinguish between the words and distinguish between the extrinsic noises that need not be recorded.

B. A court reporter, however, can distinguish between the words also between the extrinsic noises that need not be recorded.

C. A court reporter, however, can distinguish between the words and when there are extrinsic noises that need not be recorded.

D. A court reporter, however, can distinguish between the words and the extrinsic noises that need not be recorded.

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33. Which choice provides the best supporting example for the main idea of the paragraph?

Answer choices in context:

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A. In some cases, digital recording makes it necessary for the judge to make additional announcements at the beginning of a trial.

B. In some cases, digital recording requires a courtroom monitor to ensure the equipment is functioning properly.

C. In some cases, digital recording leads to changes in the roles and duties of several members of the courtroom staff.

D. In some cases, digital recording has led to the need for retrial because of indistinct testimony from key witnesses.

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34. Questions 34 through 44 are based on the following passage.

Fire in Space

On Earth, fire provides light, heat, and comfort. Its creation, by a process called combustion, requires a chemical reaction between a fuel source and oxygen. The shape that fire assumes on Earth is a result of gravitational influence and the movement of molecules. In the microgravity environment of space, [Q34] moreover, combustion and the resulting fire behave in fundamentally different ways than they do on Earth—differences that have important implications for researchers.

A group of engineering students from the University of California at San Diego (U C S D), for example, [Q35] tried to find a method to make their biofuel combustion study (fuels derived from onceliving material) free of the drawbacks researchers face on Earth. The standard method involves burning droplets of fuel, but Earth’s gravitational influence causes the droplets to lose spherical symmetry while burning. This [Q36] deformation results in subtle variations in density that both [Q37] causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested. Specially designed “drop towers” [Q38] built for this purpose reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates. [Q39] The U C S D students understood that these limitations had to be surmounted. As part of the program, researchers fly their experiments aboard aircraft that simulate the microgravity environment of space. The aircraft accomplish this feat by flying in parabolic paths instead of horizontal ones. On the plane’s ascent, passengers feel twice Earth’s gravitational pull, but for brief periods at the peak of the trajectory, [Q40] “weightlessness” or microgravity similar to what is experienced in space, is achieved.

These flights allowed the U C S D students to experience microgravity [Q41]. Specifically, they [Q42] investigated the combustion of biofuel droplets in microgravity for twice as long as could be accomplished in drop towers and to perform tests with larger droplets. The larger, [Q43] spherically symmetric droplets burned longer and gave the students more reliable data on combustion rates of biofuels because the droplets’ uniform shape reduced the variations in density that hinder tests performed in normal gravity. The students hope the new data will aid future research by improving theoretical models of biofuel combustion. Better combustionrate models may even lead to the production of more fuelefficient engines and improved [Q44] techniques, for fighting fires in space or at future outposts on the Moon and Mars.

Question 34.

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. The shape that fire assumes on Earth is a result of gravitational influence and the movement of molecules. In the microgravity environment of space, moreover, combustion and the resulting fire behave in fundamentally different ways than they do on Earth—differences that have important implications for researchers.

B. The shape that fire assumes on Earth is a result of gravitational influence and the movement of molecules. In the microgravity environment of space, however, combustion and the resulting fire behave in fundamentally different ways than they do on Earth—differences that have important implications for researchers.

C. The shape that fire assumes on Earth is a result of gravitational influence and the movement of molecules. In the microgravity environment of space, accordingly, combustion and the resulting fire behave in fundamentally different ways than they do on Earth—differences that have important implications for researchers.

D. The shape that fire assumes on Earth is a result of gravitational influence and the movement of molecules. In the microgravity environment of space, subsequently, combustion and the resulting fire behave in fundamentally different ways than they do on Earth—differences that have important implications for researchers.

End skippable content.

35. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. A group of engineering students from the University of California at San Diego (U C S D), for example, tried to find a method to make their biofuel combustion study (fuels derived from onceliving material) free of the drawbacks researchers face on Earth.

B. A group of engineering students from the University of California at San Diego (U C S D), for example, strove for a method to make their study of biofuel combustion (fuels derived from onceliving material) free of the drawbacks researchers face on Earth.

C. A group of engineering students from the University of California at San Diego (U C S D), for example, looked for a method to study biofuel combustion (fuels derived from onceliving material) free of the drawbacks researchers face on Earth.

D. A group of engineering students from the University of California at San Diego (U C S D), for example, sought a method to study combustion of biofuels (fuels derived from onceliving material) free of the drawbacks researchers face on Earth.

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36. Which choice provides the most precise description of the phenomenon depicted in the previous sentence?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. The standard method involves burning droplets of fuel, but Earth’s gravitational influence causes the droplets to lose spherical symmetry while burning. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested.

B. The standard method involves burning droplets of fuel, but Earth’s gravitational influence causes the droplets to lose spherical symmetry while burning. This alteration results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested.

C. The standard method involves burning droplets of fuel, but Earth’s gravitational influence causes the droplets to lose spherical symmetry while burning. This transformation results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested.

