UniReady STAT Practice Questions

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1 UniReady STAT Practice Questions Qualitative Practice Questions By UniReady.net 1

2 Questions 1 3 UNIT 1 The Unity of a Plot does not consist, as some suppose, in it s having one man as its subject. An infinity of things befall that one man, some of which it is impossible to reduce to unity; and in like manner there are many actions of one man which cannot be made to form one action. One sees, therefore, the mistake of all the poets who have written a Heracleid, a Theseid, or similar poems; they suppose that, because Heracles was one man, the story also of Heracles must be one story. Homer, however, evidently understood this point quite well, whether by art or instinct, just in the same way as he excels the rest in every other respect. In writing an Odyssey, he did not make the poem cover all that ever befell his hero it befell him, for instance, to get wounded on Parnassus and also to feign madness at the time of the call to arms, but the two incidents had no probable or necessary connexion with one another instead of doing that, he took an action with a Unity of the kind we are describing as the subject of the Odyssey, as also of the Iliad. The truth is that, just as in the other imitative arts one imitation is always of one thing, so in poetry the story, as an imitation of action, must represent one action, a complete whole, with its several incidents so closely connected that the transposal or withdrawal of any one of them will disjoin and dislocate the whole. For that which makes no perceptible difference by its presence or absence is no real part of the whole. 1. According to the author of this passage, which of the following statements is true? A. Some suppose that the Unity of a Plot consists of one man as its subject. B. Some suppose that the Unity of a Plot does not consist of one man as its subject. C. The Unity of a Plot consists of one man as its subject. D. Some suppose that it is impossible to reduce to unity an infinity of things that befall one man. 2. What was the point that Homer understood quite well whether by art or instinct? A. All that befell a hero should be accounted for in detail in the hero s story. B. All that befell a hero need not be narrated in detail in his story. C. Poets who have written a Heracleid or a Theseid did mistakes in their stories. D. Heracles was one man, and the story of Heracles must be one story. 2

3 3. Which of the following is an analogy that is similar to a situation referred to in the last line of the paragraph? A. As addition of another spoon of sugar to the milk does not make much of a difference, sugar is not a part of the milk. B. If the removal of a particular scene from a movie doesn t make any difference, then it is not part of the movie. C. If the absence or presence of a subject doesn t make any difference to the knowledge of students attending a particular course then the subject is not part of the course. D. A transpose or withdrawal of a stanza from a poem changes the meaning of the poem entirely. 3

4 UNIT 2 Questions 4-7 It has been observed, that a dwarf standing on the shoulders of a giant will see farther than the giant himself; and the moderns, standing as they do on the vantage ground of former discoveries, and uniting all the fruits of the experience of their forefathers with their own actual observation, may be admitted to enjoy a more enlarged and comprehensive view of things than the ancients themselves; for that alone is true antiquity which embraces the antiquity of the world, and not that which would refer us back to a period when the world was young. But by whom is this true antiquity enjoyed? Not by the ancients who did live in the infancy, but by the moderns who do live in the maturity of things. Therefore, as regards the age of the world, we may lay a justified claim to the title of being the ancients, even than our forefathers themselves; for they inhabited the world when it was young, but we occupy it now that it is old. Therefore, that precedent may not exert too despotic a rule over experience, and that the dead may not too strictly govern the living, may I be pardoned in taking a brief and cursory view of the claims of the ancients to our veneration, so far as they are built on the only proper foundation, superiority of mind? But it is by no means my object to lessen our esteem for those great men who have lived before us, and who have accomplished such wonders, considering the scantiness of their means; my intention is merely to suggest that the veneration due to times that are past is a Hind veneration, the moment it is paid at the expense of times that are present; for as these very ancients themselves were once the moderns, so we moderns must also become the ancients in our turn. 4. Which of the following is being compared to the shoulders of a giant in the above passage? A. The moderns B. Vantage ground of former discoveries C. Fruits of experience D. Actual observation 5. Which of the following, according to the author of the passage, is true antiquity? A. That which embraces the antiquity of the world B. That which refers us back to the period when the world was young C. Ancients who lived in infancy D. Moderns who live in the maturity of things 4

