EST I – Literacy Test II

Student’s Name _____________________________________

Duration: 65 minutes
52 Multiple Choice Questions

Instructions:
- Place your answer on the answer sheet. Mark only one answer for each of the multiple
choice questions.
- Avoid guessing. Your answers should reflect your overall understanding of the
subject matter.
 The following edited passage is taken years, after rapping out its messages, as
from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles the spirits of this very year last past
Dickens. The novel takes place before (supernaturally deficient in originality)
and after the French Revolution and 45 rapped out theirs. Mere messages in the
the passage introduces the first earthly order of events had lately come
paragraphs of the novel, setting the to the English Crown and People, from a
stage for future events. congress of British subjects in America:
which, strange to relate, have proved
It was the best of times,
50 more important to the human race than
it was the worst of times,
any communications yet received
it was the age of wisdom,
through any of the chickens of the
it was the age of foolishness,
Cock-lane brood.
5 it was the epoch of belief,
it was the epoch of incredulity, France, less favored on the whole as to
it was the season of Light, 55 matters spiritual than her sister of the
it was the season of Darkness, shield and trident, rolled with exceeding
it was the spring of hope, smoothness down hill, making paper
10 it was the winter of despair, money and spending it. Under the
guidance of those who ruled her, she
we had everything before us, we had
60 entertained herself, besides, with such
nothing before us, we were all going
humane achievements that were nothing
direct to Heaven, we were all going
but humane, sentencing a youth to his
direct the other way— in short, the
utter demise because he had not kneeled
15 period was so far like the present period,
down in the rain to do honor to a traitor
that some of its noisiest authorities
65 which passed within his view, at a
insisted on its being received, for good
distance of some fifty or sixty yards. It
or for evil, in the superlative degree of
is likely enough that, rooted in the
comparison only.
woods of France and Norway, there
20 There were a king with a large jaw and a were growing trees, when that sufferer
queen with a plain face, on the throne of 70 was put to death, already marked by the
England; there were a king with a large Woodman, Fate, to come down and be
jaw and a queen with a fair face, on the sawn into boards, to make a certain
throne of France. In both countries it movable framework with a sack and a
25 was clearer than crystal to the lords of knife in it, terrible in history. It is likely
the State preserves of loaves and fishes, 75 enough that in the rough outhouses of
that things in general were settled for some tillers of the heavy lands adjacent
ever. to Paris, there were sheltered from the
It was the year one thousand seven weather that very day, rude carts,
30 hundred and seventy-five. Spiritual bespattered with rustic mire, snuffed
revelations were conceded to England at 80 about by cows, and roosted in by
that favored period, as at this. Mrs. poultry, which the Farmer, Death, had
Southcott had recently attained her five- already set apart to be his tumbrils of the
and-twentieth blessed birthday, of Revolution. But that Woodman and that
35 whom a prophetic private in the Life Farmer, though they work unceasingly,
Guards had heralded the sublime 85 work silently, and no one heard them as
appearance by announcing that they went about with muffled tread: the
arrangements were made for the rather, forasmuch as to entertain any
swallowing up of London and suspicion that they were awake, was to
40 Westminster. Even the Cock-lane ghost be disloyal and traitorous.
had been laid only a round dozen of

