Text 1

In 2021, a team led by Amir Siraj hypothesized that the Chicxulub impactor—the object that struck the Yucatán Peninsula sixty-six million years ago, precipitating the mass extinction of the dinosaurs—was likely a member of the class of long period comets. As evidence, Siraj cited the carbonaceous chondritic composition of samples from the Chicxulub impact crater as well as of samples obtained from long-period comet Wild 2 in 2006.

Text 2

Although long-period comets contain carbonaceous chondrites, asteroids are similarly rich in these materials. Furthermore, some asteroids are rich in iridium, as Natalia Artemieva points out, whereas long-period comets are not. Given the prevalence of iridium at the crater and, more broadly, in geological layers deposited worldwide following the impact, Artemieva argues that an asteroid is a more plausible candidate for the Chicxulub impactor.

Based on the texts, how would Artemieva likely respond to Siraj’s hypothesis, as presented in Text 1?

A) By insisting that it overestimates how representative Wild 2 is of long-period comets as a class.

B) By concurring that carbonaceous chondrites are prevalent in soil samples from sites distant from the Chicxulub crater.

C) By praising it for connecting the composition of Chicxulub crater samples to the composition of certain asteroids.

D) By arguing that it does not account for the amount of iridium found in geological layers dating to the Chicxulub impact.

Text 1

The idea that time moves in only one direction is instinctively understood, yet it puzzles physicists. According to the second law of thermodynamics, at a macroscopic level some processes of heat transfer are irreversible due to the production of entropy—after a transfer we cannot rewind time and place molecules back exactly where they were before, just as we cannot unbreak dropped eggs. But laws of physics at a microscopic or quantum level hold that those processes should be reversible.

Text 2

In 2015, physicists Tiago Batalhão et al. performed an experiment in which they confirmed the irreversibility of thermodynamic processes at a quantum level, producing entropy by applying a rapidly oscillating magnetic field to a system of carbon-13 atoms in liquid chloroform. But the experiment “does not pinpoint …​ what causes [irreversibility] at the microscopic level,” coauthor Mauro Paternostro said.

Based on the texts, what would the author of Text 1 most likely say about the experiment described in Text 2?

A) It provides empirical evidence that the current understanding of an aspect of physics at a microscopic level must be incomplete.

B) It would suggest an interesting direction for future research were it not the case that two of the physicists who conducted the experiment disagree on the significance of its findings.

C) It is consistent with the current understanding of physics at a microscopic level but not at a macroscopic level.

D) It supports a claim about an isolated system of atoms in a laboratory, but that claim should not be extrapolated to a general claim about the universe.

Text 1

In a study of the benefits of having free time, Marissa Sharif found that the reported sense of life satisfaction tended to plateau when participants had two hours of free time per day and actually began to fall when they had five hours of free time per day. After further research, Sharif concluded that this dip in life satisfaction mainly occurred when individuals spent all their free time unproductively, such as by watching TV or playing games.

Text 2

Psychologist James Maddux cautions against suggesting an ideal amount of free time. The human desire for both free time and productivity is universal, but Maddux asserts that individuals have unique needs for life satisfaction. Furthermore, he points out that there is no objective definition for what constitutes productivity; reading a book might be considered a productive activity by some, but idleness by others.

Based on the texts, how would Maddux (Text 2) most likely respond to the conclusion Sharif (Text 1) reached after her further research?

A) By acknowledging that free time is more likely to enhance life satisfaction when it is spent productively than when it is spent unproductively.

B) By challenging the reasoning in Text 1, as it has not been proved that productivity commonly contributes to individuals’ life satisfaction.

C) By warning against making an overly broad assumption, as there is no clear consensus in distinguishing between productive and unproductive activities.

D) By claiming that the specific activities named in Text 1 are actually examples of productive activities rather than unproductive ones.

Text 1

Philosopher G.E. Moore’s most influential work entails the concept of common sense. He asserts that there are certain beliefs that all people, including philosophers, know instinctively to be true, whether or not they profess otherwise: among them, that they have bodies, or that they exist in a world with other objects that have three dimensions. Moore’s careful work on common sense may seem obvious but was in fact groundbreaking.

