Dr. Aisha Patel, a renowned marine biologist, has dedicated her career to studying the effects of aquatic pollution on marine ecosystems. Her groundbreaking research has led to significant advancements in our understanding of how pollutants affect marine life. Dr. Patel's work has made her a(n) _______ figure in the field of marine biology, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps and advocate for cleaner oceans. Her efforts have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also raised public awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans from pollution.

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

In the narrative of 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao', the protagonist Oscar de León struggles with his identity and the weight of his family's curse. His journey is marked by a profound sense of isolation and a longing for love and acceptance. The transformation he undergoes is not just a fleeting moment of self-discovery. It is a ________ change that reshapes his understanding of himself and his place in the world. This evolution is crucial to the story's exploration of themes such as identity, legacy, and resilience.

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

Exchange rates play a crucial role in international trade and finance. They determine how much one currency is worth in terms of another and can significantly impact the economy of a country. Factors such as interest rates, inflation, and political stability can influence exchange rates. For businesses engaged in international trade, understanding and predicting exchange rate movements is essential. By using various financial instruments and strategies, companies can ______ their exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, thereby protecting their profits and reducing risks.

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

The following text is adapted from a financial guide on investment strategies. Sarah, a seasoned investor, is explaining the benefits of diversification to her friend, Mark. "Diversification is key," Sarah said. "By spreading your investments across different asset classes, you reduce the risk of losing everything if one market crashes. It's like not putting all your eggs in one basket. This way, even if one investment performs poorly, others may do well and balance out the losses. Over time, a diversified portfolio tends to yield more stable returns." Mark listened intently, realizing the wisdom in Sarah's advice.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

The following text is from a technical article on operating systems.

Operating systems use various scheduling algorithms to manage the execution of processes. These algorithms include First-Come, First-Served (FCFS), Shortest Job Next (SJN), and Round Robin (RR). Each algorithm has its own strengths and weaknesses. FCFS is simple but can lead to long wait times. SJN is efficient but can cause starvation of longer processes. RR provides a balanced approach but may have higher overhead due to context switching.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

The following text is adapted from a historical analysis of the Western Bloc during the Cold War. The Western Bloc, led by the United States, was a coalition of countries that opposed the Soviet Union and its allies. This bloc was characterized by its commitment to democratic governance, market economies, and the containment of communism.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Text 1

The British Isles should be considered a single cultural and historical entity. Despite the differences between regions, the shared history and cultural connections are strong enough to view them as one. This perspective can foster a sense of unity and common identity among the inhabitants of these islands.

Text 2

The British Isles, comprising Great Britain, Ireland, and over 6,000 smaller islands, have a rich and complex history. While each region has its own distinct identity, there are also deep cultural and historical connections that bind them together. Recognizing both the individuality and the shared heritage of these regions can lead to a more nuanced understanding of their relationships. For example, the Celtic traditions found in both Scotland and Ireland highlight a shared cultural heritage, even as each region maintains its unique characteristics.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the underlined claim in Text 1?

Edgar Allan Poe's poem 'The Bells' explores the various sounds and symbolic meanings of bells through different stages of life. The poem is divided into four parts, each representing a different type of bell and a different emotional tone. The first part describes the merry tinkling of silver bells, symbolizing youth and joy. The second part shifts to the golden wedding bells, representing happiness and celebration. The third part introduces the brazen alarm bells, which evoke fear and urgency. Finally, the fourth part describes the solemn tolling of iron bells, symbolizing death and mourning. Through this progression, Poe captures the full spectrum of human experience, using the sounds of bells as a metaphor for life's journey.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Alicia Berenson was a celebrated painter who lived in London with her husband, Gabriel. One evening, Alicia shot Gabriel five times in the face and then never spoke another word. Her refusal to speak or give any kind of explanation turned a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captured the public imagination and cast Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrocketed, and she, the silent patient, became the subject of endless speculation and fascination. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia's silence due to her psychological response and her motives for the murder.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Smart homes, equipped with advanced automation systems, are swiftly gaining popularity. These homes use Internet-connected devices to monitor and control lighting, heating, and electronic devices. However, cybersecurity expert Dr. James Foster suggests that these systems may be vulnerable to hacking. In his study, he analyzed several smart homes in Vancouver and found that despite having robust security, they had experienced more cyber attacks than traditional homes. Foster hypothesized that the complexity of smart home systems increases their exposure to cyber threats, potentially compromising their security despite advanced protective measures.

Which of the following, if true, would most directly undermine Foster’s hypothesis?