N/A - Exam Exam Answers

Which statement compares the rhetorical techniques used in the arguments?

Read the final two paragraphs from "Money to Us Is of No Value." You have talked to us about concessions. It appears strange that you should expect any from us, who have only been defending our just rights against your invasions. We want peace. Restore to us our country, and we shall be enemies no longer. We desire you to consider, brothers, that our only demand is the peaceable possession of a small part of our once great country. Look back and review the lands from whence we have been driven to this spot. We can retreat no farther, because the country behind hardly affords food for its present inhabitants, and we have therefore resolved to leave our bones in this small space to which we are now confined. Which best describes a central idea of this excerpt?

Read the excerpt from Pygmalion and Galatea by Josephine Preston Peabody. Now the festival of Venus was at hand, and Pygmalion, like all who loved Beauty, joined the worshippers. In the temple victims were offered, solemn rites were held, and votaries from many lands came to pray the favor of the goddess. At length Pygmalion himself approached the altar and made his prayer. "Goddess,” he said, "who hast vouchsafed to me this gift of beauty, give me a perfect love, likewise, and let me have for bride, one like my ivory maiden.” And Venus heard. Read the excerpt from Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. THE GENTLEMAN: [returning to his former place on the note taker’s left] How do you do it, if I may ask? THE NOTE TAKER: Simply phonetics. The science of speech. That’s my profession; also my hobby. Happy is the man who can make a living by his hobby! You can spot an Irishman or a Yorkshireman by his brogue. I can place any man within six miles. I can place him within two miles in London. Sometimes within two streets. How does Shaw’s adaptation challenge the idea in Pygmalion and Galatea that love is what makes people happiest?

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar . CASSIUS: Then if we lose this battle, You are contented to be led in triumph Through the streets of Rome? BRUTUS: No, Cassius, no: Think not, thou noble Roman, That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome. He bears too great a mind. But this same day Must end that work the ides of March begun; And whether we shall meet again I know not. How does Shakespeare’s use of triumph instead of victory affect the meaning of the passage?

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2, of Julius Caesar . [ANTONY:] For Brutus is an honourable man, So are they all, all honourable men— Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And sure he is an honourable man. How is the word honourable used in the context of Antony’s speech?

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar . [ANTONY.] For Brutus is an honourable man, So are they all, all honourable men— Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And sure he is an honourable man. Which piece of evidence describes Brutus and best supports the theme that even people with strong morals make mistakes?

Read this excerpt from the poem "Monet’s ‘Waterlilies’” by Robert Hayden. Here space and time exist in light the eye like the eye of faith believes. The seen, the known dissolve in iridescence, become illusive flesh of light that was not, was, forever is. O light beheld as through refracting tears. Here is the aura of that world each of us has lost. Here is the shadow of its joy. What is the best evidence that this poem is written in free verse?

Which line from "Monet’s ‘Waterlilies’” by Robert Hayden best demonstrates the speaker’s regret about the effects of violence and destruction in the world?

Which statement best describes the overall claim?

Why does Roosevelt use repetition in his request for a declaration of war?

Which homophones correctly complete the sentence? The students were __________ that an accomplished scientist always _____ over the results of an experiment.

Read the excerpt from Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah. I froze. The priest would declare me a heretic, my parents would call me a traitor, and Mrs. Piogarni would give me detention. I had no idea what to say. I mean, what does a Muslim confess to a priest? I could only think of one thing. That every time Chris Barkley called me a darkie, or teased me about my mom's towel-head, I made a silent prayer asking God to drop a tree on his stupid head. The priest asked me again: "What is your confession, my child?" "I’m Muslim," I whispered. "Five Hail Marys and five of the Lord’s Prayer.” That was my first and last participation in a church service. Which sentence best explains how the tone reveals the narrator’s perspective?

How does the rhythm of iambic pentameter contribute to the meaning of Shakespeare’s "Sonnet 100”? Choose two correct answers.

Read the passage from Ronald Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech. Perhaps this gets to the root of the matter, to the most fundamental distinction of all between East and West. The totalitarian world produces backwardness because it does such violence to the spirit, thwarting the human impulse to create, to enjoy, to worship. The totalitarian world finds even symbols of love and of worship an affront. Who is Reagan’s intended audience for this part of his speech?

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 2, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar . CASSIUS: Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so. BRUTUS: I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well. But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i'th' other, And I will look on both indifferently; For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death. What moral dilemma does this excerpt express?

