ACT Reading Practice Flashcards

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 contrasts the 'critical features' used by professionals with 'frivolous pursuits' like downloading ringtones or gossiping by average individuals. By labeling these activities as 'frivolous,' meaning trivial or lacking serious purpose, the author implies that a smartphone is not a necessity for such personal uses. This suggests a belief that the average individual does not *need* a smartphone for these non-essential functions.

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 concluding sentence explicitly offers two distinct possibilities for the growing popularity of smartphones: '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.' It uses 'could be' and 'or' to present these alternative interpretations, rather than stating a single definitive conclusion or prediction.

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 author's main point is established early with the statement, 'But man is not destined to vanish.' Despite acknowledging the 'dark' situation of superpowers with deadly weapons, the author finds a 'silver lining' in their desperate attempts to avoid using them. This emphasizes the belief that humanity will survive the serious threat of total annihilation by pulling back 'from the brink' of conflict.

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 immediately followed by 'but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.' This context clearly indicates that nations approach the very edge of war or total conflict, engaging in threats and intimidation, but ultimately pull back. It signifies advancing to the precipice of war without actually initiating it.

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 'silver lining' in the dark situation of superpowers is that these nations, despite producing deadly weapons, are 'desperately trying to find out how they might never be used.' This is further supported by their actions of threatening and going 'to the brink' but ultimately withdrawing, demonstrating a strong effort to avoid actual conflict.

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 sentence states, 'He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible.' Here, 'irrepressible' describes a spirit that cannot be held back, suppressed, or controlled. This meaning aligns directly with 'unrestrainable,' indicating an unyielding and indomitable quality.