In examining the impact of The Treaty of Tientsin on Chinese foreign relations, Sullivan and his team observed that the treaty, while easing some tensions, also imposed conditions that were _______ for China. These conditions included the opening of additional ports for trade and the legalization of the opium trade, which had long-term negative implications for China's sovereignty and economic stability.

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

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, ended the Spanish-American War and marked a turning point in global dynamics. This crucial agreement not only handed over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, but also significantly altered the political landscape of Asia. The shift in control of these territories fostered a new era of American imperialism, which inadvertently led to a substantial increase in Asia's geopolitical ________. The ripple effects of this treaty were far-reaching, instigating a series of political and social transformations and conflicts in the region that would ultimately shape the course of history.

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

In analyzing the writing style of Jack Kerouac in his novel 'On the Road', Thompson and associates noted that Kerouac's approach was marked by _______ use of spontaneous prose. This method, reflecting a complex stream of consciousness and a disregard for traditional narrative structure, significantly influenced the Beat Generation and later literary movements.

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

In Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights, a fleeting glance exchanged between Catherine Earnshaw and Edgar Linton sparks an undercurrent of tension. This subtle interaction not only reveals Edgar's hidden feelings of jealousy but also suggests that Catherine is aware of Edgar's emotional state and is perhaps manipulating it. This moment—reflecting what literary scholars often term "subtextual communication"—highlights a technique Brontë uses to explore the complex interpersonal dynamics that drive much of the novel's dramatic tension.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

The following text is adapted from Charles Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol.' Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present. "Spirit," said Scrooge submissively, "conduct me where you will. I went forth last night on compulsion and I learnt a lesson which is working now. Tonight, if you have anything to teach me, let me profit by it." The Ghost then smiled and, with a wave of his great hand, all the hideous and appalling things had vanished. As Scrooge looked around, he found himself in a bustling and joyous Christmas market.

Which choice best states the main purpose of this passage from 'A Christmas Carol'?

The following text is adapted from Murasaki Shikibu's 11th century novel The Tale of Genji. A courtier named Genji is reflecting on his romantic relationships. Genji, the Shining Prince, was not a man to find satisfaction in the love of just one woman. His heart was always on the move, seeking out new experiences and emotions. It was this passionate curiosity that had led him to such a wide range of women, from high-ranking court ladies to humble village maidens. His love was like a river, flowing freely, sometimes calm, and at other times, wild and turbulent.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

The following text is adapted from Truman Capote's 1958 novella 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' Holly Golightly, a young woman in New York, is speaking with the narrator about her life and dreams.

“I’ve got the most terrifying news. I’m going to be absolutely broke for the next month. It’s really put me in a terrible spot. I don’t know what on earth I’m going to do,” she fretted. “I don’t suppose you’d know anyone who’d like to buy a slightly used mink coat?”

Which choice best articulates the central idea of this passage?

Text 1

The Treaty of Sistova, signed in 1791, ended the Ottoman-Habsburg wars and marked a significant shift in the balance of power in Asia. The treaty led to the Habsburg Empire gaining significant territories in the Balkans, while the Ottoman Empire lost significant ground. This redistribution of power had far-reaching implications on the political landscape of Asia, leading to a period of Habsburg dominance in the region.

Text 2

Historian John K. Smith argues that the Treaty of Sistova caused more than just a territorial shift. He suggests that the treaty significantly changed the socio-political dynamics of Asia. According to Smith, the Habsburg dominance led to cultural and political shifts in the region, with the influence of Western ideologies becoming more prominent. The impact of the treaty, Smith argues, extends beyond mere geographical boundaries.

Based on the texts, how would John K. Smith (Text 2) most likely respond to the perspective on the “impact of the Treaty of Sistova” discussed in Text 1?

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., was known for his relentless pursuit of perfection. With an eye for detail, he had a knack for connecting technology with aesthetics. His approach was often unconventional, rejecting market research in favor of his own intuition. He believed that customers don't know what they want until you show it to them. This belief led him to create products that transformed entire industries, from music and movies to smartphones and tablet computing.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Estate tax, often criticized as a “death tax,” is imposed on the transfer of the estate of a deceased person. Critics argue that it discourages savings and investment, while proponents assert that it prevents the concentration of wealth. An economic study by Prof. Elaine Maag suggests a different perspective. She found that in countries with high estate taxes, there is a higher level of wealth dispersion, contrary to the critics’ claim. Maag attributes this to the fact that high estate taxes encourage charitable donations and lifetime gifts, which distribute wealth more broadly.

In light of Prof. Elaine Maag’s study on estate taxes—which indicates that high estate taxes foster wealth dispersion through increased charitable donations and lifetime gifts—which of the following scenarios would most strongly support her theory?