5 6. According to the passage, the only proper foundation on which the claims of the ancients are built is A. A brief and cursory view B. Lessening of our esteem for the great men who lived before us C. Superiority of the mind D. The dead may not strictly govern the living 7. What does the author imply by saying, for as these very ancients themselves were once the moderns, so we moderns must also become the ancients in our turn? A. The author means that we will all grow old in the future B. The author means that our ancient people will again be born again as modern people C. The author means that everything that is new will grow old D. The author means that for the future generations we will be ancients 5

6 UNIT 3 Questions 8 12 Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purposes, whereas the import duty on the raw materials and components ranges from 40%- 85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on components, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5%-10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e., central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4%-16%. Another factor which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22% as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries. The production of machine tools in the country being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which our country s machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of domestic machines. It is to be noted that the country is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from the country s machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody s case that the needs of this fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away? Then, what is it that the industry requests from the government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interests of the nation. Most important, it requests for the government s consideration and understanding. 8. According to the passage, all the following factors are responsible for high cost of the country s machines EXCEPT A. higher import duty on spares B. sales tax C. banks rate of interest on loans for manufacture D. high profit margin expected by manufacturers as there is no reference to the profit margin anywhere in the passage. 6

7 9. The availability of the country s machine tool industries help to small scale industry is most likely to result into A. deterioration in the quality of components manufactured by them B. further increase in the customs duty on imported machines C. enhancement in the quality and quantity of their production at a cheaper cost D. increase in the demand of imported machine tools 10. Which of the following best explains the sentence It wants a level playing field as used in the passage? The machine tool industry in this country A. needs land for opening more factories B. needs freedom to import the desired components at a low cost C. seeks to have small scale industry as its patron D. wants to adopt novel marketing strategies for sale promotion 11. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the content of the passage? A. Levying heavy custom duty is absolutely necessary B. Banks in other countries are running in loss owing to a low interest rate C. The government in this country was not considerate to the difficulties faced by machine tool industry D. The government of this country has duly recognized the role of machine tool industry 12. Which of the following is the principal focus of the content of the passage? A. Exorbitant sales tax B. Unrealistic strategy of development of technology C. Reduction in rate of interest on loans to machine tool industry D. The country s machine tool industry and its vital role in country s development 7

8 UNIT 4 Questions Water plays a versatile role in the functioning of the biosphere. The water cycle has to distinct branches the atmospheric branch and the terrestrial branch. In the atmosphere, water exists mainly in gaseous form. On the earth, liquid forms and solid forms (ice/snow) predominate. Although we have a plentiful supply of water in the oceans, it is not of direct use to us. We have to depend upon a small stock of water less than 1% - contained in our rivers and fresh water lakes and in the subsoil. Even this small proportion can cause havoc to life if it is not properly managed: The reference here is to floods. We return to the subject of floods again since nature s fury seems still unabated. While relief measures are undoubtedly important, attention has to be focused on the long-term flood control measures. In the past, we had constructed flood moderation reservoirs across catchments areas of rivers, and built 19,260 km of embankments and 27,850 km length of drainage channels. Besides, 18,900 villages have been raised above the flood level up to March The fact is that long-term flood control measures to be effective should include both traditional methods and afforestation measures. The intensity of floods may be reduced by keeping the drainage channels clear and removing the accumulated silt from reservoirs and river beds. In fact, the dams built have trapped silt coming from the hills and prevented its large accumulation in river beds downstream. Hence the new emphasis on building more dams in the northern rivers should be welcomed. The embankments also need to be reinforced in many places, they are just mode of mud and sand and easily breached by a little gush of water. Other improvements should be in the regulation of water discharge from filled reservoirs and in the flood forecasting system. Even the present warning system, though inadequate, has helped to save many valuable lives and property. The mighty Himalayan Rivers are unlikely to be tamed unless we have a basic understanding as to how flood originate. Since 1947, Indian and foreign scientists have been repeatedly emphasizing that the volume of water in the Himalayan rivers in the monsoons are the combined effect of rainfall, snow melt and glacier discharges. Even the first expert committee set up by Mr. Nehru had opined that a serious study of the snow melt and glacier discharges is essential for avoiding flood disasters in the north. But efforts in this direction, during the last 50 years, have been very inadequate. Now that satellite pictures are available detailing the snow cover in the Himalayas over large areas and their movements the government would do well to initiate measures to obtain the relevant data from such pictures. Field studies in the Himalayan region would also help flood control measures. 8

