According to the essay, how were stories first communicated and passed down?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The essay clearly states that before the invention of the printing press, stories were passed down through oral tradition. The extract mentions, 'For centuries before the invention of the printing press, stories of the world were passed down to generations through oral tradition.' This shows that oral tradition was the primary method of communicating stories before the introduction of printed books. Therefore, the correct answer is 'oral tradition.' Printed books (choice B) were introduced later with the invention of the printing press, as mentioned in the extract. 'Handwriting' (choice D) is not the first way stories were communicated, and 'technology' (choice C) is a broad term that does not specifically refer to the initial method of story communication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The main argument of the essay is that technology will soon replace printed material, specifically printed books. The passage discusses how the rise of the Internet and electronic devices like the iPad and Kindle are making printed books unnecessary. It presents a progression from oral tradition to printed books and now to digital and electronic options. The essay highlights how the convenience and multi-functionality of devices like the iPad and Kindle will lead to the eventual demise of printed books. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while they are mentioned in the essay, they are not the central argument. The essay focuses on the transition from printed material to digital and electronic options, making choice D the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, radius. According to the passage, the radius is a bone in the lower arm, not in the leg. The femur, tibia, and patella are bones associated with the leg. The femur is the thigh bone, the tibia is the shin bone, and the patella is the kneecap. Therefore, the radius is the only bone among the options that is not associated with the leg.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best guide for Raul would be 'Who Built the Great Pyramids?' as it focuses on the construction of the pyramids, providing detailed research on the topic. Choices A, B, and C are less relevant as they do not specifically address the construction of the pyramids. Choice A is about Giza in general, Choice B is a biography, and Choice C is about hieroglyphics, none of which directly relate to the construction of the pyramids.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that studying a foreign language should be a compulsory requirement for high school graduation. This is emphasized due to its increasing importance for the global economy, college acceptance rates, and job market competitiveness. The passage argues for states to amend their requirements to reflect this necessity, highlighting the benefits of studying a foreign language. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions job market competitiveness, the main focus is on the requirement for high school graduation. Choice C is incorrect as while understanding other cultures is a benefit of studying a foreign language, it is not the primary message of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not solely focus on the necessity of studying a foreign language for college acceptance; rather, it advocates for its inclusion as a high school graduation requirement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clothilde should look for more information in Chapter 9, 'Herbs for Immunity,' as her sister's daughter has a chronic cough. Immune-boosting herbs may help strengthen the child's immune system and potentially alleviate the cough. Chapter 9 focuses on herbs that support immune health, making it the most relevant chapter for addressing a chronic cough related to immunity. Chapters 7, 10, and 12 do not specifically focus on immunity or respiratory conditions, making them less likely to provide the information Clothilde needs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Answer choice B best summarizes the main point of the passage by highlighting the significant influence of The Five, a group of Russian musicians who diverged from traditional classical training, on classical music in Russia and beyond. The passage emphasizes how despite their unconventional methods and lack of formal training, The Five had a lasting impact that extended far beyond their era. It showcases the group's influence on classical music history, making choice B the most appropriate summary. Choices A, C, and D do not capture the central theme of the passage, which revolves around The Five's unique approach and lasting impact, unlike choice B.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best cinema option for Thomas and his sister after the unexpected rearrangement of their schedules is Best Seat in The House. This is because the only showing available after 10:30 p.m. is at 11:25 p.m. at Best Seat in The House. None of the other cinemas have showings available after 10:30 p.m., making Best Seat in The House the optimal choice for them to catch the film. Twin Theatres, Reveler Cinema, and Big Screen 14 do not have showings after 10:30 p.m., so they are not suitable options for Thomas and his sister given their schedule constraints.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The instructor's primary purpose in writing the email is to offer students the chance to make up the bad score they received on the recent essay exam, which was worth 70% of their final course score. The email does not berate students for their poor performance, nor does it admit that the exam was too difficult. While the instructor does offer encouragement to students who choose to complete an extra credit project, the main focus is on providing an opportunity to improve their scores and avoid failing the course.