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1. The primary purpose of lines 1-14 is 7. Based on the passage, which of the
to following statements about the
author’s use of metaphors can be
A. criticize a movement.
made?
B. establish a theme of duality.
C. draw a contrast between ideas. A. The author uses metaphors as a
D. discredit a time period. stylistic device.
B. The author uses metaphors to
2. The evidence in the passage suggests
emphasize the narrative’s
that the story most likely takes place
structure.
A. in the 17th century. C. The author uses metaphors to
B. in the 18th century. persuade the reader of his
C. during World War I. position.
D. the middle ages. D. The author uses metaphors to
3. Which choice provides the best support concrete evidence.
evidence for the answer to the 8. Which choice provides the best
previous question? evidence for the answer to the
A. Lines 14-19 (“in … only.”) previous question?
B. Lines 20-24 (“There … A. Lines 20-24 (“There …
France.”) France.”)
C. Lines 29-32 (“It … this.”) B. Lines 45-48
D. Lines 74-83 (“It … (“Mere…America:”)
Revolution.”) C. Lines 83-86 (“But … tread:”)
4. It can be inferred from the passage D. Lines 86-89 (“the …
that the author most likely views the traitorous.”)
ruling power as which of the 9. As used in line 86, “tread” most
following? nearly means
A. A power that exhibits mercy to A. path
its people B. journey
B. An oppressive unjust power that C. footsteps
oppresses its people D. parade
C. A power formed of woodmen,
10. The relationship between the first
farmers, and the working class
and second paragraph and the rest of
D. A neutral power that does not
the passage can best be described as
heed its people
A. premise followed by opposition.
5. The tone in lines 58-66 is best
B. analogy followed by narrative
described as
structure.
A. satirical. C. assertion followed by
B. skeptical. supporting evidence.
C. grudging. D. analysis followed by
D. condescending. generalization.
6. As used in line 33, “attained” most
nearly means
A. earned.
B. won.
C. achieved.
D. reached.

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 The following passage is taken from number of years when he had not money
The Every-day Life of Abraham Lincoln 45 enough to dress decently. He liked its
by Francis F. Browne. The biography politics, and was particularly delighted
recounts the life of the 16th president of with its wit and humor, of which he had
the United States, Abraham Lincoln. the keenest appreciation.
This passage focuses on his early years At this era Lincoln was as famous for his
before his presidency. 50 skill in athletic sports as he was for his
love of books. Mr. Offutt, who had a
While engaged in the duties of Offutt’s
strong regard for him, according to Mr.
store Lincoln began the study of English
Arnold, “often declared that his clerk, or
grammar. There was not a text-book to be
salesman, knew more than any man in
obtained in the neighborhood; but hearing
55 the United States, and that he could
5 that there was a copy of Kirkham’s
outrun, whip, or throw any man in the
Grammar in the possession of a person
county. These boasts came to the ears of
seven or eight miles distant he walked to
the ‘Clary Grove Boys,’ a set of rude,
his house and succeeded in borrowing it.
roystering, good-natured fellows, who
L.M. Green, a lawyer of Petersburg, in
60 lived in and around Clary’s Grove, a
10 Menard County, says that every time he
settlement near New Salem. Their leader
visited New Salem at this period Lincoln
was Jack Armstrong, a great square-built
took him out upon a hill and asked him to
fellow, strong as an ox, who was
explain some point in Kirkham that had
believed by his followers to be able to
given him trouble. After having mastered
65 whip any man on the Sangamon river.
15 the book he remarked to a friend that if
The issue was thus made between
that was what they called a science he
Lincoln and Armstrong as to which was
thought he could “subdue another.” Mr.
the better man, and although Lincoln
Green says that Lincoln’s talk at this time
tried to avoid such contests, nothing but
showed that he was beginning to think of
70 an actual trial of strength would satisfy
20 a great life and a great destiny. Lincoln
their partisans. They met and wrestled
said to him on one occasion that all his
for some time without any decided
family seemed to have good sense but
advantage on either side. Finally
somehow none had ever become
Armstrong resorted to some foul play,
distinguished. He thought perhaps he
75 which roused Lincoln’s indignation.
25 might become so. He had talked, he said,
Putting forth his whole strength, he
with men who had the reputation of being
seized the great bully by the neck and
great men, but he could not see that they
holding him at arm’s length shook him
differed much from others. During this
like a boy. The Clary Grove Boys were
year he was also much engaged with
80 ready to pitch in on behalf of their
30 debating clubs, often walking six or
champion; and as they were the greater
seven miles to attend them. One of these
part of the lookers-on, a general
clubs held its meetings at an old store-
onslaught upon Lincoln seemed
house in New Salem, and the first speech
imminent. Lincoln backed up against
young Lincoln ever made was made
85 Offutt’s store and calmly awaited the
35 there. He used to call the exercising
attack; but his coolness and courage
“practicing polemics.” As these clubs
made such an impression upon
were composed principally of men of no
Armstrong that he stepped forward,
education whatever, some of their
grasped Lincoln’s hand and shook it
“polemics” are remembered as the most
90 heartily, saying: ‘Boys, Abe Lincoln is
40 laughable of farces. Lincoln’s favorite
the best fellow that ever broke into this
newspaper at this time was the
settlement. He shall be one of us.’”
“Louisville Journal.” He received it
regularly by mail, and paid for it during a

