EA Reading Comprehension

Question 1

Passage: 'Despite the prevalence of digital communication, face-to-face interaction remains essential in professional settings.
Research consistently demonstrates that in-person meetings facilitate trust-building, creative collaboration, and nuanced communication that virtual platforms struggle to replicate.
However, organizations must balance these benefits against the time and cost constraints of travel.' What is the primary purpose of this passage?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge the value of in-person interaction while recognizing its practical limitations

Answer

To argue that digital communication should be eliminated from workplaces

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To demonstrate that virtual communication is inferior in every respect

Answer

To propose specific guidelines for scheduling in-person meetings

Question 2

Passage: 'The ancient city of Carthage, once Rome's most formidable rival, was completely destroyed in 146 BCE. Contemporary historians describe the Romans as salting the earth to prevent regrowth, though modern scholars debate whether this occurred. What is certain is that Carthage was systematically dismantled, with survivors enslaved or dispersed.' What can be inferred about the relationship between Rome and Carthage?

Accepted Answer

The rivalry was significant enough that Rome sought to permanently eliminate Carthage

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Rome and Carthage were trading partners who occasionally disputed territories

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Carthage surrendered peacefully, which led to its gradual decline

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Modern historians have fully confirmed all ancient accounts of the destruction

Question 3

Passage: 'The proliferation of subscription-based business models has fundamentally altered consumer relationships with products and services. Rather than discrete purchases, consumers now engage in ongoing contractual arrangements. This paradigm shift creates predictable revenue streams for companies while simultaneously locking consumers into recurring obligations.' The word 'paradigm' as used in the passage most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

A fundamental model or pattern that defines how something works

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A financial contradiction or discrepancy

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A minor, incremental adjustment

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A specific contractual arrangement

Question 4

Passage: 'Behavioral economists have documented a phenomenon called loss aversion, in which people feel the pain of losing something approximately twice as strongly as they feel the pleasure of gaining an equivalent amount. This asymmetry influences decision-making in contexts ranging from financial investments to everyday choices about risk.' According to the passage, loss aversion specifically refers to:

Accepted Answer

The asymmetry between how strongly people experience losses versus equivalent gains

Answer

The tendency to avoid all financial risks regardless of potential reward

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The psychological trauma caused by major financial losses

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A bias that affects financial decisions but not everyday choices

Question 5

Passage: 'The development of antibiotics in the twentieth century dramatically reduced mortality from bacterial infections. However, the overuse and misuse of these medications has accelerated the evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains. Medical authorities now emphasize antibiotic stewardship — careful management of when and how antibiotics are prescribed — as critical to preserving their effectiveness.' The passage suggests that antibiotic stewardship is necessary because:

Accepted Answer

Overuse of antibiotics threatens their long-term effectiveness by driving resistance

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Antibiotics are too expensive for widespread distribution

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Bacterial infections have become increasingly uncommon and require less treatment

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Doctors are generally unaware of proper antibiotic prescribing protocols

Question 6

Passage: 'Urban planners increasingly favor mixed-use development, in which residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist in close proximity. Proponents argue that such designs reduce automobile dependency, foster community interaction, and improve economic vitality. Critics, however, contend that mixed-use zones can increase noise, parking shortages, and conflicts between incompatible uses.' Which of the following best describes the structure of this passage?

Accepted Answer

A trend is identified, and then both supporting and opposing views are presented

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A hypothesis is presented and then systematically disproven

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A historical account leads to a modern policy conclusion

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A specific problem is identified and a recommended solution is provided

Question 7

Passage: 'The concept of gig economy work has been celebrated for offering workers flexibility and autonomy. Yet many gig workers report financial instability, lack of benefits, and difficulty accessing credit or housing due to irregular income. This tension between flexibility and security defines much of the contemporary labor discourse.' The author's tone toward gig economy work can best be described as:

Accepted Answer

Balanced and analytical, presenting both benefits and drawbacks

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Enthusiastically supportive of its benefits for workers

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Harshly critical of the exploitation it enables

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Indifferent to the debate surrounding gig work