In the midst of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln's adaptive and balanced leadership approach was characterized by his ability to maneuver through various political pressures while maintaining focus on the Union's objectives. This nuanced leadership stood in contrast to the strategies of many of his contemporaries, whose approaches to governance during this tumultuous period were often more ______. While Lincoln navigated the complexities of war, emancipation, and national reunification with a mix of pragmatism and moral resolve, others in similar positions exhibited decision-making styles that differed markedly in their effectiveness.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

In 1802, the Treaty of Amiens was signed, temporarily halting the hostilities between the British Empire and Napoleonic France. This agreement, however, was viewed skeptically by many British politicians and the public, who doubted its durability and the intentions of Napoleon. Their skepticism was contrasted with the more ______ attitude of Prime Minister Henry Addington's government, which advocated for the treaty as a necessary step towards lasting peace.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

 In William Gibson's Neuromancer, the protagonist Case, a disgraced computer hacker, is hired to pull off the ultimate hack. Gibson's novel, characterized by its vividly dystopian cyberpunk setting, is a pioneering work in its genre. The author's depiction of the Matrix, a virtual reality data constellation, is _______. Case's navigation through this digital landscape, filled with sentient AI and corporate overlords, is a reflection of the increasingly blurred lines between man and machine in our society. This seminal work has been instrumental in shaping the scope and tenor of contemporary science fiction literature.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

The following text is from Emily Dickinson’s poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers'

'Hope' is the thing with feathers

 That perches in the soul 

And sings the tune without the words 

And never stops - at all 

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard 

And sore must be the storm

 That could abash the little Bird 

That kept so many warm 

I’ve heard it in the chillest land 

And on the strangest Sea 

Yet - never - in Extremity,

 It asked a crumb - of me.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

The following text is adapted from Stephen King's 1982 novel 'The Gunslinger.' The protagonist, Roland, is in pursuit of a mysterious figure known as the Man in Black.

'The world had moved on,' said the Gunslinger. 'So had the Man in Black. The Gunslinger followed. He knew little of the man he pursued except that he was fleeing and that he had to be caught. The Gunslinger was relentless. He had seen deserts and mountains, rivers and plains, all in his unending pursuit. And still, he followed.'

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

The human quest for exploring space has often been driven by a fascination with the unknown. Traditionally seen as the final frontier, space offers vast opportunities for scientific discovery and technological advancement. According to space historian Marsha Freeman, many of the early space missions aimed to establish the feasibility of human travel beyond Earth, which eventually led to the moon landings. These missions not only demonstrated technical prowess but also inspired generations to dream big. While these achievements were highly publicized and celebrated, everyday scientific experiments conducted on space stations play a crucial role in understanding space environments. These ongoing experiments have significantly contributed to our knowledge of living and working in space.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion?

Text 1

Thomas Mann, a German novelist and 1929 Nobel laureate, is best known for his works that capture the crisis of the artist and the psychology of the intellectual. Mann’s works, such as 'Death in Venice' and 'The Magic Mountain', are acclaimed for their profound insight into the human condition. Despite the complex themes, Mann believed that the true purpose of literature was to provide enjoyment and enlightenment to the readers.

Text 2

Literary critic James Wood, while appreciating Mann's contribution to literature, presents a differing view. Wood argues that the psychological depth in Mann’s works sometimes leads to an over-intellectualization, which can be distancing for the reader. He believes that literature should primarily serve to foster an emotional connection between the reader and the characters.

Based on the texts, how would James Wood (Text 2) most likely respond to Thomas Mann's belief about the 'true purpose of literature' discussed in Text 1?

The Treaty of Nijmegen (1678 - 79), ending the Franco-Dutch War, had surprisingly far-reaching effects on Asia. Primarily, it allowed Louis XIV's France to turn its attention to its interests in Asia, notably French India. The French East India Company, bolstered by the treaty, expanded its influence significantly. In addition, the United Provinces, weakened by the war, saw their influence in the region wane, leading to a shift in the power dynamics of colonial Asia.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Francis Bacon, a philosopher of the 16th century, had a profound impact on scientific methodology. He argued that only clear, precise knowledge, obtained through direct observation and testing of hypotheses, could be considered true knowledge. He rejected the Aristotelian method of deductive reasoning, favoring instead an inductive approach based on empirical evidence. Bacon's views have greatly influenced the scientific method that is still in use today.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Smart cities use data and technology to improve the quality of urban life. In Barcelona, sensors installed in dustbins monitor waste levels and trigger collection when needed, reducing operational costs. In Singapore, a network of sensors on buildings, lampposts, and buses collect data about traffic, weather, and crowd behavior to optimize various city services. However, some critics argue that the technology-driven approach can lead to social inequality and increased surveillance. To argue against this, data scientist Dr. Hazel Kwon suggests that smart city technologies, if implemented with consideration for social equity, can promote inclusivity and civic engagement.

Which of the following, if true, would most directly support Dr. Kwon's argument?