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11. Lines 9-14 imply which of the A. hypocritical and cynical.
following about Lincoln’s character? B. equitable and accepting.
C. resigned and calm.
A. He was impatient with tedious
D. indifferent and sly.
components of grammar.
B. He was ignorant to the ethics of 16. Which choice provides the best
making a request. evidence for the answer to the
C. He was eager to learn and make previous question?
an effort. A. Lines 61-65 (“Their … river.”)
D. He was demanding when it came B. Lines 66-71 (“The …
to material he did not partisans.”)
comprehend. C. Lines 71-75 (“They …
12. Which of the following statements is indignation.”)
best supported by the passage? D. Lines 84-86 (“Lincoln …
attack;”)
A. Lincoln faced many obstacles in
his search for knowledge. 17. In line 14, “trouble” is closest in
B. Lincoln was a man of many meaning to
talents that ranged across A. weakness.
disciplines. B. unrest.
C. Mr. Offutt remained Lincoln’s C. inconvenience.
primary supporter. D. difficulty.
D. Jack Armstrong was meant to test
Lincoln’s physical capacity. 18. According to the quote from line 53
to 92, it can be inferred about
13. The chief theme of the passage could Lincoln’s character that
best be described as
A. he was often prone to conflict.
A. discrediting Lincoln’s past B. he felt the need to prove himself
experiences. among other men.
B. delineating Lincoln’s struggles. C. he exhibited a nonchalant and
C. documenting Lincoln’s growth. non-confrontational exterior that
D. observing Lincoln’s interactions elicits reverence.
with other people. D. he feared speaking out in front
14. The author inserts the quote in lines of others.
53-92 when referring to Mr. Offutt 19. Which choice provides the best
primarily to The primary purpose of evidence for the answer to the
inserting a quote in lines 53-92 is to previous question?
A. provide an in-context example of A. Lines 71-73 (“They … side.”)
Lincoln’s confrontation with B. Lines 76-79 (“Putting … boy.”)
Jack Armstrong to support the C. Lines 79-84 (“The …
text. imminent.”)
B. emphasize an abstract concept in D. Lines 84-90 (“Lincoln …
relation to Lincoln’s character. saying:”)
C. express the importance of Jack
Armstrong in Lincoln’s life. 20. In line 77, “seized” is closest in
D. outline the main idea of the meaning to
passage. A. grab.
15. Preceding line 85, Jack Armstrong’s B. capture.
character would best be described as C. confiscate.
D. abduct.

