TASC Reading Practice Quiz 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The author contrasts the "critical features" used by "professionals" with the "frivolous pursuits" of "individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices." By labeling activities like downloading ringtones or looking up obscure world records as "frivolous," the author implies that these uses are trivial and not essential, suggesting that for such purposes, a smartphone is not a necessity for the average individual.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones

Answer

The concluding sentence offers two distinct interpretations for the observed trends: "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 use of "could be a sign of" and "or... could simply be taking" clearly indicates the presentation of two alternative explanations for the phenomenon discussed.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The passage opens with "But man is not destined to vanish" and concludes by highlighting that superpowers, despite creating deadly weapons, are "desperately trying to find out how they might never be used." This central argument emphasizes humanity's inherent resilience and the underlying efforts to prevent total destruction, ultimately conveying a message of survival despite grave threats.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The phrase "go to the brink" is immediately followed by "but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink." This contrast indicates that they approach the very edge of conflict or war, but stop short of actually initiating it. Therefore, it means advancing to the precipice of war without fully engaging.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The author explicitly states that the "silver lining" in the dark situation of superpower confrontation is that these nations, despite producing deadly weapons, are "desperately trying to find out how they might never be used." This directly supports the idea that they are actively working to avoid actual conflict, even as they engage in threats and brinkmanship.

TASC Practice Test

TASC Practice Test

TASC Reading Practice Quiz 5