PERT

PERT Reading Practice Quiz 1

Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. In the author's opinion

Huge stockpiles of destructive weapons have so far saved mankind from a catastrophe.

Superpowers have at last realized the need for abandoning the production of lethal weapons.

Mankind is heading towards complete destruction.

Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.

There is a silver lining over the production of deadly weapons.

Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D, because the author clearly states the opinion of nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.

Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. 'Irrepressible' in the second line means

incompatible

strong

oppressive

unrestrainable

unspirited

Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D, because irrepressible means unrestrainable. Which means death or a dark side.

Read the following passage and answer the question Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives. What is the purpose of the conclusion sentence?

Draw a conclusion about what we know smart phones can do

Assume where technology is headed and how it will affect society

Comment on human connectivity through the use of smart phones

Predict how the government will regulate and guide future technology

Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones

Correct! Wrong!

The conclusion sentence states two possible paths that could explain the arrival of a growth in smart phone popularity. These two suppositions are guesses at what is causing this trend. Because the author injects minimal bias and leaves the answer to the reader’s interpretation, the author is simply presenting explanations as choice E indicates. The other choices are either irrelevant or insufficiently supported by text evidence.

Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. The phrase 'Go to the brink' in the passage means

Retreating from extreme danger.

Declare war on each other.

Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it.

Negotiate for peace.

Commit suicide.

Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C, because he wanted the war to start, but she wanted to keep peace and not show that he was encouraging it.

Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. The main point from the author's view is that

Man's soul and spirit can not be destroyed by superpowers.

Man's destiny is not fully clear or visible

Man's soul and spirit are immortal.

Man's safety is assured by the delicate balance of power in terms of nuclear weapons.

Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation.

Correct! Wrong!

The answer is E, because the author talks about survival and the threats of annihilation.

Read the following passage and answer the question Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives. The term “frivolous” implies that the author

is fascinated by the endless capabilities on smart phones.

hopes that technology ceases to expand its scope.

believes that the average individual does not need a smart phone.

has a smart phone.

wants to see more developments added to smart phone technology.

Correct! Wrong!

Based on the contextual description of trivial uses and knowledge, “frivolous” means useless or unnecessary. So if the author believes that individuals not involved in business are unnecessarily using smart phones, that the author would think that these people do not need smart phones (choice C). The author makes no mention of their specific hopes for how the technology will turn out in the future, so choice B and choice E can be eliminated. The authors matter-of-fact tone allows you to rule out “fascination” (choice A), and there is no evidence to support whether or not the author has a smart phone (choice D). Choice C is the best option.

PERT Reading Practice Quiz 1

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