9 13. Which of the following, according to the passage is a new non-traditional method of flood control? A. Construction of flood moderation reservoirs across catchments areas of rivers. B. Building embankments C. Laying drainage channels D. Planning more areas with trees 14. The author speaks approvingly of all of the following EXCEPT.. A. afforestation measures B. the last five decades efforts at studying the Himalayan environment C. emphasis on building dams D. inadequate flood warning system 15. The author seems to favor I. Traditional methods II. Afforestation III. Soil conservation measures A. I only B. I only C. III only D. I and II only 16. Which of the following statement(s) is / are definitely TRUE in the context of the passage? I. A significant proportion of water on the earth is not of direct use to us II. Water from rainfall, glaciers and snow-melt do not pose any threat to life and property III. Water exists in atmosphere in the same state as is available on the earth A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I and II only 17. Which of the following is a new suggestion of the author? A. Water discharge should be regulated B. The drainage channels should be cleared up C. The reservoirs built across the catchments areas of rivers should be de-silted D. A flood forecasting system should be established 9

10 Questions UNIT 5 The seats in an auditorium are arranged in rows in a very precise manner, which are categorized into the left and the right columns. Each column has 8 rows, and each row has 12 chairs, each chair has one hand-rest on the right hand side. 18. How many hand-rests are there totally in the auditorium? A. 12 B. 96 C. 182 D If two rows are removed in each column, then the number of hand-rests would be reduced by A. 12 B. 24 C. 48 D If the number of chairs in each row is reduced by 4, then the total number of hand-rests would be reduced by A. 32 B. 64 C. 96 D

11 UNIT 6 Questions 21 to 25 Bonsai was first developed in China over 700 years ago and then adapted by the Japanese. Bonsai growth can occur naturally if a seed grows in a very small packet of soil. This restricts the root growth and thus causes dwarfing of the plant. The general principle of bonsai is to restrict growth of the bonsai tree to a minimum by root pruning and top and tip pruning. Another aspect is to use a small container and this restricts root growth. The main principle is to do root pruning and tip pruning every few years for an advanced plant. This avoids the bonsai plant becoming root bound and dying. One can also grow an advanced bonsai plant by using some tricks. One can select advanced pants that can be reduced to the bonsai form with small proportions. The best time to do this is in late winter and spring and to wait before new growth occurs. There are several classical forms of bonsai. The first is formal upright. This has a trunk which is erect and has even spaced branches. The trunk is in the middle of the pot. The second form is informal upright with gentle twists to the trunk. Slanting is where the trunk slants over to one side. Another form is cascading where the branches go deeper than the container. One needs to put the plant on a stand for this form. To achieve these forms, after root pruning one uses copper wire or some soft similar wire to hold the branches in the correct form. One wraps the wire around the trunk and then out towards the branches. One needs to take care not to make excessive bends as this can break the branch. One can also hold the wire down with a fishing line and one can also use stakes to hold the branches up to the correct placement. Bonsai need very good light or sunlight and are best grown outdoors to keep the plants healthy. Some plants need protection from the hot summer sun in a tropical area. Water the pots when the soil dries out on the surface. 21. Which of the following could be period during which bonsai was first developed in China? A. 700 B C D

12 22. Which of the following restricts the root growth of a bonsai plant? A. Natural seed growth B. Small container C. Tip pruning D. Using a copper wire 23. Which of the following is not a classical form of bonsai? A. Formal upright B. Informal upright C. Cascading D. Wrapping 24. When can Bonsai growth occur naturally? A. If the seed is grown in a natural environment B. If the plant is placed outside in the sun C. If the seed is grown in a small packet of soil D. A Bonsai cannot grow naturally 25. Late winter and spring is a best time to A. Plant bonsai seeds in containers B. Reduce advanced plants to bonsai C. Prune root and tips D. Grow non-classic forms of bonsai 12

