1. The passage is primarily concerned with
A. suggesting a method for determining the level of pollution in ocean water
B. pointing out a flaw in the reasoning of scientists who study the concentration of chemicals in ocean water
C. warning of the danger to oysters of cadmium in ocean water
D. contrasting the harm done by industrial pollution with the effects of pollution from other sources
E. advising caution in drawing conclusions regarding the presence of pollutants in the tissue of oysters Correct
Explanation
The passage introduces oyster tissue analysis as a pollution indicator but emphasizes careful interpretation due to natural factors like upwelling that elevate cadmium levels. This natural example illustrates why high concentrations do not always signify industrial pollution. The primary focus is urging caution to avoid misattributing natural chemical presence to human activity.
2. Which of the following words could be substituted for 'treasure' without substantially altering the meaning of the statement?
A. personal memento
B. hard-earned cash
C. desired artwork Correct
D. lost valuables
E. family heirloom
Explanation
The context describes lesser-known museum objects that visitors seek after viewing famous works, requiring effort to locate and possibly finding them inaccessible. 'Treasure' here refers to these coveted but obscure artworks. Substituting 'desired artwork' maintains the sense of valued cultural items pursued by dedicated visitors.
3. The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. contrast McCoy's success with other inventors during the Civil War
B. present a brief biography of McCoy
C. describe the development of one of McCoy's inventions
D. describe McCoy's success as an inventor Correct
E. discuss McCoy's contributions to the English language
Explanation
The passage highlights McCoy's post-Civil War achievements, focusing on his drip cup invention, company founding, numerous patents, and the origin of 'the real McCoy' from his reliable lubricators. These details collectively illustrate his inventive success and impact. The central aim is to showcase McCoy as a prolific and influential inventor.
4. According to the passage, 'the real McCoy' originally referred to
A. machinery that contained the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy Correct
B. any device actually invented by Elijah McCoy
C. Elijah McCoy himself
D. the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company
E. later versions of the drip cup invented by Elijah McCoy
Explanation
The passage states the phrase originated from the reliability of McCoy's lubricating devices, specifically applied to machinery equipped with his invention. This ensured genuine quality amid imitations. It directly ties to machines using his drip cup or lubricators, not McCoy personally or his company.
5. The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. summarize one scholar's analysis of a multinational business trend
B. suggest that it is best for companies to make a variety of products
C. describe an experiment that sheds light on how people make choices Correct
D. illustrate the conscious mental processes involved in making judgments
E. compare and contrast several different methods used to sell jam to the public
Explanation
The passage details Iyengar's jam experiment contrasting 6 versus 24 choices, revealing higher purchases with fewer options despite economic theory predicting otherwise. It explains this via choice overload paralyzing snap decisions. The core aim is presenting the study to illuminate decision-making psychology.