Reading Flashcards

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

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

The author describes using smartphones for 'downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head' as 'frivolous pursuits.' By labeling these activities as trivial or unnecessary, the author implies that the average individual does not genuinely need a smartphone for such non-essential uses.

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?

Answer: Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones

The conclusion sentence states, '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.' This sentence clearly offers two distinct possibilities or interpretations for the observed trends regarding smartphone use, thus presenting two possible explanations.

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

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

The passage asserts that 'man is not destined to vanish' because his 'soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible.' It then highlights that despite the threat of deadly weapons, nations 'desperately trying to find out how they might never be used' and 'withdraw from the brink.' The main point is a hopeful one: humanity will endure and avoid total annihilation despite severe threats.

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

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

The phrase 'go to the brink' is used in the context of superpowers threatening and intimidating each other, but then 'before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.' This implies they approach the very edge or verge of war, reaching a dangerous point of confrontation, but ultimately pull back before actual conflict begins.

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

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

The author explicitly states that the nations with deadly weapons 'are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used' and that 'They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.' This clearly indicates that these nations are actively working to avoid actual conflict, despite their military posturing.

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

Answer: unrestrainable

The passage states, 'He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible.' If a spirit is deathless and cannot be destroyed, 'irrepressible' means it cannot be held back, suppressed, or controlled. Therefore, 'unrestrainable' is the best synonym, conveying the idea of an indomitable and unyielding spirit.