13 UNIT 7 Questions We know from the bas reliefs and papyri in the British Museum how advanced were the Ancient Egyptians in the arts of civilization, and that the manufacture of comfortable and even luxurious furniture was not neglected. In them, the Hebrews must have had excellent workmen for teachers and taskmasters, to have enabled them to acquire sufficient skill and experience to carry out such precise instructions as were given for the erection of the Tabernacle, some 1,500 years before Christ--as to the kinds of wood, measurements, ornaments, fastenings ("loops and taches"), curtains of linen, and coverings of dried skins. A thousand years before Christ, we have those descriptions of the building and fitting by Solomon of the glorious work of his reign, the great Temple, and of his own, "the King's house," which gathered from different countries the most skilful artificers of the time, an event which marks an era of advance in the knowledge and skill of those who were thus brought together to do their best work towards carrying out the grand scheme. It is worth while, too, when we are referring to Old Testament information bearing upon the subject, to notice some details of furniture which are given. One of these is the verse (Kings ii. chap. 4) which tells us the contents of the "little chamber in the wall," when Elisha visited the Shunamite, about B.C. 895; and we are told of the preparations for the reception of the prophet: "And let us set for him there a bed and a table and a stool and a candlestick." The other incident is some 420 years later, when, in the allusion to the grandeur of the palace of Ahashuerus, we catch a glimpse of Eastern magnificence in the description of the drapery which furnished the apartment: "Where were white, green, and blue hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple, to silver rings and pillars of marble; the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red and blue and white and black marble." (Esther i. 6.) There are, unfortunately, no trustworthy descriptions of ancient Hebrew furniture. The illustrations in Kitto's Bible, Mr. Henry Soltan's "The Tabernacle, the Priesthood, and the Offerings," and other similar books, are apparently drawn from imagination, founded on descriptions in the Old Testament. As a nomadic people, their furniture would be but primitive, and we may take it that as the Jews and Assyrians came from the same stock, and spoke the same language, such ornamental furniture as there was would, with the exception of the representations of figures of men or animals, be of a similar character. 26. According to the passage, advanced knowledge of furniture making has existed A. since at least 895 BC B. since at least 1500 BC C. since approximately 475 BC D. since at least 1000 BC 13

14 27. According to the passage, renderings of ancient Hebrew furniture are based on I. descriptions in the Old Testament, combined with some imagination. II. an assumption of what would be useful and convenient for a nomadic tribe. III. the proven similarities between ancient Assyrian and ancient Hebrew aesthetic designs. A. I only B. II and III C. I and III D. I and II 28. According to the passage, all of the following were used in ancient craftsmanship EXCEPT A. skins B. linen C. gold D. iron 29. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously challenge the author s conclusions? A. the description of the palace of Ahashuerus was fictional and based on a recently discovered ancient text. B. the home of the Shunamite had curtains. C. the Assyrians had simple and relatively primitive furniture. D. an Ancient Egyptian tomb contained comfortable and luxurious furniture. 30. The passage suggests that the Hebrews learned many of their skills in furniture making from A. the Egyptians. B. the Assyrians. C. trial and error. D. ancient texts that described furniture in detail. 14

15 UNIT 8 Questions The strangest figure that meets us in the annals of Oriental thought is that of Confucius. To the popular mind he is the founder of a religion, and yet he has nothing in common with the great religious teachers of the East. We think of Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, as the very impersonation of romantic asceticism, enthusiastic self-sacrifice, and faith in the things that are invisible. Zoroaster is the friend of God, talking face to face with the Almighty, and drinking wisdom and knowledge from the lips of Omniscience. Mohammed is represented as snatched up into heaven, where he receives the Divine communication which he is bidden to propagate with fire and sword throughout the world. These great teachers lived in an atmosphere of the supernatural. They spoke with the authority of inspired prophets. They brought the unseen world close to the minds of their disciples. They spoke positively of immortality, of reward or punishment beyond the grave. The present life they despised, the future was to them everything in its promised satisfaction. The teachings of Confucius were of a very different sort. Throughout his whole writings he has not even mentioned the name of God. He declined to discuss the question of immortality. When he was asked about spiritual beings, he remarked, "If we cannot even know men, how can we know spirits?" 31. The primary purpose of this passage is to A. Compare the philosophy of Confucius to the philosophies of several other religious philosophers. B. Discuss the unusual fact that Confucius never mentioned God in his writings. C. Introduce several important religious leaders and the main ideas of their religions. D. Introduce and examine the idea that the philosophy of Confucius is unusual when compared to other world religions. 32. Based on the passage, it is logical to assume that Confucius never mentioned God in his writing because A. he believed that humans were mortal creatures rather than immortal creatures. B. he did not believe in a god and thought it wrong to promote the idea of a god. C. he thought it more important for humans to focus on understanding themselves, rather than on a possible divine spirit. D. he believed that other philosophers has sufficiently described the concept of god and he had nothing more to contribute to humans understanding of a god. 15

