Questions & explanations
1. The author uses the analogy of a student learning from biased textbooks primarily to
- suggest that AI is inherently flawed and should not be used in hiring
- illustrate how AI can replicate existing biases if trained on biased data
- compare the learning process of AI to that of human students
- argue that historical data is always biased and unreliable
- propose that AI systems should be trained on diverse datasets
Answer: illustrate how AI can replicate existing biases if trained on biased data
The passage states: 'an AI trained on resumes from a company that has historically favored male candidates will likely learn to favor male candidates, much like a student who learns only from biased textbooks will develop a skewed understanding of history.' This directly shows the analogy is used to illustrate how AI replicates existing biases.
2. Which of the following best describes the sequence of ideas in the passage?
- A central claim is supported by evidence, then challenged by a counterargument, and finally resolved.
- The passage presents a series of related but distinct arguments without a clear overarching thesis.
- An initial argument is followed by a counterargument, then a digression into a related topic, and then a return to the original issue.
- The passage moves from a general discussion to specific examples, then to a conclusion that synthesizes the examples.
- A problem is introduced, followed by multiple proposed solutions, and then an evaluation of each solution.
Answer: An initial argument is followed by a counterargument, then a digression into a related topic, and then a return to the original issue.
The passage starts with the safety debate (initial argument), then public skepticism (counterargument), then shifts to environmental impact (digression), then socioeconomic implications (another digression), and finally notes that the focus shifted away from the original safety debate, implying a return to the original issue.
3. The author uses 'nevertheless' and 'nonetheless' in the passage primarily to:
- introduce a contrast that weakens the preceding argument.
- signal a continuation of the same line of reasoning.
- emphasize a concession before reinforcing the main point.
- indicate a shift from a general claim to a specific example.
- highlight a contradiction within the author's own position.
Answer: introduce a contrast that weakens the preceding argument.
The first sentence presents the 'retail apocalypse' narrative. 'Nevertheless' introduces a contrasting view that this narrative is too simplistic. 'Nonetheless' then contrasts the success of large retailers with the struggles of small businesses. Both transitions weaken the preceding argument by introducing counterpoints.
4. Based on the structure of the passage, the next paragraph is most likely to discuss
- the technical specifications of the James Webb Space Telescope
- specific examples of exoplanets where biomarkers have been detected
- the challenges of interpreting atmospheric data from distant planets
- the history of exoplanet discovery before the 21st century
- the ethical implications of finding extraterrestrial life
Answer: the challenges of interpreting atmospheric data from distant planets
The passage ends by stating that scientists hope to identify biomarkers, but detecting life is challenging. The logical next step is to discuss the difficulties in interpreting such data, as the passage has set up a problem-solution structure: need for advanced telescopes → hope for data → likely challenges.
5. Based on the main ideas, the relationship between the two passages is best described as:
- Complementary: Passage A focuses on environmental benefits, Passage B on social drawbacks, together providing a balanced view.
- Contradictory: Passage A supports green spaces, Passage B opposes them.
- Independent: they discuss different types of urban planning.
- Complementary: Passage B provides evidence for Passage A's claims.
- Contradictory: they disagree on whether green spaces are beneficial.
Answer: Complementary: Passage A focuses on environmental benefits, Passage B on social drawbacks, together providing a balanced view.
Passage A's main idea is that green spaces provide environmental benefits and should be prioritized. Passage B's main idea is that green spaces can cause gentrification and social impacts must be considered. These are different aspects of the same topic, offering a more complete picture, thus complementary.
6. How would the author of Passage A most likely respond to the claim in Passage B that remote work harms innovation?
- By agreeing that innovation suffers but arguing that productivity gains outweigh the loss.
- By pointing out that remote work can actually enhance innovation through diverse perspectives and focused deep work.
- By suggesting that companies should adopt a hybrid model to balance innovation and productivity.
- By denying that innovation is important for most companies.
- By asserting that in-person attendance does not guarantee innovation.
Answer: By pointing out that remote work can actually enhance innovation through diverse perspectives and focused deep work.
Passage A focuses on productivity and work-life balance, but does not directly address innovation. However, the author would likely counter the claim by arguing that remote work can foster innovation through focused deep work and diverse perspectives, as these align with the positive view of remote work.