Read the passage from "Two Kinds.” Every night after dinner, my mother and I would sit at the Formica kitchen table. She would present new tests, taking her examples from stories of amazing children she had read in Ripley's Believe It or Not , or Good Housekeeping, Reader's Digest , and a dozen other magazines she kept in a pile in our bathroom. My mother got these magazines from people whose houses she cleaned. And since she cleaned many houses each week, we had a great assortment. She would look through them all, searching for stories about remarkable children. The first night she brought out a story about a three-year-old boy who knew the capitals of all the states and even most of the European countries. A teacher was quoted as saying the little boy could also pronounce the names of the foreign cities correctly. "What's the capital of Finland?” my mother asked me, looking at the magazine story. What evidence supports the conclusion that the narrator’s mother reads about children who excel and tries to awaken similar talents in her daughter? Choose three correct answers.

Read the passage from "Two Kinds.” In fact, in the beginning, I was just as excited as my mother, maybe even more so. I pictured this prodigy part of me as many different images, trying each one on for size. I was a dainty ballerina girl standing by the curtains, waiting to hear the right music that would send me floating on my tiptoes. I was like the Christ child lifted out of the straw manger, crying with holy indignity. I was Cinderella stepping from her pumpkin carriage with sparkly cartoon music filling the air. In all of my imaginings, I was filled with a sense that I would soon become perfect . My mother and father would adore me. I would be beyond reproach. I would never feel the need to sulk for anything. But sometimes the prodigy in me became impatient. "If you don't hurry up and get me out of here, I'm disappearing for good," it warned. "And then you'll always be nothing." What conflict is indicated by the underlined sentences?

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2, of Julius Caesar . [ANTONY.] But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar; I found it in his closet. 'Tis his will. Let but the commons hear this testament— Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read— And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds, And dip their napkins in his sacred blood, Yea, beg a hair of him for memory, And, dying, mention it within their wills, Bequeathing it as a rich legacy Unto their issue. What is the best summary of this monologue?

Read the passage from "Marriage Is a Private Affair” by Chinua Achebe. Then one day he received a letter from Nene, and in spite of himself he began to glance through it perfunctorily until all of a sudden the expression on his face changed and he began to read more carefully. . . . Our two sons, from the day they learnt that they have a grandfather, have insisted on being taken to him. I find it impossible to tell them that you will not see them. I implore you to allow Nnaemeka to bring them home for a short time during his leave next month. I shall remain here in Lagos . . . The old man at once felt the resolution he had built up over so many years falling in. He was telling himself that he must not give in. He tried to steel his heart against all emotional appeals. It was a re-enactment of that other struggle. He leaned against a window and looked out. The sky was overcast with heavy black clouds and a high wind began to blow filling the air with dust and dry leaves. It was one of those rare occasions when even Nature takes a hand in a human fight. Very soon it began to rain, the first rain in the year. It came down in large sharp drops and was accompanied by the lightning and thunder which mark a change of season. Okeke was trying hard not to think of his two grandsons. But he knew he was now fighting a losing battle. He tried to hum a favorite hymn but the pattering of large rain drops on the roof broke up the tune. His mind immediately returned to the children. How could he shut his door against them? By a curious mental process he imagined them standing, sad and forsaken, under the harsh angry weather—shut out from his house. That night he hardly slept, from remorse—and a vague fear that he might die without making it up to them. How does Okeke’s change in attitude challenge the patriarchy?

Read the excerpt from "The Storyteller." "Were there any sheep in the park?” demanded Cyril. "No;” said the bachelor, "there were no sheep.” "Why weren’t there any sheep?” came the inevitable question arising out of that answer. The aunt permitted herself a smile, which might almost have been described as a grin. "There were no sheep in the park,” said the bachelor, "because the Prince’s mother had once had a dream that her son would either be killed by a sheep or else by a clock falling on him. For that reason the Prince never kept a sheep in his park or a clock in his palace.” Which statement best explains the situational irony in the passage?

Which image is the best choice for convincing an audience of kindergarten students to take action against bullying?

Which conflict most affects the plot in acts 1 and 2 of Julius Caesar ?

Which scenario shows an example of situational irony?

Read the sentence. Sayeed Johnson, who is running for mayor , will be speaking at the city library tonight. Which terms describe the underlined portion of the sentence? Choose two correct answers.

Which statements describe both graphic novels and comic books? Choose three correct answers.

What do the words partial , palatial , and potential have in common?

Read the sentence. According to a study published in the American Bee Journal , pesticides can cause as much damage to bee hives as Varroa mites do. What type of evidence is used to support the claim in this sentence?

What are effective ways to revise a research paper for readability? Choose three correct answers.

What are the purposes of a public service campaign? Choose three correct answers.

What is the claim in an argumentative text?