16 33. Which of the following statements is supported by evidence in the passage? A. Mohammed believed in an afterlife, whereas Zoroaster did not. B. Siddhartha believed happiness and satisfaction could be found in this world by practicing rigid asceticism. C. Siddhartha, Zoroaster, and Mohammed believed that happiness could only be found in the afterlife. D. Confucius did not believe in reincarnation, whereas Zoroaster and Mohammed did. 34. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the author s argument? A. Siddhartha believed that the deeds humans do in this life determine their happiness in the afterlife. B. Confucius s private letters reveal his belief in a god who determines the happiness of people in the afterlife. C. Mohammed believed that one of the most important tasks of humans was to seek to understand the purpose of life. D. Zoroaster s religious ideas were recorded by an acquaintance, not by Zoroaster himself. 16

17 UNIT 9 Questions Aucassin was of Beaucaire; His was the fine castle there; But on slender Nicolette Past man's moving is he set, Whom his father doth refuse; Menace did his mother use: "Out upon thee, foolish boy! Nicolette is but a toy, Castaway from Carthagen, Bought a slave of heathen men. If for marrying thou be, Take a wife of high degree!" "Mother, I will none but her. Hath she not the gentle air, Grace of limb, and beauty bright? I am snared in her delight. If I love her 'tis but meet, So passing sweet!" 35. The mother in this poem feels that Nicolette A. Is not of noble enough birth for her son. B. Is graceful and beautiful. C. Is not good enough for her son because she is from Carthagen. D. Has maliciously ensnared her son. 36. It is logical to conclude that Aucassin A. will obey his mother s wishes. B. will continue to love Nicolette no matter what his parents think of her. C. holds his father s opinion in higher esteem than his mother s. D. has married Nicolette and saved her from slavery. 37. Based on information in the passage, all of the following are logical conclusions EXCEPT: A. Aucassin is of noble birth. B. Aucassin loves Nicolette but has no intention of marrying her. C. Nicolette was exiled from another town. D. Aucassin s parents are concerned about status. 17

18 UNIT 10 Questions Having thus provided myself with these maxims, and having placed them in reserve along with the truths of faith, which have ever occupied the first place in my belief, I came to the conclusion that I might with freedom set about ridding myself of what remained of my opinions. And, inasmuch as I hoped to be better able successfully to accomplish this work by holding intercourse with mankind, than by remaining longer shut up in the retirement where these thoughts had occurred to me, I betook me again to traveling before the winter was well ended. And, during the nine subsequent years, I did nothing but roam from one place to another, desirous of being a spectator rather than an actor in the plays exhibited on the theater of the world; and, as I made it my business in each matter to reflect particularly upon what might fairly be doubted and prove a source of error, I gradually rooted out from my mind all the errors which had hitherto crept into it. Not that in this I imitated the sceptics who doubt only that they may doubt, and seek nothing beyond uncertainty itself; for, on the contrary, my design was singly to find ground of assurance, and cast aside the loose earth and sand, that I might reach the rock or the clay. In this, as appears to me, I was successful enough; for, since I endeavored to discover the falsehood or incertitude of the propositions I examined, not by feeble conjectures, but by clear and certain reasonings, I met with nothing so doubtful as not to yield some conclusion of adequate certainty, although this were merely the inference, that the matter in question contained nothing certain. And, just as in pulling down an old house, we usually reserve the ruins to contribute towards the erection, so, in destroying such of my opinions as I judged to be Ill-founded, I made a variety of observations and acquired an amount of experience of which I availed myself in the establishment of more certain. And further, I continued to exercise myself in the method I had prescribed; for, besides taking care in general to conduct all my thoughts according to its rules, I reserved some hours from time to time which I expressly devoted to the employment of the method in the solution of mathematical difficulties, or even in the solution likewise of some questions belonging to other sciences, but which, by my having detached them from such principles of these sciences as were of inadequate certainty, were rendered almost mathematical: the truth of this will be manifest from the numerous examples contained in this volume. And thus, without in appearance living otherwise than those who, with no other occupation than that of spending their lives agreeably and innocently, study to sever pleasure from vice, and who, that they may enjoy their leisure without ennui, have recourse to such pursuits as are honorable, I was nevertheless prosecuting my design, and making greater progress in the knowledge of truth, than I might, perhaps, have made had I been engaged in the perusal of books merely, or in holding converse with men of letters. 18