7. Which of the following best describes the criticism of the evidence in Passage A as presented in Passage B?
- The sample size of 50 cities is too small to draw reliable conclusions.
- The temperature data used in Passage A may be inaccurate due to measurement errors.
- Passage A fails to account for confounding variables that could affect temperature.
- The cost-effectiveness of green spaces is not supported by the data.
- The study in Passage A did not consider the health benefits of green spaces.
Answer: Passage A fails to account for confounding variables that could affect temperature.
Passage B states that many cities with large green areas also have lower population densities and less industrial activity, which could independently contribute to cooler temperatures. This indicates that Passage A's evidence is insufficient because it does not control for these confounding variables.
8. Which of the following best synthesizes the main ideas, evidence, and assumptions of both passages?
- Both passages agree that the chytrid fungus is the primary cause of amphibian declines, but they differ on the best conservation approach.
- Passage A assumes that disease is the main driver of declines, while Passage B assumes that habitat loss and climate change are more important; both provide evidence for their positions, but neither considers the possibility of multiple interacting factors.
- Passage A provides evidence that the chytrid fungus causes mortality, while Passage B provides evidence that habitat destruction and climate change also contribute; together they suggest that amphibian declines result from multiple stressors, and conservation should be multifaceted.
- Both passages assume that human intervention is necessary, but they disagree on whether captive breeding or habitat protection is more effective.
- Passage A focuses on a specific pathogen, while Passage B focuses on environmental factors; they are contradictory because each claims its factor is the most important.
Answer: Passage A provides evidence that the chytrid fungus causes mortality, while Passage B provides evidence that habitat destruction and climate change also contribute; together they suggest that amphibian declines result from multiple stressors, and conservation should be multifaceted.
Option c correctly synthesizes the main ideas (disease vs. environmental factors), evidence (chytrid effects vs. habitat/climate impacts), and assumptions (each factor is important) from both passages, concluding that multiple stressors are involved and conservation should be multifaceted.
9. Based on the arguments in the passages, how would the author of Passage A most likely respond to the claim in Passage B that UBI disincentivizes work?
- By agreeing that work disincentive is a serious concern that needs addressing.
- By arguing that reduced work hours are offset by increased creative output.
- By denying that pilot programs show any reduction in work hours.
- By claiming that the tax increases would be minimal.
- By stating that UBI is not meant to encourage work.
Answer: By arguing that reduced work hours are offset by increased creative output.
Passage A emphasizes that UBI allows people to 'pursue creative endeavors,' implying that reduced work in traditional jobs is compensated by valuable non-traditional work. Thus, the author would likely argue that reduced work hours are not a problem because they lead to creative output.
10. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two passages?
- Complementary: they discuss different aspects of the same policy.
- Contradictory: they present opposing views on the policy's effects.
- Independent: they are about unrelated topics.
- Complementary: Passage B provides evidence for Passage A's claims.
- Contradictory: they disagree on the existence of the policy.
Answer: Contradictory: they present opposing views on the policy's effects.
Passage A presents arguments in favor of the tax policy (stimulating growth, investment, job creation). Passage B presents arguments against it (benefits large corporations, increases debt, doesn't help small businesses). These are opposing views, making the relationship contradictory.
11. The author's tone shifts from neutral to persuasive primarily in order to:
- emphasize the need for continued investment in space exploration.
- criticize the scientific community for its lack of progress.
- highlight the limitations of current observational technology.
- express skepticism about the significance of the discovery.
- provide a balanced overview of the pros and cons of space exploration.
Answer: emphasize the need for continued investment in space exploration.
The passage begins with a neutral, factual description of the exoplanet discovery. Starting with 'Nevertheless', the tone becomes more persuasive, culminating in the final sentences that urge continued investment and support for space missions. The shift serves to advocate for action.
12. The main idea of Passage A is that online education
- is inferior to traditional education due to lack of interaction.
- offers both benefits and drawbacks that are debated.
- is primarily beneficial for students in remote areas.
- has been proven to be as effective as in-person learning.
- should be adopted universally to replace traditional schools.
Answer: offers both benefits and drawbacks that are debated.
Passage A presents both sides: it mentions the benefit of democratizing access and the criticism about lack of interaction, concluding that proponents and critics have different views. Thus, the main idea is that online education has both advantages and disadvantages that are debated.