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 Passage 1 is edited and taken from On 40 and Mr. Newman says, “Near villages
the Origin of Species By Means of and small towns I have found the nests
Natural Selection on the complex of humble-bees more numerous than
relationship between plants and elsewhere, which I attribute to the
animals and Passage 2 is edited and number of cats that destroy the mice.”
taken from Criticisms on “The Origin 45 Hence it is quite credible that the
of Species” by Thomas Henry Huxley presence of a feline animal in large
which presents a critical reading of the numbers in a district might determine,
theory of animal adaptation. through the intervention first of mice
Passage 1 and then of bees, the frequency of
50 certain flowers in that district!
I am tempted to give one more instance In the case of every species,
showing how plants and animals, most many different checks, acting at
remote in the scale of nature, are bound different periods of life, and during
together by a web of complex relations. different seasons or years, probably
5 I shall hereafter have occasion to show 55 come into play; someone check or some
that the exotic Lobelia fulgens, in this few being generally the most potent, but
part of England, is never visited by all concurring in determining the
insects, and consequently, from its average number or even the existence of
peculiar structure, never can set a seed. the species. In some cases it can be
10 Many of our orchidaceous plants 60 shown that widely-different checks act
absolutely require the visits of moths to on the same species in different districts.
remove their pollen-masses and thus to When we look at the plants and bushes
fertilize them. I have, also, reason to clothing an entangled bank, we are
believe that humble-bees are tempted to attribute their proportional
15 indispensable to the fertilization of the 65 numbers and kinds to what we call
heartsease (Viola tricolor), for other chance. But how false a view is this!
bees do not visit this flower. From Everyone has heard that when an
experiments which I have tried, I have American forest is cut down, a very
found that the visits of bees, if not different vegetation springs up; but it
20 indispensable, are at least highly 70 has been observed that the trees now
beneficial to the fertilization of our growing on the ancient Indian mounds,
clovers; but humble-bees alone visit the in the Southern United States, display
common red clover (Trifolium the same beautiful diversity and
pratense), as other bees cannot reach the proportion of kinds as in the
25 nectar. Hence I have very little doubt, 75 surrounding virgin forests. What a
that if the whole genus of humble-bees struggle between the several kinds of
became extinct or very rare in England, trees must here have gone on during
the heartsease and red clover would long centuries, each annually scattering
become very rare, or wholly disappear. its seeds by the thousand; what war
30 The number of humble-bees in any 80 between insect and insect—between
district depends in a great degree on the insects, snails, and other animals with
number of field-mice, which destroy birds and beasts of prey—all striving to
their combs and nests; and Mr. H. increase, and all feeding on each other
Newman, who has long attended to the or on the trees or their seeds and
35 habits of humble-bees, believes that 85 seedlings, or on the other plants which
“more than two thirds of them are thus first clothed the ground and thus
destroyed all over England.” Now the checked the growth of the trees!
number of mice is largely dependent, as
everyone knows, on the number of cats;

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 Passage 2
Cats catch mice, small birds and
the like, very well. Teleology tells us
90 that they do so because they were
expressly constructed for so doing—that
they are perfect mousing apparatuses, so
perfect and so delicately adjusted that
no one of their organs could be altered,
95 without the change involving the
alteration of all the rest. The theory of
animal adaptation affirms on the
contrary, that there was no express
construction concerned in the matter;
100 but that among the multitudinous
variations of the Feline stock, many of
which died out from want of power to
resist opposing influences, some, the
cats, were better fitted to catch mice
105 than others, whence they throve and
persisted, in proportion to the advantage
over their fellows thus offered to them.
Far from imagining that cats exist “in
order” to catch mice well, the theory of
110 animal adaptation supposes that cats
exist “because” they catch mice well—
mousing being not the end, but the
condition, of their existence. And if the
cat type has long persisted as we know
115 it, the interpretation of the fact upon the
theory of animal adaptation principles
would be, not that the cats have
remained invariable, but that such
varieties as have incessantly occurred
120 have been, on the whole, less fitted to
get on in the world than the existing
stock.
If we apprehend the spirit of the
“Origin of Species” rightly, then,
125 nothing can be more entirely and
absolutely opposed to Teleology, as it is
commonly understood, than the theory
of animal adaptation.

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 24. What is best described as the reason
21. The author’s initial assertion in lines
the author in passage 1 chooses to
1-4 are emphasized later in the text
mention the “humble-bees” in line
by
26?
A. mentioning the conclusive role
A. The author provides an example
cats and consequently other
of the effect of animals on the
animals play in the overall
propagation of plants.
appearance of certain flowers.
B. The author sheds light on the
B. alluding to the visits moths and
destruction of combs and nests.
bees make to flowers.
C. The author clarifies the
C. suggesting there is an increasing
misconception related to
presence of different plant
humble-bees.
genera.
D. The author presents a solution to
D. emphasizing the rise in
keep humble-bees safe.
vegetation and diversity within
forests. 25. Which choice provides the best
22. In line 6, the author of Passage 1 evidence for the answer to the
mentions “Lobelia fulgens” in order previous question?
to A. Lines 17-25 (“From…nectar.”)
A. put forth a counter argument B. Lines 30-33 (“The … nests;”)
followed by a reasoning. C. Lines 33-37 (“and … England.”)
B. provide a specific example D. Lines 40-44 (“and … mice.”)
followed by a general 26. As used in line 34, “attended” most
conclusion. nearly means
C. set the tone of the passage
followed by an in-depth analysis. A. appeared.
D. state a scientific development B. managed.
followed by an in-depth analysis. C. accompanied.
D. looked after.
23. Passage 1 is best described as
27. One characteristic of Passage 1 that
A. a definition of a concept. may make it difficult to fully
B. an example of a particular comprehend is the author’s
method. assumption throughout that readers
C. a description of a process.
D. a discussion on a particular A. are familiar with the process of
theory. plant propagation.
B. have a well-developed
understanding of humble-bees.
C. are acquainted with ancient
Indian mounds.
D. have read Mr. H. Newman’s
work.