19 38. In lines 8-10, the phrase desirous of being a spectator rather than an actor in the plays exhibited on the theater of the world suggests that A. the author sought to interact with as many new people in the world as he could. B. the author wanted to watch many new plays, so as to familiarize himself with different ideas. C. the author wanted to observe other people s actions and ideas more than take part in them. D. the author tried not to interact with other people but was not successful. 39. It can be inferred from the passage that the author thinks of sceptics as A. people who question mainly ideas that other people have deemed logical and reasonable. B. people who accept ideas readily, without truly examining them. C. people who like to question and will do so whether or not an idea seems logical. D. people who frequently argue with others over certain philosophical arguments. 40. Based on this passage, one can reasonably assume that the author is interested in the field of A. psychology. B. biology. C. astronomy. D. mathematics. 41. The principle concern of the author is A. to examine different philosophies and decide which ones he supports. B. to experience as much of the world as possible so as to be able to write about different peoples. C. to meet and converse with men of letters in order to figure out the most moral way of living. D. to figure out a logical, scientific way of understanding life and mankind. 19

20 UNIT 11 Questions After the war, which had not benefited my purse extravagantly, I wandered off into the interior of Georgia, and finally engaged in business in one of the interior counties. I knew the southern people pretty well before the war, had been much among them, and was familiar with their habits, prejudices, etc. For my own convenience and safety, when I went into business I passed as a Kentuckian, and thereby avoided many personal and business annoyances. At first this was not particularly disagreeable. Gradually, however, it became worse and worse, until at length, to keep up my pretensions, and save my business, I was compelled to profess the most ultra southern views and prejudices. I thought that there would never be further active opposition to the national authority, and so submitted to the situation, rather than lose what little I had by leaving it. To sell it for anything worth taking, was simply impossible in the state of the country. So much for the way I came to know what is about to be told. In the summer of 1867, one of my neighbors called one morning, and said that an important meeting was to come off that night, at a house about three miles from our town. Every good Southerner, he said, was interested, and he wanted me to go. Of course I had heard of organizations throughout the South, and knew from the manner of this man's talk, that something of the kind was in the wind now. I knew, too, that it would not do to disregard the appeal to "every good Southerner," and so I went with him. The meeting was not at any house, however. Half a mile from the house he had named, my escort turned his horse into a bridle-path, leading up into a wild, hilly district, and I followed, of course. A mile or so on this path, away from any habitation, my companion suddenly slackened his horse's pace, and proceeded very cautiously, bidding me be silent. In a few minutes I distinctly heard the click of a musket lock, as the piece was brought to a full cock. It was too dark to see anything. My companion carried an Enfield rifle, and instantly stopping his horse, he cocked his piece and pulled the trigger, almost without a pause. Of course I was somewhat alarmed and astonished. As we passed the spot where I supposed a sentinel to be standing, there was no one there! Whatever had been there had vanished, and as I turned to say something about it to my escort, I saw that he too had gone! It was another man riding by my side, his face covered partly by a handkerchief, drawn tightly across the nose. I was thoroughly alarmed, and more than half suspected that I had been tried and condemned beforehand, and was now being led away to be murdered. There was nothing to be done but to go on, for I was completely lost in the woods, and knew nothing of how soon I might stumble on a dozen enemies, if I should attempt to escape. 20