Read the excerpt from The Red Badge of Courage. In this excerpt, Henry Fleming and his regiment have just lost a battle. Before the gray mists had been totally obliterated by the sun rays, the regiment was marching in a spread column that was retiring carefully through the woods. The disordered, hurrying lines of the enemy could sometimes be seen down through the groves and little fields. They were yelling, shrill and exultant. At this sight the youth forgot many personal matters and became greatly enraged. He exploded in loud sentences. "B’jiminey, we’re generaled by a lot ‘a lunkheads.” "More than one feller has said that t’-day,” observed a man. His friend, recently aroused, was still very drowsy. He looked behind him until his mind took in the meaning of the movement. Then he sighed. "Oh, well, I s’pose we got licked,” he remarked sadly. The youth had a thought that it would not be handsome for him to freely condemn other men. He made an attempt to restrain himself, but the words upon his tongue were too bitter. He presently began a long and intricate denunciation of the commander of the forces. "Mebbe, it wa’n’t all his fault--not all together. He did th’ best he knowed. It’s our luck t’ git licked often,” said his friend in a weary tone. He was trudging along with stooped shoulders and shifting eyes like a man who has been caned and kicked. Which detail from the excerpt best shows the conflicting perspectives between Henry and his friend?

Read the excerpts from The Red Badge of Courage. In the first excerpt, Henry Fleming is fighting in his first battle. In the second excerpt, Henry is deserting his regiment. Excerpt 1: Perspiration streamed down the youth’s face, which was soiled like that of a weeping urchin. He frequently, with a nervous movement, wiped his eyes with his coat sleeve. His mouth was still a little ways open. He got the one glance at the foe-swarming field in front of him, and instantly ceased to debate the question of his piece being loaded. Before he was ready to begin—before he had announced to himself that he was about to fight—he threw the obedient well-balanced rifle into position and fired a first wild shot. Directly he was working at his weapon like an automatic affair. Excerpt 2: To the youth it was an onslaught of redoubtable dragons. He became like the man who lost his legs at the approach of the red and green monster. He waited in a sort of a horrified, listening attitude. He seemed to shut his eyes and wait to be gobbled. A man near him who up to this time had been working feverishly at his rifle suddenly stopped and ran with howls. A lad whose face had borne an expression of exalted courage, the majesty of he who dares give his life, was, at an instant, smitten abject. He blanched like one who has come to the edge of a cliff at midnight and is suddenly made aware. There was a revelation. He, too, threw down his gun and fled. There was no shame in his face. He ran like a rabbit. Others began to scamper away through the smoke. The youth turned his head, shaken from his trance by this movement as if the regiment was leaving him behind. He saw the few fleeting forms. Which quotation shows the effect of Henry’s changed perspective?

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar , act 2, scene 2. DECIUS: Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar. I come to fetch you to the Senate House. CAESAR: And you are come in very happy time To bear my greeting to the senators And tell them that I will not come today. (65) Cannot is false, and that I dare not, falser. I will not come today; tell them so, Decius. CALPURNIA: Say he is sick. CAESAR: Shall Caesar send a lie? Have I in conquest stretched mine arm so far, (70) To be afraid to tell greybeards the truth? Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come. What does the image of "in conquest stretched mine arm so far” suggest about the meaning of the passage?

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar . [Exit LEPIDUS] ANTONY: This is a slight, unmeritable man, Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit, The three-fold world divided, he should stand One of the three to share it? OCTAVIUS: So you thought him, And took his voice who should be pricked to die, In our black sentence and proscription. ANTONY: Octavius, I have seen more days than you: And though we lay these honors on this man. To ease ourselves of divers sland’rous loads, He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, To groan and sweat under the business, Either led or driven as we point the way; And having brought our treasure where we will, Then take we down his load, and turn him off, Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears And graze in commons. What does this interaction reveal about Antony’s agenda?

Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Dred Scott v. Sandford, written by Justice Taney. The question before us is, whether the class of persons described in the plea in abatement compose a portion of this people, and are constituent members of this sovereignty? We think they are not, and that they are not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word "citizens" in the Constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures to citizens of the United States. On the contrary, they were at that time considered as a subordinate and inferior class of beings, who had been subjugated by the dominant race, and, whether emancipated or not, yet remained subject to their authority, and had no rights or privileges but such as those who held the power and the Government might choose to grant them. What is Taney’s claim in this passage?

Read the passage from the opinion of the court in Dred Scott v. Sandford, written by Justice Taney. The question then arises, whether the provisions of the Constitution, in relation to the personal rights and privileges to which the citizen of a State should be entitled, embraced the negro African race, at that time in this country, or who might afterwards be imported, who had then or should afterwards be made free in any State; and to put it in the power of a single State to make him a citizen of the United States, and endue him with the full rights of citizenship in every other State without their consent? Does the Constitution of the United States act upon him whenever he shall be made free under the laws of a State, and raised there to the rank of a citizen, and immediately clothe him with all the privileges of a citizen in every other State, and in its own courts? The court thinks the affirmative of these propositions cannot be maintained. And if it cannot, the plaintiff in error could not be a citizen of the State of Missouri, within the meaning of the Constitution of the United States, and, consequently, was not entitled to sue in its courts. Why is Justice Taney’s argument ineffective?