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28. What is the relationship between
Passage 1 and Passage 2?
A. Passage 1 presents an argument
and Passage 2 refutes it.
B. Passage 1 discusses a scientific
phenomenon and Passage 2
presents an opposing theory.
C. Passage 1 delineates a problem
and Passage 2 offers a solution.
D. Passage 1 indicates a cause and
Passage 2 manifests the effect.
29. The author of Passage 2 most likely
mentions “Teleology” to
A. express an opposing premise to
the theory of animal adaptation.
B. bolster the theory of Teleology.
C. reject a premise on the grounds
of evidence.
D. solidify the importance of
Teleology in relation to the
theory of animal adaptation.
30. Which choice provides the best
evidence for the answer to the
previous question?
A. Lines 89-96 (“Teleology …
rest.”)
B. Lines 96-99 (“The … matter;”)
C. Lines 108-113 (“Far …
existence.”)
D. Lines 113-122 (“And … stock.”)
31. As used in line 99, “construction”
most nearly means
A. establishment.
B. building.
C. interpretation.
D. structure.

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 The following passage is taken from a Most of the strange and unprecedented
collection of works compiled by The phenomena which we have witnessed in
New York Times called The Current the last month, in rapid succession, are
History of the European War. The due to this pressing necessity of the
passage is from the article What the 45 belligerent peoples to cash in now and
Economic Effects May Be by Irving trust to good fortune to pay later. As
Fisher on the financial standing in soon as the war became even probable
1915. Europe tried to cash in on our securities.
The pressure for our gold pushed it
It may well be that among the economic 50 toward Europe faster than it could
consequences of the war there will be move. Exchange jumped to the gold-
some national bankruptcies, and that shipping point of $4.89 per pound
among the political consequences will sterling, and did not stop. In some cases
5 be revolutions. High prices, high taxes, it reached $7. This was partly due to the
low wages, and unemployment make an 55 desire to get our gold and bolster up a
ominous combination. We may be sure credit structure, tottering before the
that discontent will be profound and deadly blow of war; but it was also
widespread. This discontent is pretty partly due to the need of ready money
10 sure to lead, especially in the defeated for supplies of all kinds. This need
nations where there is no compensating 60 applies not only to the Governments, but
“glory,” to strong revolutionary to the individual people. To obtain this
movements just as was the case in ready money they threw back on us the
Russia after her defeat by Japan. securities they had purchased of us in
15 Whether or to what extent these former years. They wanted us to take
movements, in which “Socialism” in the 65 back these titles to future income and
various meanings of that word is sure to give them instead titles to present
play a part, will succeed, depends on the income. Had they secured our gold their
relative strength of opposing tendencies next step would have been to spend part
20 which cannot yet be measured. One of it for supplies, and this would have
possible if not probable result may be, 70 caused any foreign dealers to whom
as I suggested in THE TIMES two they applied to place orders with us. The
weeks ago, some international device to gold then might have turned the
secure disarmament and to safeguard exchanges and have been brought back
25 peace. to us in return for our wheat and other
Though part of the losses to Europe will 75 products.
be permanent, her chief loss will be This double transaction is in essence
coterminous with the war. She will, one—a barter of present income in the
therefore, seek ways and means to fill in form of our wheat to Europe for future
30 this immediate hole in her income in income in the form of investment
order to “get by.” To do this she must 80 securities. It was interfered with by the
borrow; that is, she must secure her refusal of the insurance companies to
present bread and butter from us and insure the gold and by the closing of
other nations and arrange to repay later Stock Exchanges against the inundating
35 out of the fruits of peace. She can stint flood of securities. The first difficulty,
herself, but not enough to meet the 85 as to transporting gold, has been largely
situation. She must borrow. And in one removed by arranging for drafts against
way and another she will satisfy this stocks of it kept on both sides of the
necessity by borrowing in the United Atlantic. This will save the need of
40 States. sending it on risky voyages back and
90 forth, and any final net balances can be