21 42. The author of this piece is most likely A. an ex-soldier from the North. B. a lifelong Southerner. C. more prejudiced than most Southerners at the time. D. less prejudiced than most Southerners at the time. 43. Based on information in the passage, it is logical to assume that all of the following are true EXCEPT: A. the people leading the meeting to which the narrator is headed don t want to be recognized or known B. the narrator is somewhat afraid that he is about to be killed. C. the narrator and his escort are approaching a battle of some sort. D. the narrator agreed to go to the meeting partly to win favor so his business would survive. 44. The tone of this passage is A. somber and foreboding B. optimistic and bubbly C. scholarly and objective D. curious and mildly incredulous 45. In context, the first paragraph s concluding sentence, So much for the way I came to know what is about to be told, suggests that A. the author was able to learn of the information that follows because others had come to trust him. B. the author learned the information that follows from an ex-soldier. C. the author sold some of his goods in return for the information that follows. D. the author abandoned his business and got involved in Southern affairs. 21

22 UNIT 12 Questions During the European Middle Ages, before Arabic medical texts became available in Europe, the practice of medicine was based on ancient superstitions, religious beliefs, and the small amount of accurate knowledge gained from observation of their patients. They knew, for example, that alcohol applied to a wound fought infections (though they did not know why); they knew that some sicknesses could be prevented by avoiding contact with infected people; and they knew that straightening broken bones was necessary for proper healing. However, they knew very little about the causes of illnesses or the reasons why certain treatments worked. Dissection was prohibited by the Church (and considered grotesque and perverse), antibiotics were centuries away from discovery, and the scientific method had not yet been conceived. If a person fell ill, he could visit a healer, who might prescribe strange concoctions of herbs some of which probably were effective and other ingredients that surely did more harm than good. If the person had money (and if he lived in a larger town or city), he might choose to visit a physician, who might lance him, bleed him with leeches, and prescribe herbs or ointments. The poorer man might have no choice but to pray, to ask God to forgive whatever sin the man had committed for which this illness served as punishment. For a broken bone, the man might simply let it heal on its own, or he might visit a bonesetter, who would force the bone back into place without being able to offer the balm of anesthesia. A boil on the arm could turn into a life-threatening systemic infection; a broken leg could debilitate someone for life; a cough in the town square could bring down the whole population. 46. Based on information in the passage, it is logical to conclude that A. Arabic medicine was based on superstitions and religious beliefs. B. Arabic ideas about medicine were not well received in Europe. C. Arabic ideas about medicine were more advanced than European ones. D. European doctors often consulted Arabic doctors for medical advice. 47. One difference between medieval physicians and medieval healers was A. Healers were often more available and affordable than physicians. B. Physicians believed in the benefits of bleeding while healers did not. C. Healers practiced bone-setting but physicians did not. D. Physicians had more access to effective medical tools and practices than healers did. 22

23 48. The author includes the phrase Dissections were prohibited by the Church mainly in order to A. demonstrate one way in which the Church dictated medical practice. B. suggest one reason for the lack of knowledge about effective medical treatment. C. provide evidence for why healers were ineffective. D. provide a point of comparison between European and Arabic medical practices. 49. Suppose that one of the herbs medieval practioners used has been proven effective by modern medical standards for a variety of illnesses. The author would most likely support which of the following statements? A. Medieval medical practitioners used this herb because it had been proven effective through a series of scientific tests. B. Medieval medical practitioners used this herb because they believed it to be effective based on their observation of patients who used it. C. Medieval medical practitioners used this herb because they had read in Arabic medical literature that it was effective. D. Medieval medical practitioners used this herb because it was mentioned in the Bible, despite the fact that most patients died after ingesting it. 50. This passage is based on the assumption that A. Scientific experimentation leads to effective medical treatment. B. Effective medical strategies can only be achieved through dissection. C. Arabic medical strategies were the only effective ones during the Middle Ages. D. Practices that are based on religious belief are always incorrect. 23