Text 2

External world skepticism is a philosophical stance supposing that we cannot be sure of the existence of anything outside our own minds. During a lecture, G.E. Moore once offered a proof refuting this stance by holding out his hands and saying, “Here is one hand, and here is another.” Many philosophers reflexively reject this proof (Annalisa Coliva called it “an obviously annoying failure”) but have found it a challenge to articulate exactly why the proof fails.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely respond to proponents of the philosophical stance outlined in Text 2?

A) By agreeing with those proponents that Moore’s treatment of positions that contradict his own is fundamentally unserious.

B) By pointing out that Moore would assert that external world skepticism is at odds with other beliefs those proponents must unavoidably hold .

C) By arguing that if it is valid to assert that some facts are true based on instinct, it is also valid to assert that some proofs are inadequate based on instinct.

D) By suggesting that an instinctive distaste for Moore’s position is preventing external world skeptics from constructing a sufficiently rigorous refutation of Moore.

Text 1

Because literacy in Nahuatl script, the writing system of the Aztec Empire, was lost after Spain invaded central Mexico in the 1500s, it is unclear exactly how meaning was encoded in the script’s symbols. Although many scholars had assumed that the symbols signified entire words, linguist Alfonso Lacadena theorized in 2008 that they signified units of language smaller than words: individual syllables.

Text 2

The growing consensus among scholars of Nahuatl script is that many of its symbols could signify either words or syllables, depending on syntax and content at any given site within a text. For example, the symbol signifying the word huipil (blouse) in some contexts could signify the syllable “pil” in others, as in the place name “Chipiltepec.” Thus, for the Aztecs, reading required a determination of how such symbols functioned each time they appeared in a text.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely characterize Lacadena’s theory, as described in Text 1?

A) By praising the theory for recognizing that the script’s symbols could represent entire words.

B) By arguing that the theory is overly influenced by the work of earlier scholars .

C) By approving of the theory’s emphasis on how the script changed over time.

D) By cautioning that the theory overlooks certain important aspects of how the script functioned.

Text 1

A tiny, unusual fossil in a piece of 99-million-year-old amber is of the extinct species Oculudentavis khaungraae. The O. khaungraae fossil consists of a rounded skull with a thin snout and a large eye socket. Because these features look like they are avian, or related to birds, researchers initially thought that the fossil might be the smallest avian dinosaur ever found.

Text 2

Paleontologists were excited to discover a second small fossil that is similar to the strange O. Khaungraae fossil but has part of the lower body along with a birdlike skull. Detailed studies of both fossils revealed several traits that are found in lizards but not in dinosaurs or birds. Therefore, paleontologists think the two creatures were probably unusual lizards, even though the skulls looked avian at first.

Based on the texts, what would the paleontologists in Text 2 most likely say about the researchers’ initial thought in Text 1?

A) It is confusing because it isn’t clear what caused the researchers to think that O. Khaungraae might be related to birds.

B) It is understandable because the fossil does look like it could be related to birds, even though O. Khaungraae is probably a lizard.

C) It is flawed because the researchers mistakenly assumed that O. Khaungraae must be a lizard.

D) It is reasonable because the O. Khaungraae skull is about the same size as the skull of the second fossil but is shaped differently.

Text 1

Throughout much of Western history, it was customary for people to wear head coverings like hats and scarves. However, in the past four decades, everyday hat-wearing has fallen out of favor to such an extent that anything beyond a baseball cap is now seen as unusual or overly formal. The act of covering one’s head is no longer seen as a display of manners or cultural awareness, and this trend is unlikely to reverse. Hat fashion is dead; hair fashion has taken its place and is here to stay.

Text 2

The recent decline in hat usage is just a minor blip in the fashion world. Wide-brimmed hats remain popular for beach attire, and the bucket hat is experiencing a revival among both men and women. Hats are valued not only for their practical purposes like warmth and sun protection but also as a means of expressing one’s fashion sense. While hats can add complexity to an outfit, when styled appropriately, they greatly elevate the overall appearance. This rediscovery of hats is leading to their resurgence in popularity.

How would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the statement "Hat fashion is dead" in Text 1?