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 liquidated after the war. The second
obstacle, the closure of the Stock
Exchanges, is more formidable, but
cannot completely or permanently
95 prevent the transactions which so many
people on both sides are anxious to
consummate. Curb markets and limited
cash sales on the Exchanges themselves
are doing some of this business, and,
100 sooner or later, much more will be done,
whether the Exchanges are open or not.
Europe needs our wheat and cannot pay
for it except with securities, partly
because her own industry is paralyzed,
105 partly because ocean transportation is
difficult.

Source: Scott Minerd/Guggenheim

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32. According to line 9, “discontent” 38. Which choice provides the best
refers to evidence for the answer to the
A. the combination of previous question?
consequences. A. Lines 26-28 (“Though … war.”)
B. the bankruptcy. B. Lines 54-59 (“This … kinds.”)
C. revolution movements. C. Lines 59-61 (“This … people.”)
D. war. D. Lines 71-75 (“The …
33. Which statement best describes why products.”)
“glory” in line 12 is placed in quotes? 39. In terms of the overall difficulty of
A. It is extracted from a larger quote. transporting gold, it can be inferred
B. It is a stylistic device used to that
express irony. A. countries were making it
C. The quoted word refers to the difficult to exchange goods.
premise of the passage. B. the stock market failed to
D. The quoted word is of a foreign compensate.
language origin. C. Europe lacked stability.
34. As used in line 32, “secure” most D. factors relating to transport and
nearly means immobility were crucial.
A. obtain. 40. Which choice provides the best
B. fasten. evidence for the answer to the
C. protect. previous question?
D. connect. A. Lines 80-84 (“It … securities.”)
35. According to the passage, possible B. Lines 84-88 (“The … Atlantic.”)
success of the revolutionary C. Lines 97-101 (“Curb … not.”)
movements is contingent on D. Lines 102-106 (“Europe …
difficult.”)
A. the use of international devices.
B. the phenomenon of safeguarding 41. As used in line 76, “essence” most
peace. nearly means
C. the presence of immeasurable A. actuality.
resistance. B. scent.
D. the act of demilitarization. C. elixir.
36. According to line 27, “her” refers to D. concentrate.
A. Europe. 42. Data in the graph about wartime
B. Japan. changes in GDP for six countries
C. Russia. most strongly support which of the
D. socialism. following statements?
37. It can be logically concluded from A. Russia suffered the most extreme
the passage that the price of gold drop in GDP post-war in 1918
increased because compared to other countries.
B. Germany’s GDP dropped by over
A. it was difficult to transport. 20% after 1913.
B. of the imminent war. C. Only USA’s GDP increased post-
C. people were selling it. war in 1918.
D. gold was rare. D. Austria’s GDP dropped by over
20% from 1915 to 1918.