D. The standard method involves burning droplets of fuel, but Earth’s gravitational influence causes the droplets to lose spherical symmetry while burning. This modification results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested.

End skippable content.

37. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested.

B. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both cause uneven heat flow and limit the size of the droplets that can be tested.

C. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both cause uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested.

D. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both has caused uneven heat flow and has limited the size of the droplets that can be tested.

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38. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested. Specially designed “drop towers” built for this purpose reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates.

B. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested. Specially designed “drop towers” intended for this use reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates.

C. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested. Specially designed “drop towers” constructed for this function reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates.

D. This deformation results in subtle variations in density that both causes uneven heat flow and limits the size of the droplets that can be tested. Specially designed “drop towers” reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates.

End skippable content.

39. Which choice provides the most effective transition between ideas in the paragraph?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Specially designed “drop towers” built for this purpose reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates. The U C S D students understood that these limitations had to be surmounted. As part of the program, researchers fly their experiments aboard aircraft that simulate the microgravity environment of space.

B. Specially designed “drop towers” built for this purpose reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates. The U C S D group sought to overcome these difficulties by participating in NASA’s Microgravity University program. As part of the program, researchers fly their experiments aboard aircraft that simulate the microgravity environment of space.

C. Specially designed “drop towers” built for this purpose reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates. The engineering group realized that aircraft might be the tools they were looking for. As part of the program, researchers fly their experiments aboard aircraft that simulate the microgravity environment of space.

D. Specially designed “drop towers” built for this purpose reduce these problems, but they provide no more than 10 seconds of microgravity, and droplet size is still too small to produce accurate models of combustion rates. Thus, for the U C S D group, drop towers were not an adequate solution. As part of the program, researchers fly their experiments aboard aircraft that simulate the microgravity environment of space.

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40. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. On the plane’s ascent, passengers feel twice Earth’s gravitational pull, but for brief periods at the peak of the trajectory, “weightlessness” or microgravity similar to what is experienced in space, is achieved.

B. On the plane’s ascent, passengers feel twice Earth’s gravitational pull, but for brief periods at the peak of the trajectory, “weightlessness” or microgravity, similar to what is experienced, in space is achieved.

C. On the plane’s ascent, passengers feel twice Earth’s gravitational pull, but for brief periods at the peak of the trajectory, “weightlessness” or, microgravity, similar to what is experienced in space is achieved.

D. On the plane’s ascent, passengers feel twice Earth’s gravitational pull, but for brief periods at the peak of the trajectory, “weightlessness,” or microgravity similar to what is experienced in space, is achieved.

End skippable content.

41. At this point, the writer is considering adding the following.

and perform their experiment without traveling into space

The revised sentence would be the following.

These flights allowed the U C S D students to experience microgravity and perform their experiment without traveling into space

Should the writer make this addition here?

42. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Specifically, they investigated the combustion of biofuel droplets in microgravity for twice as long as could be accomplished in drop towers and to perform tests with larger droplets.

B. Specifically, they could investigate the combustion of biofuel droplets in microgravity for twice as long as could be accomplished in drop towers and to perform tests with larger droplets.

C. Specifically, they were investigating the combustion of biofuel droplets in microgravity for twice as long as could be accomplished in drop towers and to perform tests with larger droplets.

D. Specifically, they were able to investigate the combustion of biofuel droplets in microgravity for twice as long as could be accomplished in drop towers and to perform tests with larger droplets.

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43. Which choice most effectively establishes that the U C S D students’ approach had solved a problem, mentioned earlier in the passage, relating to burning fuel on Earth?

Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. The larger, spherically symmetric droplets burned longer and gave the students more reliable data on combustion rates of biofuels because the droplets’ uniform shape reduced the variations in density that hinder tests performed in normal gravity.

B. The larger, combustible droplets burned longer and gave the students more reliable data on combustion rates of biofuels because the droplets’ uniform shape reduced the variations in density that hinder tests performed in normal gravity.

C. The larger, microgravityinfluenced droplets burned longer and gave the students more reliable data on combustion rates of biofuels because the droplets’ uniform shape reduced the variations in density that hinder tests performed in normal gravity.

D. The larger, biofuelderived droplets burned longer and gave the students more reliable data on combustion rates of biofuels because the droplets’ uniform shape reduced the variations in density that hinder tests performed in normal gravity.

End skippable content.

44. Answer choices in context:

Begin skippable content.

A. Better combustionrate models may even lead to the production of more fuelefficient engines and improved techniques, for fighting fires in space or at future outposts on the Moon and Mars.

B. Better combustionrate models may even lead to the production of more fuelefficient engines and improved techniques for fighting fires, in space or at future outposts on the Moon and Mars.

C. Better combustionrate models may even lead to the production of more fuelefficient engines and improved techniques for fighting fires in space or at future outposts on the Moon and Mars.

D. Better combustionrate models may even lead to the production of more fuelefficient engines and improved techniques for fighting fires in space, or at future outposts, on the Moon and Mars.

End skippable content.