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Example Questions
Example Question #952 : Sat Critical Reading
Adapted from "Swift" in Volume III of Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets by Samuel Johnson (1781)
In Swift's works, he has given very different specimens both of sentiment and expression. His Tale of a Tub has little resemblance to his other pieces. It exhibits a vehemence and rapidity of mind, a copiousness of images, and vivacity of diction, such as he afterwards never possessed, or never exerted. It is of a mode so distinct and peculiar, that it must be considered by itself; what is true of that, is not true of any thing else which he has written.
In his other works is found an equable tenor of easy language, which rather trickles than flows. His delight was in simplicity. That he has in his works no metaphor, as has been said, is not true; but his few metaphors seem to be received rather by necessity than choice. He studied purity; and though perhaps all his strictures are not exact, yet it is not often that solecisms can be found; and whoever depends on his authority may generally conclude himself safe. His sentences are never too much dilated or contracted; and it will not be easy to find any embarrassment in the complication of his clauses, any inconsequence in his connections, or abruptness in his transitions.
His style was well suited to his thoughts, which are never subtilized by nice disquisitions, decorated by sparkling conceits, elevated by ambitious sentences, or variegated by far-sought learning. He pays no court to the passions; he excites neither surprise nor admiration; he always understands himself, and his readers always understand him. The peruser of Swift wants little previous knowledge; it will be sufficient that he is acquainted with common words and common things; he is neither required to mount elevations nor to explore profundities; his passage is always on a level, along solid ground, without asperities, without obstruction.
Johnson praises Swift for all of the following in the second paragraph EXCEPT __________.
the simplicity of Swift's style
the economy of Swift's metaphors
the trustworthiness of Swift's authority
the vividness of Swift's images
the vividness of Swift's images
Johnson never mentions Swift's imagery in this paragraph, though he does mention the "copiousness of images" found in A Tale of a Tub in the first paragraph.
Example Question #31 : Understanding Organization And Argument In Humanities Passages
Passage adapted from J.R Hamilton's "When You Know What is Best, Ask For It By Name" San Francisco Call, April 16, 1912.
If a man has anything he is proud of, he gives it a name whether it be a baby or a pair of boots. And the more he is proud of it, the more he talks about it.
Nameless things are seldom good and never reliable. If you want to cut down your cost of living the very best way to do it is to learn to ask only for standard articles.
When you know the name of a good maker of shirts or shoes, of furniture or pianos, of hardware or underwear, fix that name definitely in your mind and remember it when you come to buy.
Do not allow strange things to come into your home any more than you would allow strange people.
The brand and the trademark and the copyright are the letters of introduction from the maker to you. In this way he vouches for their respectability and guarantees their good behavior in your home.
There is a name for every good product that is made. And most of these names are known by every man and woman in America. Manufacturers have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to standardize these names in your mind. From the lining of a dress to laundry soap; from a cleanser to a baking powder; from a suit of clothes to a kit of tools; you could call every standard article on the market by name if you would only remember to do so when you come to buy.
It is through your carelessness that lies and adulterations creep in. The standard is set by good men, but the standard is only maintained by you.
It is time for you to forget the generic name of every article, and remember only the standard name of its quality.
In the advertising news of this paper today you will find many of these standard names and brands of quality. This article is written for the sole purpose of reminding you to use those names. It is only fair that you should do as much for these good manufacturers as they are doing for you. It is only right that you should help in this great standardization of good products that is going on throughout America.
Begin now to ask by name for everything you buy. And you will find your satisfaction growing greater day by day and your optimism extending even down to your pocket book.
What is the primary purpose of the first sentence?
To introduce the concept that names, and the process of naming, as important.
To describe the effects of being boastful.
To encourage people to talk about their achievements.
To list things of which he is proud.
To introduce the concept that names, and the process of naming, as important.
Throughout the rest of the article, the author discusses the importance of purchasing name brand items instead of generic, or nameless, items. In the first paragraph he is laying the groundwork for this argument. He compares naming a baby, which most people would agree is very important, to naming a pair of boots. By introducing the general, and broadly accepted, practice of naming as a necessary, positive, and virtuous process the author sets the stage for his subsequent argument about the inherent value of name brand consumer products.
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