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 The following edited passage is taken injurious to them. But the figures do
from The Story of Germ Life by H. W. have interest since they show faintly
Conn which discusses the concept of what an unlimited power of
bacterial multiplication. multiplication these organisms have,
50 and thus show us that in dealing with
In their method of growth we find one
bacteria we are dealing with forces of
of the most characteristic features. They
almost infinite extent.
universally have the power of
multiplication by simple division or This wonderful power of growth is
5 fission. Each individual elongates and chiefly due to the fact that bacteria feed
then divides in the middle into two 55 upon food which is highly organized
similar halves, each of which then and already in condition for absorption.
repeats the process. This method of Most plants must manufacture their own
multiplication by simple division is the foods out of simpler substances, like
10 distinguishing mark which separates the carbonic dioxide (Co2) and water, but
bacteria from the yeasts, the latter plants 60 bacteria, as a rule, feed upon complex
multiplying by a process known as organic material already prepared by the
budding. previous life of plants or animals. For
this reason they can grow faster than
It is this power of multiplication by
other plants. Not being obliged to make
15 division that makes bacteria agents of
65 their own foods like most plants, nor to
such significance. Their minute size
search for it like animals, but living in
would make them harmless enough if it
its midst, their rapidity of growth and
were not for an extraordinary power of
multiplication is limited only by their
multiplication. This power of growth
power to seize and assimilate this food.
20 and division is almost incredible. Some
70 As they grow in such masses of food,
of the species which have been carefully
they cause certain chemical changes to
watched under the microscope have
take place in it, changes doubtless
been found under favorable conditions
directly connected with their use of the
to grow so rapidly as to divide every
material as food. Recognizing that they
25 half hour, or even less. The number of
75 do cause chemical changes in food
offspring that would result in the course
material, and remembering this
of twenty-four hours at this rate is of
marvelous power of growth, we are
course easily computed. In one day each
prepared to believe them capable of
bacterium would produce over
producing changes wherever they get a
30 16,500,000 descendants, and in two
80 foothold and begin to grow. Their power
days about 281,500,000,000. It has been
of feeding upon complex organic food
further calculated that these
and producing chemical changes
281,500,000,000 would form about a
therein, together with their marvelous
solid pint of bacteria and weigh about a
power of assimilating this material as
35 pound. At the end of the third day the
85 food, make them agents in Nature of
total descendants would amount to
extreme importance.
47,000,000,000,000, and would weigh
about 16,000,000 pounds. Of course
these numbers have no significance, for
40 they are never actual or even possible
numbers. Long before the offspring
reach even into the millions their rate of
multiplication is checked either by lack
of food or by the accumulation of their
45 own excreted products, which are

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 Source: Lumin

43. The main purpose of the passage is to 46. Which choice provides the best
evidence for the answer to the
A. examine the division process of
previous question?
bacteria under certain
conditions. A. Lines 28-35 (“In … pound.”)
B. argue that data on bacteria is still B. Lines 38-41 (“Of course …
inconclusive. numbers.”)
C. discuss the importance of C. Lines 64-69 (“Not … food.”)
bacterial cells. D. Lines 80-86 (“Their …
D. present data on the importance.”)
multiplication process. 47. As used in line 85, “agents” most
44. As used in line 43, “checked” most nearly means
nearly means A. companies.
A. halted. B. spies.
B. examined. C. performers.
C. confirmed. D. catalysts.
D. investigated.
48. Which of the following is NOT cited
45. The attitude that the author takes in the passage and the graph as a
throughout the passage is best reason bacterial cells stop growing?
described as that of A. food depreciation
A. awe and admiration. B. mutations
B. indifference and nonchalance. C. overabundance of their own
C. professionalism and objectivity. excreta
D. reverence and subjectivity. D. changes in temperature

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49. According to the passage, bacterium
strength relies on
A. its ability to divide.
B. its large quantity.
C. the presence of food.
D. its capacity to feed on complex
matter.
50. Which choice provides the best
evidence for the answer to the
previous question?
A. Lines 19-20 (“This …
incredible.”)
B. Lines 28-31 (“In …
281,500,000,000.”)
C. Lines 57-62 (“Most …
animals.”)
D. Lines 64-74 (“Not … food.”)
51. The author most likely mentions
numbers in lines 30-38 to
A. support his premise that bacterial
cells need favorable conditions.
B. provide an estimate of the
multiplied bacterial cells.
C. illustrate the bacterial cells’
rapid growth accurately.
D. add details to the passage.
52. Based on the ideas presented in the
passage, the graph
A. accentuates the validity of the
experiment.
B. presents the long process of
multiplication.
C. supports the information in the
passage.
D. provides new information
unrelated to the passage.

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