Math Reading Questions Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The author refers to reed warblers and sparrows (line 33) primarily to
- contrast the loggerhead turtle’s migration patterns with those of other species.
- provide examples of species that share one of the loggerhead turtle’s abilities. (Correct answer)
- suggest that most animal species possess some ability to navigate long distances.
- illustrate some ways in which the ability to navigate long distances can help a species.
Correct answer: provide examples of species that share one of the loggerhead turtle’s abilities.
The author refers to reed warblers and sparrows to provide comparative examples of other species that also possess the ability to navigate long distances, similar to the loggerhead turtle. This comparison helps to illustrate that the turtle's navigational skill, while remarkable, is not entirely unique in the animal kingdom, thus contextualizing the turtle's abilities.
Question 2: It can reasonably be inferred from the passage and graphic that if scientists adjusted the coils to reverse the magnetic field simulating that in the East Atlantic (Cape Verde Islands), the hatchlings would most likely swim in which direction?
- Northwest
- Northeast (Correct answer)
- Southeast
- Southwest
Correct answer: Northeast
The passage and graphic indicate that loggerhead hatchlings normally swim southwest when exposed to the magnetic field of the East Atlantic (Cape Verde Islands) to stay within the gyre. If this magnetic field were *reversed*, the turtles would most likely respond by swimming in the *opposite* direction to their normal response, which would be Northeast.
Question 3: The stance Jordan takes in the passage is best described as that of
- an idealist setting forth principles. (Correct answer)
- an advocate seeking a compromise position.
- an observer striving for neutrality.
- a scholar researching a historical controversy.
Correct answer: an idealist setting forth principles.
Jordan's stance is best described as an idealist setting forth principles because the language used often appeals to fundamental values and constitutional ideals, rather than seeking practical compromise or merely observing. The passage likely articulates strong beliefs about how the Constitution *should* function, emphasizing core tenets rather than negotiating positions.
Question 4: The main rhetorical effect of the series of three phrases beginning in line 4 (“the diminution, the subversion, the destruction”) is to
- convey with increasing intensity the seriousness of the threat Jordan sees to the Constitution. (Correct answer)
- clarify that Jordan believes the Constitution was first weakened, then sabotaged, then broken.
- indicate that Jordan thinks the Constitution is prone to failure in three distinct ways.
- propose a three-part agenda for rescuing the Constitution from the current crisis.
Correct answer: convey with increasing intensity the seriousness of the threat Jordan sees to the Constitution.
The series of words 'the diminution, the subversion, the destruction' creates a rhetorical effect of increasing intensity. Each word represents a progressively more severe threat to the Constitution, moving from a lessening of power to undermining to outright ruin. This escalation emphasizes the gravity and seriousness of the danger Jordan perceives.
Question 5: As used in line 26, “channeled” most nearly means
- worn.
- sent.
- constrained. (Correct answer)
- siphoned.
Correct answer: constrained.
In the context of the passage, 'channeled' most nearly means 'constrained.' When power or energy is channeled, it is directed or confined within specific limits or pathways. This implies a restriction or guidance of its flow, which aligns with the meaning of being constrained, rather than simply worn, sent, or siphoned.
Question 6: In lines 34–37 (“Prosecutions...sense”), what is the most likely reason Jordan draws a distinction between two types of “parties”?
- To counter the suggestion that impeachment is or should be about partisan politics (Correct answer)
- To disagree with Hamilton’s claim that impeachment proceedings excite passions
- To contend that Hamilton was too timid in his support for the concept of impeachment
- To argue that impeachment cases are decided more on the basis of politics than on justice
Correct answer: To counter the suggestion that impeachment is or should be about partisan politics
In lines 34-37, Jordan distinguishes between 'political parties' and 'parties to an impeachment' to emphasize the constitutional and legal nature of impeachment. By doing so, she argues that impeachment should be understood as a serious process for addressing 'high crimes and misdemeanors,' rather than a tool for partisan political maneuvering. This distinction elevates the discussion above mere political squabbles, highlighting the gravity and specific legal grounds required for impeachment.
Question 7: Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?