A) Wholeheartedly endorsing it without reservation.

B) By moderately agreeing with it.

C) By expressing strong disagreement with it.

D) By displaying indifference toward it.

Text 1

When a couple decides to tie the knot, one of the timeless purchases they make is the diamond engagement ring. There is a wide array of styles available, including round, princess, cushion, emerald, and marquise cuts. Much consideration goes into choosing the perfect ring, as it represents a significant investment that may require saving up for a considerable period. However, what often goes overlooked is the fascinating history behind diamond engagement rings. The tradition dates back to 1477 in Austria, marking the first documented use of such rings. Since then, diamonds have captivated hearts and have been meticulously crafted into stunning centerpieces adorning gold bands.

Text 2

A novel alternative has emerged within the wedding sector: lab-grown diamonds. Unlike naturally occurring diamonds, these gems are produced in controlled laboratory settings. What sets this option apart and attracts buyers is its significantly lower price point, typically 50-60% less expensive than mined diamonds. As a result, the demand for lab-created jewelry has surged dramatically.

According to the texts, how would the "couple" in Text 1 probably react to the idea of lab-grown diamonds mentioned in Text 2?

A) Viewing it as an opportunity to save money towards a significant purchase.

B) By raising doubts about the absence of statistical evidence in the passage.

C) By disregarding the necessity of acquiring a costly token of affection.

D) By questioning the historical roots of a recent innovation.

Text 1

In the 1845s, prisons lacked regulation and hygiene standards. Danny Emily embarked on a comprehensive tour of both public and private facilities, meticulously documenting the deplorable conditions she encountered. Armed with her findings, she passionately appealed to the Massachusetts legislature, urging immediate action to overhaul the system. Emily’s reports painted a vivid picture of the horrors endured by inmates—beatings, starvation, chaining, and other forms of abuse—sparking outrage and igniting a fervent push for reform. As a result, significant strides were made in improving the treatment of both prisoners and the mentally ill.

Text 2

Jasmine Arthour, a pioneer in the settlement house movement and a passionate advocate for peace, alongside her college companion Ellen Starr, took up residence in 1856 in a dilapidated mansion located within a Chicago immigrant community. This residence, known as Hull-House, served as Arthour’s lifelong abode and served as the epicenter for a groundbreaking endeavor in philanthropy, activism, and social research. It stood as a beacon for the settlement movement aimed at uplifting impoverished communities.

Based on the texts, how would Jasmine Addams in Text 2 most likely respond to Emily’s actions to improve the conditions for the imprisoned and insane as illustrated in Text 1?

A) By disputing the idea that Dix could impose reform through documentation and reports instead of physically experiencing the conditions.

B) By assenting the importance of political action in achieving reform but asserting the greater significance of a personal lifetime commitment to a social cause.

C) By corroborating that thorough and honest research combined with political action are necessities when attempting social reform.

D) By contesting the effectiveness of the non scientific and dramatic nature of Dix’s reports in achieving reform.

Text 1

A recent research project scrutinized the melting patterns of nearly all glaciers across the globe, excluding those from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, encompassing around 200,000 glaciers. The investigation focused on assessing the diminishing mass and thickness of these glaciers from 2000 to 2022. Results indicated a noteworthy surge in the yearly rates of glacier thinning, nearly doubling from 36 centimeters in 2000 to 69 centimeters in 2022.

Text 2

Scientific projections suggest that a notable portion of the acceleration in sea level rise observed in the 21st century, estimated between 6% to 19%, can be linked to the loss of mass from glaciers. Furthermore, researchers approximate that around 21% of the total sea level rise is a direct result of glacier melt. The ramifications of rising sea levels include persistent inundation of low-lying areas, heightened frequency and extent of tidal flooding, as well as increased depth of inundation.

Based on the two texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely react to Text 1?

A) In surprise, since the global acceleration in sea levels is a result of multiple factors and not only due to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets.

B) In disbelief, since the rate at which glaciers are melting does not correspond to the rates at which sea levels are rising.

C) In support, since the impacts of sea level rise are severe and often permanent.

D) In agreement, since sea level rise is largely due to the accelerated rates of glacier thinning.