Module I: Reading and Writing

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The seasoned diplomat, Sir Richard Hamilton, a former United Nations ambassador with over three decades of experience in international affairs, was renowned for his adept ability to navigate labyrinthine negotiations with grace and finesse. His _____ demeanor, coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge of international relations and fluency in multiple languages, made him an invaluable asset in high-stakes discussions, especially during pivotal peace talks between warring nations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

1
Mark for Review
abrasive
gregarious
judicious
capricious
The young prodigy, Alessandro Castellani, a gifted Italian composer barely in his teens, astounded the classical music world with his musical compositions, which exhibited a breathtaking level of sophistication and emotional depth that belied his tender age. His work seemed to _____ the confines of conventional wisdom, seamlessly blending Baroque intricacies with modern symphonic elements, earning him effusive praise and recognition as a groundbreaking artist in prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
2
Mark for Review
transgress
corroborate
adhere
transcend
The following text is adapted from Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter. Hester Prynne, a woman who has been punished for adultery, is out in public. It may be true, that, to a sensitive observer, there was something exquisitely painful in it. Her attire, which, indeed, she had wrought for the occasion, in prison, and had modelled much after her own fancy, seemed to express the attitude of her spirit, the desperate recklessness of her mood, by its wild and picturesque peculiarity. But the point which drew all eyes, and, as it were, transfigured the wearer, — so that both men and women, who had been familiarly acquainted with Hester Prynne, were now impressed as if they beheld her for the first time, — was that SCARLET LETTER, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom. It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
3
Mark for Review
It provides a detailed depiction of a character's attire and beauty, enhancing the scene's imagery.
It underscores a marked shift in perception, illustrating the transformative effect of a symbol.
It subtly casts doubt on the claim made in the preceding sentence, prompting further scrutiny.
It effectively expands on the premise introduced in the previous sentence, adding depth to the narrative.
A research study by a group of scientists, including biologist Sarah R. Johnson, indicates that the presence of certain bird species can affect the growth rate of nearby plants. The researchers studied the effect of various bird species on the growth of understory plants in different forest ecosystems by monitoring bird visits and plant growth. The team discovered that in some cases, plants grew faster when specific bird species were more frequent visitors.
Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
4
Mark for Review
To establish a correlation between bird presence and plant growth.
To justify the monitoring of the species observed.
To provide an example of a particular bird species influencing plant growth.
To describe the approach used in the research study to gather data.
Text 1
Neuroscientist Dr. Howard Shaw's work focuses primarily on unraveling the mysteries of the cerebral cortex. Central to his research is the hypothesis that the superiority of the cortex in managing these complex tasks is intrinsically linked to its structural complexity. He points out the unusually high density of neurons in the cortex, as well as the intricate, labyrinthine web of connections these neurons form with one another. This level of complexity, according to Shaw, provides the cortex with the processing power necessary for such advanced cognitive tasks, thereby enabling humans to engage in everything from abstract thought to creative endeavors.
Text 2
Dr. Amy Liu, while also a respected figure in the world of neuroscience, takes a slightly different approach in her exploration of the cerebral cortex. Acknowledging the structural complexity of the cortex, her research tends to underscore a distinct yet interrelated aspect of this part of the brain. Her studies focus on the biochemical processes and signaling pathways in the cortex, seeking to understand how these contribute to its function. Liu argues that the secret to the cortex's impressive capabilities may be found not only in its structural intricacies but also in the chemical landscape that exists within its confines. By exploring the nature of neurotransmitters, synaptic functions, and the modulation of neural networks, Liu's work offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the workings of the cerebral cortex.
How might Dr. Liu (Text 2) view the perspective put forth by Dr. Shaw (Text 1)?
5
Mark for Review
By appreciating its relevance but suggest that it lacks a detailed consideration of the biochemical processes in the cortex.
By completely agreeing, given that her work also deals with the complexity of the cerebral cortex, though from a different angle.
By disregarding it as overly simplistic, as it focuses primarily on structural complexity while ignoring biochemical intricacies.
By arguing that Shaw's perspective is outdated, as recent research is more aligned with biochemical than structural explanations for the cortex's function.
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