- Lines 10–12 (“It...office”)
- Lines 15–18 (“The division...astute”)
- Lines 38–40 (“The drawing...misdemeanors”) (Correct answer)
- Lines 45–47 (“Congress...transportation”)
Correct answer: Lines 38–40 (“The drawing...misdemeanors”)
Lines 38-40 state, 'The drawing of this distinction between political parties and parties to an impeachment, it seems to me, is critical to an understanding of the impeachment process and the offenses to which it applies: high crimes and misdemeanors.' This directly supports the idea that the distinction is made to clarify that impeachment is about specific legal offenses, not just political disagreements. It underscores the constitutional foundation of impeachment, separating it from partisan politics.
Question 8: Within Passage 1, the main purpose of the first two paragraphs (lines 1–7) is to
- offer historical background in order to question the uniqueness of two researchers’ findings.
- offer interpretive context in order to frame the discussion of an experiment and its results. (Correct answer)
- introduce a scientific principle in order to show how an experiment’s outcomes validated that principle.
- present seemingly contradictory stances in order to show how they can be reconciled empirically.
Correct answer: offer interpretive context in order to frame the discussion of an experiment and its results.
The first two paragraphs of Passage 1 likely introduce a broader scientific concept or historical debate related to animal cognition, such as Morgan's canon. This initial context helps readers understand the theoretical framework or prevailing ideas that the subsequent experiment will either challenge, support, or illustrate. By providing this background, the author prepares the reader to interpret the experiment's design and results within a larger scientific discussion.
Question 9: According to the experiment described in Passage 2, whether the author’s ravens continued to show interest in a formerly new object was dictated primarily by whether that object was
- edible. (Correct answer)
- plentiful.
- conspicuous.
- natural.
Correct answer: edible.
According to Passage 2, the ravens' sustained interest in a new object was primarily determined by whether it was edible. If an object provided a food reward, the ravens continued to interact with it; otherwise, their interest quickly waned. This suggests that the ravens' curiosity was often driven by the potential for a tangible, beneficial outcome, specifically food.
Question 10: The crows in Passage 1 and the ravens in Passage 2 shared which trait?
- They modified their behavior in response to changes in their environment. (Correct answer)
- They formed a strong bond with the humans who were observing them.
- They manufactured useful tools for finding and accessing food.
- They mimicked the actions they saw performed around them.
Correct answer: They modified their behavior in response to changes in their environment.
Both the crows in Passage 1 and the ravens in Passage 2 demonstrated an ability to adapt their behaviors based on their surroundings and new stimuli. The crows learned to use tools to access food, while the ravens adjusted their interactions with objects based on whether they provided a reward. This shared trait highlights their cognitive flexibility and capacity for learning from their environment.
Question 11: One difference between the experiments described in the two passages is that unlike the researchers discussed in Passage 1, the author of Passage 2
- presented the birds with a problem to solve.
- intentionally made the birds aware of his presence. (Correct answer)
- consciously manipulated the birds’ surroundings.
- tested the birds’ tool-using abilities.
Correct answer: intentionally made the birds aware of his presence.
A key difference is that the author of Passage 2 intentionally made the ravens aware of his presence and often interacted directly with them during the experiments. In contrast, researchers in Passage 1 typically aimed for unobtrusive observation to minimize human influence on the birds' natural behavior. This distinction affects how the birds might have perceived the experimental setup and the objects presented to them.
Question 12: Is the main conclusion presented by the author of Passage 2 consistent with Morgan’s canon, as described in Passage 1?
- Yes, because the conclusion proposes that the ravens’ behavior is a product of environmental factors.
- Yes, because the conclusion offers a satisfyingly simple explanation of the ravens’ behavior.
- No, because the conclusion suggests that the ravens exhibit complex behavior patterns.
- No, because the conclusion implies that a humanlike quality motivates the ravens’ behavior. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No, because the conclusion implies that a humanlike quality motivates the ravens’ behavior.
Morgan's canon, as described in Passage 1, advocates for the simplest explanation of animal behavior, avoiding attributing complex, human-like cognitive processes if simpler ones suffice. The main conclusion of Passage 2, however, often implies that the ravens exhibit complex motivations like 'curiosity' for its own sake, which can be interpreted as a humanlike quality. Therefore, Passage 2's conclusion is inconsistent with Morgan's canon because it suggests a higher-level, potentially anthropomorphic, explanation for the ravens' actions.
Math Reading Questions Test 2
The author refers to reed warblers and sparrows (line 33) primarily to